Ah the never-ending quest to find decent quality gear on the cheap continues.  I’ve always been a fan of the 3-point, I’ve heard active duty soldiers both praise and decry this accessory, for good reason in both regards, but being able to quickly transition from a comfortable carry to weapon ready is, IMO, really fuckin handy…

I picked up this sling for about $12 at JAX sporting goods here in Loveland, which has a small airsoft/surplus section, although they don’t really carry anything beyond LPEG/Wal-Mart quality.  I needed a sling for my new AK and being a little dissapointed with the ease of use offered by the UTG 3-Point, saw it as an opportunity to roll those “Bargain Airsoft” dice once again.

Quality:

Everything seems fairly solid, the only thing I foresee ever failing would be the plastic buckles.

Comfort:

You’d think that with 1″1/2 wide webbing it would be more comfortable than my UTG(1″) due to the added weight displacement, but it’s not.  The material is very stiff and rough,  although this may work itself out through continued use, and the plastic buckles are large and dig in.  I wear a plate carrier so it’s not really an issue.

Functionality:

One issue; when I got it home and attached to my M4, it seemed backwards.(Use above pic for reference)  On a three point sling, the thing that makes it able to function is the point where the shoulder strap connects to sling at the front end of the weapon.  The when this point is adjusted inward(towards the rear), the front of the weapon can then be extended away from your body to be able to engage the enemy.  Out of the packaging, this sling is set up so that the front connecting point is immovable, and instead the transition buckle is at the rear.(Behind large square buckle in above pic)  What this means is that when the buckle is released the BUTT of the rifle is extended, leaving you holding the rifle backwards.  At first I just assumed that someone had set it up backwards accidentally in production and QC simply didn’t catch this one.  No big deal, I just unlashed the straps and switched them so the transition buckle was at the front so that it can then be used properly.

If you look at this picture though, you’ll notice that the branding on the transition buckle is upside down now, meaning that it’s meant to be at the rear of the rifle.  It is set up the same way in the pic at the beginning of the review.  I don’t know what purpose it would serve to have this buckle at the back because as I said, in that location, when you ready your weapon, you end up with the butt of the rifle aiming at the enemy.  Upside down branding doesn’t bother me though, I think I’d rather have a functional 3-point myself.  A handy feature that it offers though, is a quick release buckle(large square buckle behind the transition release), that opens the shoulder strap portion making it alot easier to take off.  Rather than trying to lift it up over your head and around all your gear, just pinch the buckle release and you’re done.

Score:  3/5   Not very comforable to wear, set up seemingly backwards with no instructions, but once arranged, having that transition buckle makes up for it……a little.

Hayseed out…

Features:

• Red dot
• 11.3mm dot size at 10 yds
• 650nm laser beam
• 5mW (maximum legal power)
• Visible at 50yds (indoors, lit) & 100yds (outdoors, night)
• fits both Weaver & 11mm dovetail bases
• Two switches

With my birthday passing recently, I had an influx of disposable cash.  I figured “What the hell”, and picked up one of these at Sports Authority for 30-some-odd-dollars.  Let’s see what we got…

Contrary to what the picture above shows, the finish on it is semi-gloss which gives a “toy” look to it, this coupled with the cheesy bright yellow BSA logo was the first to go…

Mounting it straight and securely is quite the pain in the ass, this is all due to it’s moronic design.  The mounts are completely separate from the unit with threading on only one side of each set and attach by closing in on the base of the unit where there are two small fins on either side.  This was the second thing to fix…

Top Left: From this front view mock-up, you can see the flimsy plastic fins that are supposed to hold the unit in place.  You may be saying, “it’s cool cause it’ll be stablized by the mounting bolts”, you would be wrong.

Top Right: As you can see, there’s no holes for the mounting bolts to go through.  The unit simply rests on top of them, because we all know that’s the most secure way to do things(/sarcasm).

Bottom Right: This is what happens to the unit once you attach it, this is because the threaded side pulls the other side over.  This may not be a factor when mounted to a pistol because there are separate mounts for that, but this shit, will not fly.  Because of this, it never really mounts the same way twice, making sighting it in every time you mount it a necessary pain in the ass.

My solution was to file down the “fins” on the underside, make some modifications to the other set of mounts that it comes with, and JB-weld it to the unit creating a solid mounting base…

O.K., now that we can use it without fear of dropping or breaking, let’s get a look at what it can do…

Indoors: Light

Indoors: Dark

Outdoors:  Light

Outdoors:  Darker

As you can see, outdoor performance(at least in the daytime) leaves a little to be desired, although if you catch something a little more reflective, like a gun or a piece of gear, it works from quite a distance in the daytime.  These pictures were all taken from about 3-5 ft away.

The cord is way longer than it needs to be, unless of course you wanted to mount the pressure switch near the mag release.  The pressure switch works flawlessly though, and for some reason it has two switches, both operate the laser, but I’ll be looking into wiring up my flashlight to it so that I can have both switches in the same location.

Score:  2.5/5  Sure it’s a laser, and it works, but getting it to work well requires some modification, and at $30+, IMO, it shouldn’t.

