Lyn Haywood (site cartoonist, and WW2 fanatic)

It is my sad duty to inform you, the readers of this website, of the untimely loss of Lyn Haywood (aka StG 44). Lyn was recently taken seriously ill, and unfortunately passed away at 4:20pm on Sunday the 29th of July. Lyn was a good friend to many people around the world, he was a self-professed WW2 fanatic, and a man of many talents. He will be greatly missed by all here, and we are working on a longer article/tribute, which we'll get online shortly.

If anyone has any submissions, comments or questions then please get in contact with me via email, and I'll forward them to the relevant people.

Lyn has submitted some great work to this site, which again I'd like to draw to your attention. You can find several cartoons of his here (the world famous U.P.Grade series), and also a great MP44 review here. I have some more work of his that I'll try and get online soon.

Lyn's Luger Review: As promised, I have edited and uploaded Lyn's Tanaka Luger P08 review to get it online. This review was submitted by Lyn, shortly before he was taken ill, and is a testament to his professional method of review, his attention to detail, and his quality photos.

Airsoft.org news: There are some big changes coming to Airsoft.org , Alex Goodey, the owner is moving on and selling up. Alex has written a huge 'retrospective article' covering the history, and his 'highs and lows' as the owner of the world's leading Airsoft website. (You can also read what's going to change there too) You can read the whole article here, and the replies to the article here.

WGC Updates: I've just received the latest product updates from Wargamer's Shop.
Marui MP5 Parts Available Now
Western Arms S.C.W. Government .45 ( 5 pcs Only ) USD240 In Stock Now
Special offer for Marui Mini AEGs USD24
G&P 16" & 20" SR25 Barrel Kit ( V-Match ) USD99
4-12 x 50mm Illuminated Cross Reticle Scope USD81
Maruzen APS2 SV 480Fps PSS2 Version ( Spring ) USD529

Here's the latest news from Wargamer's Shop, coming soon they have a new pre-upgraded 9.6V TM P90, parts for the ICS MP5 are due in, and there will shortly be a price reduction on Marui pistols, and Systema parts.

WGC Updates: Here's the latest updates from Wargamer's Shop. G&P 16" & 20" SR25 Barrel Kit ( V-Match ) USD99 M40A1 Hop-up Chamber by PDI USD29 4-12 x 50mm Illuminated Cross Reticule Scope USD81 KSC MK23 Pistol Holster Instock New Lower Prices for Tasco Scopes

Airsoft Players updates: Airsoft Players has added two new reviews and a technical manual - the technical manual is an indispensable reference manual if you own the TM replica it refers to. You'll find that Pikachoad has added the FAMAS Technical manual and a review for the G18c, and the Classic Army HiCap M16 Magazine.

Bad Airsoft press: There have been a few news articles covering the misuse of Airsoft Replicas recently. AirsoftRetreat has a good covering of this news. These events have taken place in the States, and they go out as a warning to everyone out there to take good care of their equipment, and to respect and help enforce their safe use. Here's a brief quote from SuperGeek's post on AirsoftRetreat.

"...The disturbing aspect is that apparently, airsoft is propagating to people who do not understand its nature and its dangers. This is shown by the entry-level guns that were involved and by the reckless actions..."

dEFCON4 officially closes! Sadly the UK Airsoft website dEFCON4 has now closed, as the author no longer has time to keep the website updated as frequently as he'd like. There will still be a couple more reviews that will appear there in the future though, so keep an eye on it. To read the whole official announcement, head over to their website.

Another M629 at Club Michelle: There's another version of the M629 from Tanaka out, and Club Michelle have a page up with a small review and some technical information - this time it's the "M629 V-Match". The V-Match is a great looking race version of the aforementioned revolver which sports a comfortable rubber grip, and a front compensator. The replica uses the PEGASUS system from Tanaka (Their latest brand spanky new gas system), hence power will be close to 300fps, and ammo capacity is 18 rounds.

