SAM-25-GB - Cybergun

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SAM
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SOMMARY
Editorial
NEWS
The 25th issue of SAM is a slightly different issue. 6 years ago, I suggested to the 3 Pylones
company (that became Cybergun later) to introduce a Soft Air supplement inside a long gone
weapons magazine. With the passing of years,
Soft Air Mag was to change its format, its publishing intervals and its distribution mode, while
maintaining the same spirit.
These 6 years have allowed me to introduce to
you a hundred replicas and various accessories,
to witness the evolutions of the fascinating world
of Soft Air Gun.
That is why, when Cybergun offered me to make
SAM the official Magazine of Cybergun, I accepted!
This is why you have in your hands a magazine
with the entirely new look of Cybergun. SAM will
still appear three times a year and will only be
available from specialist outlets.
Welcome to the wonderful world of Soft Air Guns,
welcome to the world of Cybergun.
Page 3
Everything that’s new for spring 2006.
COMPARATIVE: M4A1 Cybergun vs M4A1 Marui
Page 4
For the first time, a manufacturer attacks the Marui fortress. Cybergun picked up the
gauntlet and offers a first class replica of the Colt M4A1. Follow a fascinating confrontation against a Soft Air background.
TEST: Sig-Sauer P228
Page 8
The manual replica of the P228 and the fitting of its accessories reveal all their secrets.
INTERVIEW: Counterfeits
Page 10
Maître Loiseau is Counsel for Cybergun; he answers our questions about a sensitive
subject: counterfeiting.
Stéphane Balle, Editor
TEST: FAMAS G2
Page 12
The FAMAS is the French weapon par excellence, equipping all the armed forces (Air,
Land and Sea). Cybergun presents an accomplished manual version. Detailed review.
TECHNIQUE: Stripping the Sigma .40 CO2
Page 15
Page 15
Maintenance must never be neglected, that is why we show you how to strip and reassemble the Smith & Wesson Sigma .40 CO2.
Page 4
Page 12
Page 8
Cybergun is a Registered Trademark of Cybergun S.A., exclusive worldwide* licensee for these famous brands:
* Except Beretta
Soft Air Mag
2
Spring 2006
NEWS
The brand new Internet site for Cybergun
This is the brand new Internet site for Cybergun,
under its address http://www.cybergun.com, you
will find more detailed articles, a new look, a dynamic homepage featuring regularly updated information.
The Corporate section aimed more towards professionals. You will find info on the history of Cybergun, the publication of its turnover or details of
partners of the company.
The News section collates news and new items
in Cybergun.
The Products section is divided into three parts:
all the Cybergun products, innovations and a very
important sub-section on safety.
Under Downloads, you will find the catalogue subsection offering you every Soft Air distributed by cybergun with a picture
of their packaging. You will be able to download past issues of SAM as well
as targets to practice your shooting. That section also houses two gems:
you will be able to access stripping guides and exploded views of different
Soft Air. Finally, and this is the major new item on the site, you will be able
to download 13 videos of product usage. You will be able to see the correct
ways to use a Soft Air Gun.
Then, we have two classic sections, one reserved for dealers, and the last
being the contacts info, so that you may have a dialogue with Cybergun
and, why not, join the company through the Job offers.
Given the international dimension of Cybergun, the site is shown in French
and in English.
3 new Blow Back ranges
Swiss Arms Multi-pockets Combat
Vest
Cybergun offers 3 new ranges of « Air Gun », the
Competition Series entry range, comprising
2 models (Taurus PT92 and Sig Sauer P226)
available in three finishes (Black, Chrome and
Dual Tone).
Superb combat vest from the Swiss Arms
range (Ref.: 604050), cordura material, for
the stowage of many items. The vest has three
pockets that can accommodate rifle magazines and three pockets for pistol magazines,
1 small pocket for tactical flashlights, 2 internal pockets to stow balls, as well as 2 “cargo”
pockets for all other uses.
Available May 2006
Next up is the Expert Series range, with a re-issue of
the Colt National Match in Black (Ref.: 180501)
And in Silver (Ref.: 180502). The percussion system
has been improved and the hand grips are black.
Finally, the « crème de la crème », the Elite Series range,
limited to only one model at present: the Taurus PT92
(Ref. : 210501). This replica weighs in at 820 g (between 400
and 500 g for the Competition and Expert Series), m/v 80 m/s
with 0,20 g balls.
Available May-June 2006
Spring 2006
3
Soft Air Mag
COMPARATIVE
M4A1 Cybergun
vs
M4A1 Marui
The M4A1 is the second electric replica of the Colt M 16
family, entirely designed by Cybergun following the
XM177 E2, and the improvements are as convincing as
those on the real X177 E2 and its evolution, the M4A1.
Aesthetics
T
At first glance, the two models are of similar external
appearance, but for one exception. The M4A1
Cybergun has a six-position retractable stock of LE
type (Law Enforcement) while the M4A1 Marui has a
four-position stock, like that of the XM177 E2. At the
moment, the 6 positions LE type stock is the standard
stock fitted to all M4A1 leaving the Colt Firearms factories. The M4A1 Cybergun is therefore a more up-todate replica than the M4A1 Marui.
