What I learned in Airsoft

Started up Again, Getting a lot of Guns Fixed, Gun Rack

2011-09-03T09:23:00.000-07:00

I'm getting back, but not posting so often. I can't anymore post stuff I researched or tinkered because I really don't have time anymore.

Although I can post my games and what happened and what I learned when it comes to tactics and teamwork.

So right now I'm budgeting for a massive overhaul, 10 guns over the course of 6 months. I have to set aside money every month to get some of the guns fixed until they are at great shape. Beyond the labor costs, I'm budgeting about 8,000 initially for All guns. Sustainable and Durable are the mod objectives.

Recently my gun rack, expensive and took around 2 months. It can hold 24 x M16A2s. 2 slide out racks that can hold 12 guns each. I don't know if I'll ever posses, not own, and maintain as much as 24 guns. Still seeing this filled up one day would be awesome.

Gunsmiths as a Retainer?

2011-02-14T23:48:00.001-08:00

pro for the gunsmith

Guaranteed business for the gunsmith.
His time is easier to manage.
Since the guns being taken care of is predictable, its easier to keep inventory of parts.
Less or no more trips to source for parts.
Economies of scale favoring the gunsmith: specializes his work and limits the range of his task.

Pro for the gun owners

The incentives are differently align as compared to service fee basis.
Instead of evasive measures of repair, resources are better spent heading off problems with preventive measures.
Frees up our time.
If there is one large pool of parts, it is easier to move parts around.
Less clutter at home
Economies of scale favoring the patrons: Enough Guns might make the cost relatively cheaper.
Clearer Idea when we guns can be fixed (as opposed on relying on our free time)

Cons

Issues of trust and security
location and Cost of living of the gunsmith determines will determine his price. The farther the cheaper.
Moving guns around a lot.
Checking up or managing the service.

To make this feasible, a regular gunsmith can be approached with a proposal. The team must have a detailed proposal as to how to process and arrangement will work. It must be worth the teams time.

Fixed my M4, and it seems to work well.

2011-01-21T00:00:00.000-08:00

I don't have a chrono. Although it hurts, which is a good sign compared to when I fixed it last time, where It didn't hurt. I think the fps is pretty good. I call it my Sax M4 after the guy who sold and burned me with the deal (told me all internals were intact, but when I got to examine it it was missing an inner barrel, hop-up system and gave me a counter negative mark for giving pointing it out that he left me standing with a bad deal). Its a ugly from the damage its taken over time, before I bought it.

The only good thing was that it was my 2nd S-system and i fixed up the other one I bought.

Will update with pix and specs. So far it sounds good, feeds good, and is very promising.

HK416's telescopic Butt stock which broke when I got it. My bad.
the Added bonus, a silencer, from the guy who sold me the other M4. I needed the silencer since used the AK's old inner barrel. Its almost as long as an M16.
The front sight crumbled on me, I was tightening the screws and it just gave in. Zinc-Aluminum, thats the risk with the cheap brand that doesn't use steel or iron.
I'll probably saw it down, but I don't know if I should since thats a Type-0 Cylinder.

Nickel-metal hydride battery - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

2011-01-18T07:32:00.000-08:00

Nickel-metal hydride battery - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia:

"Self-discharge

NiMH cells historically had a somewhat higher self-discharge rate (equivalent to internal leakage) than NiCd cells. The self-discharge is 5–10% on the first day and stabilizes around 0.5–1% per day at room temperature.[14][15][16][17][18]"

Just found this useful since a lot of my batteries are now Ni-MH. So after charging thats 10% + 1% per day. So a week is 17-16% discharged. A month will be 40% discharged. I'm not sure if its cumulative but its better to be sure, anyway I'm using a smart charger. Which uses Both change in voltage and temperature to tell if its done charging.

Guns and Grills

2011-01-16T02:55:00.001-08:00

Its hard to get the wife and the kids interested in airsoft. Although, One idea that comes to mind is probably getting them to participate it as a Picnic.

The guys and the older boys get to play. The wives, who don't play, don't want to be left a home a, but have nothing else to do can set up the picnic. Its an old idea and not that original, but the wives have to part with their husbands and left alone with the kids during the week end.

The picnic is not as much as a chance to "serve" the players but everyone as a whole. Its an activity some of the kids will participate in and keeps people busy while having a new and different environment to enjoy company in.

Anyway, I've posted it in the forums. Its more of a feasibility study asking the guys if they tried and why I don't see it happen at all. Maybe I'll find out why and check again if there is a way to make this enjoyable for he wife.

CYMA CM.028 reviewed by Midwest Airsofters and my upgrade

2011-01-11T23:28:00.000-08:00

Midwest Airsofters - The CYMA CM.028 AK-47 Examined

My Upgrading of it had a lot of problems. Nothing, throwing money at the problem can't handle (ouch ;_; ).

SP120 Spring 393fps at settled, 453fps Brand new.
JG reinforced gears (because the Stock gears didn't mesh well with the Metal Bushings)
Element 6mm Bushings
Metal toothed Poly Carb Piston and Teflon Taping the Cylinder Head (awesome compression)

Today I will have to

Php650 V3 gearbox motor cage at Neknek's. The Motor Cage Broke. It was really a different kind of metal from the gearbox.
New AK Hop up Assembly: Php400 at Vincent's Pasig. See the review, anyway a new hop up assembly and rubber will improve compression and spin. Once I have that I can install Systema 475mm Tight Barrel (+40fps)
Terminals: Php35 at ACE hardware. Because its wiring is soldered on the motor (see review).

At the awesome compression, I expect it at 490fps because of a brand new spring. I think it will settle at 430-440fps.

I was video taping the whole thing. will see if I have time to edit and post it.

Got my Jing Gong HK416 (M4)

2011-01-09T05:11:00.000-08:00

Pros:

Good Quality Internals Inspection
Metal bushings (Li-Poly Ready; The Later Models 2008-ish)

Cons:

The Butt Broke, anyway I hate that weird 3 prong battery. I'd rather get it Lipoly ready. I'll use the but for my S-System project. Anyway Lito has a cheaper butt stocks.

A very Detailed Review in Airsoft Canada.

Here are some pictures

The Gearbox has SB on it. My "systema" Gearbox has that too, but none of my other JG v2 gearboxes seems to have that.

Although looking at my System Gearbox BOX it seems like they took out the motor (no wonder it was on sale for 1400).

really strong magnet, stronger than any other motor I've worked with. It really could pull on heavy metal objects

Metal Bushings, hard to see. I've taken many shots its really hard to show it with an automatic hand held camera.

Guns that Need Upgrades/Fixing

AK - Spring SP120 (300php), Spring Guide w/bearings (450php), Bushings (400php) and Shimming (i have several, I learned they are ONLY to be used when needed - stupid eh?; total Php1250)
MP5k - needs to fix miss-feeding
HK416 - None

Lito Shopping List. I should call ahead for him to stock it up, maybe he can buy from his neighbors, if it ends up being the same price I'd rather most of the profits he gets go to him than those guys (since I have a lot to gain keeping the shop that offers me great prices in business).

3 more JG M4 450cap mags (Php720 total). That would be 2 magazines for 3 out of the 4 M4 compatible gun. One gun using the x4 300cap mags (the Old M4).
2-3 more JG hicap MP5 mags.
Lower Face Mask (?)
Gun Bag (Php700)
3 Pouches for Team Mate
6-10 pouches for myself (ideally in Digital Jungle or Cadpat; Php300-500)
Molle Pistol Holster (Php150)
(*low priority*)3 forward Hand Grips (Php720)

*I'm beginning to like Li-Polies, when I learned I can get them at Lito's for Php850 that made a BIG difference (going rate is x1.35 the mah in a battery specialist, x0.75 -x1 in Airsoft shops).

Swapping my MP44 for an HK416

2011-01-06T03:00:00.001-08:00

Both guns are all metal and I rather like the Carbine over my MP44 which I have YET to use. Both my friend and I are very happy for the trade.

2 SIG 556s

2 M4s (1 M4 and 1 HK416)

2 AKs (one still being modded)

1 G3

1 MP5k

1 CA Glock 17

9 Guns and basically once I have the papers for all of them 3 other people who can play with me. I said 7 Other people because I need 2 guns per person. If One gun fail and They can fail, the amount of guns giving way during games have taught me to always have a spare and invite as many people who I could provide a spare. At least 1 spare each. I might invite more, if I can be sure of the guns reliability.

The CM028 will by my WW2 gun. Yay! Its very light and suitable, since the WW2 guys allow it.

Team Reputations

2010-12-30T17:57:00.000-08:00

Teams Encountered and have a really bad reputation of cheating. I should put a 2 Polls up for known teams known for their Good and Bad Rep. Ideally first hand and with comments (and exceptions or notes how to deal with them).

Strangely the most competitive teams have the most bad reputations, its not because of envy because the teams that comment are Non-competitive teams (so they didn't lose in any head to head competition).

Teams who play for Simulation and for Fun, and not to show up someone else, are those who are more inclined for fair play. There are several Cognitive Biases making Competitive Mindset more likely to Cheat, especially since Bragging Rights are more imporant than meeting people and making good friends... Is like the Social Aspect of Golf.

You just need to be good enough to keep up, but good people just want other good people to play with, losing is no real loss to them, compared to competitive players.

Publish Post

Hope to have a trip to Lito's

2010-12-29T04:42:00.000-08:00

Lito's has one of the best prices for the cost of a long trip to Quiapo and Php40 parking.

Planning to get the Following. Have to call Lito if he's open on friday.

2-3 Khaki or OD Shorts for Php300 ($6.67) each. Durable enough for games and cheaper than Department store crap!
SP120 (1.48J) Spring for Php300 each for the CM028
6mm Bushings (I have 2x 7mm ;_; ) for the CM028
probably a tactical belt for php350

Small Type Tamiya, Projects for the Year, Wife's Xmass Gift

2010-12-27T19:45:00.001-08:00

I will be using small type tamiya.

Because most of my guns use small type tamiya
my batteries are mostly small type tamiya
its smaller and does the job equally well.
Maximize compatibility.

Why not Deans Plug. It is a matter of situation than effectiveness. I've read that its surface area that makes electrical conduction effective. Thats why if you look closely at the trigger switch designs inside the Gearboxes they are made up of very wide copper wedges. By this principle the deans plug should be the better plug, but my circumstance I ended up with a lot of small tamiya type terminals, so its cheaper for me to go with the flow.

AK bullpup update. Part of the reason I decided to dismantle my working AK tactical is that it has a broken selector. so it only has Safety and Full Auto. So I decided to make a safety switch, a switch that prevents the trigger from working when Off or DC (disconnected).

So while the trigger is a switch that is only ON when its pressed, this switch will prevent the trigger from working even when pressed.

Note about this switch. Using the cheap ass multi-volt tester selling for $5 or php250, the working connectors are the Middle and the opposite side of the DC. I don't know what the third one, under the DC, is used for.

Current Armory

what is missing is my dismantled AK tactical.

I have to modify the AK CM028 to metal bushings and while I'm at it upgrade it to a SP120 (366 settled fps) spring, which can be pushed by a 8.4V battery, use my old 460mm systema tight barrel and a stock type-0 cylinder.

2 Sig556, its everything as advertised so far. Buying it for $77, I won't ask how the got it. All metal insides, I don't plan to mod it and given its durable frame and body I think it will be a very good beginners gun. Using a V3 gearbox it and G3 hop up, I think it has great potential when upgraded in the future.

The G3 will be moded to use a small type tamiya. it will save in space. Anyway my large type tamiya 8.4 batteries can't pull that spring. Although I will be making these plugs modular with PTT terminal.

Wife's Gift

I'm into the military Aesthetic! Of course its has its origins in the rugged and practical. In a world of such great variety of tastes, its only natural I go to one that has its roots in organization, discipline, risk and meritocracy.

Suffice to say, this is the same aesthetic I'll be dressing my future boy up, who is 7.5 weeks along.

JP SIG556 Php3.5k Filipino Airsoft (FAS) - Forum

2010-12-21T03:35:00.000-08:00

For Sale: XMAS SALE!! JP SIG556 3.5k FREE SHIP! - Filipino Airsoft (FAS) - Forum

here is the review. Which has all the relevant data. I plan to sell my M4s after buying this.

The Psychology of Shooters

2010-12-15T18:27:00.000-08:00

The Psychology of Shooters
Why shooting feels so good.
by Jamie Madigan November 26, 2010 05:00 AM PT

thanks to The Psychology of Video Games

Behavioral Economics in Action - Overpriced 2nd Hand

2010-12-07T06:48:00.000-08:00

The China Products - Filipino Airsoft (FAS) - Forum is a great place to see irrationalities in action. I'm still marveling at the bias where people over price the value of the product their selling. There is a 2nd hand metal JG stubby being sold for 8000!

A brand new stubby can cost as much as 5,000. it may not be metal but people who buy a stubby are buying it for the light weight, buying the heavier metal one makes very little sense since if one wanted simulation at 8000 ($177!) you might as well buy an AnK all metal M4 and reinforced internals for 6k.

Anyway going back to Irrationalities, in Chapter 7 the High Prices of ownership Illustrates this. Based on Ziv Carmon and Dan Ariely, "Focusing on the Forgone; How Value Can Appear So Different to Buyers and Sellers". Journal of Consumer research (2000).

My wife asks me why I look at the forums when I've promised myself that I'll never buy 2nd hand guns from strangers (unless they are vouched by a friend). One has to really look at these sales and all the things people do to pitch the sale.

The Deals in the Forum are crap, I've come to conclude. What really influenced me is the unprofessional and unaccountable people you will be dealing with. I've tried and at the cost is too great, basically even attempting further negotiations is a sunk cost effect. I've learned my lesson and its FAR cheaper to ask my Gunsmith, Shadow, for the deals or to call all the Shops for what they have at a certain budget than to even get a 2nd hand piece of crap.

The people who sell at a very good price have hidden defects, not damaging but still defects that really would be cost leveraging. I don't have the heart nor the effort to negotiate and I don't know anyone who wants to negotiate in what should be a "guard down" hobby. Heck the only move a buyer has is "Walking away" in a deal that is very difficult and expensive (opportunity cost wise vs a shop) to set up. Heck if you count walking away from a deal to leverage it, then by statistics you'll be losing money over all.

I admit there is some edge to my self promise but I'm the curious type to try things for myself. Some others might be luckier or better at spotting deals, those are beyond my abilities.

One certain advantage I have over any of these deals is my research and amateur handyman skills in fixing my own stuff... thats pretty much the only cost cutting advantage I have :(

Airsoft is more Expensive in 2010, will it Get Cheaper?

2010-12-03T05:30:00.000-08:00

What Happened to the $50-80 Guns? I've been checking the prices and those in the Philippines, as well as forums around the web. It seems that no one is commenting regarding the increase in Airsoft Prices.

The CM028 series from A to U (check out Google Image Search There really are CM028A, B, C, D, M, U, S, T) they were $60-$90 now they're $90-$150.

Army Armament's $75 AK is the closest to what was the airsoft prices just last year. What happened? Is it Market Normalization? When new producers flooded the market and drove down the price at their expense, and we are just feeling the market adjust itself?

I'm not sure but those low prices were a risk for those new producers back then? I think in the coming year prices we will be seeing are will be the norm, until someone makes a cheaper gun production.

I can see where Army Armament's AK got cheaper. The battery and the mag is different. Any producer might consider. (If I could produce airsoft here in the Philippines I'd implement this)

A short inner Aluminum Barrels (like the Cheap Plastic Gearbox Types)
Less Iron Alloys more Zinc-Aluminum Alloys or Polycarbonate (cheaper)
Use Plastic Low to Midcaps Magazines
Slower Smaller Charger or no Charger at all.
No more slings
Packaging The most basic Art and Picture (This will save a lot)
Find Alternative packing material

My current forecast is that airsoft prices as they are will not go down unless manufacturers make some changes, particularly legal changes that allow the mainland to compete with the more expensive overhead of HK. Right now, almost all mainland business have been thoroughly squashed, the cost of moving product from the mainland to the greater market exceeds their cost advantage they had.

So just get used to the prices or just buy 2nd hand guns during the supply glut of 2008 and 2009. Too bad these guns do have a work life, so by next year all the mainland ACMs supplies will be dried up and HK will determine ACM prices.

Swapping M4s and G3 for AKs, Consolidating Armory

2010-11-30T21:45:00.000-08:00

I realized its best that I consolidate my Guns to only 1 general type. Unfortunately, I already started with 2 very different types and an additional off type, which s the m4/m16 series.

If I can swap my out my guns (now that I learned to do my own smithing), I would stick to one type: Either a Compete Series of G3s or a Complete Series of AKs. Right now I can go either way, as I have as many reasons to go either way. Although I have a feeling moving to All AKs is the most possible.

Right Now, I'm going to prepare my M4s for trade/swap. Ideally 2 AK tacticals for these two M4s. I'm aware the Odds of getting such a trade is pretty low. It would be nice to have all my guns AKs and swap/sell my parts out for Version 3 gearbox parts. Once I finish my AK bulpup, it will be my "special" gun with maxed out mods. While the other Aks will be spares and Lend-outs to friends. Ak mags are the highest cap and easy to find, also having a useful wrench slot for quick winding.

Fixed my Gear and Checking them Twice

2010-11-24T05:36:00.000-08:00

Fixed my G3 and preppring extra batteries for a friend. I haven't gotten back to the AK bullpup project ever since I got distracted by buying 2nd hand guns.

Only buy second hand guns from friends, who are selling it at 50% their purchase price. At least you can rest one's guard knowing any problems, a good friend didn't intentionally screw you its really inherent in the gun.

I've pruned my Registration List. AK x2 (one slot for a future AK), M4 x2, MP5, MP44, and Glock 17. The AK is still one of the better guns because of the V3 gear box.

I bought as Systema Complete Gearbox for 1400 (to settle the M4's problems finally). I noticed the gearbox is thin. It doesn't have the thick parts like the JG works gearbox I have. Anyway, I'm planning to keep the gun at 1Joule (FPS 330 with 0.2 BB).

All Plastic Airsoft. When I bought my second M4 s-system, the guy had showed me the all plastic airsoft M4s being sold for Php1,600 firing at about 280-300fps (less than 1joule). They are feasible if your using 0.12BBs allowing you fps380 and the hop up to kick in but the accuracy is shit. Also no one sells Bags of .12s.

Lynx Guns. A Gun shop opened recently in Virramall called Lynx something. They sell airsoft at average market price (close to Vincents, which is BTW a bit more expensive then the FAS advertised stores). They had a Classic Army Glock17. They say they'll get their shipment of guns December.

Vincents is the best place for me to buy BBs, as they sell at 260 and some parts. Still I'd rather go to Lito at Quiapo for airsoft parts he is able to supply. Lito is the BEST prices, like the ELement 510mm tight barrel for 950!!! and of course his Lipoly for 950 (30% less than Global across him).

I plan to buy my shorts there and some Khaki's and OD pants for 300 and 600 respectively. Its still cheaper than going to SM department store and those pants are durable, they're made for playing.

Stuff to Do

2010-11-21T07:01:00.000-08:00

To Register

An MP44, a Glock 17, 2x M4, an MP5, 2AK47s, an M16.

filing up the papers now. That totals Php2,160 plus notary public fees. I actually don't have the additional MP5, AKs and M16 yet. 10 total guns. So I can equip 9 other guys if need be.

finally 2 working M4 S-Systems

2010-11-20T18:40:00.001-08:00

One was my Air-smithing learning project and the other was second hand at 3,500. The final cost of the gun first gun was roughly 6000 :(.

I learned that I'm not going to buy 2nd hand guns unless they are at less than 2,000 (which is usually without the battery, plus the battery 3,200).

Any gun that needs work, is better bought at less than 1,000!. Yes most work I've encountered that people give up on the gun sells at about 1000-2000. There is a Cognitive Bias where people over value what they own, relative to the actual market value of it. So in essence 2nd hand guns sold at 50% or 60% their purchase value are inflated in value by 2-3x as much.

So at 25 to 30% its not worth the effort to sell the gun, its really convenience for the seller where most of the cost come from.

My resolution is to collect cheap AGMs at around 3,500-4000. I found a g3 ras selling for 4,000 and someone selling JG AK stubbies for 3500.

The 113,000 guns confiscated in china at around late october means gun prices will be going up. The worse time to buy brand new guns, fresh off the docks... although the best time to buy OLD-stock guns before december hits and most shipments arrive (according to my Quiapo source).

Expect guns you see around to AVERAGE 7000-8000, when 7-8 was just a few, expect that to baloon to most people selling at that price. All cheaper guns will be sold out.

I wish I could get a hold of those China manufacturers, I have the contacts for them who can allow them to assemble their guns here legally and cheaply. If they did, we would be the new HK of airsoft.

We would be buying spare parts at HK distribution prices.

Update on manufacturer prices

2010-11-05T00:35:00.000-07:00

Here is an update of what I've found out so far regarding how much more stuff are being sold

the prices I found are not Manufacturing prices but a Distributor. One step away from the manufacturers, and clearly they are the ones most suppliers in the Philippines get their stock.

