BillyBob is Back! 
My BAASH brother resurfaced and updated his website: http://members.nbci.com/airsoftbbs/. Of particular interest, is the link to Sniper's write-up of the Black Hole airsoft event in Japan at http://www.geocities.com/stingersix/Black_Hole01.html

AirSoft CQB... Montreal, CAN 
Check out this link I found on Lynch's forum: http://members.home.net/airsoftcanada/PQAC/pics.htm.

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AirSoftPlayers... Florida, US
Check out this link I found when I ran stats on referrers: http://www.airsoftplayers.com.

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By X-ring! on Sunday, January 28, 2001 -  6:54 pm:

Home again... for a little while
Finally, I'm back...  What a trip that was!  My colleague and I were poisoned in Paris.  Then, in London, my colleague witnessed her first  crime while shopping at the Caviar House in London.  The four perpetrators were subsequently caught and arrested.  And yesterday evening (our last night in London) probably while we were having a dinner meeting with a French VP, her hotel room got burglarized!  We were staying at Leicester Square, which is pretty much a human menagerie.  Who says merry ol' England is "safe?!"  

Apparantly US Customs is getting increasingly stringent, even with travellers arriving from Western Europe.  

Anyways, more details as the dust settles...

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By X-ring! on Saturday, January 20, 2001 -  8:54 pm [LONDON, UK]:

CQB with SAS in Dorsett, UK.
During the visit at 007 Q-Branch, Kevin mentioned that he and Nick will be playing tomorrow (Sunday) at the airsoft establishment in Dorsett.  The CQB session will be run by a chap from the SAS.  If I had known about it earlier I would have signed up, but I had already scheduled an extremely important business meeting for tomorrow afternoon.  Yes, for a Sunday afternoon!  Why?  Because my calendar is already full during the week, and that was the only available time left.  Oh well, I'm signing up for those CQB sessions for the next times I'm coming through the UK... which will be often!  

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X-ring Visits 007 Q-Branch, UK!
Today, I flew into London Heathrow and railed straight to OO7 Q-Branch, owned and operated by Kevin Burdock, who is also a Formula One race car mechanic.  As mentioned in the news article from Jan.16th, Kevin specializes in the modification of airsoft and airguns, particularly the Walther P99, Walther CP99, and Walther PPK/S.  He custom-machines and anodizes aluminum threaded adapters and barrels for attaching tracer units, etc. I spent approx. $110 USD to evaluate these for myself.  BTW These are so beautifully made that I want to simply exhibit them in the lighted glass display cases in my gun room.  Stay tuned for more details coming soon as Nick sends me the digital photos.

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Wolf Armouries, UK.
Unfortunately, the visit at 007 Q-Branch ran longer than expected and Kevin could not take me to Wolf Armouries.  I was looking forward to visiting Wolf Armouries, especially since Kevin described it as a "must see" ... and mentioned something about it being the biggest airsoft shop in the UK.  Oh well, perhaps next time.  

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Connecting from Leicester Square.
The phone charges from the hotel are ridiculous.  Until I find a better way of connecting, I will limit my updates and emails.  

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By X-ring! on Friday, January 19, 2001 -  6:54 pm [PARIS, FR]:

Recovering...
We felt worse today than we did yesterday and nearly hurled during the crazy taxi cab ride after our last meeting today...  My friend (a Paris-based VP at HAVAS/Sierra which publishes SWAT3, etc.) told me that we may actually be suffering from the near-epidemic outbreak of  stomach flu that recently hit the Paris metropolitan area.  Whatever the heck it is, I don't like it!

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SafeGom
Among the interesting offerings at the spyshops here in Paris is the "SafeGom."  The French-made SafeGom is a revolver that uses disposable cylinders preloaded with six 13mm cartridges each of which fire a 11.5mm ball-shaped rubber projectile.  After you fire the six rounds, you "eject" and replace the entire cylinder.  Given the design, it  cannot fire real firearm ammo, and is probably legal in many areas that prohibit or restrict real steel.  The SafeGom itself (with two cylinders) costs around 200 Euro's, and additional cylinders approximately 15 Euro's... at current free market prices.

