Crissy told me about the PNP now requiring the registration of airsoft rifles and pistols at a cost similar to that of real firearms. So now if you don’t register you can suddenly become a criminal for possession of a toy! Funny since, airguns below .22 caliber don’t even need to be registered. And to think they can’t yet resolve the proliferation of loose (unregistered) firearms that are mainly in the hand of unlawful elements. Talk about money-making schemes. The irony is that the idea was hatched by a brilliant airsoft-playing lawyer (aren’t they all?). Paintball markers aren’t yet covered. But I’m sure it’s just a matter of time before some greedy bureaucrat sees the opportunity.
Fenris FTX
This morning, I went to UP Diliman to join my airsoft buddies for the Field Training Exercise (FTX) of Team Fenris’ new recruits. I first went to the regular playing field but there was nobody there. I messaged them asking where they were. There was no response so I walked around and did an impromptu photo shoot while waiting.
After some time, Bishop finally answered. He, Half-Pint, and the recruits are at the Palma Hall Parking Area. I quickly scooted over and linked up with them. After a while, Ish arrived and joined us. We basically just chatted while waiting for the recruits to finish their tasks. After a bit of a delay due to clues being taken by passer-bys as well as problems with the clues themselves (200m error, hehe, peace Half-Pint), they finally finished.
We then had a quick lunch before proceeding to the next stage which will be at Area 51, a vast and popular playing field. Unfortunately, I had chores to do so I wasn’t able to join them anymore. I was told it’s going to be a scenario where the recruits would attempt to purchase “weapons”, the deal sours, and there will be a firefight. Would have been fun to watch.
The day wasn’t exactly the return to airsoft I had in mind. But hey, it’s a start! Maybe next time I’ll actually be able to play.
Gerber EZ-Out
This is in memory of my Gerber EZ-Out which I lost somewhere not so long ago.
The EZ-Out is a lockback folder with a modified clip point blade that is partially serrated. A non-serrated version was available but I chose the serrated version for the flexibility. The blade has a thumb hole for rapid opening with either hand.
Its handle is Zytel plastic with Kraton rubber inserts to provide better grip. The handle is pretty durable. The Kraton inserts disintegrated over the years and I had to remove them for aesthetic reasons. But the Zytel was still going strong.
Finally, it has a strong clip so it can be secured to your pocket. Unfortunately, it can’t be switched to the other side so if you prefer it on another side, you’ll have to compromise.
The total package is small, light, and handy. You can carry it everywhere. Which is what I did. I carried it at work, at play, to hills, the occasional mountain, caves, swims, and even dives. And through all these it often came in useful: cutting cardboard, rope, vines, wood, preparing food, even for prying. Even when it was not needed, it always gave me comfort that it was there ready for use.
I’m going to miss it.
Rating: 5/5
Slide For Life
I was supposed to play airsoft yesterday morning. Unfortunately, when I checked my battery, I found out it didn’t charge even though I left it supposedly charging all night. I was left with a non-functional AEG. So I decided to instead just go watch my friends play with the guest team, a largish airsoft team. When I got there, everyone were gearing up and started playing soon after. The games were skirmish-type BUT with respawn (yeech!). People keep rotating into the game and they were just pumping pellets everywhere. All regrets I had for being unable to play evaporated right then and there.
Wasted morning? Not quite. Beside the game area, there’s a rappelling tower with a slide attached to it. It had been under construction before but now people were using it: rappelling and sliding down. Naturally, we got interested. As luck would have it, my friends know the people facilitating the activity. So we went up the tower and slid down. Quite a rush since it was my first time. I suppose, though, it could have been more fun if we didn’t put on a safety harnesses. Risk sure is a strong drug :D
Played Airsoft Again
Yesterday, I spent an afternoon playing airsoft. It was the best time I’ve had playing airsoft in months. Granted, I haven’t been playing all that much but during those times when I did play, I had been turned-off by the crowded game sites, the generally poor quality of opponents (tactics, ethics, personality, etc), the emphasis on form (costumes, gizmo guns, etc), and politics. Yesterday was different. There was just six of us but all were tactically-oriented people. And although there is still an element of form involved, the primary focus was on tactics. This resulted us playing a lot of fast-paced games. The repetition honing our tactical sense and the fast pace giving us a bit of a workout. It was quite refreshing.