The M4A1 weighs 2 970 g. It is 760 mm long, with
its stock retracted, and 840 mm long with the stock
extended. The barrel is 390 mm long. It can be fired
in semi-automatic or automatic modes. It uses an 8,4
V 1100 mAh battery. It comes with a 300-shot magazine, a sling, a spare piston and a spare fuse. The BAX
sighting system is available. It has a 1 joule power,
giving a muzzle velocity (mv) of 100m/s (with 0.20g
balls). For a number of reasons that will be explained,
the M4A1 Cybergun is an AEG of very high quality, so
Looking at details, it can be seen that many metal
components are form part of the construction of both
AEGs, such as the muzzle-guard, the barrel, the sights,
the sling hook at the front of the barrel, the front and
rear handguards, the carrying handle stripping screws,
the Picatinny rail hidden beneath the carrying handle,
the body pins, the cocking handle, the fire selector,
the magazine release catch, the magazine, the trigger
and the stock tube. As opposed to the M4A1 Marui,
the M4A1 Cybergun has no metal ejection port cover,
bolt receiver or trigger guard. On the other hand, the
sling hook on the retractable stock is metal. The stock
of the M4A1 Marui has no such fitting because the 4positionstock is not fitted with one (even on the actual
weapon). The trigger guard itself is not removable as
on the M4A1Marui.
he M4A1 Cybergun is a real break from the
XM177 E2, not only in respect of the materials
used, but also the quality of its construction and
the smoothness of its operation. The problems encountered regularly on the XM177 E2 have been corrected,
or eliminated. These problems lay largely in excessive
electrical consumption and in a lack of reliability when
shooting. This means that considerable efforts have
been made by the Cybergun team and the results speak
for themselves.
Soft Air Mag
much so that it can now sustain comparison with the
M4A1 from the Japanese manufacturer Marui, widely
regarded as the leader on the AEG market.
4
Spring 2006
COMPARATIVE
The other exception is the stock of the M4A1 Cybergun. The plastic used in its construction is inferior to
that of the M4A1 Marui. That is a pity. Cybergun could
have used the same plastic as for the pistol grip. This
would have been very effective; however, some moulding constraints appeared during the injection tests.
Still on the subject of the stock, its shape is not 100%
identical to the original. But this is minor.
The M4A1 at my disposal for this comparative is the
latest version of the M4A1 Cybergun. Its magazine is
metal while that of earlier versions was plastic. Besides, the barrel is cast in a different alloy from previous
versions. The quality of the alloys used on both replicas is very similar. However, I would put the quality of
the alloy used on the M4A1 Cybergun above that of the
M4A1 Marui.
The quality of the plastics is virtually identical on both
models, save for two exceptions: the pistol grip of the
M4A1 Cybergun is of much better quality than that of
the M4A1 Marui. Moreover, its colour is very realistic. It is a plastic and fibre compound as on the actual
weapons.
The stock of the M4A1 Cybergun
(foreground) has 6 positions, just
like recent versions of the Colt M4A1.
On the other hand, the M4A1 Marui
replica has only 4 positions.
Comparison table
M4A1 CYBERGUN
M4A1 MARUI
CYBERGUN
MARUI
Weight
2970 g
2950 g
Power
1 Joule
0.8 Joule
Make
Initial velocity
100 m/s
85 m/s
Mechanism housing
Reinforced
Not reinforced
Motor
GPX 5000
EG 1000
Trajectory correction system
Magazine capacity
Thicker
In respect of the markings, even though Cybergun is
the exclusive holder of the Colt licence, the markings
shown on the M4A1 Marui are more realistic. Thus, the
M4A1 Cybergun body bears the mention « cal. 6 mm
» while the M4A1 Marui shows « cal. 5.56 mm ». Besides, on the M4A1 Cybergun, some indications of the
power of the replica are visible on the left-hand side of
the body (just below the carrying handle). On the righthand side of the carrying handle, the Cybergun logo is
visible next to the drift height adjustment screw.
Lastly, the markings on the body of the M4A1 Marui are
better executed than those on the M4A1 Cybergun.
It looks as if the latter have been printed on it.
As far as the markings on the magazine are concerned,
you can read « Adventure Line Mfg. Co. Inc.
Price
BAX System
Hop Up System Up
60 or 300 balls
68 or 300 balls
300 euros
280 euros
It is in this field that the Colt
M4A1 Cybergun is
quite superior to the
Japanese model. It
has been reinforced
to allow a 1 Joule
power.
The Cybergun parts
are on the left and
the Marui parts are
on the right
Thicker
Thicker
Close-up of the Cybergun
Gearbox.
Cybergun
Spring 2006
Parsons. Ks. USA
» on the M4A1 Marui, while « cal 6
mm Made in Korea » is
stamped on the magazine of
the M4A1 Cybergun. More
realistic markings would have
looked more effective.
The imperfections of these markings are due
to legislation in some European countries. It
is worth noting that the Cybergun model has a
unique serial number since the second production
batch: this is located under the trigger guard.
In addition, the magazines for these models are of different sizes and are not interchangeable. This has no
Marui
Soft Air Mag
COMPARATIVE
bearing on their quality. The first Cybergun magazines
were plastic but at the IWA Show, Cybergun were exhibiting their first metal magazines, of 60 and 300 balls
capacity. These will soon be available for sale.