In case you were wondering, the answer is yes.  The spyshops in Paris also sell airsoft, but at outrageous prices.  Imagine an AEG for 5990 FF!  Depending on how currency-savvy you are, that's roughly $900 USD!  The mini-AEGs were 390 FF... which is $40+ USD.

Yes, they also offer other stuff... i.e. not obtainable at any price (legally) in many parts of the world.  Shhhhh.....

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Lecturing at Univ. of Liverpool... soon.
I have been invited to speak at the University of Liverpool when I am in the UK next week.  Given my already full schedule, I will probably do it on a subsequent trip to the UK.  By then the weather may be warm enough to squeeze in some airsoft fun as well!

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By X-ring! on Wednesday, January 17, 2001 -  7:14 pm [PARIS, FR]:

Poisoned in Paris, FR!
Food poisoning knocked my colleague and me out of commission for the latter part of yesterday and all of today.  We are suffering miserably, but your emails are keeping my spirits up...  

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Kudos!
Airsoft veteran SkippyChan sent this:

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Quote:

You got me interested in airsoft when I lived on the east coast and knew I would be moving to the Bay Area.  Your site has influenced and interested more people then I can imagine.  Keep up the good work. 

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Another airsoft veteran Barry (whose page helped inspire the original X-ring website) sent this:

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Quote:

This is Barry, one of the many who commented on your site before. I must again.  I like the new URL, glad you got what you wanted.  The site is great, as usual. I like the larger type and the new cross hair cursor.  Great idea!!!     Well designed and laid out.  My hat goes off to you.     Thanks and keep up the good work.

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By X-ring! on Tuesday, January 16, 2001 -  12:36 am [PARIS, FR]:

X-ring to Visit 007 Q-Branch, UK!
On Monday, I spoke with Kevin Burdock, who is a Formula One race car mechanic and the proprietor of 007 Q-Branch.  He specializes in the modification of airsoft and airguns, particularly the Walther P99, Walther CP99, Walther PPK/S, and the Beretta Cougar M8000.  He machines custom metal accessories, including threaded adapters and barrel sleeves for attaching tracers, and other extensions. He invited me for a special personal tour of his workshop and the local armories when I fly into London this weekend.  

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Review -- FTC Spectre
Shadow sent in a detailed review of the rare FTC Spectre.  Click here to read the full writeup.  

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Spy Shops in Paris, FR!
So far, we visited every car showroom on the Champs Elysees, including Mercedes Benz, Peugeot, Citroen, Renault, and Toyota.  Guess what?  They don't sell cars in those showrooms!  They are generally displays with restaurants, bars, and lounges further inside!

Anyways, my exploration of Champs Elysees turned up four "spy shops."  These shops are far better than anything in the US.  All seem to be run by Israelis who offer pretty amazing equipment, many of which are scary just about everywhere!  It appears that the Israelis' reputation for arms and intelligence gear is well deserved!

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By X-ring! on Sunday, January 14, 2001 -  1:12 am [PARIS, FR]:

Greetings from Paris, FR!
Wow, I just got back from a great dinner with my sis at Chez George (the one at 1 Rue de Mail for those who know Paris).  It was awesome to see her again.  Interestingly enough, my other sis invited me for some snowboarding next weekend in Switzerland.  Anyways, there's still lots to post here...

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New Domain = www.XringAirSoft.com!
Thanks to generous support from ShortyUSA, this website now resides at http://www.xringairsoft.com.  

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T.Rex Owns You!
ScorpioVI found this eye-opening collection of video footage http://www.accuratereloading.com/videos.html.  

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Quote:

It shows a series of men shooting a .557 T-Rex (and getting owned by it). Be advised that the site also has some videos of senseless animal slaughter so if you're sensitive to that, please don't click on the Hunting video links.

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FTC Spectre Review... coming soon!
Shadow submitted a detailed write-up of this rare airsoft.  I'll post it as soon as I html-format it.

