Review: Classic Army MP5A4 B&T (W/ Tac-light)

Ordered this gun about two years ago, reviewed it twice, but now that I've had it for a while I can give you the full idea.

First Impressions: When I first got the gun, the simple CA Packaging held inside one of the best feeling Airsoft Guns I'd ever held. The gun is remarkably balanced, and feels great as far as the handle and foreguard go. The lighted foregrip button is easy to read, and the metal body feels and looks amazing. The first thing you'd notice though is that it's rather short. This is a good and bad thing, and we'll get more into this later.

Apperance: The MP5 is one of the sexiest and sleekest guns out on the market (IMO), and the Classic Army MP5A4 stayed true to this belief. The Tactical foregrip adds a, well, 'Tactical' look to the gun. The B&T Trademarks also give the gun that 'Swat Team, I'm so fuggin 1337' feeling. The selector's simple, MP5 design. The metal body has a matte finish, and the plastic foreguard/stock look and feel great as well. The only problem with the whole 'tac-light' is that the battery arrayment is rather hard to find, requiring a 'dud' connector, and two hard-to-find batteries.

Internals: The MP5s internals are rather difficult to get to. It requires you to take off the stock, foreguard, and undo about 10 screws or so before finally sliding off the upper reciever. Not exactly a great thing, but it ensures that some noobie won't mess with your gun ;) The internals are pretty basic, and there's not really much to say about them.

Performance: The initial performance was stunning. With a stock 8.4v large battery placed in the stock, the ROF is simply amazing. It's fast and smooth, even allowing you to fire as quickly as possible on Semi-auto. The FPS was a kickin' 315 approx, lowest being 305, highest around 324-25. The first thing I noticed about it was the range. It was incredibl for such a small gun. It wasn't competitive with the M16, but certainly did a kickass job of making a name for itself. The coolest part about such a small gun with such a large battery, is that the thing lasts forever. I can go to a two day game and have it last the entire time on one initial pre-charge. Probably the coolest part about the gun being so small is the lightness, and maneuverability. I'm not a very big person, so this was a big plus for me.

Over time: Well, after a while, the gun still performs amazing. I upgraded the Inner barrel to a Systema 6.03 Tightbore I believe, and it kicked the FPS up 15-20 percent and the range just sky rocketed. It now shoots comparable to a Soc 16 (By Tokyo Marui) and M4 (By Classic Army). The range and accuracy are amazing, and the compact size of the gun is just unheard of with such immense reach. After about a year though, the selector switch started giving me huge problems. It started out not switching well, so I'd have to try very hard to get it to switch to Full Auto (Switching back and forth to safe and auto). Eventually, it started being able to spin around in a complete 360 rotation (Not a good thing guys). Then at TTH, it finally happened. The selector broke off. I researched it on Google and it turns out the Mp5A4 has a factory defection where the selector plate breaks and the switch won't work properly. It's an easy fix, really, if you order the new parts for about 15 bucks. The gun still looks great, and after an accident in which the stock broke, it's performing ABOVE stock condition (Minus the selector, which I've yet to replace). It's outranging guns that are bigger than it, and now that CA has lowered the price, it's certainly worth buying at around $250 dollars. (As opposed to the 310 I spent).

Conclusion: The Classic Army MP5A4 B&T With Tactical Lighted Foregrip is certainly a good buy. It's lasted me two long years, and dozens of games, and I've yet to experience any serious problems besides the selector. After a cheap 30 dollar inner barrel, the gun performs amazingly above standard Mp5s, and with a 9.6v battery it can be shooting with an ROF comparable to that of a High-gear set upgraded gun. Slap a few cosmetic upgrades on it (Like an ACOG, which is what I did), and you'll be looking Rainbow Six Pro in no time.

Pros:

- Compact

- Aesthetically pleasing/Legit trademarks

- Nicely balanced/wieghted

- Range/ROF/FPS great for small gun

- Easy to upgrade with Inner barrel

- Reliable, long lasting

Cons:

- Compact

- Selector problems

- A bit difficult to dissasemble

- Battery problems with Lighted Foregrip

All in all, I highly reccomend this gun to any first time purchasers who are insistent on an Mp5 variant.

Review: DPM Soldier 95 Camoflauge

I ordered a set of DPM about a year and a half ago approximately, mainly because of the loadout I was aspiring for (British) and the price. Got them from www.flecktarn.co.uk

Outside styling: First thing you notice is that the layout of the pockets and the buttons are different from that of an American Camoflauge. The pockets are sometimes a bit annoying to get into, but they're overall VERY spacious. The two main pockets on the pants are deep enough to hold MP5 magazines comfortably, while the ones on the jacket can hold M14 magazines with ease. The DPM jacket has a zipper as well as buttons which is nifty, and the pants have a drawstring which helps keep them up (Because I bought them too big accidentally). I don't really use the pockets much except for temporary holding, like when walking off the field or on the field, considering it's rather annoying running with heavy things flipping back and forth in your pockets. The material is very strong, and I've yet to experience a rip.

Comfort: Well, I can't say it's anything special. The comfort feels like wearing any other BDU. The drawstrings are a plus in comfort, but really the DPM is not anything extravagant. My only complaint would be that the jacket is a bit out of proportion. The body section fits me well, but the sleeves are a bit short. It usually doesn't matter though since I roll them up.