Tight barrels (6.04mm) are roughly being sold at 5x
Springs are being sold x10

Magazines x2-x3

Batteries (non-lipoly)are x3-x4

Hop Up x3

Internal Gear Parts are x2-x4

Small External Accessories x3 to x4

Large External Accessories x1.2-x1.5

Obviously its better to raise the margins of high selling products vs slow moving products. Springs, gears, gearboxes etc. move more frequently than railings, outer barrels, etc.

batteries are part of airsoft that is not covered by custom laws. So its much cheaper to Order batteries off china. Ex. 8.4V 1500mah NiCad costs Php630 bought individually vs the Php1500 here in the Philippines. Firefox li-poly costs roughly the same as Quiapo prices.

China Manufacture Price

2010-11-03T23:25:00.000-07:00

Got my hands on Manufacturers Prices in Airsoft Parts. This is where knowing a bit of Accounting and retail helps figure out if the business your dealing with is the shortest point to a source.

Spring Margins. Did you know that 1Joule Springs cost $1.12 or $1.02 if you buy more than 10. +1J springs cost $2 for less than 10, and $2.4 for more than 10. Basically the margins for Springs in the Philippines are CRAZY high?

Magazines are $3-$4. and you only get a 10% discount after buying 300. So paying Php400 or $8 when it comes to the retailers or $5 or Php250 in quiapo makes the margins pretty plain and reasonable. Now Springs, that shits crazy. not only is it easier to SHIP than mags, they can come in to the country as Toy parts not Airsoft Parts!

Sum of its Parts. You can actually make a business importing airsoft parts from mainland china and assembling it here. I'm looking at the parts, these are non-stock and all UPGRADE parts. The guns end up costing Php8,000 plus the cost of all the other logistics. Basically it ends up costing as much as a Tokyo Marui, CA or HK gun but with all the parts Maxed out already.

Min Maxing this is making some of the parts more cost efficiently here or better, asking the manufacturer to move here. directly challenging Japan and HK is very very bad. their people can always screw with you, unless you are from an "unassailable" position. Such as already having your own contacts in the largest Airsoft market outside the Philippines EU, Americas, and Russia.

FAS Troubles, No one Gives Negative trader reviews

2010-10-25T23:58:00.001-07:00

I had a bad deal in FAS. The trader I bought this M4 was left out a missing inner barrel and hop up system. I gave a negative review, but one that was very held back. I mentioned all the good points and bad points. To me it was bad, especially since this is money and in monetary exchanges we work with "market norms". Being nice is worth nothing since no one is in the market to buy pleasantries.

So if you have a complaint, keep it to yourself.

I thought about this a lot before making the neutrally tone review. I understood that I might piss him off. The thing is, I have to grow a pair and call bad shit out. Thats whats wrong with the world today, especially in this country. You can see it for yourself if I wasn't fair in anyway.

I guess i won't be buying in FAS anymore. Anyway, after the accounting it seems buying a new gun may still be better all in all.

My Armory Spread Sheet

2010-10-23T00:41:00.000-07:00

Well its about time I keep careful tabs on my guns. I am building an armory and I would love not to have to memorize all the stats and keep meticulous notes about the conditions and costs.

Here is the link to the Open Office Spreadsheet I'm using. It can also be found in the Title Link.

What is important is that it is easy to print out if ever I sell the gun or need a physical copy or create a PDF for online documentation. IIt is also my Accounting of expenses and tracks my behavior pattern . It also helps me keep in mind what parts I have and why certain decisions were made when I forget the reason.

This much level of organization is fit for a group armory actually. It will keep costs down and keep certain escalations in check.

My habits are becoming more Momento-like. Never trusting memory and writing all note-worthy information instead of assuming one will remember.

Quiapo Purchases. I'm in the office right now, I haven't had a chance to write down my purchases in Quiapo. Right now the price differences from the Quiapo purchases compared to the average airsoft shop vary from 40%-15%. Still pretty much a cheaper deal even considering the expense of going to Quiapo (an hour each way).

I have almost all the parts I need to fix the M4 S-system to working order. I just a need a few more parts.

Airsoft is to me, what Golf is to my Dad

2010-10-19T23:43:00.000-07:00

My Armory is an Investment. I realized thinking more about what I've learned and the people I've met in airsoft, it is pretty much like the same experience when I go with my dad in golf and he meets his peers.

What happens normally is that my dad would drag his friends into Golf. He would drag business partners and other peers into a relaxing and enjoyable game where they have fun and talk shop. Airsoft is that for me, it is a social environment where we can talk business or avoid it in the course of playing the game.

I do note that there is a generational difference in the crowd who play airsoft. They are people who are between my father's age and mine towards the youngest age you can play. the few rare individuals who play are at their 40s, when their fitness allows them. Most of the people who play are around my age (30s) who can finally afford all these.

I know lending Airsoft stuff has its risks, thats why my armoury is going to be made up of 2nd hand guns and i will be personally taking care of them. Still the experience I can share with friends and peers is pretty awesome. Everyone contributes even when their contribution may appear insignificant at first.

Everyone gets to feel like a hero and gets a chance to bring home that memory of simulated glory in the "battlefield". the stories and the decision making in that time pressured environment will unravel a lot of interesting aspects of our selves. Finding strengths in a relaxed environment.

Bought a Broken M4

2010-10-19T08:35:00.000-07:00

Intentionally bought this broken M4 Jing Gong S-Series. The guy who sold it to me, stiffed me a inner barrel and a hop-up system. The M4 hop-up system sells for 490 at vincents. The Inner barrel will be my AK stock barrel sawed off.

The target value of a "stock" performing M4 that has all the necessary parts to function is 4000. Its a deal at any value less than 4000! Consider the Opportunity costs and the non-monetary factors that add to the action's cost. An incomplete set of parts, for ever part missing calculate the Market Price of the Individual Part Against the gun. Because, after all the only way to get the gun to work is buying the parts.

So I bought this for 1500. When I calculated the parts needed to make this run independently, this deal turned out a negative.

M4/m16 Hop-up System Php490 (vincents)

Stock Inner barrel Php NA (Stock)

Hop-up Rubber/Bucking Php NA (stock)

Gear Box Frame Version 2 Php1000(vincents)

Battery small 11.1V 1200mah Php1200 (vincents)

JG 450cap M4/M16 Mag Php230

A total of 4420!

Considering that Many people who have a good conditioned M4, even at stock will sell it only for 20% less at around 5-6000. They are not even giving you the mag and battery, its actualy a really really bad deal because technically thats -400 for a replacement mag (going rate of most stores) and -1200 for a replacement battery.

I'm not giving the name of the guy who stiffed me because, its leverage in the Seller Profile Score card in FAS. He's going to have to own up to his word because, of all honesty this kind of dealing has consequences.

Of course I have to be realistic what he can possibly give me.

By the end of the gunban I might have 2 M4s and an Mp5. An armory enough to equip a small group to join me in games. At 3-4k per additional friend I can drag to the game, my chummy nature is getting the best of me.

Planning to get some of my open minded and athletic buddies into airsoft.

Bought an M4 Shell and Broken Gearbox

2010-10-14T00:18:00.000-07:00

Basically I bought a Broken M4 for Php1,500. It is a good deal, if you are an amateur airsmith. I can fix it, especially since the problem is localized. The gun also has been in storage for 2 years, so I have to check up on all its parts. The guy forgot to put the hop-up mechanism and the inner barrel.

It was my list to do things but I was distracted, I was worried about the guard of the parking lot since I was bumped by someone who was not watching as he backed up.

My plan is to transfer my MP44 gearbox, hop-up mechanism, and barrel into this Gun. I will need to change the plug to a tamiya large type. I think it will take less than an hour to fix and solder.

The older, broken Gearbox will be rehabilitated and will go to my very-infrequently used MP44. As such this OLD gearbox will now be called the MP44 gearbox.

I made a list of things to buy when I go back to Global, Quiapo.

Gearbox V.2 frame - Php700
Type-0 cylinder x2 (SPR and a spare for me) - php700
Tamiya plugs, large type (MP44, M4, and my Lipoly) - Php130
Bushings 7mm (SPR, I have a 7mm and 6mm will use it for the M4, will need to purchase a spare for my future guns) (2pcs) 700
Shims (Juna's SPR; I have 2 sets and will use one up, will have one spare left) Php130
hop-up bucking (SPR, MP44, and one spare) (3pcs) Php390
Air-nozzle (SPR , M44, and spare) (3pcs) Php390
Guarder Spring SP120 (MP44, M4, 2 future purchases and/or replacing old springs) (4pcs) php1200
JG M4/M16 Magazine (for my M4) (2pcs) Php690
JG 440cap MP5 (2pcs) Php560
Big Dragon Chrono 2500

Total 5,860 = Php8,360

Chronograph. The Big Dragon brand of chrono costs 2,500 but comes with a special problem. The charging mechanism is not intelligent, and can get overcharged. Added that the battery is inside and there is no saftey fuse it breaks very easily. The easy way to correct it is prevention.

I've seen the battery in my friends broken Big Dragon chrono. Its like many of the rechargeable batteries wrapped in colored plastic. I plan to take out the battery, extend the wires (by soldering in extensions and drilling a hole for them to come out) and end it with a fuse box and tamiya plug. I will use my spare tamiya plug and solder it onto the batteries. It will cost my roughly 230-500php in parts. Thats makes the total cost to me at about 2800-3000. Much cheaper than the Cortech Chrono, but just as just as reliable.

Wow, having that summer job as kid as an electrician's assistant really paying off. I'll be sure to make my kid have the same sufficient skills.

My AK bullpup project Update. I broke the switch that was going to be my safety-switch for the ak. I had to carve a square hole into the really thick rubberized plastic of the ak lower fore-grip. It had to be a square and the barrel should be able to fit with the wires. I was forcing it in, when the plastic parts of the thing broke.

Ugg, I will have to buy a new set. Still have to find time to go to the plant and make all the other parts. Right now we have a launching so I have to wait till Nov to have the free time.

WW2 M35 helms

2010-10-04T22:28:00.001-07:00

M35 helmets. I got a reply from one of the suppliers who make helms in China. they make all sorts of helmets and one of them are for airsoft M35 helmets. I've been checking Made in China and the most of the manufacturers are addressed in that region. I also checked the cost of plastic m35 helms online and they are around $12.

The supplier also tells me they sell WW2 Cammo textiles! Is this the mother load? Will see, Damn I wish I knew mandarin. Thanks to google translate and the fact that Chinese has a very simple grammar structure I have a chance (a small chance) to get the message across.

Now, the funny thing is of all the people I can't tell about this I can go to the main forum. I don't know how people will react with the news. One its Chinese, and there will be some who will complain about the authenticity others will find conflicting with their business...

Yikes, I hate that kind of complexity. I just want to play at the lowest cost. Will also have to check their samples and purchase a trial amount.

Tinkering A Bit

2010-10-02T06:51:00.000-07:00

Ok had to double check how the switch worked. Thankfully there was a Clue: DC which I don't use much on the internet but surprisingly applies here - DisConnect. So the side where the DC side is on is the Off-mode. Ok, now this is where having no clue I have a random chance of figuring out: Which of the three (or 6) Switches are the 2 ones I use for on and off.

The Multi-Tester I found was helpful, it gave me a clue but I had to triple check it because I'm should be paranoid of getting it wrong. I had to make sure it could really work. The messy set up below is when I was able to prove that it works. Really just switching it back and forth. On the motor, one socket has a mauve red dot, which is where the RED wire (positive charge) should go. If I would get it wrong I would damage my gears and possibly more.

My own repairs. Before I learned to tinker with my own gun, it suffered a really bad instance of damage which was my fault. I broke the piston. So the gunsmith replaced it with a half metal teethed piston worth 1800. NOW I realize I could have gotten any old piston for 350, and of course I should be skeptical at how much my gunsmith got that for, but its fair game if you don't know your own gun. Thats why its always important to have a friend who tinkers, at least you know he can give you an honest opinion.

I will happily give my honest opinion in any tinkering queries. Although it will be limited to what I know and I'm not a gunsmith. The thing about "the game" of merchant and patron is tricky. If I wanted a relationship built on good will then I would have it with a friend, but when money exchanges hands then it should safely be assumed a merchant patron relationship. Its not lying for the merchant, its value add and it assumes you are convinced it is actually valuable.

I might sound draconic, well I really am when it comes to Market or Social Norms. If its an exchange of good will, lets keep it that way If it is an exchange of money I plan to keep it within that level (of course still being courteous and amicable). I understand people need to make a living, but I would rather that friends and patronage be clear because when it isn't feelings are more hurt all around when it is not clear and we make bad assumptions.

C is for Current. I'm using a 20C Lipoly battery for my G3. What got me questioning if it was a bad Idea was when I learned that it was Voltage that determined the WATS driving the motor powerfully enough to pull a more resistant spring. When my Kaptain bought a new M4 at 520fps the guy who sold it to him thinks that 20C is too strong. This is then supported by my observation that Many C14 and C12 lipolies of the 1200-1800mA at the same 11.1V.

Water is used to give analogies regarding electricity, in the analogy of Current I'm thinking its the factor that affects ROF. Now I don't mind a low ROF, consistency and accuracy is what I'm after because I want the lowest wear and tear on my gun with the best performance. ROF wears down gun faster and favors quantity over quality. So I think I might get myself a 12C 11.1V lipoly next time.

Disclaimer - I have to test this hypothesis (a calculated or educated guess).

FAS Classifieds

2010-09-29T19:22:00.000-07:00

If you are selling anything in FAS classifieds, know that people who go there and buy regularly are more of the type with 2-3k to spare. After observing whats for sale and which is the fastest picked up regardless of functionality the pattern is that they are mostly collectors accumulating an armory. As such they have all the patience to watch for the best deals. Notice how slow the higher deals take and what kind of knowledge it would take to spot a deal.

So your selling to collectors not to people in need of a new gun, there is very little price room for them. Even when the item is hard to find, which is strange, they are not biting. I guess if they really wanted it they'd buy it themselves from a merchant not another airsoft player.

Seeing the Real Sword Type 97 for a long time at 14k made me wonder.

Pistol Deals

2010-09-29T01:13:00.001-07:00

Kids Collections is selling CA pistols for 2,500. You can find them in Circle-C.

Airsoft Philippines is selling CA 1911 for 2,800, the only perk is that they are licences distributors and theoretically you can return it if it is defective. Strangely they are selling their Glocks for 4,500. An uncorroborated source says the 1911 has problems over time. The CA 1911s found in FAS classifieds tend to give this rumour some credibility. The price difference also gives credibility to this story.

Remember all prices are negotiable, even when there is a price tag. It just depends on your individual persuasive ability or ability to give continued business.

I recommend using good quality .12g BBs when using Green Gas ready pistols. This jumps their FPS from 300 to 385! at 300fps hop up is not that effective, at 350+ it works and at 385 it is more noticeable. It should be good for 15m for a man sized target (at .12g it is easier to be influenced by other variables).

Airsoft Larp and Honor System

2010-09-27T00:22:00.000-07:00

Having some experience with LARP but a lot of experience GMing Juna and I were able to make some interesting LARP rules that makes Airsoft even more interesting and simulative of warfare.

Airsoft LARP, levels the playing field a bit and grants role-themed perks when people "play" the game. After leveling the playing field: by making BB velocity appropriate to certain guns (from SMGs, PDWs, Carbines, Assault Rifles, Battle Rifles, DMRs, SPRs, SAW, LMGs and Sniper Rifles) and creating a Trade off with regards to Mags: 1 Hicap is equal to 3 Midcaps or Unlimited Lowcapss, the emphasis becomes Role-playing.

Rewarding Role-playing and the simulationist sense, only certain roles can take advantage of certain perks. Perks come in the form of having the privilege to perform and do certain actions. Only Medics have the power to respawn team mates, Team Leaders can play Tactical Coupons (that give them earlier starting time, better starting placement), only Grenadiers can use special grenades, and only Automatic Riflemen can use LMG or SAWs. But each perk has their own special cost: Medics really have to be equiped medics and take care of team safety, Grenediers need to make their own grenades, Team leaders have to really represent the group, etc.

There is some level advancement, perks for being in a team and having identifiable colors, and room for personalization through earning patches for special heroic actions. In an airsoft larp you play a character, and so does your team. Missions are given more context, so that people can role-play certain judgement calls: like priority of mission success vs complicating circumstances.

Participating Airsoft Groups and Sites, get to add more bragging rights to their airsoft stories. Marshal Action reports become pretty interesting, and given the context of a Real world Event.

Mooks. They have to wear monster or Halloween masks. they get to respawn or have multiple lives (showing a Kill by discarding their mask and putting on a new one). Playing Mooks is fun because of the respawn and being the neutral party everyone wants to kill. Playing the monsters can be fun, and in return teams who play the mooks earn coupons or advancement of perks.

Rewards and Honor System. The only rewards are in the form of bragging rights, perks, and honor.

Honor points are basically reputation score, granted by other teams to each other. Site Marshals grant Honor Points for players who act as expendable mooks and opposing forces can give Honor points to other teams by giving it to the marshals. They are granted also to teams that offer good will by participating in the events to make the experience better for everyone. Honor points are given anonymously after a game, consisting of the team captain of a group to the marshal. It is a way to reward teams who work hard in playing fair.

There are NO Demerit Honor Points. Its like the "Like" in a facebook item. A more lax in honor a team is, the slower its accumulation of Points. There is only a very indirect way for a team to show for a bad history of play.

Important is applying Behavioral economics intel regarding Honesty.

Scouts. Scouts have no special advantage as a regular rifle man. I guess they can choose 1 perk, in a list. Probably an extra mag or higher FPS cap.

Divisoria, Selling my MP44, My German Outfit, LARP in Airsoft

2010-09-26T00:56:00.000-07:00

First up StG 44.

If you've seen my notes about finances, then it would be no surprise that I have to cut back. I can't have gear for novelty, not when the gear cost more or equal my the kit I using. So I'm selling my unused and brand new MP44 aka StG44.

I'm selling it for 12k including the cost it was to me to get it fine tuned by the gunsmith. I haven't ever brought it to a game, neither have I ever "plinked" with it. It at cost plus the Gunbag. It technically not second hand, but who can take my word for it? well there is one way to prove its really is brand new: the FPS. It will read 460-450 when the box says its 400 when the spring settles. Thats how new it is. plus the upgrades and a reputable gunsmith- shadowpersona to vouch for the parts.

I'm aware there is a good chance it won't be purchased for a while at 12k. Especially since its a gunban right now.

My german ww2 outfit. I will now make my own pieces and slowly accumulate it. What I don't like about it, is that its not that "I just need shoulder tabs". Its an impression, it confuses need and want because its purely aesthetic. I also "need" my Load Bearing Straps, Mag Pouch, and Basic Travell Kit... for something that has no practicality in a real airsoft game.

Divisoria. Found a good supplier for cammo, also found the Only Supplier for Cadpat. We (our team) learned that there was a very small supply of the pattern. Because it is a "trade secret" of our team, I cannot disclose that. Although I can tell you that that cammo cotton rip-stop fabric costs Php160 and plain OD, Gray, Khaki costs Php120.

Divisoria is a mental obstacle in itself. Not only is the temptation to Settle, because the merchants will plead with you not to go further and find precisely what you are looking for but it does have its limitations. Like the canvas straps, particularly for belts and for load bearing gear can be found elsewhere: baclaran.

BRING A SAMPLE!!! Don't settle, keep looking. Even if they go out of their way to show you your product, that few moments is not exactly a favor but what comes in the territory. This is divisoria, a market place where you are after what exactly you want and not what the one merchant has. If they don't have it, move on.

Costs per "yard" (technically its not a yard, its 39" or 60" rolls and they sell per length of measure not precisely an area. Do your precalculations beforehand): 160 (actually 130 for a LARGE order) per yard of good/ripstop fabric with a pattern. Plain is 120. If you are being sold 200+ that means they are getting it from another merchant and they are acting middlemen.

Clues to note:

200+
If they don't know the name of the pattern. Only the sellers who are able to name the patterns are those who deal with them often enough to remember.
If they deal with textiles and NOT finished products. They sell finish products of some poor quality at Php600 per piece (top or bottom) which is attrocious given that I get my custom made stuff of even better quality and cut for that amount.

The plan is to make this OD gray fabric into a tunic like this for everyday wear. Basically I'll be wearing it in the cold aircon of our office. I can't wear my ww2 because: it has offensive symbols and its thicker (thus hotter).

This is a thinner cotton, but with rip-stop fabric. Its also a bit shiny, like the model below.

This woodland pattern is to be made into a balaklava (full face mask) with some padding for protection. Also, it is to be cut into strips. 60" x 36" = 1.39sq m = Php160.

note the 3 different kinds of woodland: the Top is from my brother, from the US, the pants (with the tape) and cap from Lito, and the one I just bought from Divi. 3 different textures of the "same" pattern.