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By X-ring! on Friday, January 12, 2001 -  12:00 pm:

911 Grand Opening!
Before I fly out to Paris in a few moments, I want to give everyone the heads-up on 911 AirSoft's Grand Opening currently scheduled for Tuesday, January 16th. Go check it out at http://www.911-airsoft.com

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By X-ring! on Thursday, January 11, 2001 -  11:51 am:

Guns & Ammo Article
Overload sent this:

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Quote:

[T]he new Guns and Ammo (with pump shotguns on the Feb.2001 magazine cover, but with pistols on the website) has an article on air guns, including a bunch on airsoft.  See pages 72-77.  Hopefully, this will give us some more players. Keep up the good work!

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Op: Red Dirt -- NorCal
KingSensei sent this:

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Quote:

American and Rebel forces punch it out in the hills of Los Lomas on January 28th.  Up to 600 acres of great fun for patrolling,  ambushing and outstanding fighting.  Meet at Dr.King's house @ 0930 (9:30am) we will be convoying to the site so if you are not there by 10am, you will miss out.  R.S.V.P.

504 Trail Dr.
Moss Landing, Ca. 95039
internet maps are very good

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By X-ring! on Tuesday, January 9, 2001 -  9:58 pm:

Thorin's AirGun Base
I added Thorin's AirGun Base website to the Hobbyists' Links listing.  He did a great job of conveying lots of information (airsoft and airgun) in a nicely designed site.  Go check it out at http://members.xoom.com/endtimes/airguns

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By X-ring! on Monday, January 8, 2001 -  2:02 pm:

Counterpoint: Taiwanese-made  AEGs Caveat Emptor?!
AirSoft Supply recently tested and dissected AEGs from two different Taiwanese makers -- ICS and Classic Army.  Check out the critiques at http://www.airsoftsupply.com/images/guns/icsmp5/icsmp5.htm http://www.airsoftsupply.com/images/guns/camp5/camp5.htm

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By X-ring! on Sunday, January 7, 2001 -  5:15 am:

X-ring in Paris FR and London UK!
During my move this weekend (I'm now in a bigger place with a dedicated "gun room" and stunning panoramic view of the lake, downtown skyline, and mountain range... and, did I mention my dedicated "gun room?" J I nearly forgot to update my overseas friends on my upcoming travel plans.
I will be arriving in Paris on Saturday, January 13th 4:00 pm, and staying for a week. Then I'll be in London on Saturday, January 20th, arriving 2:00 pm and staying for a week. Although my schedule is already heavily booked, I'll do my best to meet up with airsofters in Paris and London. Email me immediately to make arrangements.

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By X-ring! on Saturday, January 6, 2001 -  6:23 pm:

Team TASCO
Rebels39 wants everyone to check out his team's website -- Click here to go to http://teamtasco.homestead.com/WILLIE.html

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By X-ring! on Friday, January 5, 2001 -  7:03 am:

Soft Air Charlie One -- Italy!
My Italian contact, Fabio, updated his nicely done website -- Click here to go to http://www.charlieone.com

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911 AirSoft Supply -- Calgary, Canada!
My Canadian contact, ManKit, will be opening his shop on January 15th -- Click here to find his listing.

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By X-ring! on Thursday, January 4, 2001 -  10:00 am:

Gotcha Adventure -- Switzerland!
My Swiss contact, HellFire, has a website for Gotcha Adventure you should see -- Click here to go to http://www.gotchaadventure.ch

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Player Review: Classic Army Metal-Body AEG MP5 SD3 Gets Thumbs-Up!
ScorpioVI posted an excellent writeup of the MP5 SD3 metal-body AEG from Classic Army.  ScorpioVI purchased this SD3 from AirSoft Extreme... Mention "X-ring!" to get the best deals! Click here to read ScorpioVI's thoughts on this SD3 (it's the January 1 entry in his News section).

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The answer to ShortyUSA's Trivia Contest = Tom Selleck

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By X-ring! on Monday, January 1, 2001 - 12:00 am:

HAPPY NEW YEAR!
I wish everyone an awesome 2001 filled with the best airsofting ever!