Structure
These two AEGs are of different construction design.
The M4A1 Marui being issue long before the M4A1
Cybergun; this proves that the design team at Cybergun
showed some capacity to innovate because the design
of this replica is inspired by that of the M4A1 Marui, it
remains unique. The M4A1 Cybergun is therefore not
compatible with any of the accessories available for the
M4A1 Marui. Once again, this is the consequence of a
commercial choice by Cybergun. We should not worry
unduly. Cybergun are already busy developing accessories for the M4A1, such as a handguard of R.I.S (Rail
Interface System) type.
The M4A1 Marui has two major defects. The first is
the play that the barrel acquires rapidly because of the
manner in which it is fixed to the body. This defect has
been corrected in the M4A1 Cybergun. The tube joining
the body and the false barrel was made of rolled sheet;
it is now made of aluminium alloy, recessed to a depth
of 5cm into the body, and fixed by 4 screws secured by
Loctite. Unfortunately, the problem is not really caused
by the way in which the barrel if fixed to the body.
It originates from the body itself; more accurately from
the way it is constructed: its plastic retains a degree of
elasticity. It is imperative that the barrel and the body
must be made of metal or metal alloys, and they must
be held together by means of a locking ring as on the
actual M 16 (the delta ring). The other defect of the
M4A1 Marui is that the Picatinny rail hidden beneath
the carrying handle was poorly fixed to the body (with
a screw on one side and a pin on the other). If the
M4A1 Marui is held too often by its carrying handle,
the screw breaks and eventually the rail detaches itself
from the body. On the M4A1 Cybergun, this defect has
been corrected. There, the rail is fixed to the body by
two screws. It is an improvement, but in the long run,
the rail can also become loose. The best solution would
be to mould the rail into the body. Barring these two
points, both AEGs are of intrinsically good quality.
Above, from left to right.
Another evolution of the M4A1
Cybergun: the piston. As you can
see, it is reinforced (black part of the
piston) compared to the old model
(centre) and to that present in the
Marui replica (right).
Marui
Cybergun
On the right is the spring from the
M4A1Cybergun, it is substantially
larger than the Marui version. Another
difference is that the spring guide is
plastic on the Marui, but metal was
chosen for the Cybergun.
Marui
Cybergun
The Bushing, these are the bearings
that hold in place the cogs in the
gearbox. They are made of metal by
Cybergun, but of nylon by Marui.
Technically
Besides,
the gearbox components are also better
than those present in the
Marui gearbox. For instance, the
piston is made of a plastic whose properties make it at once strong yet slippery. The teeth on
the piston are all reinforced by the addition of a brace
on the left and on the right on the entire length of the
piston; moreover, the last tooth, which is subjected to
the highest stresses, is substantially enlarged. It spans
the entire width of the piston. This increases the life of
the piston proportionately. If you had the misfortune of
your piston breaking, Cybergun has cleverly thought
of providing a spare in the box. But, given its design, a
breakage of this piston is a remote possibility. As the
Marui piston is so designed, it breaks now and again at
that point. The cogs in the Gearbox Cybergun are made
These two M4A1 replicas are
not only structurally different,
they are also mechanically
different. And in this area, the
M4A1 Cybergun has a distinct advantage.
Replica
of the
Colt M4A1
Soft Air Mag
First of all, the M4A1 Cybergun is fitted with very strong
Japanese High Torque motor. The code-name for this
motor is GPX 5000. Compared to the EG 1000motor
of the M4A1 Marui, it offers many advantages. It is
mounted on ball-bearings and the coils are hand-balanced in order to spin as smoothly as possible without
touching the magnets. It gives a higher rate of fire and
a 20% lower current consumption. Moreover, it has a
higher torque than the EG 1000 Marui; thus it offers a
higher rate of fire at an equivalent rotation speed. For
comparison purposes, if the GPX motor is used in the
M4A1 Marui, the rate of fire increases by 20% while reducing the current consumption by 20%. Despite this
excellent motor and these performances, if you wish
to enjoy fully the rifle’s performance, you must use the
8.4V 1100 mAh high output battery made for Cybergun (reference 603227). This power is necessitated
by the use of a piston that will allow 100m/s. The use
of a battery of similar amperage does not provide the
same rate of fire, especially if cheap batteries are used.
In fact, the Cybergun technicians have selected high
quality components for their battery. They have carried
out many tests before settling on these components.
In other words, if you use a lower amperage battery,
you run the risk of suffering a much lower autonomy
than normal. On the other hand, nothing is stopping
you from using a higher than 1100 mAh power. Still on
the subject of the motor, the motor cover on the M4A1
Cybergun is different from that on the M4A1 Marui. It
is more realistic. In fact, it is a copy of a ventilated grip
bottom, just as on some actual M 16. It is rather well
executed. The only drawback is that it is not really ventilated. Given the power of the motor, this might have
been desirable. If the engineers at Cybergun opted for
such a motor, it is because the internal mechanism of
the M4A1 and its 100 m/s required it.
Indeed, it is thanks to the its mechanical components
that the M4A1 Cybergun fires at 100 m/s. Thus, the
gearbox is reinforced in places where the gearbox
cracks on the Marui replica which has no such reinforcements. The gearbox of the M4A1 Cybergun
Is not entirely reinforced like those from custom parts
manufacturers.