Hayseed out…

I bought this to replace my single rifle hard case and of all the gear purchases I’ve made, I’d have to say that I’m most pleased with this one.  This thing has a huge amount of storage space with a soft but firm framepiece the rifle compartment.

Specifications:
Manufacturer: OE TECH
Size: 42″ L x 12″ H x 3″ W
Color: OD, Olive Drab

Price:  $55.00

Specifications from AirsoftGI.com

In addition to the padded carry handle, it features a comfortable shoulder strap, which is especially nice because with all the storage space, it’s difficult to not put as much as you can fit.

The front of the bag sports three MOLLE compatible pouches, allowing for better gear customization.

The two end pouches are identical, featuring a thin divider to help keep gear separated.

The center pouch is around double the size of the side pouches, however it’s a single compartment.

The MOLLE webbing that holds the pouches on is quite a bit wider than you might find on a plate carrier or similar.  It’s not really an issue though, even loaded down the pouches are pretty secure.  It does, however, make it much easier to lace.

Inside the top compartment, you find two more pockets opening to the center.  I usually throw my pistol or extra batteries in here, but you can really pack this thing full.

Two velcro straps secure the rifles in place in the padded main compartment.

Score: 5/5  Affordable solution for AEG/Battery/Mag/Scope/Foregrip etc. storage.

Hayseed out…

If you’re on a budget like mine, and tired of carrying your mags in your pocket, this may be the plate carrier for you.  I bought mine from AirsoftGI.com for around $75, it’s currently listed at $63.

Specifications:

Manufacturer: OE TECH
Material: 600 Denier Nylon Fiber
Sizes: Adjustable / One Size Fits All

Features:

• Emergency Drag Strap
• Accept Standard 10×13 Ballistic Plates
• Adjustable / Quick Detach Shoulder Straps
• Hook and Loop Panel for ID Placard and Patches
• Front Map Pocket with Snap and Hook and Loop Closure
• Release Buckles on Shoulders and Internal Waist Strap
• Padded Mesh on Front / Back Panels for Comfort and Airflow
• Adjustable / Removable Cummerbund w/ Pockets for Side Armor
• Plate Compartments Secured by Pull Down Flaps w/ Hook and Loop Closure

Specifications from AirsoftGI.com

Comfort:

Once everything is adjusted to you’re body type, this vest is moderately comfortable.  Adjustments to the shoulder straps, and the straps at the sides make it fairly easy to fit.

Quality:

Mine has stood up to about a year of regular play so far.  One thing to note;  some of the sections of webbing aren’t as uniform as they could be, limiting the customizability of this rig.

Functionality:

For the price it works great, initially I had it set up with the mag pouches upright, but with my three point, it can be difficult to get mags out.  It also sits a little high, so to retrive mags I’ve got my elbows in the air trying to reach down from higher than is comfortable, not to mention with the triple pouch I have on the back, right-side up just isn’t feasable.  It has plenty of space though for customization, and a few storage options that lend to it’s value.  It features two utility pouches on the inside of the cummerbund, and a map pouch in the front which I’ve used to hold a sidearm once or twice.

Score:  4/5   A good buy, but the uneven sections of webbing might be a problem for some.

Hayseed out…

Located just five minutes outside of Loveland CO, and sporting a healthy mix of man-made structures and natural cover, the Black Lotus Combat Range provides northern Colorado players with a convenient, fun, and challenging game experience.  Lemme show you around…

The Barn

The Field

Woo shooting the photographer…

Dead Battery layin’ it down….(Sorry about your ear bro)

The Killhouse

You heard the wall, call your fucking hits!

“Goddamn battery.”

The Tire Field

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Thanks to Lexi and Alice for hosting a fun game.(Sorry you missed out Dego)  I’ll see everybody at the next one!

Hayseed out…

Loveland Colorado, founded in 1877 and named for Colorado Central Railroad president, William A.H. Loveland, is the gateway to the quaint resort town of Estes Park and the Rocky Mountains.  With it’s expansive mountain views, scenic hiking trails, and picturesque lakes, it is without a doubt the most beautiful place that I have ever had the pleasure to live, and I used to live in the Emerald City.(Seattle)

Here’s a view from right outside my apartment.

Jeanie & I at around 12,000 ft.

Tap the Rockies…

Wildlife encounters in the Rockies are very common, especially in winter months, where in Estes, Elk stroll right into town.

Speaking of wildlife….”Look the fuck out!!!”

This is Jeanie’s sister Angela getting way closer to a bear than most people get at the fucking zoo!

It’s cool though, there are a couple of kids in between her and the bear, and everyone knows that bears prefer the sweet taste of 8 yr olds over most else.

Loveland is home to many an artist and writer who find a muse in the constant powerful natural beauty that is Colorado.  Coincidentally, or maybe not, there are two head shops right here in town, and just a couple of months ago, was the grand opening of their first Medical Marijuana dispensary!

