What is Airsoft? Airsoft guns are replicas of real guns on a 1 to 1 scale that shoots a plastic or corn based (Bio) 6mm BB propelled by air. Most of these Airsoft guns look extremely real and the utmost care and common sense should be used when handling these guns. Because of their realistic looks, they are often used by the movie industry as props and by some law enforcement agencies as training aids. (Note: It is impossible to convert an Airsoft gun into a real firearm).
Airsoft guns can be found ranging from a simple semi-auto Smith & Weston six shooter to the massive full-auto M-134 Vulcan 6 barrel gattling gun. Almost all airsoft guns are made in Japan. Currently, the most popular guns are made by the Tokyo Marui Company because of the large amount of accessories and after market up-grade parts that are available.
Airsoft guns are powered by several types of sources. Currently, the most popular types are the electrics. These guns have an internal air piston that is powered by an electric motor using an 8.4-volt (standard) up to a 12-volt rechargeable battery. Older airguns are powered by simple springs, CO2, Freon (134a) and compressed air, (The latter being the most popular.), which is usually in an external tank connected to the gun by a hose. Smaller airguns like pistols are powered by Freon (134a) or are hand cocked.
The electric guns shoot about 300 fps (stock) which gives them an effective range of about 30 yards and about 60 yards max. Modified, they can shoot up to 500 fps with an effective range of about 50~70 yards and around 80~100 max.
I am currently a member of P.S.A.C. (Puget Sound Airsoft Command).
Manufacturer: Tokyo Mauri
Power: Electric
Motor: EG 700
Battery: 8.4v "large"
Length: 680mm
Weight: 2.1 kg (+ unknown kg with upgrade and attachments.)
Velocity: ~285 fps (~350 + fps with upgrade. To be tested.)
Range: 45 feet? (50 + feet with upgrade?)
RPM: unk
Capacity: 50 bbs standard (220 Hi-Cap, 1000 Drum)
Metal Components: Barrel, Front and Rear Sights, Trigger, Magazine Release and Sling Swivels
Others: 350 + fps upgrade, 8.4v 2300mAh battery, 1000 round drum.
Update: My HK-51 is currently upgraded with Den Trinity's AEG001 upgrade. It should be between 350-400fps depending on the bb used. Rate of fire is slightly decreased and range seems to be increased. I have also purchased a tactial sling, dual magazine clamp and another hi-cap mag.
Manufacturer: Tokyo Mauri
Power: Electric
Motor: EG 1000
Battery: 8.4v "large"
Length: 780mm
Weight: 2.7 kg (+ unknown kg with upgrade and attachments.)
Velocity: ~270 fps (~350fps with upgrade? To be tested.)
Range: 45-50 feet (50 + feet with upgrade?)
RPM: 750-850
Capacity: 500 bbs (+ 500 with dual mag clamp)
Metal Components: Barrel, Front and Rear Sights, Charging Handle, Trigger, Select Fire Switch, Magazine Release and Sling Swivels
Description/Review: The HK51 is a gun that seems to fill the role between the H&K G3 series and H&K MC51. It's barrel length falls in between the two yet still retains very good accuracy. The main body size is similar to that of the MC51 with a fixed stock. With the exception of the front sight and outer barrel, which is custom for this limited edition gun, all parts are compatible with the standard G3 series.
The barrel is one piece die-cast zinc, which gives you the cold feel of solid metal. Connected solidly into the metal front sight, it so far seems very unlikely that it would break easily. The sling attachment is the same as all G3 series yet seems to be difficult to attach slings to. The fore grip is a bit loose which may be trouble in the future when trying to attach rail systems I will be experimenting with getting the grip tighter.
The entire receiver is made of ABS plastic, which looks realistic even though it doesn't feel like the cold metal of a real gun. It has a standard size G3 receiver, a metal body can be installed and is available as an accessory. The rear sight is the standard four position system like all others. A claw sight attachment is also available. The selecter lever is also in a standard G3 format. On the right side is a dial that shows the current fire selection, a minor annoyance is the selector positions are a bit too far from the grip, which makes it difficult for people with small hands (me!) to change the firing option.
As my first gun this seems to be a very solid choice. Although it does have a limited range of accessories as compared to some of the other guns available it does have more than most, which is enough for me right now. It does have the foregrip problem and it is a little front heavy to fire one handed, (such is not impossible with the aid of a tactical sling) but the rest of the gun is very solid. The accuracy is fairly close to full sized AEG rifles and it has a great rate of fire. Things I plan to do to the gun are increase it's fps with new gears and springs and change the original brass barrel to a custom tight bore barrel for range accuracy and power. I am a very happy camper! My next purchase will either be an MP5 or an M4A1.
Update: My HK-51 is currently upgraded with Den Trinity's AEG001 upgrade. It should be between 350-400fps depending on the bb used. Rate of fire is slightly decreased and range seems to be increased. I have also purchased a tactial sling, dual magazine clamp and another hi-cap mag.
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Copyright ©1995, Adrian B. Nelsen,
Revised March 8, 2000