It is merely reinforced at strategic
points, which
is amply sufficient.
Spring 2006
COMPARATIVE
From top to bottom.
It is strange to note that the markings
on the M4A1 Cybergun (left) are less
realistic than the markings shown on
the Japanese replica (right).
There is little to choose in the quality
of fabrication either replica. We note
that the hand guard of the M4A1
Cybergun is slightly longer than that of
the M4A1 Marui.
The battery is housed in the same
location on both replicas, but it is
advisable to use the recommended
batteries for the M4A1 Cybergun
if you want to make full use of its
performance.
Close-up of the barrel and the muzzleguard on the Colt M4A1 Cybergun
(Bottom), and the Colt M4A1 Marui
(Top)
of micro-fusion moulded steel, and then machined, as
are the bearings in which they rotate. On the Marui,
these are made of nylon. The spring guide id made of
metal: it is unlikely to break. Finally, the electrical system has been totally corrected from that of the XM177
E2. Consequently, there is no risk of encountering the
problems inherent to the XM177 E2. The gearbox components of the M4A1 Marui do not enjoy such characteristics by a long way.
Compared to the M4A1 Marui, the M4A1 Cybergun enjoys another advantage. It is indeed fitted with the BAX
system. This precision system is much more effective
than the Hop Up system on the M4A1 Marui. Indeed,
thanks to the BAX system, the ball is stabilised in the
barrel by three contact points (which is the best mechanical balancing system) instead of two with the Hop
Up system. This way, the ball always occupies the same
position in the barrel; it is perfectly centered. As the
ball is better centered, its trajectory is straighter when
it leaves the barrel. This is a revolutionary system.
That is why more and more
replicas are
using it. Its only
drawback
firing rate is higher at 800 shots per minute against
650 for the M4A1 Marui.
Verdict
As regards the system correcting
the trajectory, the M4A1 Cybergun is
the clear winner. The BAX system is
much more efficient than the ageing
Hop Up fitted on the Marui replica. It
is worth noting that both systems are
adjustable.
In conclusion, the M4A1 Cybergun is superior to the
M4A1 Marui in numerous areas. And this, in spite of
being more expensive, because an equivalent kit would
cost around 100Euros extra if the M4A1 Marui was
purchased.
n
Text: Laurent Kachler
Pictures: Stéphane Balle
(which was perceived as an advantage
initially) is that the possibility
of adjusting the trajectory of the ball to
the right or the left of the barrel can sometimes
make the ball unstable, thus reducing the benefits of
the three contact points. But this not a hindrance if that
possibility of horizontal adjustment is not used. This
comment is not a criticism of the BAX system which I
support, rather a plea for improvements to it.
For all these reasons, the shooting performance of the
M4A1 Cybergun is quite superior to that of the M4A1
Marui. While the M4A1 Marui shoots at around 85 m/s,
the M4A1 Cybergun shoots at 100m/s. In addition, the
Spring 2006
Colt M4A1 Marui replica.
Soft Air Mag
TEST
Sig-Sauer P228
The P228 from the Swiss manufacturer Sig-Sauer is a derivative
of the P226 and Cybergun offers two manual replicas, including
one with many accessories.
T
he Sig-Sauer P228 is the compact
version of the p226 automatic pistol. Several services of the American Army, aircrews or officers of the
military Police, have been issued. With this
model known as the US Service pistol M11.
The P228 meets the demand for concealment, unlike the Beretta 92 in use with the
majority of American service units. The
P228 is also used by the FBI and by the
elite French police unit, the GIGN. Its magazine holds 13 rounds in 9mm or .357
Sig.
SERIES
A manual replica
For its soft Air model, Cybergun
offers a low power manual replica. While it is not necessarily reserved for
children, its 0.3 Joule power demands the use of
the yellow 0.12g ball. As does the real weapon, the
P228 magazine holds 13 balls. As mentioned earlier, this replica is manual: you need to re-cock for
Soft Air Mag
8
each shot. For newcomers, l will describe the
workings. When you cock the Soft Air gun, you
compress the air contained in a piston held by
a spring. As you pull the trigger, you release the air
that propels the ball. The more powerful the spring, the
quicker the air release and the faster the ball travels.
Another important parameter in the power output is the
weight of the ball; the heavier the ball, the lower the
velocity. This is why we advise that you use balls of
different weights depending on the replicas on test.
The P228 is entry-level replica, the plastics used are
somewhat shiny but this is often the case for this type
of product. The markings are very accurate; on the right-hand side of the slide, you can read P228 followed
by Switzerland, as well as the reproduction of a serial
number. This number, also present on the frame, is the
same for the entire production of p228.
Spring 2006
TEST
Fitting the P228 accessories
This is the look of your P228, once all its accessories have been fitted and
are working.
Below the ejection port, the inscription “9mm para” is a
reminder of the original version; On the left-hand side,
only the inscription “Sig-Sauer” is present. A sticker
indicating the power has been applied to the slide.P228
can be fitted with accessories. Completing the description, it is noticeable that the sights are fixed and that
the model does not possess any trajectory correcting
system.
Locate the half shells carefully relative to the trigger
guard.
Position the 4 screws (two at the top and two at the
bottom) and their nuts, and then tighten carefully.
