Airsoft is alive and well in South Korea and it has a small airsoft industry. Whilst, the airsoft community is quiet, the South Koreans do some innovations in airsoft. The latest is something that merges the best of both worlds in airsoft (AEG and GBB) and is about to be released. The Dynamic Action System (DAS) M4A1 Electric Blowback made by GBLS has attracted the attention of airsoft players since last year.

Many are curious, and so far the understanding is that it is an AEG with an electric blowback feature and can be taken down like a Gas Blowback Rifle, which also means it can be taken down like a real steel M4. An immediate advantage of this is for cold weather airsoft where airsoft players who are used to using GBB M4s can use the DAS M4A1 without worrying about performance problems of GBBs in winter.

Will the GBLS DAS M4A1 be a game changer and offer an AEG that can surpass the new generation AEGs as offered by Tokyo Marui, KWA/KSC, and BOLT Airsoft? Let’s find out…

Popular Airsoft: Before we start with the DAS M4A1, can we know more about GBLS as a company? Who is Mr. Kim?

GBLS: Gwang Suk Kim is the founder, CEO, and DAS system's developer of GBLS. Mr. Kim worked as a licensed architect for many decades, and was part of the first-generation Korean Airsoft players using B.V. rifle in the 1990s. He always imagined about his dream gun just like other Airsoft maniacs, but the only thing he could do as a player was to wait for a manufacture to develop it someday. Contrary to his expectations, the new guns released onto the market were almost the same as their predecessors, so he was repeatedly disappointed. It caused him to be exasperated. Finally, one day, he decided to create his own airsoft gun himself, using his architect design background.

GBLS has completed gearboxes designs for the sniper rifle (Semi-Auto type) and M series weapons.  After much consideration, the more popular model, M rifle series was chosen as our first product to bring to market. The latest gearbox design is for the AK rifle series, and it will be presented at SHOT Show or IWA in 2017.

GBLS’s slogan is "The Summit of Realism". We aim to meet MilSim mania's needs with more realistic gear, and branch out the DAS brand into all of the military equipment including airsoft guns, related accessories, and all clothing for the game.

Players will only want to take guns marked with DAS for MilSim soon.

GBLS DAS M4A1 Gearbox shown in actual and display (transparent to show inner parts) versions

Why the DAS M4A1?

We have 2 answers for this question.

First, DAS M4A1 is GBLS's first DAS system product developed by us, and will bring a new sensation to the airsoft M series. Market research concluded that the M series rifle has the largest user base, so the M4A1 model was selected as GBLS's first firearm replica. Other M series guns will be introduced soon according to user demand. In addition, the new AK series is scheduled to come out next year. 

Second, DAS is GBLS’s proprietary mechanical firing control system. Thank to this system, we are able to merge the AEG with the GBB-R's realistic features. It virtually operates almost the same as an actual gun. An Active braking MOSFET is the only electronic component inside that removes motor’s rotor inertia. With a bolt assembly’s full movement, DAS creates a recoil kick when firing and users can feel blowback during reload like real firearms. DAS’s mechanism would be the best choice for AEG users desiring to experience the recoil sensation and GBB-R users wanting to escape from the weather problem. We would like DAS to be recognized as a new kind of MilSim brand to people who bought similar items again and again for the last 20 years.

We have read about Mr. Kim’s persistent efforts to create the DAS M4A1 despite repeated failures and supporters leaving him. How difficult was it to design the airsoft rifle?

Mr. Kim's DAS system design began in 2012. Since he only worked on buildings before, he studied basic machinery by himself to develop DAS from a mechanical design to a working product. From knowing nothing about machinery, he is now probably one of the leading industry experts.

He labored for an entire year to complete the first gearbox design and spent another year making the prototype. However, after all that time spent, it failed during testing. The people who supported him up to this point started to leave him one by one, saying "If DAS was possible, then the large companies would have developed it by now. DAS is impossible in the real world." Despite his frustration, Mr. Kim had conviction in DAS, and decided to continue work on a new gearbox design. By this time, only his loyal and devoted partner, Michael Choi, now current COO, stood by him. Both of them sold their houses to raise the money and routinely skipped lunch to cut expense; but the debt still grew exponentially. To make matters worse the next prototype did not work well as expected. Overwhelmed by financial strains, Mr. Kim decided to only focus on design work, and Mr. Choi procured funds by doing intense manual labor.

There were many moments when they wanted to give up everything, but kept persisting, and eventually, in the spring of 2015, the breakthrough version of DAS was born into the world. Unfortunately, they faced another obstacle to systematize DAS to make it ready for mass production. Finally, after overcoming these failures, Mr. Kim and Mr. Choi created the M4A1 in 2016. They accomplished a feat that no one in the world dared to attempt.

How long did GBLS take to make the DAS M4A1?

To be precise, it started in April of 2012 and it took 4 full years for completion. We registered 2 patents and 1 trademark and have 4 patents pending including DAS's improved hop-up system, magazine for glow in the dark BBs, etc. The patent for AK series will be registered soon as well.

Can you please tell us the finer features of the DAS M4A1?

DAS M4A1 is the first rifle out of the M series guns that GBLS plans to release. DAS uses an electronic gear like a regular AEG, but has a real bolt carrier action mechanism like a GBB-R. It has a blowback system that generates recoil that could not be simulated in existing AEGs so far; and also it maintains high shooting performance regardless of weather and temperature. We considered DAS products' positioning in the airsoft market, and decided to keep the best quality, hoping that they could be recognized as the most realistic guns even if it meant sacrificing sales.

