Lozart

Orion gearbox is a bit wank. The One series is still good though They can be a bit prone to it but you have massively increased the rate of fire. That'll do it.

UPS can fuck up literally anything. Your experience with the RC order is the exception rather than the rule these days!

Hard or soft? I'd go with this https://www.amazon.co.uk/Fobus-KMSP-BH-Belt-Holster/dp/B017IP7YW6 unless you want to fit a light then probably this: https://www.amazon.co.uk/EMC-Light-Bearing-Paddle-Holster/dp/B00PLRSXWE

Generally speaking people buy from people, online ordering is somewhat impersonal but consistent good service does outweigh a small saving for me (from time to time at least). As for in person shopping I definitely prefer to buy from someone that I can build a rapport with (as long as they don't take the piss on pricing). With that relationship usually comes better service and I am prepared to pay extra for that.

Socom Tactical have always been on the expensive side but it does very much depend on the supplier and what discounts they're prepared to offer. As for Kimber's Kit, a quick google shows that they're a domestic address so their overheads will be very low in comparison to the likes of Socom who have staff pesky little things like rent and salaries to pay.

In theory, yes as it's not fit for purpose. In practice - it's Wolf Armouries so all bets are off. You could just try a different mag with it. Someone must be able to lend you one to try it with?

If the new COL doesn't fix it, you could always try one of these: https://www.srairsoft.com/shop/f2000-m-trigger-gen-4

Clean it because it's new, then it's up to you. I rarely clean mine but I have several guns to chose from so none of them ever really get dirty as such. Otherwise, use it, have fun and work out what it doesn't do for you and remember - you don't always need more range, sometimes you just need to get closer.

That's the one!

Is less impact stress but you can end up with Runners Knee where the thigh muscles develop out of balance and pull your knee cap out of line. I have it, it sucks but it's fairly easy to correct as long as it's not too advanced. I compounded mine by spending years riding a mountain bike with clipless pedals that have very little float so you effectively transfer all that torsion movement into your knee.

Watch the Garand Thumb Chinese Face Armour one!

Yep https://emperionstore.com/maritime-1-1-aramid-fiber-version-helmet-fma.html They say it's ballistic rated but I wouldn't trust it if I needed to. It's a an odd product to be honest, nobody in their right mind would trust it's bullet stopping credentials but it's overkill for airsoft (unless you just WANT more weight on your noggin which is weird but hey, you do you).

If it's a legit OpsCore it'll say so somewhere but FMA do make an Aramid fibre version of their knock off. @Urban assasinTake the liner out and look for labels.

100% this. If you're using good flux cored solder though you shouldn't need additional flux. Also - you can get the Omega stuff for about £30 a roll if you shop around but yes, it's proper gear. Also - when I mentioned the whole apprenticeship thing, we spent weeks and weeks just doing soldering exercises! We were expected to work to aircraft grade standards at the time so we also learned about the joys of looming and lacing but that's a whole different story!

I have a similar gas iron in my arsenal of hot pointy tools, while yes, it's "adjustable" it's not got anywhere near the finesse needed for working on a PCB. Cards on the table, I used to do this kind of stuff for a living and spent 4 years doing an electronic craft apprenticeship with the MoD/Defence Research Agency (as was, now Qinetiq). There is definitely a knack but better tools always help!

There's definitely a knack with a sucker but yes, braid works too. When I had free and easy access to it, braid was my go-to for PCB work.

Get yourself a solder sucker!

It's not so much the means of holding the work, it's more the size of the soldering iron and lack of consistent application of the right amount of heat. I agree that soldering onto PCBs is a bit tricky in trying not to burn the board but the wires are all melted to fuck and I'm astounded you managed to get THAT much solder on just one joint! You'd be better off using a half decent temp controlled electric iron instead of that Dremel gas one than spunking £55 on the frankly way over the top helping hand setup (as nice as it looks). One like this would be fine https://www.amazon.co.uk/Draper-61478-40W-Soldering-Station/dp/B010823P38/ref=sr_1_40?keywords=soldering+iron+station&qid=1643649137&sprefix=soldering+%2Caps%2C566&sr=8-40

As long as they're not being crushed, scuffed or otherwise damaged getting the battery in and out then yes, it'll be fine.

What gun is it for?

Pretty sure that's exactly what it means.

Did you solder that with your eyes shut?

I'll give you three words - Four King Maps. https://www.fourkingmaps.co.uk/ (you're welcome)

I'd recommend the Cyma CM045 models https://www.patrolbase.co.uk/cyma-cm-045-aeg-ak-rifle?pv=11944 They're incredible value for money given the quality of construction. Had one myself for a couple of years!

Pretty sure they use standard AEG springs