Other interesting and exciting developments that we saw at yesterday’s show demonstrate how some of the lines between the real-deal and airsoft worlds are becoming blended.
C3 Tactical are a relatively new company, and this was there first apearance at the Airsoft Arms Fair. Think, command-control-communications and you’ll understand the name.
We had a lengthy chat with them, and they’re a good bunch of guys. Their range of services come under the headings of Corporate, Military and Airsoft. Under the Corporate heading they provide airsoft-based “experience days” and team-building events tailored for corporate clients. Under the Military heading they provide a range of training packages covering leadership and tactics, basic infantry skills, and specialised role and scenario training. Under the Airsoft heading they run single-day and week-end skirmishes at their site in The Forest of Dean (which features some terrain that looks like it came straight out of The Lord of The Rings).
C3’s “Manifesto” is that they are passionate about airsoft and want to share the knowledge and experience of their ex-elite forces instructors to raise the level of skill and excitement in airsoft around the country. Considering that part of their training syllabus includes a live-fire sniper course and actual parachute jump training – as well as essential basic skills – I’d say they’re off to a great start on the way to achieving their aims.
For full details, check out their website at www.c3tactical.co.uk, follow them on Facebook (’C3 Tactical’ group), on Twitter and on Tumblr (c3tactical.tumblr.com).
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Also on the real-deal end of the spectrum, we caught up with the guys from Smell The Cordite. They’re a British-owned, Swiss-based company that gives civilians the chance to shoot some weapons that they’d never get the chance to in the UK (or anywhere else with very restrictive gun laws). So, if you fancy being taught how to handle a real firearm by ex-special operations guys, and then to shoot those weapons in a defunk Swiss bunker inside a mountain(!), then be sure to check these guys out. www.smellthecordite.co.uk
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And finally, on the airsoft front, we got our hands on the first example of the Specter Modular Weapon System to be seen outside of ASG’s office in Denmark.
Made by Action Sports Games A/S under license from Yankee Hill Machine Co. Inc. the Specter is based on the familiar (if not over-done) AR type platform, but brings a level of flexibility and realism never before seen in a mass-market airsoft gun.
Namely, the system allows you to swap your upper receiver and barrel assembly as a single unit, with the push of a single pin and in a matter of a few seconds. And in total, the system gives you a choice between 2 types of lower receiver and 10 (!) types of upper receiver and barrel assembly.
We weren’t able to test fire the system at the show, but we did get a chance to swap a couple of barrels around and noted that it does work very easily, smoothly and fits together very solidly.
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It seems to us that Jim and his crew are definitely on to a winner with the Airsoft Arms Fair and we’re sure it will grow and grow. We thank them for allowing us to be a part of it, wish them lots of luck, and loads of success.
See you at the next one!