Here is a closer look of all 3 One is thick rustic cotton (upper left), the ripstop from lito (upper right), and the one from lito (lower right).

Shiny. shiny is not a bad trait for cloth. It reflects ambient colors, which makes it blend more. Only time shiny becomes very visible is when there is a powerful direct light. Shiny is Good. If you work with 3d graphics it follows the same principles when working HDRI reflections and reflectivity, how ambient colors affect objects.

Silver Wire vs Copper Wire

2010-09-21T21:14:00.000-07:00

Silver wires have a higher conductivity score compared to copper, this means less resistance. Less resistance means, less heat. Remember your toasters, they work on the principle of high resistance to produce heat. Thats why they are called resistance coils.

They are important to prevent overheating and electrical failure. batteries for airsoft are pretty powerful, and rough play makes them likely to have some problems. You don't want excess heat burning through the wire coat.

Thats another problem with the gearbox wiring. I can't use small copper wires because of the amount of electricity running through it. It will definitely overheat and short. Especially over time.

Right now I'm looking for silver wire narrow enough to fit my receiver and gearbox. Damn its hard. I've gone to even the hardware supplies for engineering students in Megamall, and they don't have any.

FAS Classifieds Sale/Swap: Galaxy MP5K PDW 3k only - Filipino Airsoft (FAS) - Forum

2010-09-19T02:27:00.000-07:00

For Sale/Swap: Galaxy MP5K PDW 3k only - Filipino Airsoft (FAS) - Forum

Note: MP5s hi-cap mags have a price of Php280 for 180 rounds. Its more of a gun for runners or people who can't carry regular sized rifles.

Budgeting and Airsoft, Cutting the Fat

2010-09-17T21:25:00.000-07:00

Ok time to cut some fat. I really have gone way over budget this year. Think its the WWII expenses have the lowest utility, since each piece is a novelty and thus expensive, while having the smallest opportunity to use. There is the factor that the StG 44 is not game practical with only a 300cap magazine. Also the inclination to get into full authentic gear, so that as to not stand-out. Also, the eye for detail of the members can make one very insecure about joining up to play airsoft. I guess its really for those with a far far larger available income than myself.

I wish I had that foresight in mercantile and emotional intelligence assessment before getting into it. Patches, pieces, and misc accessories ranging from 800 to 1000 pesos a piece add up a lot. I mean, my full kit only cost about double the BDU (see older posts, Php3000). But a WWII kit without the gun is about Php6-7000. Ouch. the gun costs me 8000 with the fine tuning of the gunsmith, but with only one mag... not exactly playable.

Sigh... If I could only sell it at Cost... but I can't. No one will buy this at Cost, only at 2nd hand prices (even when I didn't even use it yet).

The German uniform is still usable. I plan to use it at work, removing the patches. The pants too, are still usable. The 800 canvas gaiters, is the only thing that is real loss in the outfit. This doesn't even count the patches.

As for the StG44... even the box had so many missing parts. Sigh... at least the gearbox is pretty kick ass. still spending 8000 for a gearbox is still no salvage by any standard. Oh but the battery is going to be useful for my bullpup ak. If i could possibly trade the gun, in the end. Maybe an AK. Still i can put it up for sale in FAS. who knows maybe someone will buy it at cost. Good thing I kept notes of all costs.

This is a basic assessment of my choice of joining WWII and realization It was a group outside my income, especially when there is a baby on the way and the amount of complications my wife has been having. Airsoft is an expensive hobby, I've always maintained that its costs cannot be easily justified.

All I have in the end is the honests enough to own up to my irrationality and poor judgement. Shouldn't have gotten into it.

AK Bullpup Current Progress.

2010-09-17T07:01:00.000-07:00

Progress So far.

The power drill has been very useful. It allows me to sand some parts and drill some holes. I was able to drill some holes for the wires to go through.

I also had to modify my V3 gearbox and remove its trigger mechanism. Hopefully there will no no loss of stability.

A picture taken on the iron board. No inner barrel and very bare.

I had to test it out. I was worred the Magazine would get in the way and it didn't. It was almost perfect. Also, I could possibly hold the gun with one hand in a two point suspension.

I haven't cut the wires yet, I'm not sure how much I will need.

With the Dragonov Flash-hider, this has a full barrel length of 550mm. It feels like a carbine, but stings like a battle rifle. I can also balance it with one hand and a shoulder.

I will be going to the factory next week. I hope I will find the parts I need. I hope to have this gun ready by the gunban. Or at least be allowed to bring its harmless pieces to the Gun locker in the game site I hope to play. I hope I don't bother the workers. Thankfully our Plant Manager is a Gun Enthusiast, he has his own Pimped out M4 (real STEEL!). Hope I get some geek cred from the engineers, on doing this on my own. I hope to gain some respect in the ability to act on my own plans and getting my hands dirty.

Things still to be done.

I have to make a small compartment for the trigger mechnism and a safety switch built into it.
I have to carve a butt out of wood and
Then find a suitable laminate cover to give it that plastic like feel and to make its texture match with the rest of the gun.
Then Realign the sights to the railing, since I don't have a rear sight (it came off in a game, in a camp colorado- good luck finding that).

Call out for other Philippine/Newbie Airsoft Blogs

2010-09-17T00:09:00.000-07:00

If there are any other Airsoft blogs out there that is frequently enough updated, hope you can drop a link. I'm looking for other blogs to compare notes and lurk.

I know facebook has pretty much moved all airsoft discussion over there, but thats not exactly the crowd I'm looking for. Weird as it might be, the qualities that makes an airsoft blog an attractive avenue to discuss the topic vs Facebook is the kind of writing I want to read.

Doing Accounts.

2010-09-16T22:00:00.000-07:00

Reading up on Dan Ariely's Predictably Irrational, I decided to do some accounts. Its rather painful, particularly when I look the relative picture of it all in a broad sense. Anyway it is a must, particularly when we have expensive habits.

There are around 52 weeks in a year. This year, because of gun bans there will be fewer games. Next year, might have a lot of games. Expect seasonal obligations eating up 20%-30% available week ends.

Fees

Magazine Loads:

300cap Php22
500cap Php37.5
600cap Php45
Mag consumption goes up when there is a great need for suppression tactics. This happens in a very aggressive offense, like in the "Enemy-at-the-Gates" games where the marshal eliminates the rear-most attacking players at given interval. The same can be said about defense when the defenders are trying to suppress a larger force. Either way, both instances are similar in the rate of movement of either of the two sides. It would be best to assume the higher mode (2.5 mags per week).

Toll Php60 (going there and going home, php30 each way)
Site Fees Php150
Other supplies Php70 (usually Gatorade)
Breakfast Php70 ave.
Gas for 40km Php120

Total Php663.75 per game.

Assuming a conservative 34 week-ends per year, About ~Php22,567 a year in gaming expenses. I have a kid on the way, so I guess its the responsible thing to do. It will take a while for everything to sink in.

DIY Earpieces, making due with "Funny" radios

2010-09-16T04:07:00.000-07:00

Our team got some "funny" radios. I didn't know my electronics as I do know. If I did, I would have known better and looked for some key aspects about what to look for in a radio.

Anyway, these radios did not come with ear pieces. Around this time the Uniden Plant in Laguna closed and this was part of the sale. We were able to get it at a reduced price, but we only found out later that we had no support.

Checking the earpieces online they go for roughly $12 or Php600 plus shipping. Not only that we need them in pairs. Doing it Myself is practice in an important self sufficiency skill: basic electronics and second, the buzz a small but personal accomplishment.

Anyway, it was a simple problem: We need ear pieces. The radio uses a 2.5mm jack. First thing I tried was my cell phone earpiece. Then I tried a 3.5mm jack earbud with a 2.5mm adaptor. It works, it made the left ear-piece become a mic when spoken directly too.

So I got one of those really cheap hands free earpiece for the phone from CDR king, took the mic and implanted in the left ear piece. Viola!

The nice thing about this set up is: Its cheap and easy to fix, I can hear over my earbud normally, and I can whisper to my mic when opponents are close.

Ear Piece Wiring. Php60

Mic from a Cel Phone Hands free Earpiece Php100

Pieces Soldered According to the Colors I found them in.

Taped to prevent them from accidentally touching and folded back into the earpiece

Good as new. Unlike before, which needed it DIRECTLY to my mouth, now its sensitive enough to pick up my voice even if I put it against throat! (hehehe throat mic)

If only we have a better battery capacity and if we can raise the Watt performance to increase the range and endurance. Recycling Old Ni-cad bats. I have my old phone Li-ion batteries, hoping I can find a way to recyle them since I have a multi-battery type smart charger.

Inspiration from Made in China dot Com

2010-09-16T00:38:00.000-07:00

Airsoft Gears - China Airsoft, gears, Airsoft accessories in Toy Accessories: Legally speaking, the Philippines is one of the few countries that can possibly produce Airsoft Guns at a lower price than the Special Economic Zones in China.

This is another point for Airsoft Tourism in the Philippines.

I'd imagine there would an interesting relationship, if airsoft guns would be produced here in the Philippines. The Police and the Army, can have their training in the many of the adventure camps around the country. Their certification and free lancers designing these special Adventure Camps, will be just like it when Golf Courses are designed by certain experts. At least Adventure Camps, compared to Golf Courses will be more environmentally friendly as compared to these water guzzlers.

As for locally producing guns and exporting it, having more guns being sold is good for the parts suppliers, not the parts assemblers and manufacturers in the special economic zones, while good for the people it employs in the Philippines.

Imagine the Retailer discount of these China Parts of 15% and assemble most of it all here in the Philippines. Probably the More Bulky (a low size vs weight ratio) like the receivers and externals can be produced here (it would be cheaper locally than to buy and move such products). While at it, make everything produced much better performance than Stock TM and HK guns. Tight barrels (6.04mm), Metal Bushings, Shimmed, Springs that bring up FPS to 410+40 (tightbarrel) (510 out of the box).

Even if the Market Price will go up to 7000-8000, let the 2nd Hand market be the one to provide the 3000-4000 range. Nudge out the Fancy brands with better performance, and since it will saturate the local supply, there will be a lot of 2nd hand guns going around at the price for the newbies.

A Bad Deal

2010-09-15T19:21:00.000-07:00

For Sale/Swap: Tactical AK - Filipino Airsoft (FAS) - Forum: "stock internals
modified folding butt stock
front assembly with rail
1 hi-cap mag
php6000

minor issues: (nothing a little tweaking won't fix)
folding front grip lock not working (libre na yun)

di bumabalik trigger pag semi-auto, kelangan manually ibalik sa orig position (full-auto works just fine! )

RFS: unloading...... too many AK's"

If you were to buy it, negotiate for 2500-2800. 3000 would be reasonable, but the amount of BS is a bit of an insult to the intelligence of a smart buyer.

airsoftpinoy.blogspot.com writes like a middle aged man. His style is personal and happy.

2010-09-14T23:33:00.000-07:00

airsoftpinoy.blogspot.com writes like a middle aged man. His style is personal and happy.: "Text analysis
airsoftpinoy.blogspot.com is probably written by a male somewhere between 36-50 years old. The writing style is personal and happy most of the time."

Economic Cost of the Hobby: What does Cheap mean to me?

2010-09-13T00:49:00.001-07:00

Sometimes I forget that my bargain hunting inclination is unnatural to most guys. Its easy to forget because most of my friends are bargain conscious. But what people forget about why some people go for bargains, cheap quality gear, and such economic considerations is that everyone else has bigger priorities.

First of all, its a Hobby. It is far far down the list of priorities such as Cost of Living, Health-Medicine, Friends and Family. The last thing I want is a conflict of interest, which is a stumbling block a lot of people fall into with an expensive hobby.

I had a long post about Conflict of Interests in my other blog, particularly in this matter. It began with my policy that I am not selling things to friends at a profit, its basically an act where I buy it for them, with me taking the effort, contributing the cash and time for the action. I don't want to support my hobby by passing the cost off to friends. If I want a patron-merchant relationship, I will do so with other people. The last thing I want is people to think, I'm their friend because I get a monetary benefit from them. The utility of friendship: company, security, common interest, someone to trust, etc... should be never given a monetary anchor point.

I know my priorities, and the cost for having a patch of a particular Historical Thread Count is not something I am willing to pay for. In historical Re-enactment, Standards of authenticity such as Thread Count and Shade or Tinge, doesn't sit well for me. Especially when the cost is 3-x4 more and it doesn't help local economy (when you order abroad instead of helping out the local struggling merchants here).

If the authenticity requires special optical equipment to ascertain, I think such level of detail is best reserved for people who can easily afford it. At that level of detail, even if I could easily afford it, given my priorities with such extra cash I'd rather start a small business and employ and empower people than fiddle with Historical Accuracy of a Reproduction.

In the bottom line, if all the extra cost adds up and I could have paid for someone's tuition, loaned the money for someone to start a food stall, bought shares for my unborn child, etc... I'd feel guilty (as I think a normal person who is very aware of their economic substitution options should be).

More on the Topic Can be found in Dan Ariely's behavioral economics book: Predictably irrational . Behavioral Economics and Psychology, focusing on cognitions is the science that explains the irrational tendencies that influence the decision making of people. The science covers cognitive bias, logical/argumentative fallacies, and game theory. In the Chapter 4 the Cost of Social Norms, explains how positive and negative associations in various relationships lead to our approach to social situations.

Precursor to this modern and Scientific concepts is the Confucian understanding of reciprocal relationships. Particularly the multiple kinds of relationships we engender among the many roles we carry and how we try to manage each.

Also, on another matter that is related and helps sort this thing out is Emotional Intelligence and Critical Decision making books (focusing again in optimal decision making), particularly skills and checklists that prevent us from making preventable mistakes.

No get-rich schemes are being promoted, as I recommend the science and remind the reader to double check sources and view it with vigilant and practiced skepticism.

Deals from FAS

2010-09-12T17:24:00.000-07:00

Lurking and found these deals few notable ones. No one has taken them up yet. I don't know how long they will last. Its nice to have a blog where I can throw my opinions. Some deals are just not worth it, and the seller doesn't know how much they should really sell.

M14 2.9K "Cyma M14
Re-painted flat black

Striped the paint of bolt cover (metalic look)
Stock internals
Marui Motor
No battery
No Box and manuals
No butt cover (but still hides the battery from the secondary cover)
Will include 1 magazine

This is a more of a deal if you already had an M14 and want another one. Spare guns are always useful, you never know when Murphy will rear his ugly mug.

G3 RAS

Its 5.5k. When you meet up get him to admit that its hard to find Mags and withdraw your offer. "saan ako hahanap ng mags". If he does not bring down the price (because off the shelf it sells for that much anyway) walk away.

G3 Mag options are very expensive.

If your lucky you'll stumble on it, that means visiting ALL the stores in the metro.

If not, you'll have to order it. Buying a 6 Pack of Classic Army G3A3 mags OR Jing Gong Mags. If you tried ordering from Tim of Airsoft Philippines he tried to charge me 1200 Each mag. (uncompany price of a set of 6 is 4200 total) Even with the $24 shipping and the 15% Licensed Retailer's Discount thats a "taga" 30-40% . (30-40% taga... man they must be bleeding customers and cash).

AUG Gearbox.

Aug for sale.
Stock and working. cut in half, my friend bumped a wall with his AUG in front of him and the result - 2 half aug. =)
Can still shoot so the gearbox is still usefull.
Price is 1k.
Thanks

your really paying for the Gearbox. If thats stock parts, then its a fair price.

Recent Acquisitions, Learned something New

2010-09-12T02:07:00.000-07:00

I got sick, on Saturday. I was planning to go out and buy some new SP130 Guarder Springs from lito.

New Experience: Disassembled and Assembled my Version 3 Gearbox of my AK tactical. I had to remove the electric switch. Since I'm moving the Trigger mechanism outside the gearbox, to the new and forward grip position of the bullpup configuration, I though it would be prudent to remove the trigger and wires.

Since the AK has no semi-auto setting, since that switch broke a few months ago I have to find a new saftey switch. Thankfully a normal switch would do. Since the trigger is a switch, that turns off when relaxed, I need a switch that cuts the connectivity over all.

This cheap-ass switch will do as a Safety. I have to find a place to embed it. Ideally with in easy reach of my right thumb.

Fiddling with the Insides of my gearbox I find a lot of grease. What I mean by alot, is that there is enough to form small gobs in various parts of the gearbox. Having no trouble with it in the past, I guess its ok.

This is an online sale of the same product. I didn't research this, and just bought it off the airsoft store. This link has a lot of Don'ts when dealing with grease for AEGs.

I had some birthday gift card money left over and I bought this book in Fully Booked tittled, The SAS and Elite Forces: Military Survival Handbook -how to survive against the odds by Chris McNab.

Broken CA17. After sleeping it over, I might as well try going to Philippine Airsoft and ask Benjo (not Tim) if they can order the spare parts for it. Both the bottom plastic plate of the mag and the broken part of the pistol. Hopefully it costs less than 1000. Even if I have to wait for 2 months (which is the complaint of my friends about the place).

Gear Piece by Piece. I realized a nice thing to start doing is cataloging gear pieces. While I was thinking of getting a Gun catalog to look through, there isn't much of a Gear Catalog for Newbs. What is a Chest Rig, ALICE, MOLLE Vest etc.? Also I can add where I can find the gear, who makes them and sells them for the best price. Also write about the differences of various qualities and in-depth review.

My Classic Army Glock 17 broke

2010-09-10T06:48:00.000-07:00

In the beginning it was jamming. The BBs would clump together when feeding from the magazine. Last week, the magazine fell out of the gun while I was running. The sliding plastic plate shattered, but the magazine is still functional.

Now something else broke, the blow back mechanism had a small piece break off. Now after firing, the gun won't rest its slide properly. Airsoft Philippines becomes my the only importers who can get the parts I need... which is bad because Tim is hard to deal with, and he controls what gets imported. (I've kept meticulous notes, and Tim charges 30% more than the other sales persons, If I were the owners I'd be looking into that. Because I know some paying customers who got frustrated with him.)

I spent 3700 on this pistol, only to find out that I could have gotten it at 2000 in quiapo or 2500-2900 from my gunsmith. Its really disheartening that it would crap on me like that... after all it IS Classic Army.

The Cheapest fix, is buying that CA pistol in Quiapo at 2000. I bet service and parts, would cost more than a new gun.

Last Sunday Game

2010-09-08T00:49:00.000-07:00

Thanks to boy-p for the pictures.

Friday is a Holiday

2010-09-07T20:48:00.000-07:00

What to do with friday? Well i could play airsoft... but right now I'm concerned with my AK bullpup modifications. Friday will be the only day I can go to the factory and have all the tools and materials to finish it all done.

Silver Wires. Surprise, the wires for airsoft are made of silver (better conductor than copper and more expensive). Where am I going to get something like that? After my wife's tests, I know some well stocked hardware stores in P Guivarra that might have what I need. (fingers crossed).

Small Tamiya Male connector. I'm using my MP44's stick battery, when I convert to bull pup.

fit in

Trigger guard. We have benders, I just need a 1mm thick hard steel piece, bent into a trigger guard.

Trigger mechanism. Using the doorbell parts I can make a trigger mechanism that will fit and be solidly in place. The trigger would be any piece I can find. It could be a solid piece, or the curved metal piece. I'm not really worried at what ever shape it will take, It really just depends on what I can find there.

Butt section. I don't know how to coat the wood to reinforce it, or would I need reinforcing.

What happens after? after making an ak bullpup I'll refine the process and get a new AK tactical to convert. Its 2.5-3k 2nd hand anyway. My cousin has one completely stock and he cant play anymore since he got married. Its still one of the best guns to convert and play with.

I think nothing says more Nerd than Moding your gun into a Bullpup.

Mauser Purchase

2010-09-07T03:07:00.000-07:00

I was able to buy a Mauser (not a luger as a tag lead me to believe). Sorry I'm not that versed in WW2, my specialty is pretty arcane and narrow (byzantine military 6C- to 12C).

If you look carefully it price tag it says 2800 and German Luger.

Anyway, so I finally had an opportunity to visit Vincents ever since my wife needed bed rest and we couldn't go out. Lo and behold, some deals, most of them not in the guns... except for one gun and that is the Mauser.

I was buying it first for my Kaptain, but when I bought it, I only realized it was a mauser only after. A mauser is a WWI gun, so I had to return it. But I was asking Spielmeister if what I got was a luger or a mauser too. I was very grateful he was taking it off my hands at store price (1960). He tells me it used to cost 3100 and doesnt mind if I try to sell it at a profit. I told him that just having him take it off my hands and without having to go through the hassle of explaining to the staff they sold me a mauser and not a luger is favor enough for me.

I project a lot, if I'm just happy a friend got the deal even when I can't. I've maxed out my budget for WWII gear.

