I have one of the newly released chronographs by Guarder on the way from UNCompany.com. When it arrives i'll give it a quick review and post it in the reviews section. So far it has had good reviews with its strengths being that it can be used reliably indoors with normal lighting and its consistent results.

Mad Bull airsoft are scheduled to bring out, what should be, a few big innovations in the airsoft industry. The first one is a gas "box" for your AEG that replaces the gearbox. It is powered by CO2 and the first "box" to be released will be for replacing version 2 gearboxes and will fire at 470 FPS. The design also incorporates a recoil function, which they claim is strong, and looking at the design of the box I can see how they could generate a strong recoil. The recommended retail price is around £104, which is quite reasonable for a performance "box".

The other big release from Mad Bull is the Lithium Ion battery. Often considered to volatile and expensive for airsoft application Li-Ion is also a considerably more compact way of delivery high voltages and capacities. Mad Bull appear to be developing the batteries and special chargers for them so obviously they have some faith that Li-Ion is a valid means of powering our AEGs. Looks interesting!

Marui could find themselves in trouble come the time when they release their M14. G&G are set to release their M14 some time this month and have promised a full metal model with a completely new gearbox design. 300FPS is promised from the stock gun while maintaining a high rate of fire 900-1000 RPM. The model is completely field strippable and seperates into 3 main parts. It comes with a tightened barrel and fully adjustable sights. They say it will retail at around $500. For more information check the two pdf files below.

M14 features
M14 user manual

I just heard from airsoft.org.gg that Marui airsoft have recieved the release dates for the P228 and M14 from Marui. The P228 is scheduled to come out at the end of April/beginning of May.

The M14 is scheduled for a July release and Marui airsoft are now taking pre-orders, see their site for details. As with other Tokyo Marui releases Marui airsoft should be the first in the UK to recieve their shipment.

Airsoftzone will of course do its best to have reviews of both of these guns a couple of days after they're out.

Spartan Imports have some images of various weapons in prototype at Classic Army. There are images of an Ak-74 and an MC-51. The Ak appears to have a very high level of detail and looks like it could turn out to be a very nice model.

Classic Army have also released their spring M15A4 Carbine, which they claim is the most realistic and best performing spring powered carbine on the market.

We also have their M249 to look forward to...

There is now a new guide on how to maintain your AEG and keep its performance up.

Top accessory manufacturer HurricanE are making a kit to convert your TM M16 series weapon into a Barrett "Light Fifty" or M82A1 sniper rifle. This popular anti material rifle is rarely seen in the airsoft world due to its high cost and unfortunately this kit is no exception. At $1850 its a bit of a sting as your paying for 6Kg and nearly a meter and a half of T6 grade aluminium. Something to dream about I guess!

It looks like Star Airsoft are bringing out more funky new kits with their UMP 45 and M14 on the horizon. The M14 is a modern variant with plenty of weird looking bodywork that makes it look fairly different from any other gun i've seen. The UMP is the standard HK model and claims to have a 110 round magazine and is compatible with Marui's gearbox parts. Also of interest is the grenade launcher for G36 models. It works on an electric firing system and costs $600.

Airsoft retailer Battletech's premises have undergone a major redesign and the shop is now very professional looking! Visit www.maruiairsoft.com to check out what they've done with the shop. As always they have an excellent stock of marui guns and accessories at very good prices.

Maruiairsoft.com also has a massive stock of "the survivor" airsoft masks which they are selling for the low price of £11 or £5 if you buy it with an AEG! These masks are robust, lightweight and offer good visibility. They do not steam up because of their design and offer full face protection or can be broken down into a goggle style.