Well, that wraps up this snapshot of paradise, besides, my Irritable Bowel Syndrome/PMS Cramps/Restless Leg Syndrome is/are acting up………

Hayseed out…

For a farewell airsoft game, the conditions couldn’t have been better;  cold, overcast, and muddy……as…..balls.  This was an I.S.O.G. hosted event at DOA, a solid turn-out combined with mud up to your ankles made for some interesting challenges throughout the day.

Here’s Ben(I think) sporting a Marsden® brand box lot AK.

Me showing Bouyay my “barrel extension”.

Jeanie even made it out to sling plastic…(Hell hath no fury, etc…)

That is one sexy look.

Chunk and relative.(I think)

Crap Can in the Post Office….”I got you’re fuckin package right here pal!”

3rd person shooter…

Taking cover in the “Salloon”.

Murderface…

Casual Marsden is casual…

He’s like a fuckin War Machine…

That’s me in the front.  Wait for it……..

Yeah, that’s me accidentally eating the fucking dirt…

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Thanks to Zippy for running around the game with my camera for a bit, you got some great shots.  I’ll have some Colorado stuff up here pretty soon so stay tuned…

Hayseed out…

This, is my rifle.  There are many like it but this one, is mine…

I picked this up from a local airsofter about 6 mos. ago for around $260.00 and, until just recently, it was the only gun I’d field. With it’s comfortable, solid feel and blistering rate of fire, it’s without a doubt, the highest quality AEG that I’ve ever held.

The G&P M4 EOD sports a quality full metal upper & lower receiver, which gives it a solid comfortable weight, balance, and feel. The paint job is better than I’ve ever seen on another AEG, not that paint’s a really big deal but my Echo 1, that’s seen about an 8th of the use, looks beat to shit by comparison.

You may already be getting tired of seeing the word “quality” in every paragraph here, but I really can’t stress it enough.  Compared to other guns I’ve played with it really does feel, for lack of a better word………real.  It feels like I imagine a PTW or dare I say it, a real steel M4 might feel.  Coupled with a rate of fire that’ll make you shit your BDU’s, it is a satisfying weapon to weild.  The gearbox sounds alot smoother, not to mention ballsier, than any gun I’ve previously fielded.  6 or so months, tens of thousands of rounds later, never had a jam, feeding problem, hop-up problem, hell… the hop-up’s been set since right before I bought it, and I’ve never even had to touch it.

It chrono’s 360-ish with .20g BB’s and emptys mags almost as fast as you can grab them.  As far as accuracy goes, the day I picked it up we had a game; Mongoose & I were moving slow as shit through these trees, soldierin on.  When we came to a clearing, I had OPFOR 12 o’clock and about 130 ft. out.  I took aim through the iron sights and squeezed off a couple short bursts…..Hit!……I was as surprised as him.  In retrospect, I really shouldn’t have engaged him at that range even though I got him, but when you’re a noob….you do dumb shit.

It comes with full trademarks(kind of), and has unique fire selector markings.

I say “kind of”, because where it should say “Anti Terror”, it actually reads, “Anbti Terror”.  I’m under the impression that they use this “typo” to get around trademark restrictions.  I can’t remember if someone told me that, or if it was my own personal assesment, but it sounds good…..so I’m claimin it. BACDAFUCUP!

Score:  5/5  Why don’t you fucking own one of these!!!?!!?

Hayseed out…

Originally, we had another location planned for this event, however that fell through at the last moment.  Special thanks to Crapcan for stepping up with the locale.

We had to use Blackwater’s SUV for a staging area which, aside from the walk between games, worked out fine.

The mad fat chick killer.

Fucking Hop-Up

We started with a warm up game, wich was more of a warm up hike for Chunk & I.

Chunk’s patented “Ninja Turtle” warming technique.

Since there was snow on the ground, Chunk & I decided to use our footprints to set an ambush.  We walked through the trees to a clearing by the creek, walked up to the water’s edge, and then followed that around to come up behind our veg-block.  Unfortunately, I’m an idiot and forgot where the tracks come out into the clearing, so I was watching the wrong spot when the lure worked.

If nothing else, this event gave us plenty of exercise.

This is my punishment for sucking.

Oh look, more walking…

Load ‘em up!

Masta Blasta slingin hurt…

Boris the Russian sniper…

RRrrrrruuuuuuuun!!!!!

Moving in formation…

“Watch the trees!!!”

Point man…

On patrol…

Contact…

“Waiting to be killed…..waiting to be killed…”

Modified High-man Low-man…

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All in all, we had a great day, everyone stayed safe, but most importantly….kicked some ass.

Hayseed out…

High man low man.

Blackwater, ready to rock.

Setting up for entry into the killhouse.

The maleovalent medic.

Discussing strategy.

Do ya feel lucky, punk?

Attack group rushing the killing floor.

Bound and overwatch.

Two-man team clearing a room.

“This is MY hallway!”

Uberl33t cardboard armor.

Waiting for a medic.

Medic’s on call.

“Hit!”

The team spent the day working on communication, movement to target, room clearing, and marskmanship with a variety of weapons, all set in real-time full-speed conditions. Medic rules and limited spawns were in effect. Full-auto fire kept everyone ducking the whole day.

A big thank you to the hosts and everyone who showed up to sling plastic.

Mongoose out.