Another G3A3 (known in its Jing Gong brand as T3K3). A friend bought one for a friend, and I'm worried that the mutual friend might not have the time to play it and it will be a regrettable purchase. He says that

The Jing Gong T3A3 is a great gun for its price, at$80 or Php4000. Accurate in the definition that it is consistent, has a great butt plate (that does come off easily, unlike my JG Ak tactical), and can easily fit the 8.4V Ni-cad battery. Version 2 gearbox, means its compatible with a lot of them. It weighs only about 5lbs loaded (lighter than my ak). Also it has 2nd to the highest mag capacity at 500 rounds.

If my other friend won't buy it, I may buy it instead. Then convert it to bullpup! LOL

WW2 Uniforms are In fashion.

2010-09-06T17:38:00.000-07:00

My wife was telling me that my German Tunic was actually in fashion. She stumbled on to this link.

This looks like Spielmeister's Russian Tunic.

This one looks like the german tunic. I wish my patches are easily removed so i can wear it at work. Lol.

DIY AK Bullpup Progress

2010-09-06T07:01:00.000-07:00

DIY AK bullpup progress. Here are some pictures of my recent progress. I've begun disassembling my AK. I've taken more pictures of the dimensions so that I can more easily acquire the wood shape I need while I'm in the factory.

I found out that the extension on the plastic receiver is really part of it. So I'll work with it, since it is a more secure point of attachment when I make the wooden butt. The butt will be a curved cut piece of wood at about 21mm thick. Its hollow at the part that fits the dynamo/motor and trigger guard, but it won't be in the space between the two (where it will be still solid wood.

The butt being wood, I'll find something to cover it or shield it. I need a metal clip to cover the main securing point.

Right now I'm stuck because I don't have any materials. I have to find time to go to the factory and get the following:

Discarded Office Floor Rugs for my work surface
Wood Pieces for the 2cm butt plate.
metal pieces for trigger mechanism.
Redundant pieces for multiple tries.
Thick wire to hold up paper targets for practice
I also need small tamiya connector types.

AKs are still the most bang for buck. Being able to convert them to bullpup, availability of parts, highest capacity mag, the cheaper price, and thicker built version 3 gearbox.

measure for the 2cm butt. Its got to curve, hollow out for both the trigger guard and the motor. I plan one solid block. Anchoring points is at the back, the base of the motor and the trigger guard. What ever wood I can get my hands on.

measuring if I can convert my older Nicads into One stick type.

the only part I've finished making, given the materials I have.

MP44. The internals are pretty good, I'm wondering what would happen if I changed the spring to SP140 or SP150 and moved the Ver2 gearbox to my G3?

Springs? Why don't companies have a standard way of measuring resistance? There are tools in measuring how much force is needed to compress a spring. As to efficiency of energy return after compression, now I leave that to brand.

In my Game Theory class, when companies don't have a "Standard" by which to measure each other, it is a deliberate strategy so that its harder to compare each products performance. This gives the "Good" brands more power.

if I were an up and coming spring producer, I would try to use a easier metric to measure. Simply measuring with mechanical properties like joules and pascals would have been enough. Once you have the formula for Joules, you can use it to figure out speed of various BB weights.

My search terms: airsoft, spring, guarder, ratings

http://airsoft-barracks.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=4915

http://www.airsoftforum.com/board/lofiversion/index.php/t154417.html

Airsoft Webcomic, Professional Airsofter

2010-09-05T19:28:00.000-07:00

Ryan Subong has an Airsoft web comic called Airsoft Life with Terdz.

Professional Airsofter. The only time there will be a Professional Airsofter will be when there is enough of a Tourist Industry to support a large amount of Player Marshals. In the Airsoft Tourism post, I talked about that Soldiering is a broad skill set that comes with the game. A professional airsofter, who makes a living as being a skilled player, marshal, site employee and air-smith.

Airsoft Tourism, What you need

2010-09-01T00:31:00.000-07:00

Other than the business permit, you need to have the licence to deal with Airsoft. The business model of Airsoft Tourism is very different from an ordinary Airsoft Dealer.

First of all, this Merchant is not after selling guns and making a profit out of them. Instead, he is after providing a service of experience and recreation. You need the dealer License primarily to let the Tourists Bring in their guns and provide the supplies for their guns. The biggest advantage is that you do not deal with Customs.

Customs on of the most corrupt Philippine Institutions. If you follow the Airsoft threads and talk to merchants, Customs with their "arbitrary fines" and lack of transparency will bill you the very same cost of the gun you already paid for. Only a few people get to avoid the Customs Corruption, and this is because of close contacts or through special status. Even schools books which have a special custom except status is not granted this with the magical legalism that makes the law neutered. Even if your a person who wants to prepare against Customs so that you know what you're dealing with you will be surprised that no other place carries the laws they use except National Library.

http://ko-kr.facebook.com/corruptcustoms

http://www.yousaytoo.com/update-on-the-corruption-of-philippine-customs/196749

I personally had a tangle with them. After 2 weeks of researching the laws, I was surprised when I was there of a Book of Customs Laws I could not find. I asked the lady where does one get these laws and they tell me its in the national library. So it seems Its a very powerful advantage for Customs to keep all their Special costs and laws hidden from the public.

So in summary, Philippine Customs is Very Corrupt, so avoid them like a plague when you consider any kind of business where you try to take advantage of Global Market. Unless you have connected, but using those means just perpetuates the kind of corruption that denies many entrepreneurial hald-working Filipinos a fair chance under the law.

As a Dealer, you can bring guns in. Since these guns are already owned and not being sold, and if you have access to those Arcane and Forbidden Customs Books, you can probably circumvent their clutches (Good luck).

Anyway, once foreigners can easily bring their airsoft stuff in and out of the country you can begin earning through providing a Airsoft Hosting.

Employment. The kind of employee you will later on get is a gunsmith combined with a soldier. These key employees provide smithing services as well as facilitate tactical challenges for the guests. Their skills also become useful as guides, "extras" for certain missions as well as guest security and first aid and assistance. The skills that makes each of these employees practically a faux soldier is what makes them a valuable asset in providing security for your Airsoft Tourism business.

Air-smithing

Soldiering and Tactics

Role-Playing and Game Marshaling

Medical and Security Assistance to Guests

Labor setting up Facilities

Angels. I don't mean to be sounding sexist, but as a businessman I really like the idea of Female Airsoft Tourist Services. Its easier to call them angels as in "Gun Angels" and it it really does change the face of an Airsoft game when women are in the field. I admit its selling sexiness. Guys tend to puff-up their chest and are more inclined to make more daring risks and forays. Training angels, female soldiers, who both help aid, marshal, and run the business is going to be an interesting business strategy.

Women in the tourism industry, particularly serving a role because of their gender is nothing new. But Women in Airsoft Tourism, now that is both rare, and hard to train. But they may possibly make a pretty good living if there was a way to Tip them.

Military and Fitness Consultant. One of the things that would make this so awesome is a true blue military consultant, particularly vets who have seen action and remember the discipline.

Airsoft Shopping Spree. Part of tours is the shopping. Particularly, having tailors come to the locations and measure everyone for personalized BDUs and gear. Not just Modern Military suits but WW2 and some more historical design. All at the very low prices provided by the Philippine economy.

Working with the foreign partners. One of the things I want to do personally is have more foreign contacts. Not just for airsoft for business in general. Countries where they may have more complicated and conflicted gun laws may find a cheap and rugged

Provincial Development. Tourism is a boon to any province. Tourists have a huge upkeep cost and when there is enough of them, economies of scale start bringing in resources which used to be too expensive for the provincial residence to afford.

Why am I posting these Ideas. they are here because not just one province can benefit from them. Military Recreation is nothing new, and they combine the needs of a more health and earth-friendly conscious market. This type of business, becomes a sort of training ground for team building and leadership exercises.

If only ROTC and CAT was Airsoft, we would have more people appreciating the discipline some of the training instills.

Refurbishing A lot of Guns. Part of this business is building an armory. All 2nd hand guns can find new life in this condition business. As a very large armory and with enough air-smiths refurbishment becomes relatively cheaper by the scale.

From the FED website.
LICENSE TO DEAL AIR-GUN/AIR-SOFT
* The applicant will secure/prepare the following in three (3) copies each.
Location plan of the proposed gun store or repair shop showing distance from the nearest Police Headquarters (in meters).
Sketch of the firearms and ammunition vault showing inside dimension and construction materials used and the kind of door and locking device.
Copy of Business Registration of the firm with the Securities and Exchange Commission (Articles of Incorporation and By-Laws) and/or the Department of Trade and Industry.
Clearances of the Manager/Proprietor/Person who will manage the Firearm/Ammunition Dealership or perform the repair of firearms from the City/Municipal Mayor, Metropolitan/Municipal Chief of Police in the place of his/her residence, NBI Clearance and DI Clearance.
The applicant will accomplish Application for License to deal in Firearms and Ammunition (Form 1).

The applicant will write a supplementary letter addressed to the Chief, PNP (thru: Channels) requesting issuance of License to Deal in Air-gun and Air-soft and also stating among other things, the following;
Certification or Affidavit of the Corporate Treasurer and bank Statement that Paid-up capital stock of P500,000 as proof of capitalization.
Location of the gun store/gun repair whether it is properly constructed of strong materials and safely located.
Whether it is provided with burglar and fire proof vault enough to safely accommodate the quantity of firearms and ammunition applied for.
Name of the Proprietor/Manager who will actually manage gun store/repair firearms and his/her qualification and experience in the business.
Picture of gun store/repair shop and depository vault.
Certification from PPD that the gun store /repair shop is secured and safe from insurgents.
Tax Identification Number Re-Revenue Regulations No. 11-99.
Such other information that will justify the application.
Secure Order of Payment re-SBR for License Fee and Surety Bond.

* Submit all papers to the Police Provincial City Director for inspection, comment and recommendation. If the gun store/gun shop is located in Metropolitan Manila, the application shall be submitted to the Chief, FED, Camp Crame, and Quezon City.

* From the Police Provincial City director, the application will be forwarded to the Chief, FED which after processing will be forwarded to the C, PNP (thru: channels) pursuant to PNP Memo Cir No. 99-009 dtd 16 March 1999.

* If the application is approved by the C,PNP, License is issued by, C, FED after submission of Dealer’s Bond by the applicant.

Finally Checked out the Shop in Global, Quiapo

2010-08-30T23:59:00.000-07:00

There are very good deals there. Not the guns, but the spare parts like they were from forgotten or lost cache. You'll know what I'm talking about when you see the pictures.

Starting from the left to the right:

Shmis: Php150. That symbol you see is Element Brand. There is a website in package.

0.2mm, 0.3mm, and 0.5mm all x6 .

J.G. Works M-87: "Helical" Gear Set. I'm still a newb to tell the difference, and there are not many sites that care to explain them. Metal is what is important with gears. This is the first gear set I've felt in my hand and weighed. Down the line as I get to see and try out more, I'll know what I'm getting into. They pass the magnet test, thank fully. They are steel. Php700.

I can't find further information online about J.G. Works.

Type-0 Cylinder: Prometheus. It looks authentic, the text at the back is all in japanese, but thats not really a very good indicator. Its not magnetic and way lighter than my brass cylinders. I got it for Php350.

DBoys M-series Hand-grip. It cost me Php450. I need it when I move the hand grip forward when I convert the AK to bullpup. Its a bit expensive, I should have just gotten it from Lito. Hind-sight is 20:20.

6mm Bushings. They have 7mm with bearings. Don't get the ones with bearings, I recommend just the full metal. It takes a more skilled or experience smithy to know what he's doing when choosing. Most of the Guns I will stumble into, will have 6mm Bushings. Both my Guns are 6mm so if anything happens I have a back up. They're steel.

Note: Failed to Haggle, I over did it (such a newb mistake) I went for a 25% cut, compared to my Kaptain who always whittles it down by 10%, then 15% in the future. Don't make my mistake.

The guy got pissed at me and stiffed me of my change. I ended up paying the non-haggled price. Next time, bring a friend who can help juggle the math. Also a magnet to check for steel parts.

Notable discoveries:

Springs cost from 850 to 600 pesos, cost 300 in Quiapo! This refers to ALL resistance ratings.

They are pretty complete with bushings, shims, airnozzles (150), hop ups (150)

They have TU li-poly batteries, but you won't see it in display unless you look at the back.

What I can remember they have:

They have an AK tactical 5,000. Don't expect to haggle this easily to 4500, I recommend buying other stuff and haggling for more stuff and ask for 15% less.
A Cyma CM-048
An M14, the kind with a short barrel
Dragonov Bolt Action Php4400. No thanks, I would only pay 3000 for a Bolt action sniper rifle. Its a novelty and really doesn't help in the games. If I could find a T3 gearbox, the semi-automatic
they have a Systema 6mm gearbox, with gears for 1700 (from 1800)
A Classic Army Glock19 for 2000! I recommend grab it before someone thinks the wiser.
AK Sound activated drum Mag for 2000 (probably sell for 1800)
M-series receiver and parts. As well as AK scope mounts. Some very narrow scopes that can pass for WW2 scopes. They also told me they are selling an AK reciever for 700.
Many of the parts are of the Element Brand.

Here is a list of Airsoft Manufacturers. JG Works and Prometheus are not there.

Overall. The shop is more for smiths, prices are pretty ok. Just learn from my mistake and haggle for 10% at first. Its a great place to buy your supplies when you're just learning, but since the brands are not more well known its going to be a hit or miss. There is also the appearance of many of the stock, they display broken parts. I can't figure out where they must have gotten these all. They must have been all in some box, being sold in HK and dumped here.

View Larger Map

Stock Gun Games

2010-08-29T17:29:00.000-07:00

I've been focusing in Gun Mods and learning smithing. These all increase the gun price to around Php8-10,000. But, how about going back to going cheap again. A good cheap gun is also an important base for upgrades. It becomes a question on, what did you spend on, when you buy a fairly expensive gun and had to upgrade, spending 3500-6500 after.

Php5,000 is a good budget for a gun. You can probably get away walking around with 3,000 as a negotiating tool. The pictures are included so that you can spot it in the store. Don't worry about not getting a bargain, thats why the budget is Php5,000.

Old Inventory. If the box looks old and inside is a bit disorganized. Its not plastic covered and sealed, then you can try to ask for less. Its old stock and turning it over is more a favor to the merchant.

Gun Ban. Not being able to move much inventory for 3 more months.! Use that as a bargaining tool. If you're ballsy try buying a gun during the gunban. You can really negotiate then.

AKs. Notice they are mostly AKs. In Divisoria or Quiapo, the Jing Gong or Cyma Mags cost around Php250 (while being sold Php400-500). The Jing Gong mags have a Key and a key slot, look for that.

Galaxy MP5k

This gun has an alignment problem. It affects its feeding mechanism. Its starting price it should selling for is Php3,000. But, given has defects, it will misfeed and you will need to fix it (Check online there are a lot videos on how). You might be getting a "returned" product, if thats the case you can probably get it for Php1000-1500. Check the condition of the box and carefully ask the merchant. Even brand new you could get it at 2500-2800.

AK Tactical.

It should sell for Php4,500. You could probably bring the gun price down to 4,000 if the piece of inventory seems old (box condition).

Butt-plate Issues: it easily comes off. Tape it before every game.

JG AK Beta.

Price is at around 3,600. You can probably get it for 3,000-3,400. Very few bargaining tools that can help you with this except the ones I've pointed out up. again since its JG its old stock, and ACM bodies are not the same TM. They have to move it.

Cyma CM-028

Cyma CM-028.

Price 3600. Most of the Merchants pawn this off at 5000 to 6000. Nope, their suppliers sold it to them at around 2600. Its CM028, this model is being sold by JG for $65. Look at the condition of the box.

Cyma CM-028-A

Price 4,300. Damn the color! Its a liability, why couldn't they have made it at least OD or Wood-colored. At least they could have painted it wooden. Ask for a discount for the color. Hopefully you could get it for 4,000.

Accessories. The 600cap AK mags are great so you just need 2 extra mags (Php+500). I can't say the same about the MP5 mags, which i've never checked. The BBs will cost Php300 per Kilo in Quiapo. These total 800.

Papers. Gun bag (Php300), The whole Registration and Permit exercise Registration (200) and Carrying Permit (360) and Notary (100) (total about +960 for the papers).

Basic Safety Gear. Mask and Goggles (300).

Clothes, get Olive Drab colored in either dull gray or dark tones.

At the least these all will cost, Php 2,060. Plus the gun, its actually possible to complete this in less than 6,000 with a lot of work and opportunity cost. If you can't get the best deals, still 8000 is still pretty cheap to start out with airsoft.

Spent 3 hours installing the Hop-up

2010-08-28T03:48:00.000-07:00

G3 problems continued. Ok, so last I talked about it I'm missing about 20-40fps, even assuming the SP130(423fps@0.2BB) spring settled a bit in the last 2 months. It just occured to me that this is the rough amount of losing the FPS bonus of a tight-barrel... which led me to consider maybe there is something wrong with my hop up.

I've been reading about using teflon to secure the hop-up. So for about 2-3 hours (3:30-6:30pm) I was in my "workshop" trying to gently and slowly fix the hop up system. I checked for videos of people fixing G3 hop-up and there are not many, or any at all. So if I do start making such videos, it would be one of the few or first.

I tried using rugby, but It doesn't seem to stick. It got me thinking how did my smith do it? It is only after the whole ordeal, when my mind is more relax and not paranoid/distracted about accidentally breaking my hop-up mechanism.

First- he applied it to the barrel, a very thin coat and let it dry. He did this so that when the rubber is in place, it will not buckle and slide. He put silicone to help it get into the hop-up mechanism.

Anyway, so I got it in and with teflon coating one side. I did it by only letting the hop-up rubber go half-way, then well lubed eased it in. When there was some of the rubber visible and left to go, I wraped it with a very thin layer of teflon and lubed over it. It took several repeat attempts. The clip would not fit in nicely and the hop-up selector would not fit in, with the clip. It was very hard because the clip would only fit if the positioning of everything was very specific.

I realized that with all the chaos and ways to do this, how do I know the hop-up rubber is not compromised? Without a chrono, I can't tell. Anyway, I'm borrowing a friends extra chrono and buying new a new hop-up rubber. It costs Php200 for the Guarder brand.

Speical Toy Store, in Virra Mall has hidden airsoft stuff. Its a store that sells RC parts and miniature models. I have a feeling this is not "regular" inventory and you can probably ask for a discount for those that don't have any on them.

CA Helical Gears Set for 2650 with an discount of 10%
Compact scope that has no markings on the box except 1:30 for 3000 but less 30%.
L85 Mag for Php470
CA Spring Guide with Bearing for 965, don't remember or didn't notice any discount. Probably there was.
9.4 3600mA NiCad battery for Php3600.
Several Gas Canisters, I only was able to see the ICS logo in one. The others I don't know what.

Their prices may be ok, since this is not their key or high-turn over product. This is just a guess.

Introductions of the Host

2010-08-27T19:22:00.000-07:00

I've moved from Min-Maxing RPGs to Min-Maxing Airsoft. As I've put in the disclaimer I'm out to make it easier to have people join the hobby and enjoy it too. In the Philippines, because of China Made AEGs, Airsoft has really added a lot more people in its ranks, not just Sons of Generals, Hacienda (what I call Real-Estate rent-collectors) and Business Owners.

My self-interest is to meet people of good character when I play. People who try to be honest and who are in the game to learn more about everything else and improve in life. The more good people who happen to play airsoft I meet and befriend, the more this blog is going to pay-off for me. In return, I post my ideas, experiences, insights, and research.

Learning more about smithing and business, helps me show why things are what they cost and how to best equip yourself in making decisions I only gained after the experience. I will try to update this blog regularly, if not with distantly-related news and information but relevant science and myth-busting.

Self Defense. I believe self defense and knowledge of how to survive and fight are important in creating a well rounded character. Again, the Philippines is heavily disadvantaged by poverty, desperation, and corruption so most often, there is no education regarding the ethics and the philosophy as to why people need to learn how to fight- even at least the academic aspect of it.

The current crisis with China, particularly the mismanagement of the Police, just shows the world what Filipinos have to live with every-day: An uncertain government, mostly unable to protect its citizens and those given to its charge.

This is another reason why I would want to meet people of good character. Its not like I live in a country that's got my back when it matters. I'm better hedging my bet, by learning to protect myself and learning from other good people, as well as sharing cautious and defensive tactics with others.

A bit of a Background and Disclaimer. I'm a freethinker, so I'm very reliant on evidence, reason-logical argument, and skepticism. So take all the technical aspects I give with a lot of salt (pepper, and other spices to make it go down easy), which I also do. Even when I sound like I'm promising, I am not. All information is to the best I can find online or experiment with my imperfect resources.

My INTERESTS of study are in economics: game theory and economic behavior. This extends to cognition and cognitive processes and irrationality. I a use Multiple Intelligence theory, particularly the application Intra-personal intelligence and Empathy in breaking down decision making problems and sorting them out for a reader and myself.

Sun Tzu engendered that the root of all tactics and strategy is the ability to predict behavior. The science of Game Theory and Economic Behavior (the cross breed of psychology and economics) illuminates these inner workings, better than when Sun Tzu spoke of it in 400-700BC.