A “Full-Option” version
The P228 exists in two versions, « standard » and a
model well kitted with options. In the same box, Ref
285018, you find: a P228, a sight with laser designator,
complete with fitting rail, as well as a tactical light and
its hooking system, enough to give a terrific look to
your replica. It is also very important to mention that
even the batteries are included in the package. The
fitting of the different accessories is very simple, but
requires a minimum of care to avoid damaging the various parts (see assembly details).
In conclusion, I would say that this replica of the P228
is up to the Cybergun standard at the “Entry Level”,
while we are in the presence of a very interesting product in its “Full Option” version.
n
The laser designator works with three button batteries (supplied).
The small screwdriver, also supplied, allows access to the battery
compartment.
With rail assembly, this is perhaps
the most delicate operation. In order
to place the sights on the rail, it is
necessary to lift the central knob and
slide the accessory along the rail.
Text: Stéphane Balle
Pictures: Stéphane Balle
The elastic band also supplied in the box is used to
hold the laser control against the butt.
On the P228 Sig Sauer, a
serial number is engraved.
Present on the slide and on
the frame, it is common to the
entire production.
Spring 2006
Just like the laser, the tactical
light requires three button
batteries, also supplied with
the P228.
9
Note the position of my middle finger; it operates the
laser without any ill-effect on the weapon handling.
The light is fixed to the lower
rail by means of two screws.
Contrary to the laser, the light cannot be
controlled. While fitting it, take care not to
position it too close to the trigger guard or it
would be impossible to switch it on.
Soft Air Mag
INTERVIEW
Counterfeits
The word is fashionable, but what is really at stake, and who
are the main players on the parallel markets?
To gain a better understanding, we asked Maître Loiseau for
some answers to our questions.
Soft Air Mag: What is the definition of
counterfeiting?
Maître Loiseau: Counterfeiting is any breach of
the rights held by a person in respect of a drawing
or registered model (Article L 521-4 of the Intellectual Property Code) or the copyright on the work
(Articles L 335-2 et L 335-3). As far as Makes are
concerned, counterfeiting covers all illicit breaches
of the exclusive rights held by the owner of the
Make, namely the monopoly of utilisation of said
make legally held by the owner.
This covers the reproduction of the make, and
also, its imitation with aim of creating confusion
in the mind of the consumer (Article 713-1 and
further of the Intellectual Property Code).
SAM: What is DGCCRF and what is its
role?
Maître Loiseau : D.G.C.C.R.F. means «DIRECTION
GENERALE DE LA CONCURRENCE DE LA
CONSOMMATION ET DE LA REPRESSION DES
FRAUDES» [GENERAL OFFICE OF FAIR TRADING AND REPRESSON OF FRAUD.] (The Office;
Translator’s note)
This Office, based in the Finance and Industry
Ministry, carries out an essential regulatory mission on behalf of all economic participants, consumers, traders and local
communities.
Under this remit, it oversees fair and safe trading;
and this implies managing
control rules and, if needed,
sanctions.
This mission allows a regulated exchange of goods
and services within French
borders.
The thrust of the Office’s
mission follows three main
lines:
2. the economic protection of the consumer:
The Office oversees the quality of fair information
of the consumer, the quality of products and services that can be rightfully expected and it helps to
develop the means of improving quality for a safer
consumption.
3. the safety of the consumer:
The aim is to safeguard the physical safety and
health of the consumers.
The Office intervenes for all food and industrial
products, at all levels, as well as on services.
SAM: What is INPI and what is its role ?
Maître Loiseau : I.N.P.I. means «INSTITUT
NATIONAL DE LA PROPRIETE INDUSTRIELLE»
[National Institute for Industrial Property] (The
Institute; Translator’s Note)
The Institute is a public organism under the Ministry of Industry, and it plays a vital role in the field
of industrial property. Its mission is to inform and
educate in this field, but it is mainly responsible
for the examination, the delivering and the registering of industrial property and to broadcast the
information contained in these industrial property
deeds; businesses find that the Institute is an indispensable tool in supervising the technological
field.
Thus, the Institute has
four main missions:
1. to receive, examine, and deliver
industrial
property
deeds:
The Institute examines
applications according
to specific procedure
for each type of deed
(makes, patents, models, etc.).
2. to keep records:
The Institute is the
keeper of the National
Trade and Companies
Register constituting
the information on
companies, economic
as well as financial.
The Institute also keeps
the National Regis-
1. the regulation of trading competition, i.e. the
fight against abusive cartels
agreements, concentrations
with the aim of eliminating
all competition on a market,
the fight against unfair commercial practices and the
fight against counterfeiting.
Soft Air Mag
10
ters of patents, makes, drawings and models in
which are recorded acts affecting the property,
the exploitation or the existence of rights. Lastly,
the Institute collates information about the Central
Trades Repertory.
3. broadcast information about intellectual
property rights.
4. develop the right to industrial property.
The Institute is indeed charged with putting forward suggestions for the improvement of protection and it takes part in international work and
the representation of France within international
organisations linked to intellectual property.
SAM: What is a Licence?
Maître Loiseau : A Licence is a contract under
which the holder of a make, patent or model allows another person to utilise his intellectual
property right against the payment of a fee or royalties that represent a reward for the right ceded
by the owner of the make, the patent or model.
