Evolution of Real Action
The high intensity tempo of simulation training for today’s elite military and police forces demands a new generation of simulation ammunition training tool that is capable of offering versatility and realism need to create tactical scenarios to enhance combat skills and test the tactical competence of dedicated operators.
In the past years, PNP SWAT and the AFP Special Operations personnel depended on tools like Airsoft and Paintball guns to accentuate their training regimes, specifically for MilSim (military simulation) and CQB (close quarters battle). However, both these type of gears offer some advantages and disadvantages with regards to simulation training.
Realism is the Key
With Airsoft, the personnel get to employ weapons that are similar to look and feel to their government-issued arms, adding an element of realism to simulated encounters. These battery-powered, replica model guns can be had at a fraction of the cost of a real firearm and fire non-lethal plastic BB pellets at a muzzle velocity of 300 – 600 FPS.
But the Airsoft has one major drawback. The BB projectiles don’t have marking capabilities, so one has to rely on guesswork or an honesty system to identify target hits. The high capacity of the Airsoft magazines, usually between 100 to 450 pellets per mag, also lessens the realism since the need to change magazines, which is an integral skill to learn and employ during fire fights, is not exercised.
With Paintball guns, the operators get to train with accuracy enhanced by the paint marking properties of the paintball projectiles. Hits are easily identified and addressed, coupled by the fact that opposing teams can be armed with different colored balls to identify instances of friendly fire.
But aside from this advantage, the paintball gun’s deficiency is in its design. The shape of the paintball marker is like that of a futuristic pistol, hence the moniker “space gun”. The accuracy of firing the paintball marker is also seriously compromised by the presence of the hopper, the gravity-feed system that loads paintball ammo into the gun. The hopper, shaped like a stylish bottle mounted on top of the gun, blocks the area where a gun sight usually rests, preventing the shooter to aim the weapon properly at his target. Hence users have to employ a parallel aiming style in order to hit their targets, a serious departure from the actual shooting practices of real operators.
A Hybrid Emerges
At the onset of 2007, a new and exciting replica firearm made its entry into the Philippines through the young and dynamic firm known as ATACS Advanced Tactical Training Services. The gun is literally a hybrid of the Airsoft and Paintball marker design, combining the advantages of both to create the next generation training gun.
Dubbed the Real Action Marker, the new replica weapon fully lives up to its name by providing the look, feel and weight of a modern day firearm. Just like the popular Airsoft rifles, the RAM is modeled after the Colt M4 A2 Carbine and features a body of metal and plastic construction. Basically an airgun, the RAM is powered by a CO2 tank that is ingeniously concealed in the butt stock of the weapon, making it an integral yet unobtrusive part of the gun design. The gun also features working sights that can be adjusted to the preference of the shooter. Attachments and accessories that are found on real M4’s and airsoft rifles can also be easily attached to the RAM, adding to its appeal.
But the similarities to the Airsoft guns stop there, because the RAM is essentially a paintball gun capable of firing .43 caliber paintballs that can easily mark target hits. And with an adjustable muzzle velocity of 350 – 450 FPS, the RAM displays adequate projectile ejection necessary for effective training.
The Difference is in the Realism
Adding to the advantages of its airsoft and paintball marker predecessors, the RAM also introduces its own unique features to add to the realism craved for by operators and civilian gun aficionados alike.
Firstly, the RAM employs a spring-loaded magazine-feed system capable of loading 20 rounds of .43 caliber paintballs. This adds a realistic element of limited ammo load, a situation that fully simulates real life ammo conditions. The operator now has to take careful note of his ammo load when engaged in combat situations and must factor in the time to reload his RAM with a fresh mag during simulated encounters. The limited ammo condition also necessitates that the shooter carry a set of magazine as part of his training load out.
The next “realism” feature is also related to the mag-system, essentially the aluminum shell that encases the paintball rounds. Designed as a means to protect the paintball ammo and prevent the magazine spring from squeezing it together, the aluminum shell is also ejected from the gun during firing, simulating the shell ejection feature of the real gun.
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