So I'm approaching Tactics and Strategy through the Science, which I've done so before in RPGs.

I'm just as good as many average people in math. I take as long as most people who know the formulas to answer the same problems, I use the calculator a lot and I ask questions even more often. The difference is that I try to practice it and find the Physics, Mechanical, Bio-metrics, and Performance puzzles in Airsoft Fun (simply because the direct gain are in more Kills and Ass-Kicking).

Upgrade Matrix (edited with Quiapo Prices)

2010-08-27T17:46:00.000-07:00

After learning more about the internals Its not so hard to make a matrix to measure the relationship of Cost to Power. Specifically how as Spring FPS goes up, more and more parts are needed.

SP is the meters per second (I think; so I have not found a source) with a 0.2g BB. To get the fps x3.28 or x3.3

+66FPS (Quiapo Source; Assuming SP100 stock spring). SP120 Spring is Php300. Shims Php150 and Metal Bushings +Php350. Total: Php800.

Note: air-nozzles php150, O-rings php150, hop-up rubber Php150, can variably be defective. This may add Php450 to the cost.

Spring Settling. On the box it says the stock spring is 330fps (or SP100), but when you have it checked with a chrono often it has a value of 50-60fps up.

AGM MP44/StG44 aka Quality Power MP44/StG44. is at 450fps out of the box. When the spring settles it will be at 390-400fps. I'm using a 8.4V battery with this.

How can the battery and dynamo pull back a much stronger spring when it was still new? The resistance to pull the spring is the same, what really changes is how efficiently it returns the energy. So there is energy efficiency loss when the spring expands back, pushing the piston. This is the same from Mechanical principles surrounding elasticity is found in bows, springs and crossbow. The ability of the spring to "store" and "return" the same amount of energy put in diminishes.

That is why even when my G3's spring is only at 385@0.2BB my 8.4V battery can't still pull it back.

+??FPS. Taking what's above, the next upgrade. Stock Type-0 Cylinder Php350. A metal spring guide with bearing Php400. Metal Piston Head php350. All together, this is Php1100. Plus all above, that runs a total of Php2350.

Hop-up. Do not underestimate the power of hop up to improve range and accuracy. If your gun is clocking 365 because of the .25 the loft effect can still give it a lot of reach.

+40FPS . 6.04mm Tight Barrel Php1500-1800. The added power is from the more efficiently air pushing the bb as there is less "leakage" of air around it. This runs a total of Php3850-Php4150.

Total FPS bonus from the stock 330FPS right now would be around +80-90FPS.

+33FPS. Now this is where there are a lot of changes. A change of Spring or if you did this all in given the first opportunity will mean an additional cost of Php300. A New Steel Gear-set can cost Php700. You will need a 11.1V Li-poly battery at Php1500. This by itself is Php1800 the most expensive STEP when you consider the other previous steps.

Performance Variations: As a newb, and without a Chrono, I have yet to see how dramatically does Piston head, Airnozzle, Hop-up tweaks etc. can affect FPS. If I can Isolate it, even with my anecdotal experience maybe I would be able to tell if the gun is doing fine or not.

Arnies Airsoft BB Velocity Calculator will be useful in these calculations. Just Take joules and use it to figure the supposed velocity per BB weight. My G3 is 1.85J, my AK is 1.57J, the MP44 is at 1.94J, and the Glock17 is 0.78J.

My Classic Army Glock 17 is giving me Problems

2010-08-27T17:43:00.000-07:00

Airsoft Gun Repair Guide

The Manual of my CA17 (Glock 17 replica) is not that helpful. One of the things it does't tell me is how to open the Latch at the bottom of the Magazine to put in the Gass. (A: along where the BBs are stored, there is a metal switch beneath the blue one that feeds the BBs up; Pull it up back and move the cover).

Now Pistol has an interesting problem, it doesn't feed right. The Spring is not strong enough to push the BBs up so they bunch up. There is no other way to fix it than getting a new spring. FUCK! I've barely used my pistol and its giving me problems already.

Airsoft Upgrades: FPS Guidelines AirsoftFAQs - Airsoft Guns - Airsoft Customization - Airsoft Tactics - Airsoft Upgrades

2010-08-27T00:41:00.000-07:00

Airsoft Upgrades: FPS Guidelines AirsoftFAQs - Airsoft Guns - Airsoft Customization - Airsoft Tactics - Airsoft Upgrades

since springs all cost the same. I have a feeling Spring ratings are based on Meters per Second for 0.2 BBs. To convert it to FPS just take the rating and x3.3.

SP100, 330-350

SP110, 360-380 (the maximum a 8.4V battery can pull)

SP120, 390-410 (.2) requires 9.6V battery

SP130, 440-460 (0.23) (maximum stock gears can safely operate)

SP140, 470-490 (0.23)

SP150, 510-530

SP160, 550-580

SP170, 580-600

Cylinders, Minimum Barrel Length/Maximum length

Type-0 (Closed), 450mm/580mm (27.1cc)

Type-1 (tip hole)

Type-2 (XM; 4/5 hole), 364mm/460mm

Type-3 (3/4 hole; M4), 229mm/430mm (17cc)

Type-4 (MP5k; 1/2 hole), 110mm/170mm (9cc)

Yet to be verified and other sources found.

Systema Prices I can find (6.04mm).

110mm Php1170

141mm 1485

247mm 1575

285mm 1440

363mm 1665

455mm 1620

469mm 1665

509mm-550mm Php1800 (according to retail price on my barrel they are the same! Y3800)

I have the feeling the suppliers provide this to the retailers at 3/4rds the "suggested retail cost". I recommend trying negotiate up to Yen to Peso price up to 10% less.

So technically my 550mm cost the supplier 1800.

G3 problems. So My G3 should be by the spring 130 have a base FPS of 426. Adding the Tight Barrel Performance, it should average at about 450-470@0.2BB. Using 0.25 BBs, that should have about 405-425. When I first got this from the Smith it was about 400-410. I called him up and told him, he says there must be some debris left in the hop up. This happend around July when the Gun Ban ended.

At 390 to 380fps@0.25BB since last few games. I'm missing some 20-40fps, even accounting for spring degradation.

Anyway I'll try a simple teflon tape fix:

http://www.airsoftforum.com/board/Teflon-Mod-Ca-Guns-t58014.html

http://www.airsoftforum.com/board/lofiversion/index.php/t58091.html

A friend is lending me their extra chrono. I

I don't wan't to make another purchase but the only way I can find out if my work is right is with a chrono.

Someone in Filairsoft was asking for a upgraded gun for 5500, either an AK, M4, HK416... Good luck. An upgraded brand new (fresh from the gunsmith) would cost 10k.

Value for your Money: Avoiding Troublesome Purchases

2010-08-26T00:12:00.000-07:00

Mk12 SPR Mod 0. We just came from the Shop where we had the lemon's problems fixed, at only the cost of our time. Our time, being all three of us: Juna, Me and the Kaptain. The Kaptain's negotiations skills were very important, especially since I've not been trained nor very familiar at bargaining.

As for Divisoria Haggling and Bargaining should be left for another blog who cares to share how to haggle (If you find one tell me; particularly a blog that explains the science behind it - FYI the science of that is found in behavioral economics).

Trigger Fixed, Charging-Handle and Dust-cover fixed.

Now lets Go to buying your Gun:

Step 1. Know what you want and set a deadline on the decision making process. Honestly we don't know what we want, when making economic considerations, considerations that have a cost benefit analysis many of us regular people don't have the will power and discipline to accept trade offs, especially when we are distracted by vague possibilities of gain or a better deal.

Close-Quarter Combat - Athletic and Fast Paced. Requires Light SMG, PDW and Carbine weapons.
"Jungle" or Skirmish - Slower Paced, but higher stress on tactics, patience, stealth and precision. Carbine to longer and more powerful guns.

Step 2. Research that GUN. Keep notes and write down the Product Type and Code. Read the reviews and be critical. Know what your getting into. Also, research all the guns there. Don't be satisfied with just the gun you would like, you might just miss a GEM (like we did: after buying the problematic Mk12, we found a Jing Gong M4 that was their late model before they were closed. It had metal bushings and 490mm barrel. Plastic Body, 450fps!, Li-poly ready, full stock, rail guards, etc.. etc.... DAMN! for Php6000 ($110) last price! -partly because we bought 2 guns in a month from them).

Most importantly, look at your schedule. Don't hurry, but neither be lax. If it is a good deal, your not the only genius who will see it. It doesn't take a genius to see a good deal, someone can just buy the gun cause they happen to really like it for some irrational purpose. Set reasonable deadlines, based on your resources of cost and time.

Step 3. Bang for Buck Rule of Thumb. Know your gearbox. here is a rule I failed to learn in time, just because the gun is expensive, doesn't mean the internals are reinforced. You have to ask specific questions about such a gun. Even the expensive Taiwan, Japanese and HK brands have stock plastic and the same quality as China-Made.

First question - What are the Bushings? If they are metal. If they are not, thats Php400+service to the cost. Also that means they can be used for the higher voltage Li-Poly. If there is, consider that when calculating value, If none add it to the value.

Second Question - What is the Bore-up? Check my previous writing about cylinders. If you are crazy for ROF have your pick of the many Types. If you are for Power you will need Type-0. This costs 550-600. Like the other consider it when assessing the over all value.

Third Set of Questions - How is the gear box? Notice I began from specifics and moved to general parts of the gear box. Versions II and III are the most common. Other gearboxes are rarer and harder to repair, replace or find parts for. So yeah, Gear Box matters a big deal. You don't want a gear box (like the Socom) which is so hard to replace in the Philippines.

Fourth set of Questions - What are the features? Check if there are added extras. Scope, Bi-pod, railings, etc. these all add to the guns total value. Admitedly the railing is a big deal, if your adding stuff. If you remember the values good for you, if not its ok. remember what Values to you is important.

Step 4. Warranty or Strip Down Test. Now when we purchased the Mk12 Mod0 I had no experience with M-type guns. So i didn't spot the problems. Even if your green, like me, with guns just you have to ask the Guy to strip down the gun. Most of everything, except for the Gear box. There are no-warranties, so you will be sorely pissed if the gun breaks on first use.

During the point the guy is stripping down, use your basic level of observation and questioning skills to ask about each part and how durable it is. Don't worry taking notes about that, the focus is on reading the sincerity of the Merchant. (For Lie Detection and Counter-Deception Skills, you may want to read up Paul Ekman and related works found in the Disciplines of game theory, behavioral economics and Psychology-Cognition).

If they have no one to strip it down, then ask them for a warranty (which they won't give). The purpose of this is to extract a promise that if the gun breaks they can be held accountable. Don't be satisfied if they give promise, in fact be more cautious if they easily give the promises.

You only need to give the money after all these are done. You don't have to when after. Being a critical, but fair, customer is a good reputation. It discourages people to try to put tricks on you. This positive effect is more effective if you spend a fairly large amount relative to how much you look like you can afford to spend.

Last note: Check for- Cleaning rod, screwdriver and Allen-wrench, fast charger, battery, manual and condition of the Box. if its missing, first ask if they can make replacements... if not it will help you haggle for a better price. Remember these things are a BIG deal, like in my experience where out of my 3 guns I only have 1 cleaning rod... if that breaks no one imports it.

Just as a try, try to complain giving up your money. Make some story about having had an overtime, and missed some sleep, negotiate with your wife, how much you have to cut back (Not at the merchant but to the friend accompanying you). Its not meant to lower the price, its meant to show how "hard-earned" the money is. It is meant to make the merchant perceive your money as very valuable to you.

Another tactic is to talk about how much it is a gift for another person and how happy you are you are going to surprise it and they'll love it.

Step 4. Analyse and Learn from your lessons, not regret making them. In the end, if you followed your schedule you will least feel buyers remorse or regret for any irrational reason. Doing anything at the given amount of time and reason will always look less when you look at it in the perspective of knowing better after the fact: This is called Focusing effect, a distracting irrationality that makes people hung up on the decisions they make.

More on Barrel length Controversy

2010-08-24T23:41:00.000-07:00

Defining Terms: I'm looking specifically at the articles that say: It doesn't help, yet no one is posting experimental conditions.

Scientific Control. I've been looking for posts that specifically have science journal standards of control and experimentation. In fact, considering the dilema, consider what Experiment should be enough to settle the matter. A Controlled Experiment is necessary in clearing up the matter. Only this would have the enough weight to satisfy any party.

Accuracy Definition. Another thing that needs Definition is what constitutes accuracy: A consistent flight path OR straight flight. My definition is predictable/reliable flight path.

No proof either way, just hypothesis (it is only when documented experiments are published can we say Theory). Now since the Jury seems out. It is cheapest to hedge your bet and invest in both.

Your own experiment. The simplest experiment is to simply recreate the air piston effect on several 6mm barrels. You don't need airsoft guns, you just need a highly controlled set of air pressure generators that will produce a consistent volume and pressure of air ever attempt. The experiment will have to use hop up as well, because this is a factor of all the AEGs.

Factors include Auto fire and single fire.

Something like the internal set up of a sniper rifle. Checking how consistent the flight path is.

Surprising find in this Search. Then I stumbled on to this PDF. The only Published Documented Scientific paper about it. I have to yet verify the source but its disturbing since DW40 is a no-no by my gunsmith. In summary, it is the WD40 that made the BBs more slippery and better performing as it cut through the air. Notice that all the papers that should be supporing it is not found, so until sources can be verified this could be a hoax designed to ruin guns.

More Links I've read up: (note, no Controlled Experiment, or something close to it yet, technically they are all claims till someone posts findings scientific peers can review).

Why Barrel Length Doesn't Affect Accuracy - Airsoft Forum

http://www.pyramydair.com/blog/2005/04/is-airgun-barrel-length-important.html

Accuracy vs Consistency: I don't need the BB to fly straighter, I just need to know where its going. As for consistency, longer barrels mean less possible variations of path. Imagine light coming out of the barrel, it begins as a cone as the barrel is very short. As it gets longer the light is less like a cone and more like a cylinder. This is because, light bouncing around the barrel: Like the BB, has fewer and fewer possible exits and paths to get out.

In both microscopic and high speed recordings, you can imagine that every imperfection undetectable to the naked eye is influencing the BB. Don't forget the very fine imperfect grasp of the human hand.

Xlizers Post explains the science best I've seen so far.

Here is a vitalization he was talking about.

Investigating Bore Up: What is the Longest Barrel i can use?

2010-08-24T04:42:00.000-07:00

Airsoft Forum > Type 0 Vs Type 1 Cylinder In 363mm Barrel

lead by a search to as to why my Gunsmith put a Type 0 Cylinder.

Types of Cylinders. Notice where the hole is, its from having none to moving towards the middle. That measures total volume. So a Type-0 has no hole, thus maximum volume. Slower rate of fire but can accommodate longer piston and pushes more air.

Cylinders = Volume, w/c affects how much air is being compressed and used. Is more air good? well more air means greater pressure. You cannot have so much pressure with so little air, since you need to more of it to densely pack an area.

Hop-up and Rugby. Our gunsmith rugbys the hop-up for extra seal. I find this excessive. The airpressure coursing through the barrel might escape through the hop-up, but that would be more likely to happen if there is no where else for it to go.

Does Barrel Length Make BBs travel more accurately? Directly-No, Indirectly Yes- barrel length determine how long BBs are able to accelerate (increase speed exponentially over time), when they come out of the Barrel they move at a velocity diminishing over air resistance. Stronger helps make it travel straighter.

Note that I have no tests to back it up. In fact in terms of solid research and engineering tests, there seems to be none to clear up the speculation. Maybe if I hit it rich I'll do my own controlled experiments.

Arguments Against Barrel Length

http://forums.airsoftmechanics.com/index.php?PHPSESSID=0f26a6906864d0f005d2865d592424e6&topic=300.0

Other Arguments

http://www.acmeairsoft.com/showthread.php?t=8390

http://www.acmeairsoft.com/showpost.php?p=81757&postcount=13

http://www.acmeairsoft.com/showpost.php?p=81760&postcount=15

Its very complex, and once this is determined with some engineering study, it will help market what ever is being peddled. Imagine being a company who acts on this information, you invest in $10million on precision barrels OR sell your precision barrel maker. There is enough conflict of interest to keep everyone guessing and selling as much stuff as possible.

The thing is that, once someone produces the data and gets it critiqued QUIETLY enough and publishes it. They can decide what parts to prioritize. Once that happens, they don't only sell: Airsoft guns and parts: they sell technology and experience that allows the players to relax knowing the value of their investment. Having more companies fight out for market share is mostly good, particularly in a hobby that is for fun and exercise and isn't exactly a basic need (like medicine).

I recommend reading up on the opinions and look for anyone willing to make a controlled test.

RIddle of Bushings

2010-08-23T03:38:00.001-07:00

Such small pieces of metal and they cost around Php-400 to 600.

In the Gear-Box, specifically the Gears it should be no surprise these are made with Zinc-based die-cast metal, while the Steel-aluminum alloyed ones are a separate Php2,500-3,000. These gears are expensive, they should be since to cast them you need 1600Celcius while Zinc is 420Celcius. (then there is the matter that I work in manufacturing of Steel Furniture and workstations, so I have an idea what kind of machining tools makes what).

The Bore-up. So I'm told is the cylinder, the piston, and piston head. As I've learned, as with other things it determines the piston stroke which affects what kind of barrel the gun can use. Basically, the actions piston pulling back has a sucking affect for a fraction of a second. A longer barrel will have the BB still in it when the sucking begins.

I visited Philippine Airsoft today. I asked if they can install the parts I purchase, and they will for no additional cost. As the legal carrier, their prices are legal and more expensive. I met the Gunsmith Tim and asked him a number of elementary questions about gear boxes. Having more than one gunsmith explain these things to you is important as well as reading up on the matter.

My Future costs if I choose to upgrade my G3 back to 450fps@.25.

I found out that my barrel is NOT 509mm but 469mm. In fact my gun is supposed to be for A2 barrel (509mm). Craptastic, If I'm going for a new barrel, I might as well go 530mm. The gunsmith tells me it will cost 3000! Although I don't know if we're on the same page. I saw a 550mm selling for 2,200.

Checking where my 469mm barrel ends, with my Cleaning rod, Tape measure. I notice there is an allowance of 84mm. Thats enough for 553mm! I can hold a 550barrel.

Taking my extended flash-hidder, I have an increased 141mm to my barrel capacity to a total of 610mm.

Although thats 2,200 for the 550. :( At least I can buy it and the guys install it. Its upgrading a bit at a time. As I can afford it.

Then there is the spring. That is cheap over there and they will install it for you. I can use SP130 and a long barrel of 550 will cost me 2200. I also have to sell off my systema barrel of 469mm. Where am I going to sell that? That is going to be a bad hit. If only I can sell it at half its original price: 900.

Today in Airsoft, Murphy Galore

2010-08-22T02:19:00.000-07:00

The BBs tend to Jump at a 20-30 degree angle. 1:3 shots do that, which is very annoying and debilitating. Today I learned my FPS is only 380@.25. that would mean @.2 I have around 425FPS. It seems to have gotten very low, very fast.

I learned to remove my Receiver from the G3. I was able to access the barrel and really clean it thoroughly while avoiding the hop up. I used Q-tips for that area and was able to really polish the metal with cotton cloth.

I'm a bit paranoid about my FPS loss could be from having weak compression because of this video. Although it is a CA brand, I'm not so sure about how food

Murphies Galore. Juna's BOYI BI-5281 (M16 SPR Mod-1) was a freaking lemon. First it was the white markings from the styro-foam. It could not come off with a soft scrub or wash. Then it was the magazines, it has problems fitting DBOY mags (the company that makes accessories for their guns). Third it was the Charging Handle won't open the Hop-up chamber, and then to finish it all off the trigger breaks in the middle of a defense against a siege.

The box was already beat up when we bought it. It should have been a clue. Being opened often and probably exposed does no good for the zinc di-cast alloy.

Less than 48 hours from being bought.

Buyers beware. its the second time I'm part of an expensive Airsoft Purchase. My JG AK tactical and JG T3-K3 (G3A3) were 4500 and 4000 respectively.

Fortunately I brought my AK. He could still play and not have to sit it out.

We also had a Team mate's shoes give out, after his long absence. Good thing theres duct tape.

I feel partly responsible because I helped him buy that gun. Now the Kaptain, Juna and I are planning to go there and ask for a replacement. It just has too many problems. Compared to the Jing Gong AK tactical, at least everyone in the team has one and knows what to expect.

6mm Bushings. Just found realized the bushings for our gearboxes are all 6mm. The BI-5381 has 7mm bushings. I'm trying to look for a Jing Gong model that has 8-9mm bushings. Bigger bushings, the more punishment they can take and the higher the FPS it can take.

JG G3 mags. Philippine Customs are crazy corrupt. I even had a fight and confronted them about how arbitrary and obscure their tax and fines are. One particular thing about them is that the Book that would hold both the arguments For and Against an additional fee is only found in the Philippine Library and not available to the Average Citizen. No online guidelines, No copies being circulated in the Bookstores, No nothing.