The Licence can be ceded for a determined period
or otherwise, exclusively or not, and for a specific
territory or otherwise.
A Licence contract comprises obligations for the
person ceding the Licence as well as the person
receiving the Licence. Thus, the person ceding
the Licence must ensure a non-confrontational
explanation of the right ceded. For his part, the
Licensee must pay the price and exploit the make
or patent.
SAM: What is a Soft Air pirate?
Maître Loiseau : A SOFT AIR pirate is a replica
weapon made and sold in breach of the holder’s
rights on the model, the make that may be applied
to the SOFT AIR. Thus, certain countries in the Far
East have developed SOFT AIR productions bearing marks that either belong to CYBERGUN, or
for which CYBERGUN holds the exclusive rights
thanks to Licences signed with the largest weapons manufacturers in the world. Such SOFT AIR
pirates can, under any circumstances, be made or
distributed in territories where CYBERGUN holds
rights.
The possession, exporting or importing and the
fabrication of these are counterfeits are very reprehensible under the dispositions of the Penal
Code.
SAM: What sanctions can be incurred by
the “pirates”?
Maître Loiseau : The authors of counterfeiting
acts are culpable of a penal delictuous action
punishable under Article L716-9 of the Intellectual Property Code in respect of the counterfeiting
of makes, and which allows for a 4-year prison
sentence and a 400 000€ fine for the importation,
Spring 2006
INTERVIEW
the exportation and the transport, as well as the
industrial production of goods displaying a counterfeited make with a view to sell, supply or offer
for sale, or rent said goods.
Article L716-10 of the Intellectual Property Code
allows for a 3-year prison sentence and a maximum 300.000 € fine for the any person to possess, import or export to sell, supply or offer
for sale goods presented under a counterfeited
make.
Both sets of sanctions are increased to a 5-year
prison sentence and a maximum 500 000€ fine if
the crimes are planned by organised gangs.
SAM: How widespread are counterfeits in
the world of Air Soft Gun?
Maître Loiseau : In the field of Air Soft Gun, it
is difficult to estimate the extent of counterfeiting. This is because little information reaches the
1 - Where did you find Soft Air Mag?
r In a specialist shop
r In a video games shop
r In a gun-shop
r Other .....................................
2 - Did you know about Soft Air before discovering SAM ?
r Yes
r No
3 – Did you know Soft Air Mag before this
issue?
r Yes
r No
4 – What is your opinion about the number of pages in SAM (16 pages)?
r Sufficient
r Insufficient
r What would you wish for? ...................
5 – What articles in SAM are the most interest to you?
r News
r The tests
r The accessories
r The stripping/re-assembling
r The interviews
holders of makes about wildcat production of
makes in Far Eastern countries. However, it is beyond dispute that the efforts made by CYBERGUN
in the legal field to protect the use of its makes on
the territories where it holds Licences, is beginning to bear fruit.
Still, vigilance must be maintained because counterfeiters, always greedy for easy money, are
adept at by-passing legislation in an attempt to reintroduce counterfeit “SOFT AIR” to the protected
territories. The means of fighting the scourge of
counterfeiting are both administrative and judicial.
Any company enjoying the same rights as CYBERGUN can ask the Customs to watch the borders,
and The Office to monitor the distribution of counterfeit goods on the national market. But such a
company of international reach as CYBERGUN
must also safeguard its rights on other territories
than the French territory. In these conditions, CYBERGUN have developed in all its partner coun-
6 – How long have you taken an interest
in Soft air?
r - than a year
r 1 to 5 years
r 5 to 10 years
r + than 10 years
7 – How many Soft Air are in your collection?
r None r 1
r 2
r 3
r 4
r 5
r + than 5
8 – What type of replica do you own?
r Manual
r Gas
r Blow Back
r Electric
9 – What type of replica are you interested
in?
r Long weapon
r Assault rifle
r Sub machine-gun
r Sniper rifle
r Hand-gun
r Automatic pistol
r Revolver
10 – What ball propelling system is of interest to you?
r Manual
r Gas
r Blow Back
r Electric
Please return the completed questionnaire to Cybergun,
Marketing service, Aurélie, 9/11 rue Henri Dunant,
ZI les Bordes, 91072 Bondoufle Cedex
tries means of monitoring and repression in order
to ensure the observation of its rights and Licences. Thus CYBERGUN will systematically sue
counterfeiters, in penal and Civil Courts, whether
such persons represent commercial concerns or
are acting on their own. In addition to the judicial
risk defined by the Intellectual Property Code, the
act of jurisprudence necessarily causes a prejudice for the holder of the Licence rights. This is
because the goods sold under the counterfeited
make are goods that should have been sold by
the make owner. Besides, the counterfeiters are
using the make copied in a parasitic fashion to
sell their goods. The owner of the make suffers
a prejudice caused by an act of unfair competition and the “cheapening” of the make for which it
pays substantial royalties.
This is why CYBERGUN asks regularly the appropriate Courts to condemn counterfeiters for trading counterfeit goods. n
11 – What is the deciding factor when
choosing a Soft Air?
r Price
r Quality of reproduction
r Technology
r Identifying with film heroes
r Other...........................