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X-ring Heads into its FOURTH YEAR!
Last night, we celebrated the third anniversary of the X-ring AirSoft Hobby Site with pyrotechnics (mortars and rockets... it's a good thing those falling embers won't ignite wet evergreen trees!) and, of course, full-auto airsoft. Lots of exciting stuff is coming up on this website for its fourth year.  Stay tuned for more!

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AirSoftGuns.com R.I.P.
I've seen many airsoft sites come and go... add AirSoftGuns.com to the list. Reasons cited by the AirSoftGuns.com webmaster were his diminished interest in airsoft, as well as his lack of time and energy.  Let's all thank Kelly for his contributions to the airsoft community!

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By X-ring! on Wednesday, December 27, 2000 - 8:35 pm:

The NEW X-ring!
With the 3-year anniversary just mere days away, here's the newly re-designed website! Airsoft veterans will remember that the X-ring! AirSoft Hobby Site was born on New Year's Eve 1997. Although the original site design lasted through nearly three years of incredible growth, I decided to re-design the website as we head into a great future.

There are many new features, including a LIVE news feed, which provides the latest news regarding guns from news agencies around the world. Given how events here and everywhere affect our ability to enjoy airsoft freely, it's important to stay fully informed. Note that each time you visit or "refresh," the news feed will automatically update with the latest batch of stories. Enjoy!

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By X-ring! on Tuesday, December 26, 2000 - 3:35 pm:

FREE Real-Time Instant Chat!
Among the many features provided by the newly re-designed X-ring website (which will debut very soon) is a powerful chat applet that I hope will help airsoft enthusiasts communicate with each other both locally and around the world. The "chat" provides an excellent alternative to emails, message boards, and *gasp* phone calls. For best results, I recommend establishing a specific time that you and your buddies agree to meet online for discussions. Give it try and let me know what you think of it. CLICK HERE TO CHAT

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By X-ring! on Thursday, December 21, 2000 - 12:25 pm:

Combat Missions TV Series!
ScorpioVI sent this tidbit:

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Quote:

Basically the producer of Survivor is going to take groups of elite Special Forces and "SWAT-Type" LE units and run them through whatever BS he comes up with. No word yet on whether or not this will be a "combat" (MILES?) scenario or an eco-challenge type of terrain-conquering event, but it should be interesting.

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Dinner with DoG#1... again!
Last February, I travelled across the pond to the UK to dine with the DoGs and play with their toys (including a very big 8-ton APC!). This time, DoG#1 came over to sunny California, so BAASH 2 and I made sure to not let him go hungry! Here's the news entry quoted from the BAASH website.

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Quote:

...While out here in California for a work assignment, DoG #1 was able to hook up with BAASH 1 and BAASH 2 for dinner. The three guys traded "war" stories and dined on steak and beer at a local up-scale "supper club" - which by the way, was confirmed to have been frequented by Frank Sinatra and the "Rat Pack" whenever they were up here in the Bay Area! We enjoyed comparing notes on what was different and what was common between airsofters in California and in the UK. The conversation was amusing, enlightening and above all, thoroughly enjoyable! It was good to have the chance to reciprocate the D.o.G. Team hospitality when BAASH 1 was across the "pond" earlier this year!

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BAASH Direct Action
Just a quick re-cap from a BAAASH session about a week ago, now that the photos are ready. Here's a quote from the BAASH website:

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Quote:

Sunday, December 3, 2000.... [M]embers went out to our Saratoga site for what we thought would be a light, leisurely day. It turned out to be a more serious, yet fun day. Everyone agreed that they hadn't expended so many BBs in a day in a long time! There was lots of practice on patrolling, attack and suppression fire, and other direct action skills. After our recent concentration on tacsim and night games, it was good to get out in the woods and dust-off our day-time woodland/milsim skills....

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10% Off Everything!
Deepak wants to remind everyone that there's a 10% discount off everything at 747 Imports. Give him or Shawna a call at toll-free 1-888-304-3282.