My $9 or Php400 JG G3 mags in total cost Php1000 each. I bought 4, its like I bought a new gun. Again, the AK is more superior.

Eight policemen killed in Samar ambush - INQUIRER.net, Philippine News for Filipinos

2010-08-21T04:00:00.000-07:00

Eight policemen killed in Samar ambush - INQUIRER.net, Philippine News for Filipinos:

As tragic as it may be, It reads as a prelude to an adventure. You can Just imagine soldiers with all forms of obstructions and distractions coming their way.

Jg Ak-47 Tactical Version Review - Airsoft Forum

2010-08-20T22:15:00.000-07:00

Jg Ak-47 Tactical Version Review - Airsoft Forum

This is my AK. Bought if Php4,500, same as in the Review it costs $90.

The internals had a lot changed.

600 Metal Spring Guide

600 Cylinder

400 Bushings

100 Shims

100 O-ring

150 Air Nozzle

1800 A2 509mm Systema Tight Barrel

750 Spring SP110

450 Flashhider (since my AK barrel length)

700 Service

------------

5650 + 4500 = 10,150

Inspiriation about BB costs

2010-08-20T16:15:00.000-07:00

Long Barreled guns are cumbersome. They are a lot of effort to wield and they are not that helpful in CQB situations. But one interesting aspect of a Gun callibrated for precision in airsoft is the savings.

Get the price you pay per Pack, and divided it into Magazines.

G3 Mag @500 is Php37.5 worth of BBs. Thats equivalent to a small meal or 2 way commute.

AK mag @600 is Php45 worth of BBs. now that is already the cost of a lowest end rice meal in fast food.

20m is a challenging shot for short barreled guns. Assault rifles which are not tight barreled trying to hit an arm-sized or half a head sized target will be needing long bursts. In airsoft this range is about the medium range. Consider that most of the time, targets would be very small even if this is relatively close.

Consider that 13 round burst would cost Php1. Every time you bring a streaming set of bbs online to hit that target, that is a 1 peso expense. Supprsession costs this much, but Kills at these extreme ranges of 20-30m for short barrels are expensive to hit. Especially when, relatively speaking, the target looks so close the temptation to finish a magazine just to get them is strong.

20m is challenging. In my experience long barreled (509mm+) at 380fps@.25 would be able to hit a half-head sized target. In my experience, when my G3 is working fine, I can easily shoot it in 2:3 rounds.

20m with good wind at the same target size can take double the amount of BBs to hit at 1:3 . It could take 1:2 rounds, depending on polish and conditions. At this range BBs can be dodged and only a flatfooted foe can be hit (if he will be admitting)

30m is very hard to hit my current config as above. Although the Kaptain might be able with 500fps@.28s with a 530mm barrel. For me it would be Php1-2 tracing and arcing shots. Once I start doing this the target that is smart would be displacing and his allies would be able to tell my position because of the fine line of BBs the Li-poly Increased ROF will create.

DIY Airsoft - Preparation

2010-08-19T20:42:00.000-07:00

This is the dream, and will pretty much be the dream for a while until certain facts and data is collected.

What you need for foundation:

Organized and Meticulous. Admittedly, if you have these two traits (learned them or disciplined yourself to have them) then you can do anything.
A more experienced Gunsmith and skilled internet research skill. If you have either and both, then you are on your way.
Imagination. Note that to reduce risk and FUBAR to as low as possible, always research what you are about to do (see previous) and imagine all the fine details that may go wrong. Experience with do other projects helps develop the intuition for finding "Murphies".

What you Need:

The Work-desk. This is written for amature guys like me who cannot afford a dedicated workshop, but live in an apartment that can only afford space for a desk and a wall. The previous posts have notes on a workdesk and I recommend going to Unclutterer, LifeHacker, and Flickr for DIY workstations and workshops.
Tools, Safety and Cleaning materials.
Reference materials. Always have some reference materials, never go in blindly. If you are going to, be prepared for the consequences and the possibilities.

DIY airsoft is both Complex and Laborious. We reduce Complexity by researching the problem and breaking it down to simpler and simpler steps and processes. We develop systems that are compensate our amateur abilities by using our own problem-solving and resourcefulness to find others who will know the answer.

Labor is reduced by tools, but more importantly by taking careful note the processes and experiments done in spirit of Kaizen or scientific method. That attitude that looks at problems with the appreciation of their size but with the morbid curiosity of how to challenge it. Expectations are the main problem with labor, since failing them creates frustration and triggers factors that make this keen logical exercise burdened with distracting emotions. Particularly irrationalities like Sunk-cost effect, Cognitive Dissonance, Grass is greener, and all other irrationalities when attempting something for one's benefit when there are economic considerations for the amount of work being done.

Building is a decision making process... and I can go on and on about this.

hindsight lessons; keeping WW2 gear cheap...

2010-08-19T17:25:00.001-07:00

I'll rewind before I blew 13000 and re-do this all in a cheaper way. If you can find a cheaper way please do. For people getting into the hobby a cheaper option is always better.

The Gun. MP40, the submachine gun sells for 3500 in divisoria. If you can get a Bolt-action Airsoft rifle for Php2,000 you transfer the body and make it look like a Kar98.

The BDU. German Uniform 1400, top only. as long as you have pants of the same color and fabric, you will save a lot by just getting the top. I bet you can have a regular mananahi/tailor make the same kind, for 1200 for top and bottom, provided the fabric!. The "tunic" is very large can covers much of the pants area where only the legs are visible. The cap can be DIYed. Tip, don't make it loose fiting, make it fit well and look good. These are mostly photo opts anyway.
Tags, DIY because in the end, in the Photos its harder to tell the stitched version from the DIY, painted or printed out version. Save 300
Collar and Shoulder Tabs. DIY them. they are mostly plain black boards undecorated except for a "lightning" styled font of SS. You can just pain that on, print, cut and paste it on etc. Save 600
Gaiters. Don't need the Gaiters, they cost 550, your better off getting a new pair of black boots for 600-650. So if you already have a nice pair of black boots, just don't get them anymore.
All Canvas Goods, the Load Bearing Straps, The pouches etc. Take the time to learn to make it yourself, that way you can repair them when they break. OR borrow a set and bring them over to Quiapo or your tailor to be replicated. Save 3000 (thats practically a new gun).

Total less than 6-7k

never do it in a hurry. In such an exercise, weigh options carefully.

Got my MP44 Back; Other notes.

2010-08-17T20:25:00.000-07:00

Ok the tally is that:

Air-nozzle

O-ring

Spring Guide

The gun runs much better and clocks at 450-460fps (0.2) or 405-415 (0.25). When i was test firing it, the trajectory appears consistent. I'll know more on sunday.

Barrels 101.

Stock barrels are 6.08mm in diameter. A barrel has a more noticeable increase of accuracy for every 2" or 50mm increase. For most AEGs the optimum barrel length is 550mm. Beyond that point, the piston stroke backwards, which draws in air will start to affect FPS.

The standard Tight barrel has a diameter of 6.04mm allowance. It increases FPS by 30-50. As an example, if my Stock MP44 is clocking at 450@.2, a tight barrel would make it 480-500. My G3 Clocking at 450-460@.2, without the tight barrel would be 400-430@.2; the my AK clocking at 425@.2 would be around 375-395.

The cheapest barrel is the Madbull. Its made of aluminum coated with teflon. Now if you cook, you would know teflon wears over time and this is the complaint the smithy has with this barrel. As with the materials, the barrel is cheap, costing Php1000.

A good tight barrel costs around Php1500-2000 and its typically Systema's brass barrel. Now, if you've read the post about Die-cast, soft-non ferrous metals are Ideal for casting into a precision mold. If you remember your alloys Brass is also great because it has good stress resistance and holds well against corrosion.

The most expensive and highly sought barrel is the Prometheus brand. This japanese manufacturer makes a 6.02mm steel barrel. This is expensive and rare, only a few shops import this and they are the higher end ones, like Philippine Airsoft along Annapolis. Its heavier, which is a good thing, because it can absorb more of the shaking from the receiver.

Long Barrel equals Groups and more predictable flight paths, not necessarily straighter. What you want is that you know where you BB is going relative to your gun sight, straight shooters only happen with real guns.

Cleaning the Barrel. Clean with the Cleaning Rod only before reaching the very end. I just learned that tough tissue paper, ideal for cleaning barrels because it is ideal for cleaning glass, gets snagged and leave debris when hitting the hop-up chamber.

An Aweomse Airsoft 101 on Parts and Mechanics! I got it from this great explanation of what an O-Ring is (Read it, you'd be surprised how cheap it should be). What is an O-Ring?

What are bushings and shims?

What are Spring Guides - In Summary it increases FPS.

Why would you change the Cylinder? - In summary it helps in ROF

250 Bushings and Shims - From plastic to brass, needed when upgraded springs. The most expensive kind is

750 Springs - Strangely all springs cost the same. These are for FPS.

1500-1800 - Tight barrel FPS. Length only affects accuracy.

500-700 Service

-------------------------------------

3500 Basic Upgrades.

2500 Li-poly smart chargers

1500+150 1800mA Lipoly and adaptor

--------------------------------------------

4150 Accessory Upgrades.

Airsoft Tourism; Stg44 update.

2010-08-16T23:28:00.000-07:00

Rumor is that Airsoft Guns will not anymore be classified as "Real Guns". Its quite clear why the hobby is targeted by gun control. If you look at the prices and the amount of purchases a year in airsoft, thats a whole lot of mulaa. Next to Hong Kong, AEG prices in the philippines can be equal to that of their Retail Price.

What opportunities does Airsoft provide for the Philippines? Airsoft Tourism, duh.

The Japanese are not allowed metal guns and certain level of "Gun" pimping for their Airsoft. We don't have that constraint, second we are already a tourist and retirement destination for them. Our lower cost of living and lower costs, can make Military Simulation Tourism possible.

Several Acres of Jungle or Forests, if you look at the mountain provinces, and few trained military personnel and a small security detachment for manpower, marshaling, first aid, "opposing forces" and tourist services would be quite awesome.

It is a job for some entrepreneurial Japanese as well, in their sluggish economy. I think my gun-selling uncle might like the idea and my dad has enough Japanese contacts, I guess. I don't mind if someone else implements this as long as its giving Filipinos jobs and our plundered government some tax revenue.

I'm surprised there aren't any Tourism Corporation that are selling shares for settlements to foreigners as a way to let more foreign investment come in and side-step the anti-foreign land ownership laws.

Of course Ideally these tourism groups would use bio-degradable BBs.

Not just japanese, but Chinese, Hong kongers and anyone who wants to try out different terrains and ours particularly. As well go airsoft gun shopping.

Stg44 update. The gunsmith called and he's happy to report the gun is now fixed. When I first bought it, it was only 410fps when most new models were 450fps. When I had him look it over, I had to pay an additional 700 service, 300 for nozzle, and 600 spring guide. it works fine now.

So in the final Tally

2800 German Uniform and Cap. (needs new fitting, the measurements were not properly implemented)
550 German Gaiters (Its almost like buying a new pair of boots)
300 German Army Tags
250 Collar Tabs
6800 AGM Stg44
700 Service
300 Air Nozzle
600 Spring guide
200 O-ring

12,500 (too much)

MP44 StG44 Internals Review.

All metal Version II Piston Guide
8mm Brass Bushings
Excellent Quality Steel Gears.
Poly Piston and Piston Head
Poly Culinder Head with 0-Ring Seat
M4/M16 stule plastic
Type-0 Polished Stainless Steel Cylinder
M16 Style Trigger and switch Harness.

Typical Concerns:

O-Ring
Air Nozzle
Kind of Grease
Piston,
Piston Head,
Piston
Spring Guide

For 6800 + 1100 of upgrade parts. At almost 7900, it is Ready to be fitted with a stronger spring and a tight barrel (+750 and +1500) for a total of 10,150 it has VERY good performance to cost ratio.

If you work backwards to see how much it would cost if the internals were just like many of the stock kinds.
8mm Bushings Compatibility (a new Gearbox, would cost Php2500)
8mm Bushings Php600
Excellent Quality Steel Gears Php1200??
Added Value of 4300, not counting the service and the running around to get these. If you subract it from the cost of the gun now 7900 thats leaves around 3600. So the base gun costs around 3600. Not bad.

Missing that I Planning to make on my own:

Shoulder Tabs (simple black tabs) (P350)

Canvas Load Bearing A-Straps

StG44 mag pouches x2

Large Belt (made out of a security guard's belt).

Other future Expenses:

2x other Hi-cap Stg44 mags (@800)

Fiberglass Stahlhelm 2000

Your Brain on Computers - Studying the Brain Off the Grid, Professors Find Clarity - NYTimes.com

2010-08-16T22:43:00.000-07:00

Your Brain on Computers - Studying the Brain Off the Grid, Professors Find Clarity - NYTimes.com: "It was a primitive trip with a sophisticated goal: to understand how heavy use of digital devices and other technology changes how we think and behave, and how a retreat into nature might reverse those effects."

I want to go hiking. Of course I need to find a good place, where I can safely park my car, call for help in an emergency, and run through a quick list of skills and things to try. Navigation, Tracking, Pathfinding, etc. No point getting really hurt which would only to frustrate myself.

Hopefully, drag friends with me and eventually the wife.

Lesson for the week, Divisioria Venture, and Workshop Aspirations

2010-08-16T19:56:00.001-07:00

Lesson Learned Last week: Count them, before the game begins and as the hits are called. Both the enemies and ourselves.

Divisoria Venture. the other group of guys are going to divisoria and I plan to check it out with them. I plan to blog what I find and try to make sure I can name and remember all the details. I always keep a small black notebook handy.

Things I'll be looking for: airsoft guns, canvas, leather, fabrics, supplies and tools there. Also where best to park and what time to go.

Workshop Ambitions.

I'm planning to build my own mini-workshop. It has many uses, one that is not commonly found is the sense of self-reliance when one learns to more handyman skills. Sometimes some ideas are too hard to show other people and easier to implement by one'self, also it gives great appreciation regarding engineering reality.

from Jimmi
1. Set of large files
2. set of fine, small files
3. a good set of chisles
4. basic tool set: various sizes and types of screwdrivers
5. Various pliers
6. Hammer
7.Hacksaw
8. Metal vice grip
9. Dremel rotary tool
10. Power drill
11. Epoxy metal
12. Lots of super glue
13. A Medium, bolted or mounted Vise/Vice.
14. Containers for organizing, it may be costly but its easier to keep track of what you have and need. This means less trips for supplies, more efficient purchasing, and being able to easily fix a situation since all the pieces are more accessible.

Power Tools
1. Dremel, with all the blades, files and whirly add-ons
2. Drill, with as many sizes and other add-ons.

Some of My own notes.

A lot of Shelves and Storage space. Max out all the space around the work area.
easy to reach plugs for power tools.
Ventilation.
Table Legs should posts isntead of the flat wide boards, it is easier to clean around them.
Have something easy to put in the floor for easy cleaning.
Have a dedicated cleaning tools or make adjustment to the kinds of vacuum reach you have.
Fire-hazard protection: small extinguisher or a DIY extinguisher.
Ask, a lot is trial and error and asking is cheaper than going out and buying correction. be very meticulous and detailed. Take pictures and observant, look for details that may be taken for-granted but may be very important in implementation.
Use Life-Hacker, Unclutter, and DIY for sources of workshop pictures and designs.

What I want to do with my Workshop.

Learn to maintain my own guns. Basic repairs, maintenance and mods.
Make my own customization to fit my particular style of playing. Have a unique advantage only I can make or engineer with my own scientific approach.
Do household repairs and tinker with broken appliances.
Make monstrosities! See what I could do with some ingenuity and broken stuff around the house.

Game Today August 15

2010-08-15T02:15:00.001-07:00

Thanks to PJ for the pix.

Game 1: 10:30am
Modern and MaskO Defend, Phil-Xcouts Attack
11:11???

Juna, J3(me), and Kaptain

We clearly had the bigger advantage. High ground, more ammo because of better era guns, site vets.

We are at the top of the hill, and they started at the bottom. Kaptain was at the top bunker at look at, Juna left most side of the bunker, and I was at the right slope behind a fallen large tree.

when the fighting broke out, the PS walked downhill. Half tried to go to the farthest end of the site. they were visible until they got to the bamboo grove where we couldn't tell what happened next.

Time passes and eventually the site veterans, 3 in black rush down to reinforce the very vulnerable low lying area. Surprisingly Canine Chum in his ghilisuit was an early causality and was walking up from directly below me.

After a while Kaptain localizes them and it is relayed to the 3 vets. One guy is taken out and One vet knife kills all 4! they were all huddled too close together.

After confirmation of cleared, i moved to the top bunk where I tried to spy the remaining opfors. Spotted 1, and quickly relayed it to everyone. I could barely localize the leftmost fire source and as i tried to keep spotting I heard a hit. Seeing there was no other thing that can be hit and I was exposing my head to spy where the source was I concluded it was a hit and left.

Game 2 after an hour delay. 11:35

Numbers ???

Phil-Xcouts defend, Modern and MaskO attack

Odds are we are even.

we start at the farthest left end of the field. It doesn't slope so much and in fact it has a bit of a higher ground to the starting bunkers and tower. But its leftmost along the wall is easy spot because it doesn't have bushes or grass but thin small trees, saplings, and tall but narrow trees.

the MaskO guys went high, the site vets low, and CTO middle with 3 other guys. Juna begins with the initial charge and run to the plastic cylinders that act as an obstacle and hard cover. Kaptain and I follow, and Juna successfully advances to the Bamboo grove in the middle of the area. He later advances to the giant pipe. He is now only one rush away from the a low and separate bunker. After that I fail to see him and proceed to work my way to parallel his advance.

A new dug out bunker before the bridge is where I was able to successfully rush. I was confident knowing how hard to see from behind the bunkers advances without peeking to visibly. I could see the tower, connecting bunker to the tower, and the leftmost bunker side. I was shooting it till I realized the WWI pot helm was a decoy. Having a clear view I was coordinating 2 other guys who were trailing Juna. From here I get 2 guys. Their WWI helms add another 5 inches to their head hight and a clear ring tells them they were hit. Range must be around 18-20 meters, any quarter head sized was hittable after a 2 second burst.

I stay here for a while and consume 2 mags worth. Shooting at tower, what I can see from the connecting bunker and took potshots of a decoy hat to draw attention. Strangely no one was attacking me?

eventually joined the charge up when 4 more people reached my bunker. I took what was Juna's place and I only realize he was not around anymore because an MaskO guy took his place. With a healthy amount of support fire we got close and I was able to get into the top bunker and bait myself to clear it... people were asking if there was any left outside with no confirmation... in the end it was paranoia and an unconformable lesson if my movements to the tower and securing it was good or bad approach.

game 3, 1230pm.

Same scenario since they are handicapped but 1 mag only.

It began with the 5 MaskO behind the pipes behind the center bamboo grove, the vets declaring to go and run accross the fringe and the remaining un-taken path was taking the leftmost area and hoping to take them on.

I went a head and went pretty extreme. I learned that after a long climb and that there was no more net for a distance. I proceed to walk along the precarious edge of what still the playing area, very slowly.

Around the time I got to the beginning of the net which had one of the rare thick tunked trees of the area Juna seemed to look like he declared he was hit. Kaptain took the area he was in and I was confused if that was still Juna. I learn that later on when I was shot at 30m while behind 50% cover.

Upon going out, I saw Juna clearing that part up. We watched and Canine Chum was using Vinegar and Baking Soda "grenades". Upon realizing the source of the pop, the very start of the day the guy was testing the bombs without alerting Juna and I as toured him the area... no fire in the hole, so safety warning...

Anyway, this began to make one while we watched behind the net. Being too excited and shaking it alot it blew up right as he threw it. Juna says he should be dead, I should have agreed with him because it was Santas's Chief Elf's m1garand that had the precision to pick us out and shoot us from 30m with snap shots and he was at the feet of Canine Chum.

Then Rain and a rush to get to the car and gear off.

Alone... Blogging Fil-Airsoft

2010-08-13T09:19:00.000-07:00

What I learned in Airsoft Notice my updated Blog Links, sadly everyone has moved to facebook... this seems to be the last Fil-Airsoft Blog. I went through 1000 profiles and this is all I came up with, there are 3600 profiles that have airsoft in their interests. Of them all these is what I could scrounge up.

BDUs arranged by Order I got them

2010-08-12T21:53:00.000-07:00

This is my second BDU. Only the pants were custom made. My first set which i've lent out were all stock, and too short that when I do athletic tasks they ride up and down exposing ass crack, removing protective gear, and exposing flesh. This second BDU, corrects most of the problem of the first with a much larger sized pants.

The first bdu is a tighter fit. It was when i was still 150-160lbs. I'm now 165 working my way to 160 with a bit more tone and muscle to prevent injuries and of course to look better.

This is what I have in common with my dad who bikes, armoring up.