Marushin 8mm 'Dirty Halley' replicas: Marushin have some more information out covering their new, 8mm BB firing, revolver replicas. Previously mentioned here a couple of months back, these new pages from Marushin can only confirm that they are closer to their final release. I have no idea as to if these will be legal to use at airsoft skirmishes in the UK and the USA, but the idea is interesting. These pistols sure will pack a punch! (Yes it's Dirty Harry, I know... but in Japan they can't pronounce the 'R' so spell it wrong.. it was a humorous joke ya see =)

Please visit the images/links below for further information covering the 8MM replicas (you might need a translation engine to read it - try Altavista's Babelfish)

Latest news from WolfArmouries: Erm ... No I haven't sold my soul to WolfsArmouries, but I've been in email contact with Lee of WL, so I've had a lot of news from them of late. Latest from Wolf is their new airsoft fashion range, that goes by the name of 6MM. I'll let Lee explain in his own words:

The first items of the 6MM TAC gear will be in soon including chest rigs and vests that won't break the bank. With shirt prices of £19.99 for short sleeve and £24.99 for long sleeve, everyone can afford to wear their favourite gun or slogan to annoy the neighbours with. Get down to Wolf, before the pickup squad come round to take you for a long windy walk in the woods..."

JAG to be interviewed at AirsoftPlayers: If you don't know of the old UK website by the name of 'FragOut', then you might as well stop reading here. If you do know what I'm on about, then you may be interested in the new interview that's about to be conducted over at Airsoft Players. Pikachoad has kindly informed that JAG, the creator of the 'Fragout', is going to be interviewed there shortly.

This is that chance for all you UK Airsofters to get in some decent questions to a well known, and much respected and admired UK Airsofter. To ask a question, you'll have to log in over at Airsoft Players, and click the 'Interviews' link on the left hand navigation bar. (JAG- if you are reading this, please don't get too much of a big head =)

Looking for an Airsoft-related job? Lee from WolfsArmouries has contacted me via email and informed me of some of their latest changes and news. The new store is opening on Saturday (fingers crossed), and they are looking for full and part-time staff. "We are looking for people with at least 2 years experience in airsoft, retail experience, over 21 in age, drivers licence and at least two references. Anybody that is interested should contact me via email with a CV." So here's your chance, if you're in love with all things Airsoft related, and are looking for a job at a major UK retail Airsoft store then look no further.

WA CWK "Striker": Previously mentioned here on the news page (below), I have some more information concerning the WesternArms CWK. Many thanks go to DumboRAT for sending me this information. The Shibuya Custom Works model "WA CWK" is a single column/stack Wilson Combat with an underslung rail-mount. The WA CWK is actually a replica of the Springfield Armory "TRP Operator," and has now been designated as the "Striker" by Western Arms. (see this link for more information)

It seems that the wood panel grips that are shown in all the promotional imagery, are optional. This information is widely unknown by most English speaking retailers, as the disclaimer is hard to discern in a translation of the original Japanese. The grips shown cost an extra $125USD, and appear to be originals sourced direct from the US, hence the hefty price tag (You can find the grips here).

BBGunLand update: Time to update your bookmarks! It would seem that BBGunLand's URL has changed again, which would account for the fact that the link I had (http://www.bbgunland.50megs.com/) wasn't updated for ages. The present active link is http://go.to/bbgunland. BBGunland is in Chinese, so you'll need to translate it using Altavista's Babelfish.

New on BBGunLand's webpage, you'll find reviews of two WA .45 replicas, the Marushin Mauser M719, some custom TM P90 parts, and the TM M3 Shorty, at the very least you'll find some nice pictures there. BillyBob, has done some translation into English of the reviews and info at BBGunLand, so head on over to his website (Billy Bob's Airsoft Jamboree) for some more info.