Air Force Talon [not really airsoft]
Wow! I got my .22 caliber Talon pre-charged pneumatic airgun a few days ago, and it is simply amazing! I already had high expectations from the great reviews I've read, but it exceeded even such lofty expectations! For example, the accuracy is incredible: I shot ragged one-hole groups from across the yard... at night... with open sights! I can hardly wait to mount my 6-24x 50mmAO scope on it! Plus, the power on this piece is ridiculous: it easily achieves 1000 FPS. Obviously, no one should use this for skirmishing, but it's incredibly fun for field-target shooting, e.g. crushing aspirin-sized targets at 35 yards, etc. J

I've done plenty of long-term research on the Talon. Check out the News entry archived from November 11, 1998. Read JayHawk's detailed review at http://www.funsupply.com/airguns/talon.html

The Air Force Talon is currently available from The Backyard Safari at toll-free 1-888-395-2555. Mention "X-ring" for the best deals on airsoft and airguns.

ALL-METAL AEGs!
Mickey from AirSoftExtreme sent this:

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Quote:

We have all metal, all new Classic Army AEG's! That's right, these are all metal, come with a Classic Army reimforced gearbox upgraded to shoot up to 350fps! They come standard with an EG1000 motor, hicap mag and the A2's and A3's have G&P handgrips too! We have an excellent introductory price for these as well. Come check them out in our Electric Guns section at http://www.airsoftextreme.com

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"The Devil's Gun"
Sniper reviewed the Asahi M-134 mini-Vulcan gatling gun. Here's an excerpt: 6,000rpm is fast... Because of the extreme rate of fire, if anything goes wrong something bad will happen... fast... Don't shoot this gun in the house... ever. 100 BB's a second is no joke. My backstop couldn't handle the sheer volume of plastic coming at it and... well, I've never seen a box evaporate, but that's what it did and BB's went everywhere. I ended up shooting myself from ricochets which felt like I fell into a nest of fire ants. Click here to read the full review at the T.A.N.G.O. website.

RC AirSoft Tanks and more at Backyard Safari!
Here's something that many of you have been emailing me about -- Where in North America can people buy the new radio-controlled tank that shoots 6mm airsoft rounds -- the Tokyo Marui Type 90 MBT??? You can order it from Backyard Safari... Hurry before everyone else finds out!

The Backyard Safari has lots of airsoft and more. Although its website does not really say so... the Backyard Safari also carries all sorts of airguns in .177, .20, .22, and .25 calibers... spring-pistons, break-barrels, side-levers, pumps, pre-charged pneumatics, and CO2's. Yes, Backyard Safari even has the rare Browning/Rutten AirStar ELECTRIC-cocking spring-piston .177 magnum sporter rifles!

The folks at Backyard Safari are shooters, and love airsoft, airguns, and real steel. They know their stuff and are definitely lots of fun to talk to J

Call toll-free 1-800-400-6634 between 9am-5pm EST
OR toll-free 1-888-395-2555 anytime, 24 hours!
OR email 'em at airpowerguns@cs.com
To get the best deal, be sure to tell 'em X-ring sent ya!

Player Review - Steyr AUG is #1!
ScorpioVI posted an excellent review of the Tokyo Marui Steyr AUG and its custom variations. I believe that the CyberAUG that he now owns was once mine... ScorpioVI got it from JetLegend, who got it from SkippyChan, who got it from me! J What a small world this is!
Click here to read ScorpioVI's review of the Steyr AUG

X-ring X-mas!
Yeah, go ahead and take a look at the cover of the December issue of Guns & Ammo Magazine! J You can also see it on the scanned cover at http://www.gunsandammomag.com.

I spotted this on the newstand while I was waiting for my flight to Las Vegas this evening. Believe it or not, I just left Vegas yesterday morning... and now I'm back in Vegas again! These business trips can sometimes get ridiculous!