Pattern: DPM (Disruptive Pattern Material) closely resembles the colors of Woodland camoflauge. The difference would be that the shapes and such are less 'man made' looking, and look more natural and flowing. Some might call it insipid to wear such a pattern, but really, why not? It works very well in the Summer and Spring months, especially if hidden in a shadow (It's a bit darker than Woodland). In the winter and fall months, it works great against a tree or in fall against the dirt or darker ground. When I use my DPM with my Mk6 helmet (DPM covered), I can squat down in Summertime in a dark foliage covered area and dissapear. Not to mention, the DPM is rather unique. I'm the only person at most Big SP games and at ALL TomCom games wearing DPM.

Conclusion: While the DPMs comfort/pocket placement are nothing out of the ordinary, it's still a rather unique and interesting pattern. It works well year round (Though I'd suggest something similar to Desert DPM for Winter Months), and it's VERY durable. The price is probably the biggest plus, and for all you British infantry fans out there, you too can own a set of DPM for the affordable and logical price of TEN EUROS (Used). For slightly more (30 euros I believe), you can get a brand new set. All around good deal if you're a British Infantry fan or just looking for a unique and functional camo.

Review: Altama Tan Desert Sahara Boots (10 Inches)

I purchases these boots back in the spring as a replacment to my black Wal-mart boots, and to have something to match my ACUs. They have held up to the tests of time over various games, and continue to be comfortable and not sweat too much. No rips or tears yet, Just good old performance. I highly suggest any boots being purchased in a 10 inch model. It gives plenty of room to blouse your trousers, and helps to support the ankle. just a reminder, order boots a half size smaller, or they will be too big.

Place Purchased: http://www.uspatriotstore.com/ProductInfo.aspx?productid=5878

Review: Remington Shooting Glasses

I purchased these at a Wal-Mart when my other pair of glasses went misteriously missing. They were $10.00, which isn't bad, and are ansi certified. Orange tinted lenses with black frame. They have a wraparound design, making them semi-stylish for those who have a preference. On to the performance

I was shot in the face in actual gameplay by a VFC AK-74, as well as two Tokyo Marui AK-47s. The BBs bounced off, and they managed to save my eyes a few times. They only fogged up once, and that was when the lenses got wet in a rain game. Other than that, they were fine, unfogged, and effective. Highly suggested for a comfortable, affordable, stylish pair of protective eyewear. And at $10.00. who can go wrong?

Review: Crosman BBs from Wal-Mart

I bought these bbs on short notice because a game was coming up. They were .20s, which isn't horrible, but they were wal-mart bbs. They fired well, but gave me no where near the accuracy of the usual excels I use. They seemed to spread almost to 5 feet apart at 100 ft distance, which is just not acceptable. I would only recommend them is nothing else is available.

Review: ACU (Army Combat Uniform)

I purchased these a few months ago for airsoft, and because I planned to join the Army. Well, I did join the Army (National Guard), and I do use them regularly for airsoft. On to the review.

Outside Styling: Comparing ACUS to the old BDU is night and day. The pocket organization is top notch, with the shoulder pockets being extremely easy to access. I can even put an M14 mag in there, making for an easy reload. The angled pockets on the legs seem easier to get into, and look a lot cooler. I have heard complaints that things fall out of the pockets, and did experience this for a while. I then decided to tighten the drawstrings, and nothing has come out since. I will say the chest pockets are really just for looks. They are all but useless though. Too tiny to hold anything important. Maybe a map would fit there, but depending on your rig, you might not be able to access it. The next complaint I've heard is Velcro. Honestly, I have used these things for around 6 months, of washing and drying, and my velcro still works like brand new. The trick is to make sure you remove the patches. Last thing about the velcro is noise. Honestly, there are 1001 other noises being made by the squad your with, usually talking. Either that or thrashing about. In the 6 months I have used them, velcro has never been the reason I was found.

Comfort: The most comfortable thing I have ever worn. It's made in a 50/50 Nyco blend, making it comfortable and durable. It is extremely lightweight, and doesn't rip when going prone or to a crouch. It also has billowed shoulders, allowing full mobility without sliding up the arm when reaching.

Pattern: The Army Combat Uniform uses a pattern designed to fit into all environments although it really only fits into some. I find that the more shadows cast, the better it fits. The shadows fill in the light squares of the uniform, darkening it to where it is. A shadow that slides through leaves green, will give the pattern a green tint. It also works well in a fall environment, full of dead leaves. It does dirty easily, allowing it to adapt the more it's used. However, a green environment without shadow, such as an overcast day, is an ACU problem. It glows without something to change the pattern's appearance, resulting in bad news for the wearer. It does make up for this at night, as it is nearly invisible, including when moving. Although night airsoft is rare for myself, the games I have played at night have left me feeling like a Ninja, unseen and unheard. I have heard from some that it sticks out like a Christmas tree, and from others that it is performing exceptionally.

Conclusion: I believe the comfort and pocket placement, and dare I say the velcro, make the ACU's usability wonderful. It's always got enough pockets, and never holds you up. Real problem is the pattern. It is highly selective on environment, as well as who is looking at you. I use it because I like it, it's comfortable, and to a degree it works. It does not excel at anything, although will manage to hold up if you don't want to own multiple patterns. To sum it up in one sentence. The ACU is "A jack of all trades, Master of none."