My thrid BDU, when Cadpat was available our team order en-mass. It was the better BDU in drier and brighter green terrain. The Digi-jungle's strenght is in wet and dark greens. The bright green Cadpat is great for dry season and the first months of the wet season.

The BDU selection of our team is highly critical. In the begining the guys were using tigerstripes.

A refitted set of both Top and Bottom DigiJungle was my x-mas gift to myself. Notice how long it is. I had to ask the tailor to add 8inches to the torso length. I do admit it looks long, but see here it was just right. Raising my arms and a lot of torso action won't make this ride up.

Which brings me to how long it is. Its so long, my wife made a dress out of it.

This tropical woodland, I learned was the greener woodland cammo was a gift sent over by my brother Gaspar. I had to buy the bottom, but having a set is so classic.

Plain OD, for when it gets 40C in the Philippines. Heat stroke and exhaustion can happen in the field when people need to keep their manhood intact.

All of these were exhausting to examine. They were all hot and I was sweating alot. I feel naked without my Load Bearing Gear, so its in all shots. Where else am i going to keep +4lbs of equipment without having a wardrobe malfunction?

Smart Chargers and Charging NiCad Airsoft Batteries

2010-08-11T04:52:00.000-07:00

This is my Smart Charger. It has a freaky long name. G.T. Power A6 Intelligent Digital Multifunctional Balance Charger/Discharger.

Anyway funny thing is that over time my Ni-Cad batteries seem to have lower and lower mA. My 1500mA stock batteries are now 1340 and 848ma respectively. I tried looking online and I was curious about the Cycling.

Anyway, today the oldest of my batteries discharged and charged at 700s. The Cycling options allows me to give a number of cycles. Since its already at half I though I might try cycling one more time after the recent charge. After 2 hours when I checked this time the battery is now at 800s.

Anyway this website says its bad. In fact according to this the proper way to charge a NiCd is a very slow charge 50mA or a "delta-v" which sounds like fast charge and stop when its hot. For my 1500mA batteries the slow trickle charge at 50ma is a 30 hour charge.

This is confusing me. :(

In summary. Charge your battery, but check every hour or as frequent as possible for any change of temperature. Any notable change in temperature marks its near full. It doesn't have to be hot. Just make sure the batteries are "cool" (relative to room temperature). When it starts to feel hot, stop.

Final Solution. For those who don't have smart chargers. My smart charger gives me the stats of my expenditure for the week. The best way to measure is by number of BBs fired, or in a larger and easier to handle grouping, magazines.

My SP130 G3 eats up 200mA per 500round mag. This is a very rough estimate. This value will not work the stock guns. This is very imperfect and intuitive idea of how much to charger per mag.

I recommend taking meticulous note on how many mags you used up in the day. Then time your charging. You can check on it every 15mins. Using the charger stats determine with the amount of time the passed how much mA the battery must have taken to charge.

Example. You have a fully charged bat. You followed the link above regarding the science of it. You know that while charging (you could be watching TV, or able to check on it every 5mins) there was a change of temprature marking its near completion.

With a Full batt, you expended 4 mags worth of BBs with you 300cap M4/M16 Mag into a specially made fully padded container (so that you can recycle the BBs, or using Bad BBs).

You have a charger that charges 300mA (per hour). It would take 5 hours for you 1500mA battery. When the battery is cool, you start charging and begin a timer. You check on it every 5-10mins, while watching something or doing chores. You come back at around 1 hour and when there is a very noticeable temperature change you stop the timer.

You learn those 4 mags equal 1 hour of charging. So 15mins per magazine. You right it down on the batt, with a silver pen on the black electric tape. If your meticulous you would probably note your magazine consumption.

Die-Cast Parts

2010-08-10T19:21:00.000-07:00

Die-Casting is how airsoft parts are made. Of course, there are a couple of drawbacks that comes with non-ferrous substance (like bronze, aluminum, lead, tin etc.). Before I enumerate some of them, I have to point out the key advantages why they are used:

Precision and Cost. Contrary to what my teacher and high-school said about aluminum, it is a very common metal. So its a "cheap" metal. it also has some weaknesses like stress and shaping. Cracking and Brittleness is a problem of some die-cast metal over time.

Ferrous-Metal Rusts, Copper-based metal (verb for Patina), but the die-cast parts gets brittle. Compared to plastic it is more durable, but compared to copper or ferous based its weaker.

The Holy grail of airsoft parts would be a Gearbox made in the same way as precision tool steel parts, like that of a car. But that is not possible, unless some manufacturer thinks they can make a profit with the cost of having Die-Casting molds for such... as of this time, no one thinks thats cost effective.

Die-cast for Tool Steel is going to be hella expensive. Given that die casting was used to maintain a level of precision, the equipment that can pressure molten steel into a perfect mold takes several prototypes and a pretty large set of facilities. Basicaly, its not possible without each unit costing a lot!

Imagine several million pesos per prototype and thats only 1 gear box. The cost of materials is also very expensive being Tool Steel, even more so if Brass. It is possible, but it takes a real artificer to come up with a cost effective solution. then another several million for the plan, and another few million in the starting inventory. If you weren't able to find some buyers for your parts early on, that inventory is going to just sit there and eat up costs.

Its just exhausting imagining the pain and struggle it takes to have that product that is just SO niche. Although, I do admit given that China Plants moving to HK will raise their costs. If the Philippines jumps into that market, with a METAL type fabrication plant = large bunch of ferrous metal part, it would be a scary new world.

Ideally its not trying to compete with HK in airsoft, its more off letting them buy you off. Steel Gearboxes for pneumatic pistons is not just for Airsoft btw, its also for nail guns and other similar tools.

One possible but really expensive

WW2 Asia Arsoft - AUG 1 all WW2 airsoft day

2010-08-07T23:12:00.000-07:00

WW2 Asia Arsoft - AUG 1 all WW2 airsoft day

more pics regarding WW2 asia.

I bought my MP44 in kids collection in circle C congressional for 7000. There are some left in Quiapo and Makati Cinema Square for 8600. Although some bargaining points are the following:

Loose Pin Lock (where the real version's cartriges are supposed to eject and where the hop up is located.

No magazines in the market.

Loose Dust Cover Lock

Last Stock, and very old inventory.

The BullPup AK, no more CQB only gun.

2010-08-04T22:46:00.000-07:00

I won't get a Close-Quarter Combat Gun. According to my Gunsmith my proposal of Bullpup mod will work!

Basically, the buttstock is easily removable. I can get the factory to carve a but that will encompass what was the former handle which is where the dynamo is placed. Remove the old trigger guard and the receiver has enough space for wiring a new handle and trigger up front.

Its so do-able, my gunsmith is considering doing the same mod for his crew. The problem with the L85 bullpups is that they don't have replaceable parts, once it cracks its useless. This is a very small amount of mods to what is one of the most durable receivers. Heck the bullpup butt is going to be made out of wood and laminated black.

Recent Expenses.

2010-08-03T03:23:00.000-07:00

Recent Expenses. I'm doing this to track my expenses and to make sure it does not go beyond what I can afford. I do have a kid on the way.

x2 JG AK mags (Hi Cap, 600rnds) (@230) 460

x3 Pairs of OD cloth gloves (@40) 120

x2 2mm Polycarbonate Visors (@300) 600

OR Balaklava 220 (I should have kept the tags).

x2 Cadpat Hydration Packs and bladder (for local market) (@600) 1200

x2 Pistol Belt and H-Strap Harness (for local market) (@150) 300

x2 1Kg ICS 0.25g 6mm BBs (@300) 600

Woodland Fatigue Pants 600

Thigh Holster 350

Classic Army G17 replica (green-gas ready) 3700

Green Gass Canister 400

Php8010

If I were to get into WWII re-enacment. These are the costs I will be expecting.

Custom Made Cotton German WWII Uniform 2800

Uniform Tags 300

Collar Tabs and Shoulder Bands 500

Helmet (fiberglass replica) 1,000

Load bearing Y-Straps 1000

Canvas Magazine Pouches 2000

Gaiters 600

MP44 7500

3 Hi-cap Mags 1500

Face Shaped Mask 500

Total 14600 18700

Other Upgrades and Purchases I am gunning for in the future.

My G3

530mm Systema Tight Barrel 2000

Service 500

Total 2,500

My AK

Li-poly Battery 20C 11.1V 1800mA 1650

530mm Systema Tight Barrel 2000

SP130 Spring 750

Service 500

Replacement Sight 150

Total 3400

My CA G17

2 extra mag 3,000

Total 3000

Close-Quarter Gun

AK beta-spetz 3,500

Li-poly Battery 20C 11.1V 1800mA 1650 (long model)

Durability Upgrade 2,000

Move my old A2 barrel to the AK and install silencer to protect the extrusion

Silencer 500

Total 7650

Php 35,250. This means i have to find extra revenue of 36,000 in order to afford this dream expense. Holy crap... Ok thats something to consider. The AK is the gun to use in the Philippines. You can use it in the Re-enacment group cause it looks enough like an MP44 for some of the members. The Mags are easy to find and have the highest capacity, and its reciever is spacious and liked by many of the gunsmiths.

Rumor has it the China plants will be going back on line. There are millions to be made with their cheap-ass guns. Its a stupid rumor that they were closed down because of making "real guns". As someone who'se business is in manufacturing, the kind of metal you need for real-steel is very different from these guns. In fact much of these guns are taken from japanese marui molds and design... which are really designed against that very possibility.

Part of the WWII Alliance

2010-08-01T00:19:00.000-07:00

I just came from ALPADI where the WWII re-enactors group had a photoshoot, game and interview with GMA. It was a pretty good experience and the guys were so nice to lend us a suit. We played german and I played the gray infantry suit.

1st Game. Axis vs Allies.

We started at the left side of the field. It was fairly easy to spot the opponents here. It may be thicker but that just means more things to bump into and give away your position. It was pretty quick and the Allies were quickly defeated because it was easier for us to gain the higher ground.

1 Possible Longshot kill. The guy I was shooting at raised his hand and called out a hit, but I'm not sure if I was the only one who saw him. He was pretty easy to spot. So in the end, Unconfirmed.

2nd Game. Change Court.

This time it was a climb up. I was able to do that, despite the red clay mud. The multi-cam allies basically took the high ground by the start of the game and it was pretty easy from then. I was able to get 1 guy because of extended range of high-ground. I was able to shoot at one who knife killed my ally.

I knew my ally was too close to the wall and she was pretty quick and spry ducking behind the tree and popping out. Of course, blind sided by our own defenses, I was way back. He tried to knife kill me but i was too far. He even tried to BS his gun was too strong, but I was far enough to safely shoot with my AK. Not to mention, Bobby was in the tower taking pictures and saw the hole thing happen. i shot him at the same time he went for me at knife kill. And knife kill is arms reach, he was too close.

3rd Game.

In this game we played defense and had a medic. Same place at the second game, behind the bunker with a good vantage point. I was shooting where they were going, and I was test firing before the game at bb slice to get an idea how it is tracing. Surprisingly none hit, even when they were more exposed (half cover) since they were standing behind just tree cover.

No kills, and I got hit when they were able to advance firing like crazy in 1 hi-cap mag limit. Its weird because I was snap shooting the whole time with a 600rnd ak and it seems the guys were emptying mags.

Last week. 3 games at KM18. In a medic game I was able to have a long range kill because the guy I shot was beside the marshal behind the burm. I was also able to get a kill in the speed ball, but it was just lucky all my allies melted away.

So +2 more kills from last week and 2 kills this week. Not bad.

CA G17. Bought a Classic Army C17. Haven't had a chance to try it out. Still learning how to maintain it.

The AK has malfunction. I have to get it fixed I don't know whats wrong.

Preparing for a Game

2010-07-15T21:52:00.000-07:00

Preparing for a game takes some time. About leisurely 4 hours a week. What I mean by leisurely is that I can do something else while doing this, like watch tv or talk to my wife.

There are 3 groups of things you prep, if you don't include the guns. They are Safety, Supplies, and BDU. When I'm preping, I usually imagine or fantasize what I will be doing in the upcoming game. Visualizing helps me think of tiny details I may want to prepare for.

SAFETY: As it is the most basic and a requirement before playing, lets deal with safety.

Eye Protection (Balistic goggles) - Any pontential risk should be weighed against the Life Altering Consequences of Eye Damage. So Splurging on Ballistic Lenses, Contact Lense, etc are acceptable. Heck, you can use these things when cooking: cutting onions or fried food. Being a little paranoid about your eye safety is worthwhile. As i've said before, most basic priced eye-wear protect up to 400fps x 0.2g 6mm bb (1.24 Joules). Wire mesh don't protect against BBs that shatter to smaller pieces. Eye protection can be bought up to 7joules or ballistic goggles designed against shotgun scatter.
Facial Protection (Balaklava, Lower face mask) - BBs can scar, so cover up your face. These also serve to protect your ears!
Joint Protection (Knee and Elbow Pads) - the knee and elbow pads are a god-send when crawling through natural terrain. The knee pads help in kneeling, especially in long periods of time. In my personal experience, I can dive on concrete as long as my KEpads are secure and I land on them. If you twist your knee, the knee pads act to compress and restrict blood flow and prevent inflammation.
Manipulator Coverage (Gloves) - protect your hands from the dirty earth or garbage, and from thorns and sharp edges. Since you hands are also your last defense to protect your face, it would be nice to protect them.
Thick clothes (counts as clothes) - light clothes (top and bottom) weight about 2lbs or less are very thin. BDUs are twice as heavy. My BDUs are 4lbs.
Redundancy! Always have a spare, If something essential BREAKS in the middle of the game your out. Have a spare, anyway as you buy more gear to see if it fits you best you'll always have some stuff that isn't quite as awesome that can be handy having around.

BDU. Battle Dress Uniforms

BDU should suit your environment and weather. If it is too hot, use the shirts and shorts. Remember that heat needs to be ventilated away from the body for it to cool. Covered head to toe, just builds up heat. In rest periods, strip off unnecessary gear to cool. Don't let heat accumilate, heat exhaustion is too high a price to pay for the hobby.
BDU fit - experiment with best fits and know your movement. Keep notes about any recurring problem that comes to fitting. Mine was how the torso rides up!. the last thing I want is my but crack or waistline exposed as I'm crawling and getting shot. So I asked the tailor to add another 6-8inches to the torso length. It may look long like a Hauberk but the two layers of crotch and ass protection won't hurt when I'm being shot at.
Shoes. Hi-tops with ankle support is ideal since its a joint that is relatively small and easy to break. Although soft-soled shoes are great for sneaking in comfort, always weight them against ankle protection (since these are usually tennis or running shoes). Never bring unfamiliar shoes without a spare. Remember to spend a day or two testing the shoes, like bringing it to work (as they can look like regular black leather shoes) to see how they fit for extended periods.
Load Bearing Gear. I have to emphasize that this gear is the best way to store stuff while being very active. Personal and critical items, you just can't leave with your other things, to the extra mags, and emergency kits. Don't put them in your pockets. Pouches have redundant securing measures and its hella hard to look for stuff if you drop them.
Suspenders and Belts. I use suspenders because I hate it when crawling causes my pants to ride down. Its another layer of complexity but its worth it, it makes .

Supplies.

Hydration Pack - The amount of people dying in the running events in the philippines is enough to sternly remind oneself to hydrate properly, even if the weather may be cool. Inside your BDU, that may be a different matter entirely. Fill it up only to half, because you never know if you will find yourself slammed back when you dive backwards for cover.
More water - Bring for team mates, and some extra. You may not want to be helpless when someone just faints or is complaining about the heat and thirst. Its a team sport and covering your buddy is part of the experience. Styro coolers cost 250 in SM grocery. Recycled Plastic Bottles will do just fine.
Change of Clothes - change of clothes are an after thought, but are neccessary. You don't want to stink up the commute, your friends car or your own car. take a bath in alcohol and have a towel handy because even after dressing up you might still be sweating like me. Towells are one of the most essential survival tools anyway.
First Aid Kit - I have painkillers with me for a worse case senario. The last thing I want is discomfort making me unbearable or unable to think straight while I weigh my options. A complete first aid kit is better, anyway statically they are very useful.
Plastic Bags - I use the XXL garbage bag because, being tired I can't think straight and throwing all my clothes in is much simpler.

Organize them all. I separate them with plastics bags inside this huge P200 bag just so that I can keep each group in check. Have the checklist printed out in an easy to see place, and personally check and inspect everything. Put a date and add personal comments to file. Never rely on your own memory, rely on ink and paper because the discipline and the meticulous care and habits of preparation will be very handy for other things: like vacations or trips out.

Misc.

Radio is my only out of category item. they should really be with gear and guns group. right now I'm trying to make my own head set that works with my Crappy radio. after learning more about the batteries for airsoft, I realized that I should inspect radio battery if it is the type that eats up a lot of juice. "Funny" Radios have a listed range designed for the most unrealistic ideal conditions... the type of radio our team fell for :( Since it will bust our budget to buy one (6-8k!) and it competes with my next years budget I think I'll just find a way to fix the radio .

Guns... I'll tackle that in another post.

Today this Cripple Kicked Ass

2010-07-10T22:46:00.000-07:00

Last week I sprained my knee. No tear, just a hard pull which had no inflamation thanks to the tight knee pad.

Note: BoyP was there running the place. They Open at 9 now!

Ish is a friends wife who wanted to try, now that my other friend could not make it I had a spare gun. I told her it was just going to be the two of us, cause my captain is also sick and another player won't play without him.

KM18

1st Game. Attack.

Starting form speed ball area, Most of everyone took the high road. Some guy we met and introduced to, tool the middle and we stayed on the rightmost wall.

Crawled down the left side, of the field along the wall. Ish was with me, I feel I was able to sum up ever situation very easily every step of the way. Every time I would move, I would tell her what I will be doing and why.

I will be going to that mound over there. I will craw and hopefully they won't see me or be too hard for me to hit. I will take my time and you should just watch if anyone shoots at our general area. When I get there I will signal you to follow me and where you can stay.

That pretty much what I did for every action. It was, I will take the first risk, when I leave take the position where I was standing and watch the direction I was watching. It was a lot of crawling and we got REALY close to the fort.

If I could have just sprinted it... but my knee is still bad. If Rj and G-m was there it would have been a simple: suppress and maneuver. Heck G-m would have told me to suppress the fort guy while he would rush in and coup-de-grace the inside of the fort.

Lessons Learned. I am very aware now, more able to realize and figure out the nuances of the situation. I can spot more competently. What was different was that I was forced to be on my own, because of that I took my time watched my breathing and did everything according to what I knew I could do in the given parameters. Better fit, I was able to hold up and keep my concentration.

The weather was better. I think it was 6 degrees cooler so that was a bonus. It will just keep getting cooler till christmass. Awesome.

2nd Game. Defend-ish.

Everyone was tired and it was near 12, so many took the fort. I was finally able to check that high ground area and was suprized to see the barren and craggy killing zone. It was HIGH ground with a good vantage point. The property is much larger than we last remembered it.

Ish and I basically went all the way back, to the wall where there was a house under construction. The Cover and grass was a simple puzzle of move and over-watch. With my bum knee all I can do was walked.

At first I advanced pretty far but lost contact with Ish. So against my nagging feeling I went back, after all she was my responsibility. Again, a repeat of the first game I talked her through every step and I was surprised at how I was able to keep it detailed yet short.

Cover to Cover, then caught one. He didn't see me because I was higher ground and he was expecting them to be below. Brrrt with 420fps at .25 and a 509mm tight barrel carefully polished every game precisely calibrated and got one easy! Whoo hoo! I didn't let up and made sure the heat was on till the gun was raised. Fearing more we moved cautiously forward.

We kept advancing. The terrain puzzles were plenty and with the bum knee it was some serious processing. I would look and tell Ish to watch where I opened up my vulnerabilities. Wow, the terrain was made up of small ravines carving out 3 paths. I could see the marshal and could tell there was tangos.

De-ja Vu. It was the Last Game all over again. When we were at the other side, and G-m told us to watch the flank I'm attacking with Ish. Everyone was keeping their eyes on the battlefield instead of the vulnerable flank, they were picked off one by one till it was L1 and me.

This time, it was Me and Ish and we were picking off the same guys who failed to watch their flank. It was Piao Liang!!! Saw one bending over to sit down, aching and tired at about 20m. When I was going to Ish to relay the information Another one I could barely see except for his red highlights on his multi-cam (RED!!!). Anyway, it was two more minutes and the equation was simple-ish. Shoot the closer multi-cam tango.

Brrrrrr that was probably 50BBs in a stead stream and the guy JUST buckled under what was not even cover. Then I took cover. It was a DEAD hit, the 1st guy I shot was Farther and he admitted, this guy is just a DICK. A few minutes later, end game was called.

Felt awesome... in hindsight I should have told Ish to start shooting when I stopped. But damn, I was too excited, and it was their freaking backs! Like Critical Failure in your tactics roll open. No place to run, but same with us if they decided to shoot back. BUT they can't because they'd have to turn around.