Santa Cruz Game -- Sat. Nov.18th!
D-Day sent this message (it looks like his caps-key is outta control):

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Quote:

ATTENTION: CIMMERIANS!
ATTENTION: WARRIORS!
PREPARE FOR AIRSOFT COMBAT IN THE SANTA CRUZ MOUNTAINS!
Join us for a day to enjoy the thrill of mock combat as we play airsoft wargames amidst the beautiful redwood forests in Boulder Creek.
WHEN: SATURDAY NOV 18
WHERE: BOULDER CREEK, CA
MAP & DIRECTIONS LOCATED AT HTTP://WWW.CIMMERIANS.COM/SCHED.HTM
NOTE! THERE IS NO PARKING AT THE FIELD! ARRIVE EARLY FOR THE SHUTTLE! (see map & directions)
VENUE: THEATRICAL AIRSOFT COMBAT!
VELOCITY LIMIT IS 350 FPS
NOTE! ONLY .20g AMMO WILL BE AVAILABLE AT THE FIELD.
NOTES: MILSIM GAME RULES
350 FPS CHRONOGRAPH LIMIT STRICTLY ENFORCED
MILITARY REGALIA MANDATORY! CIVILIAN ATTIRE NOT ALLOWED!
BIODEGRADABLE BBS ONLY! (AVAILABLE AT THE FIELD)
BRING YOUR OWN FOOD, SUPPLIES, AND PLENTY OF WATER. THERE ARE NO AMMENITIES/SERVICES WHATSOEVER.
THERE ARE NO RENTAL GUNS OR EQUIPMENT AVAILABLE SO COME FULLY SELF EQUIPPED!
E-MAIL SGTDDAY@CIMMERIANS.COM WITH ANY QUESTIONS.

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Op: Eminent Domain -- Sunday, Nov.5th!
Elusive sent this

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Quote:

A MIKEY BOYS PRODUCTION
A mad man with hostages, a FBI Task Force itching to take him down and Special Forces Commander in the thick of war with 5 lives in the balance and the fate of a country.

WILL YOU BE THERE?
Starts Sunday, November 5 2000
Showtimes at : 9:00 am at Dr. King’s House at 541 Trail Drive, Moss Landing, CA

Storyline:
Here we go again… another game directed by Taz. Tony Montana Jr. the leader of the Cree Rebels and self made go-zillionaire via well narcotics trafficking, has escaped from jail and now intends a full fledge war against the Vokka Province. During his escape he hi-jacks a yacht with the American Ambassador’s family and friends on board. The game starts with hostage negotiations.

The Game:
Okay, we have a Delta Force Unit and FBI HRT/Terrorist negotiation unit that will be doing not only be doing battle with a buncha bad guys, but the game will depend on how negotiations go.. GOOD CALL FOR SNIPERS.

The Dressing Room:
FBI role players will be issued a blue raid jacket with the letter’s HRT on the back. (Cannot use FBI) you may dress in black BDU’s or wood land or even jeans.. There are only 7 to 10 jackets so RSVP me for full commitment to play.

Delta Force is the MIKE FORCE 1 Unit with tigers.. only a 6 man unit.

Druggies will be allowed to wear anything they want except the above. For instance, I will be wearing a white sports jacket and wielding some kinda weapon. I have a lot of the guys on the druggies wearing plain clothes from HOME BOY GANGSTA gear to merc camo’s..

Hostages yes the hostage about 5 of them will be wearing either camos of any kind with a BIG LETTER “H” on their backs.

Rules:
BASICALLY DIE WHEN YOU GET HIT (SEE Mike-force.com for advanced Mil-sim rules) Every team has a Mission Packet that is for their eyes only which includes a map.

Additional Rules:
- Hostages can and probably will be executed unless you really get into
the role and try to deal this thing out.
- Delta Force may not engage until and order is given by the negotiation
team…
- The real deal.. any gun shot heard may spook the bad guys in whacking
the hostages.
- You will have 15 minutes before games starts to plan your directives.

FBI guys you gotta really be able to utilize the Delta Force real well coordination is key.. there are huge penalties for not only losing hostages but if you shoot a hostage on accident WHOOPS… BIG PENALTY not only that but CNN is probably gonna make a big stink. Delta Force can only engage if negotiations break down by order of the FBI.
GOOD LUCK THIS ONE SHOULD BE FUN!!!!

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