12 – What type of shop do you buy your
Soft Air in?
r Specialist shop
r Gun shop
r Video game shop
r Other......................................
13 – How old are you?
r - under 10 years r 10 to 20 years
r 20 to 30 years
r 40 to 50 years
r + over 50 years
14 – What is your occupation?
r Student
r Worker/Employee
r Middle management
r Management
r Other.............
15 – What do you suggest to improve
SAM?
...................................................................
...................................................................
...................................................................
...................................................................
…………………………………...............
Name: .................................................... First name: .................................
Address: .......................................................................................................
The first 10 replies will receive a gift of a value of
30 euros (Approx. £20)
Post Code: ............................ Town/City: .....................................................
Spring 2006
11
Soft Air Mag
TEST
FAMAS G2
The FAMAS is the standard issue assault rifle of the
French army, used by the Foreign Legion, the elite corps
in the French army; it could not be left out of our Soft
Air collection.
T
SERIES
he FAMAS or Fusil d’Assaut de la Manufacture
d’Armes de Saint-Étienne appeared in 1973 and
was adopted in 1979. The FAMAS is also nicknamed « the Bugle » by the media. It has been ordered
by the French army who wanted a powerful, easy to
use, tactical weapon. This assault rifle replaces at once
three weapons previously used: the semi-automatic
MAS Mle. 49/56, the MAT 49 sub machine-gun and a
number of MAC MLE 29 automatic rifles. It exists nowadays in three versions. The FAMAS F1 is the original
version. The FAMAS G2 is a cheaper version (no bipod,
no grenade launcher, no grenade-firing sling, no 3-shot
burst selector), it is mainly made for export. It is also
the most recent version of the FAMAS (1994). From
Soft Air Mag
12
the outside, it can be identified by the lack of trigger
guard, replaced by a large guard stretching from the
base of the grip, as well as a curved 30 round magazine
compatible with the M16 magazines.
Presentation of the replica
Today, there are very few Soft Air replicas of the FAMAS. In fact, two replicas with electric firing (firing in
auto and semi-auto) and one replica with manual reloading. Both electric models are replicas of the FAMAS
F1 and the FAMAS G2. In the case of the latter replica,
the manufacturer called it FAMAS Super Version. But, it
is indeed a replica of the FAMAS G2. The manufacturer
of both replicas is Japanese: Marui. As for the manual
replica, this is also a FAMAS G2 replica. The object of
this article is to introduce you to this manual loading
replica. This model was found by Cybergun with an
Asian manufacturer who was not exploiting it, as the
only holder of the exclusive reproduction licence of FAMAS is Cybergun.
First impressions
The FAMAS box top is rather engaging. You can see a
photo of the FAMAS on a black background, with a picture of a Legionnaire and the Foreign Legion badge. In
big white lettering, you can read “The Foreign Legion’s
FAMAS ». Indeed, the first units to be issued with the
Spring 2006
TEST
FAMAS was the Legion, in place of the Sig Manurhin,
series 54X.
Still on the box top, you can see the characteristics of
the replica. And these are rather flattering: they boast
that this replica fires at 92 m/s with 0,12 g balls, up to
52m. It also says that this FAMAS is equipped with the
BAX precision system. It can be seen elsewhere that
the accuracy results are quite satisfactory since at 5m,
the grouping is 57mm. When you open the box, you
can see immediately that the barrel of the FAMSA is
made of two parts. The part of the barrel protruding
from the frame must be screwed onto it to form the
whole barrel. Once this operation is complete, you can
see this replica in its entirety. Aesthetically, this replica
is very faithful to the original. Nothing has been forgotten, not even the possibility of placing the cheek-rest
on the right or the left of the rifle. On the real weapon,
it allows left-handed people to shoot comfortably once
they have turned the bolt round. This makes the FAMAS one of the rare few totally ambidextrous rifles.
The quality of the plastic used is satisfactory. Its aspect
is neither too matt, nor too shiny. The handling of the
FAMAS is quite pleasant and gives an impression of
robustness. The only regret that can be expressed is
that very few parts are made of metal. The replica is
different from the original in two areas: this FAMAS has
a Picatinny rail fitted to the hand-guard. So placed, this
rail is very useful because it allows the fitting of a light,
a laser or a vertical grip. Besides, another Picatinny rail
has been fixed to the carrying handle in order to attach
a sighting system, such as red dot or an optical sight.
This rail is also quite useful. But it has one fault: it follows the slope of the carrying handle while it should be
parallel to the frame, as in the real FAMAS. This means
that the sights will have to be adjusted very carefully to
correct this fault. As for the markings, they are virtually
non-existent; you can simply see a label on the left side
of the frame, indicating that the power of this replica is
0.5 Joule. The only marking is therefore that on the left
side of the frame, level with magazine housing.
Top and below. Detail of the stock and its sling-loop to carry the weapon.
Note that the fire selector is perfectly reproduced but is a dummy.
Above. The FAMAS magazine holds
45 balls.
Principal characteristics of FAMAS
This replica weighs 1 900 g and is 757 mm long. It
is supplied with a 45 balls magazine, a magazine-filler
accessory, a black sling, some balls and an explanatory
notice.
Spring 2006
Above. The standard sights are visible,
and also the hoops for the transport
sling.