How Ish did. Well for starters as an newbie, great. Although the gun was too big for her. She got tired easily and this was with crippled me. Still, the camelback capable backpack helped her last. At least the work invovled wasn't so much and she could take her time and initiative.

It will be next year or if I did something worthy of a bonus could I afford to buy my 3rd gun. Ideally it would be a AK beta specs for $3600! even at 300fps at 0.25 that would still be usefull. It would take 5k to upgrade it to li-poly, metal bushings, o-ring and hi-speed dynamo. No need to change the spring, just 300fps but squealing quadruple the standard ROF

6-27 KM18

2010-06-27T18:23:00.000-07:00

Got a legit kill, that makes for 7 total. Again, a marshal's call.

I had a probable kill at 40 paces since there seems like no one else could have gotten the guy and the marshal was beside him.

The legit kill was disappointing. My captain was far forward left of me, and I could see him streaming his bbs at the guy. The guy was running behind cover, and it seemed like he was going to get away Zombieing. So I started shooting a perpendicular stream of bbs continously even after my captain had to rewind. The marshal was behind him and after seeing that much bbs, there concluded that the guy was certainly hit.

My G3 and AK can hit pretty far, since they both use 20" or 508mm tight barrels at 410 and 380 fps @.25g bbs. It would have been better groupings if I had cleaned the barrel. Which I will do on tonight while watching TV with the wife.

I got to measure my average pace at around 1.1m.

A good buy I'm eying. too bad I busted my budget.

Here is the 3600 AK beta specs

The AK tactical, the baseline gun because of its many virtues

Advice on Purchasing Mags; Lipoly Batteries

2010-06-26T00:32:00.000-07:00

I got new a AK Mag. It seems that I should put a date on the Mags because over time spring strength goes down. My first mag came with the gun at 2007, when I first bought my Jing Gong AK tactical. It still works, JG has great quality BUT the feeding is not as great. There feeding rate is half the fire rate, every other shot is a dry fire.

Now I'm putting dates on the Mags and numbers on them. I don't plan to resell them and anyway, their value drops to quickly to be worth selling. If I were to sell it, my WORKING 2007 mag would be a convenience buy (bought just to have something in a worse case senario) and for P50 ($1), That cost is not its depreciated price but convenience cost to me.

A good Jing Gong Mag may cost Php400 or $8. Thats roughly 10% of the gun. I can probably get one in Quiapo (the inconvenient, risky but thrift market) for Php300-250 BUT I'm gambling with the quality! There are a lot of JG knock-offs that have CRAP quality and doesn't feed. I've bought 3! and 2/3 don't work, the 1/3 has a weak spring and partially doesn't work.

Get the GOOD mags, cheap ones are not worth it.

Li-poly.

I'm pretty much a recent convert for a Li-poly battery.

Increased Rounds-per-Minute performance of Dynamo and slightly higher FPS.
Increased Power to compress a SP-130 spring. Once you go 130 spring, you need a higher voltage output.
They are smaller and more compact
They cost as much as a Nicad or NiH batt of the the same mAmp.
Less Quirks than other rechargeable batteries.

Circle C mall, Kids Collectibles

TU 1800mA, 11.1V, 20C (C is the amount of mA the battery can continuously put out).

Php1,500! Vincents, and Other stores sell at Php1800 (20-30% more).

Notes.

The Cheapest and most Bang for Buck gun. The JG AK tactical is our groups baseline gun.

Ideal Future Gun purchase.

JG Beta Specs AK Php3600 from JLACM

+3 JG 600 round mags php 1200 OR 2500 round drum Mag php2200

Long type Li-poly (11.1V, 20C, ideally 1.8A) Php1400-1800 (will not require additional special container).

Upgrades

BULLPUP Modification. (checking with my gunsmith).

Higher RPM dynamo.

Durability Upgrades.

Longer Barrel.

Purpose: Close-Quarter Combat,

Upgrades Breakdown

2010-06-18T08:26:00.000-07:00

Costs are in Philippine pesos, currently exchange averages Php45 to $1

DF metal Bushing P400

Shims (G and P) P100

Madbull Hopup Rubber P300

Stock Type 0 Cylinder P100

CA G3 Airseav? nozzle P350

DF spring guide w/ boering P600

BS Systema (G3) P1800

SP130 spring P750

O-Ring P100

DF Halftooth piston Body P1200

Service: AK (maintenance) P500

Service: G3 (first) P700

Php6900

Suprise: upgrading my spring to 130SP requires a higher voltage battery.

TU 11.1V 1800mA 20C P1500

Large Tamiya Battery Terminal P150

Current Budget 17550

+ 2400

+ 1600

4000 + 17550

21,550!!! over budget. Oh well.

Getting a friend into the Hobby; my budget broke

2010-06-17T22:10:00.001-07:00

Buyers Regret. If you value your friendship then the first thing you want prevent is your friend having buyers regret/remorse when getting into the hobby.

Relative to the Philippines which has a 300 ($6) minimum wage and a GDP/capita of $1,700 (Php 6,737 per month) a hobby that costs around Php12,000 ($240)

Gun: Ak-Tactical (best buy because of durability, cost, availability of accessories and anecdotal review of many users) best price is Php4,500 ($90), most often found at Php5,500 ($100).

Registration Php200 + 100 notary

Permit to transport Php360 per 5 guns. (minimum 360)

--> note, download the forms and fill them up at home and in your sweet luxury. double check them and double write them. bring money for change. Photocopy Everything when there. will write up a specific process. Anyway, look for the papers in the sidebar.

--> Extra Mags x2 300@, bag of BBs ICS 0.25 Php300

Php7500

load bearing gear: H-suspenders plus Pistol belt are Php250, US surplus is a Y-suspender at Php450. Pouches are php50-80 each. Total 350

Battle-Dress Uniform Set (BDU): best price 1,200, common price 1,800. A set is made up of 2 pieces top and bottom. Half the price for each piece.

Gloves: Php40 for thin cloth, Php 500 for mechanic gloves, those of inbetween are of varying quality and costs.

Knee and Elbow Pads: Common price is php500, Quiapo or Best price is the same product for Php300

Goggles: Php300 for the cheap. Php1,500 for the 7joule certfied protection and a taiwanese uncertified but similar make costs php800.

Water Pack (Water bladder container): Local brand OD Php300. Costs Php300-500.

Water Bladder (placed in the pack): Php 300-500

Bag to Carry Everything Else: P200

Gunbag (enough for the AK tactical): Php500

Good Boots or Shoes: Php 600 for the nice cheap one. Any cheaper is meant for dress and not for running, they are painful to use and I learned the hardway. The expensive ones go to Php2,000-4,000. Although they are khaki.

Php11,590. Add the cost of gas, opportunity cost of gathering the gear, and returns and changing your mind. even if that bumps up the price to by 33% (Php15,500). it is an expensive hobby by Philippine standards.

*two kinds of quality: Local Manufacture and American Surplus. You will notice that the Am-surplus is much thicker metal and canvas, with better stiching. Doubles the cost of the equipment.
OD - olive drab.

Costs of the Hobby.

It is futile to try to look for a better deal than this because people are spending WAY more than this per year in their Airsoft Budget. Just looking at people's gear and equipment, many of the choices is aesthetics and trial-and-error (like me). Trial and error, when trying to improve and make more efficient load out. People in the hobby have families, kids, houses, etc. they are professionals that earn comfortably enough to support this hobby.

I do just remember there are a few concessions to price, given this hobby. Groups, usually can negotiate for better rates and discounts because of the scale of their collective spending. If your group is about 10 and you are all buying several sets of everything, you can negotiate for a Larger Bulk discount.

As for gun services, if your group has a number of guns that need maintenance you can negotiate with a smith that your entire team will go to him for services if he can give you all a good deal. Having a gunsmith regularly or seasonally check your guns with a professional eye to keep future costs down and less hours for himself for a retainer fee is cheaper when you consider that the extra costs of last minute repairs.

Heck if the gunsmith can serve as your groups armory better. Those groups who plan to own a lot of guns, but don't have the time to maintain them all can probably by locker room for a gunsmiths armoury service.

If the armory business picks up, he can probably use it to get out of the next gunban! By moving all the weapons on site location and having players play in one location for the next 8 months. Of course business models shouldn't assume beyond 1 years ROI.

Still a licensed gunsmith, selling his services to groups can expect steady income and good pay for preventive maintenance. The cost of preventing all those problems and repairing all that battle damage every game in one package, a gun smith can easily package the cleaning, tinkering, and the calibrating services into the the total cost and sell it instead of simple "good will service".

In the next 6 years before the next gun ban, a gunsmith can take the initiative and consolidate his resources.

Lito has this US surplus duffel-bag that has the same cylindrical body but backpack-straps and a cord closed top. Its really thick and course like nylon. If it is Nylon it might be water proof.

Spending Update: Holy crap my repairs, maintenance and update has just cost me Php6600! thankfully the parts are transferable.

This years gun spending. I can't spend anymore :(

Smart, Multi-Charger (potential fire-hazard and batteries are an investment) Php6125
Permits and registration Php2430
Maintenance, Upgrade, and Repairs Php6600
BDUs (for me and my pasalubong for my bros) Php3600
Additional and replacement Gear Php800
- small ruck sack bag (need more containers to protect gear)
- New pads (old and may break down, and i'd hate to scramble for a replacement last minute
- New water pack (BROKE in a middle of a game)
- Long-sleeved OD shirt for very HOT weather

This year totals about Php19,555

This does not count the lifestyle change that comes from the game.

Gas, Toll, Gatorade, more washing, multi-vitamins, painkillers or muscle relaxants and eating out.

I guess i will only be able to afford a new gun next year.

It is the end of Gun Ban.

2010-06-17T18:40:00.000-07:00

I invited a friend to get into Airsoft and he took to it very well. The lessons I learned when I brought a friend to the hobby.

Water pack. Seeing how often people get affected by heat exhaustion in this weather it was one of the key safety needs.
Knee and elbow pads. I was able to lend him my extra BDU and OD cargo pants but it seems the pads were almost equally important. I have a female friend who is about 5ft and I don't know how to help her with that problem since these paddings are too over sized for her.
Load Bearing Gear. An extra Y or H suspenders are always handy. I've got 4 pouches and no where to put on my friend. On his belt he will be struggling with his pants.

Anyway, our group has decided to play where Boypy plays. He claims he is not afraid to call foul and thats more than any other place we've gone. Most importantly its because he has lot of marshals relative to the players.

We will be playing in KM18 sat mornings as early as 8am. P150.

Strangely, its "Kill-joy" Head marshal is bad thing for the people who want to ruin the fun of everyone else. In our last game, June 12 it was the marshals calling the hits more often than the players. I could see some guys on my side take a few hits and not call out.

I would not mind paying 50% more than the average JUST to have more marshals around for the day. If they are good marshals with binocs and quick call, I don't mind paying 200. There is a market for those kinds of games and those kind of people. There are people who don't mind paying an additional P100 ($2) for good calls.

In hindsight. My brother runs a larp and they charge $45 a day per person. That is x10 an hourly rate, near equal to a basic daily pay of minium wage.

In the Philippines Minimum daily wage is P300 or $6. A resourceful area manager can charge P300 person but have a good sized ratio of marshals. Ideally 1 for every 3. 900 per 3 covers 500 for all the labor fees and 400 for land rent and all the other cost.

there was 60 of us in the last game. that would have been 8000 for a days cost of the land use

House Bill No. 6658 Airsoft are considered REAL FIREARMS

2009-08-21T02:48:00.000-07:00

source: Fallujah

At the Congressional Hearing yesterday before the Committee on Public Order and Safety, we were invited along with all other stakeholders in the firearms industry and business to comment on House Bill No. 6658 introduced by Reps. Pedro P. Romualdo (lone district Camiguin) and Antonio V. Cuenco (Cebu). On our part, we prepared a lengthy position paper commenting on the flawed provisions of HB No. 6658 and were prepared for an oral discussion and questioning. Much to our dismay, none of the invited public or resource persons were allowed to speak or participate, as is the usual procedure in committee hearings before the House. Instead Congressman Chairman Rodolfo W. Antonino (Nueva Ecija) simply allowed a few short (irrelevant) comments from some committee members (who knew nothing about the bill) totalling about 20 minutes, then they moved to, and voted for, approval of the bill over our protestations.

Later that evening, I texted another congressman from that committee as to why it happened that way, he said, "That's a Malacanang-backed bill. The Office of the President made direct contact with the congressmen (not him) to approve that bill". Grrr..!

So now Malacanang, thru its dwarf President who is guilty of ordering and/or approving the extrajudicial killings and abductions of hundreds activists and journalists, is not hypocritically enact measures that would effectively disarm the general population and deprive us of our right to defend ourselves.

Consider the following provisions of HB 6658:

1. Airsoft guns and all gas, spring operated pistols and rifles are now classified as TRUE FIREARMS, requiring licensing and Permit to carry just like regular firearms!

2. If you are in a group and one of you is caught with a firearm or part thereof (with or without your knowledge) ALL OF YOU will be presumed to be in illegal possession of firearms, and shall be accordingly all charged.

3. Penalties have been hugely INCREASED to Life Imprisonment for illegal possession and/or manufacture of firearms or light weapons, or 6-18 years for ammunition. "Ammunition" is defined, among others, to include BLANK AMMUNITION, and NOXIOUS LIQUID AND GAS??!!

4. "Light weapons" are now defined and prohibited, which includes any weapon capable of holding a DRUM magazine, which would include practically all semi-auto rifles, including rimfire 22's.

5. The crime of illegal possession of firearms shall now be considered as a SEPARATE AND DISTINCT penalty if any other crime is commmitted in the same act. So you could be charged TWICE for the same act and be slapped with TWO PENALTIES.

This bill is now being fast-tracked thru the congress for approval by GMA before Congress ends and her term expires next year. Of course, we in PROGUN and UAA are doing our best to make sure that we block this Bill in the House and the Senate. We, however, cannot do it alone without the support of YOU the thousands of legitimate and responsible gun owners and airsofters who value our freedom and civil rights. We are thus appealing for your help in this noble endeavor of preserving our shooting sports.

BTW These Congressmen are CHA CHA Congressmen. You can find them here in this link just Cntrl F and write their family name.
http://filipinowriter.multiply.com/photos/album/84/Photos_of_Congressmen_who_Signed_Con-***_HR_1109

Gear Purchases

2009-08-05T20:20:00.000-07:00

This month's airsoft expenses.
A New BDU for the upcoming Kami Wars. Our team will be using Cadpat as our other woodland styled fatigues.

These safety gogles were from Vincent's (in St. Francis square beside Mega Mall) for P400. 400fps protection, My only complaint was that it pinned my nose bridge and I had to wear a special lower face half to correct that.

Balaclava Php40 from Mang Luming's, feels like swimming trunks fabric.

New Boots for Php650 from Mang Lumings (the Supplier of most other Airsoft Shops).
Qualities You can bend the toe part comfortably. Meaning he toe section should be of a flexible leather (Not the hard ones which are meant for "dress" attire and not for real action).
Use Ladder Lacing it uses up the lace well and gives great support.

The Combat Shovel was another expense, Php160 at vincent's. I've had problems with certain sites where we keep getting tangled over by the foilage. I plan to remedy that and save some effort "Bush-whacking" with this game friendly devices.

As actually using for a shovel, I probably never need it until a real emergency

Lets Start with Gear and You

2009-06-25T20:08:00.000-07:00

I've been weighing my self and my gear separately in order to calculate maximum effective encumbrance. I know some people may be turned off by this but consider the possible injuries you may prevent, the additional calorie burn with the added mass, maximizing mobility and balance, and of course the power that comes of knowing you equipment intimately.

So that you can get a basic reference: conveniently I'm 5'9.5 at 160lbs (almost exactly medium build).

Lets begin with my favored Gear configuration

BDU (Cotton Ripstopping Heavy Fabric) Php1400; 4lbs
ALICE (empty; Y-Suspenders, Pistol Belt, 4 magazine pouches, 1 water pouch) Php640; 4lbs
Shoes (Hiking Hi-top) Php500; 3lbs
Gun (JG-0512T Ak Tactical, minimalist config) Php4,350; 6lbs
4 AK 600cap Magazines Php 850; 4lbs
Protective Gear (Wire-mesh mask, knee and elbow pads) Php650 2lbs
Clothes (Shirt, Undies, Soccer Socks, Balaklava Suspenders) 1lbs

total weight 24lbs!
Consider this:

Try to hold 20lbs with just one hand or both of them; then try to run with that?
Then grab a backpack and carry that same weight and run around?

You will notice there is a big difference in your balance and your ability to move. In a combat situation, the ideal movement is fast and smooth. What we mean by smooth is that the movement doesn't have complicating factors that affect the predictability of its result. Snagging, the half second needed to correct balance, and the strength needed to quickly change direction are all affected by how you arrange your gear. If you look carefully at how you spend your time in a game, The fastest thing to add up is what is lost in the In-efficiency of movement.

Since inefficiency from gear problems is equal to Frequency x Inconvenience, In Game days that run for 4 hours, this adds up Very Quickly. That pouch that takes you 5 seconds to get ready is 5 seconds lost when you find yourself in a situation that I call Need&Have (Better to Have and not Need ; Than to Need and not Have). Consider this also, you will be playing this hobby, trying to get as much Satisfaction as possible and Time is a factor that affects your total satisfaction in the end of the day, month or year.

Of all the times I was being told to take care of my gear in ROTC and in CAT, it was only NOW I understand why. The problem between then and now is that I had something I could DO with my gear instead of just marching around. Working on something that will never happen is a "Brilliant" way to screw up the Work. In airsoft, your working to get better at the game and hone a skill you associate with pride to your own self-image (in other words, your Motivated).

Knowing your gear quite intimately, is part of mastering any skill. As you observe it and reflect on your playing style and self image one realizes the Uncertainties that spring up with concern of the gears performance.

Will that hold? Will it Tear? Will it Snag? Will I break it by accident? Should I arrange my gear so that I can go prone? (a matter if you chose to put stuff in your front torso) Should I get the more durable and expensive one because I tend to play rough? Will this make me lose valuable seconds?

Mastery of the Gear is much easier to instill when there is a goal (unlike ROTC and CAT). Honestly, would anyone ever care if they didn't have a reason to care? Yeah try selling "nationalist" pride and "grades" to someone who has to wake up at 4-5am to do march and drill up to 3pm on a Saturday!

Gear Load out and Balance. I've mentioned the importance of arranging gear to optimally distribute weight. Another aspect of this is injury prevention. Particularly concerning cramps. The athletic demands of a combat game where anything can go, means we might be jumping over low obstacles, pulling ourselves out of our previous positions, and basically using a BUNCh of muscles that we don't use and didn't build up any strength for. In our desktop activities keep alot of muscles inert and inert muscles are attrophying muscles (to a very minute degree). You will find many of the strength feats, even just standing up too quickly calling on muscles that never needed to stand up as quickly for months.

Poorly placed gear, like gear that stresses the back in the other hand, even if the gear is well placed but the muscles that make up that part of the body is not well toned or conditioned will certainly lead to injury.

Begin with the basic set of movements you find in the game. Prone to Standing while holding a gun is a typical army excersize that will enlighten you WHY they do it. Then try Standing to Prone very quickly (Ouch!) thats what knee and elbow pads are for by the way. I know some people see it as too much trouble but whe I started using them I realized I can just literally Fall prone (which is very fast) because of the protection it grants. Remember the Idea is to excerise muscles you may not find in regular use during the week, find out what they are, build up their strength, and know not just your gear but your bodys range of movement.

Calories Burn: Work is equal to (Mass x Movement) over time. The more work, the more calories we burn. Pacing yourself is important, as well as the fitness aspect of Airsoft. Carrying at least 24lbs of gear into a 15 min game with all muscles tense and at the ready will burn more calories than one would think. The tense muscle readiness already simulates toning excersizes and the weights add to "resitance". Elbow and Knee Pads also add resistance to joints as well as the BDU clining securely in many contact points around the body. Don't forget maintaining an eleveated heart rate for the duration of the 15min game is already 1 full days work out already.

Since you burn so much energy so quickly in airsoft, an experience of many newbies on their first time on the field, pacing and endurance are two factors that affect your overall satisfaction in the game. You would want to learn both. You want to maximize enjoyment, thus you want to play longer to enjoy the game more. Focusing in endurance means you have to red-line every time, not good and not healthy since you might have other health problems even you wouldnt know about until you push too hard too often. Gradation towards red lining is advised so that you can sense problems early enough to give warning and take preventive measures. Who wants to take an injury and be out of commision for weeks or months. There goes all that money!

Although you may never get your girlfriend or wife to get into Airsoft for the excerise at least your trimming up for her.

And finally. If your cheap resist that urge to buy that new gun or accessory, before you thoroughly evaluate what you need. Take the time to fix your own gear. Customize it, or Reinforce it from breaking, conduct some repairs and preventive maintenance. Write it all down so that if you realize something "brilliant" make sure you don't forget it. After a while all that adds up to make you a better player.

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