RACE
TO PRODUCE THE M82A1 BARRET As
we reported earlier,
TOP is coming out with electric M82A1 Barret later this year
and which is going to be the next big production from them
after the superb electric M249. According to the TOP, their
M82 project will be heavily financed and will be a effort
probably equal of size of the M249. In typical build-up to
the release of new much anticipated product, the latest Arms
Magazine is reporting about the M82 in detail in their current
magazine that was released by the tradition in V-MAT show
on January 26-27. The gun they are using in the articles is
the Smokey's current prototype that we saw at their office.
On
December, 2000 we visited Smokey's Gun Factory to see what
they have in works at the moment. So, here you go.. the duellists
for M82 are going to be Smokey's and TOP. SystemA is taking
a alternative route, as you can see from our another news
release.
 
The
cartridge that the M82 uses, BB is attached to the top
|
SMOKEY'S
GUN FACTORY Smokey's
(formerly known as Garage Gun Works)is a interesting company
located in Tokyo, Japan. They are specialised in manufacture
of custom parts, gun kits and complete guns with well expanding
product line.
To name
a few of their unique products, there is a electric Sten Mk
V, Mk 1 S.O.G. Pistol and electric AK74 from the gun series.
Their revolver M19 & M29 series are famous as well. This
year they are hosting a large militaria exhibition V-MAT which
is held in Tokyo Tower and gathering lot of militaria fans
all over Japan.
To start
with the hot news, for 2002 Smokey's is going to release a
Barret M82A1 Sniper rifle which is already getting a lot of
publicity in Japanese air gun magazines. The Smokey's M82
utilizes a reuse of an old cartridge technique, using a replica
.50 BMG where 6mm BB round is inserted to tip of the cartridge.
When shot the empty cartride ejects like a real one. The actual
operating mechanism is push-air, not the traditional spring
cocking, which means in practise that you will push the cocking
lever to arm the air gun like reloading another round to chamber
in a real gun. At the time of the demonstration, the mechanism
was still under development, but the actual gun frame was
impressive indeed.
The retail
price of the Smokey's Barret M82A1 is going to be roughly
in region of 200,000 JPY according to Smokey's staff.
Smokey's
is producing already a fine electric STEN MK V submachine
gun, which is of course, famous from the WWII (British army
and French resistance). Featuring solid metal construction,
wooden parts and quality finish, this is going to give serious
thinking to any WWII fans out there.
Continuing
in electric guns, Smokey's has impressive modification kits
for Tokyo Marui AK series. AK74 and AKM kits have the necessary
parts for complete conversion including wooden parts, receiver,
muzzle flash hider and magazine. AKSU74 kit has folding stock,
muzzle flash hider, receiver and wooden parts sets. The same
AK models can be also bought as ready made complete guns.
In
addition to these, Smokey's
also sells "Kujira" AK modification part that adds
large battery compartment to top of the receiver. AK47 shorty
without stock and shortened barrel is very affordable at 19,800
JPY.
Smokey's
strategy is to make and sell products that no other manufacturer
makes. Such products are definately the RIS grip with battery
compartment inside! This allows you to use two batteries and
just switch to the other battery when one runs dry.
Smokey's
is very interested about the hobbyists and end-users opinions.
They are always looking for new ideas for what to produce
and what they told us is that they will come out with plenty
of new products during the year 2002.
We are now accepting private customer and wholesale orders
for SMOKEY'S products at sales.tokyohobby@tokyohobby.net
by Miki
Nakamura (the CEO of TokyoHobby)
N.B.
The person in the most of the photographs is Smokey's sales
person. The person with beard is Smokey's main designer.