"MadMax meets the Terminator": Club Michelle have been at it again, this time they've got some images and a small review of the CAW (Craft Apple Works) Sawn-Off M79. This limited edition model is constructed from ABS with metal trigger parts, and sports a walnut wood grip. The mechanism is designed to take standard 40mm ANGS fitments - joy! This is another replica I'll have to add to my huge wishlist. Cost is listed as 29,800 Yen. (Original article is in Japanese, click here for translation)

New WesternArm replicas: Well they're not that new, but WA have just recently updated their website. On WA's 'What's Cool' page, you'll now find 4 new articles, covering the new SVF5, the SVF3.9, a custom .45, and the new SV5 Standard.

New KSC replicas: Again, not-so-new news, but it's worth mentioning anyway - KSC have updated their 'What's New' page to include the new SigSauer P230JP, and the Steyr TMP HardKick. The Steyr TMP now features a hardkick unit, and (what appears to be) a rotary dial adjustable hop, the Steyr's magazine has also been improved in quality.

Squad-X reopened: OD, the administrator for Squad-X, has kindly informed me that Squad-X's team website is now reopen. Squad-X, is the best organised Airsoft team websites I have seen for ages, and makes good use of scripts and dynamic content. Go and have a look, their new address is http://www.darkspirit.co.uk

WolfsArmouries updates: WolfsArmouries are no longer open at their old location, High Wycombe, as of today (Tuesday 23rd July 2001). They hope to be open at their new location, in Camden Town London, by Saturday (fingers crossed). The new address of WL is: 203 Royal College Street, Camden Town, London Tel: 0870 754 9653

Mobility: Sorry for the lack of updates, but I've been experiencing a few computer 'technicalities', and it took me slightly longer than expected to get my laptop setup to manage this website. As you can probably guess, things are now working this end, so I'll get back to the updates.

WGC Updates: Here's the latest updates from Wargamer's Shop. The most interesting this time round are the replacement G3 parts - of great use if you are planning making your own project G3 AEG.
- SVD Dragunov AEG USD439 / Metal Receiver Version USD564
- For stock reasons: Summer Crazy Sale ( Classic Army AEGs ) will finish on 28 July, 2001
- Marui G3 Replacement Parts Available Now!! ( Stock Limited )
- Western Arms Prokiller Mark II SV F5 ( Full Auto ) USD195
- Western Arms Infinity SV Standard 5" USD180

Site forums are 100% advert/popup free! Many thanks to all that contibuted funds to our forums - you will now see that they are popup and advert free for the next 6 months.

Arnie's Airsoft trip to HK: Site member, and airsoft guru, Dolphin#1 has returned from his trip to hot 'n humid HongKong. Dolphin#1 has kindly compiled a whole bunch of interviews, photos, imagery, articles, and news for the site while he was over there. -I'll try and liaise with him ASAP to get this all online.

I'll get more updates online shortly, as I get more software up and running on my laptop. - Arnie

Lyn Haywood (site cartoonist, and WW2 fanatic): I've just been recently informed that Lyn Haywood (our site cartoonist, and WW2 fanatic) has been taken seriously ill. At this time all the site members and myself would like to wish Lyn, his relatives and friends our best wishes, hopes and regards. I'm sure that you, the site readers, also send your best to him.

Lyn has submitted some great work to this site, which I'd like to draw to your attention. You can find several cartoons of his here (the infamous U.P.Grade series), and also a great MP44 review here. He recently sent me some more articles, which I'll get online as soon as is humanly possible.

New online store: I've been kindly informed of an airsoft store that I was previously unaware of (thanks to Brian James for that one). Tokyo Hobby are based in Japan, so their prices are cheap, and their website is well designed, if a little slow to load.

Forum contributions: We are now a mere $1 away from removing all the adverts and popups from the forums. Many thanks to the latest contributors Nautilus and Roadkill. For latest contribution information please read this thread on the forums.

New Review: Nautilus has been kind enough to send me a short review of one of my favourite pistol replicas, the M629 Perfermance Centre from Tanaka. You can find the review here. This pistol has been mentioned several times here in the news page, now you can finally see some images, and a first hand review of the replica.