13
Below. There are many ways to customise your FAMAS, one such can
be found beneath the handguard. You can fit there a tactical light, a laser
designator or a RIS-type handle.
Soft Air Mag
TEST
The FAMAS is a manual replica, you
will have to re-cock after each shot.
Just like the GIAT Industry version, the
cocking handle is located under the
carrying handle. Even if the FAMAS
has identical sights to the original,
thanks to the Picattiny rail, you can fit
a telescopic sight or a « red dot » on
top of the carrying handle.
Close up of the fixing system for the
universal bipod.
Above. The safety catch is ON and it is impossible to fire.
Below. Safety catch OFF; you can fire.
the loading tube supplied in the box. This accessory
contains exactly the right amount, i.e. 45 balls. Once
the magazine is loaded, you simply slot it back into the
weapon. To fire, you simply have to release the safety
catch located just ahead of the trigger, then cock the
weapon and pull the trigger. During the firing tests, I
realised that the cocking handle had to be pulled fully
back for the ball to locate properly in the barrel. I was
quite surprised by the velocity of the balls leaving the
barrel. It is indeed about 90 m/s. Also, the BAX system
fulfils its role: the trajectory of the ball is very stable.
The fact that the BAX system is not adjustable is not a
hindrance because its factory adjustment is effective. I
only noticed that the balls had a slightly upwards trajectory. Be that as it may, the results speak for themselves; satisfactory groupings are feasible up to about 10
metres. Besides, the firing distance stated on the box
is very close to the truth since the ball remains very
stable for about 40 metres, when it starts to drop.
The sights are adjustable for drift and elevation. The
only regret about the sight is that you cannot choose
the size of the eye-piece as on the real FAMAS.
My only concern about the operation of the FAMAS is
that the cocking handle is particularly poorly placed.
True, it replicates the original, but in a Soft air context,
the user will use this replica to shoot at targets or play
with his friends. And, with repeated use, you can end
up with a sore hand. In this instance, it might have
been better to design a cocking handle located in a
more convenient position without altering the nature
of the replica.
In conclusion
This FAMAS is a very good replica, faithful to the original and working well. I really liked the firing quality that
combines accuracy, velocity and range. Lastly, there is
a weighty argument that may push you towards buying
this replica: its price. In this price range, no replica offers so many qualities. n
This bipod,
Ref: 605200 is
sold for 20,50
euros. It is
possible to fit
this “universal”
bipod to any
long weapon
replica.
Operation of the FAMAS is very simple. To load the
magazine, you withdraw it by pressing on the release
catch located at the front of the housing, and to use
Text: Laurent Kachler
Pictures: Stéphane Balle
Rendez -vous on the brand
new Internet site of the
world leader in Soft Air :
SERIES
www.cybergun.com
Soft Air Mag
14
Spring 2006
TECHNIQUE
STRIPPING THE
SIGMA .40 CO2
Gas replicas,
whether they are
blowback or CO2, need a minimum of maintenance. Therefore they have to be stripped to
gain access to their vital parts.
SERIES
Text and pictures: Stéphane Balle
1. First step, remove the magazine and check
that no ball is in the barrel.
2. Then, depress and hold down the « button »
located in the middle of the frame.
5. Turn the slide over
and by compressing the
spring slightly, you can
pull it out.
3 et 4. Push the slide forward firmly and pull it out carefully. You
can mow oil the moving parts in the frame.
6. To remove the barrel,
you must first push, then
lift and finally pull.
7 et 8. Once its housing has been
removed, you can pull out the 6.08mm
barrel topped by its trajectory correction
system, the Hop Up.
9. The Hop Up
can be adjusted
with the Allen key
supplied in the box.
11. During maintenance of your
replica, do not forget to oil the
small seal on the pump with
APS3 oil.
10. Determining element of any Soft Air: its pump. To lubricate it, use
only APS3 silicone oil from your Soft Air Gun dealer.
13, 14 et 15. Re-assembly is merely the reverse operation that you have just carried out. Be
vigilant and above all, do not use force. Soft Air of this quality are little technological jewels and
brute strength does not sit well with precision instruments.
Spring 2006
15
Soft Air Mag
New n
versio
SIGMA .40F CO2 Blow Back
Ball (0.20g)
velocity
Magazine
capacity
Firing
system
Type
Reference
RSP
90 m/s
39 BB
Hop Up
Adjustable
Semi-automatic
320506
99 euros
New Polycarbonate bolt – twice as much lasting power
MINI UZI CO2
Blow Back
Ball (0.20g)
velocity
Magazine
capacity
Firing
system
Type
Reference
RSP
MINI UZI
85 m/s
39 BB
Hop Up
Adjustable
Full Auto
Semi Auto
470501
470500
249 euros
239 euros
DESERT EAGLE .50AE
110 m/s
39 BB
Hop Up
Adjustable
Full Auto
Semi Auto
090591
090592
219 euros
200 euros
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Find your nearest stockist on:
01 69 11 71 00
OF
L IC
NS
E
www.cybergun.com
Imitation replica weapons firing harmless 6mm plastic balls. Non-contratual photographs.
F I CI AL
CT
to:
U
Register with buy@cybergun.com (password: cyberguncibles)
© Stéphane Balle
DE.50AE CO2
Blow Back
ED P RO
D