The receivers are made from forging aluminum alloy using the same process as actual guns. A Korean company that supplies the most popular civilian guns in the USA manufactures them. The stock tube, which affects the bolt carrier’s movement, is constituted from SUS materials; and the barrels and front sight are real steel. The rest of the parts inside DAS products will have the same or similar quality as real firearms. DAS items have the best realism in the airsoft market.

What makes it different from AEGs with blowback and recoil features such as those from Tokyo Marui, KWA/KSC and BOLT Airsoft?

DAS's bolt carrier is not fake. A full-sized bolt carrier glides back and forth in the upper receiver that produces this mechanical operation, which generates blowback and recoil. It is the most prominent difference from other AEGs.

Bolt locked back

Bolt locked

Next is rapid firing and zeroing. The other AEGs’ firing cycle is like this: 1. Trigger pulled; 2. Gears turned by the electric motor; 3. BBs loaded; 4. Piston moved forward and gun fired.  The muzzle is prone to wobble while the motor turns on to load the BBs and so for this reason, the BBs cannot travel precisely to the spot where you aim.

However, under the DAS system, the ball is reloaded by blowback before you pull the trigger. On the trigger action, the piston hits the ball immediately. Due to this design, users can manually take advantage of this air-cocking operation, which comes in handy if the battery fails.

Remember! DAS’s real bolt carrier movement allows AEGs to perform with the best accuracy. Pull. Fire. No delay.

Since the DAS M4A1 incorporates the GBB’s advantage, is it safe to say that accessories made for the real steel version of the M4A1 can be readily installed on it? Are the dimensions and weight of the DAS M4A1 similar to the real M4A1 rifle?

You can install all of the accessories for M4A1 including real steel ones without any problems. The DAS M4A1's length is almost the same as the actual rifle, and weight is about 3.2 kgs. To avoid any misunderstanding, I will tell you that aside from the accessories, nothing else is compatible with the real weapon.

Is the DAS M4A1 a very proprietary airsoft system? Are the parts, external and internal not compatible with other airsoft guns? For example, can I use my Marui-compatible M4 magazine with it?

DAS M4A1 is our own patented system, and pending PCT's registration. All the designs from GBLS will be patented before releasing. We are working with an experienced international patent agency to safeguard our intellectual property rights and prevent related dispute.

Basically, DAS is not compatible with other brands, because our mechanism differs from theirs. The parts you can use together would be limited to RIS, handguard, hand grip, and flash hider. We considered many ideas about AEGs to realize DAS, and selected the best ones to deliver the highest performance to instill trust among customers.  GBLS is open to collaboration with others companies to improve the DAS system, especially for tuning, and to bring other model lines to market.

What is the initial muzzle velocity of the DAS M4A1 (in FPS)? Is it adjustable for higher or lower velocities? What is its rate of fire (in balls/rounds per second)?

The final velocity will be adjusted to meet the regulation of the destination countries.  GBLS wants to promote its business so it plans to comply with all laws and avoid any legal issues. That being said, DAS M4A1’s muzzle velocity is between 300-400 fps and fires about 15 balls per second. There is an inverse relationship between the velocity and the rate of fire. If the FPS is increased, then the rate of fire decreases. We want to hear the opinions of overseas gunsmiths on this problem. If any tuning expert or designer has any idea about this issue, please send us your comments. If it works, we will pay for your valuable idea.

Does it have a recoil kick similar to the new generation AEGs that have blowback and recoil?

DAS's blowback system is like this: Gears position the bolt cylinder and piston to the back. While a sear holds the piston in the back, only the bolt cylinder moves forwards and places a ball into the chamber. Then, as the trigger is pulled, the piston moves forward to hit the ball. All the movement and power caused by bolt carrier, buffer spring, and piston spring in upper receiver are transmitted to the user.  He/she can feel the recoil and recoil kick.

In other words, it has plenty blowback, recoil, and recoil kick!

The recoil is dependent on the velocity setting.  While staying within the law, users can adjust the setting to feel as much kick as they desire.

The DAS M4A1 does have potential as a training weapon for military, law enforcement and security agencies. Will you be focusing on that market or will you be prioritizing the general airsoft/wargaming market?

Now, we are focusing on the Airsoft MilSim game market. But if there is a request to supply training weapons, we will accept it. Mr. Kim says that making actual guns would be easier than realizing DAS, so we are confident we can manufacture with their special requirements under Korean regulations.

How is the interest right now in the DAS M4A1 in South Korea? Will it generate more interest from Koreans and participate in airsoft games?

It is embarrassing to say, but we did not check any opinion in Korea. Guns are very sensitive here, and we have really restrictive regulations pertaining to airsoft. Many Koreans are interested in DAS M4A1, but, under such circumstances, it is difficult to encourage them to buy DAS M4A1, and take up airsoft game. GBLS will lobby to reform the laws, and set up a favorable environment for airsoft's popularization. As the first step, we decided to sponsor a Korean airsoft team in the USA. You will see the team supported by GBLS sporting DAS patches in the game shortly. While we cannot provide our products to domestic airsoft teams, we expect the video of our sponsored team to bring a perspective change on airsoft, and be the stepping-stone to boosting it here in Korea.

When will you be releasing it for the South Korean market? How about the global airsoft market? What will be the pricing (in US Dollars)?

The guns fitted for Korean regulations are not good for airsoft games, so there are no plans to release them in Korea. We will go to the global market first. Expect 300 limited edition units to be released soon.

The price for the limited edition opens 9th May on our website, and pre-order starts on the same day. First dibs go to the fans who have been waiting so long. While almost all the parts for the mass production gearbox version are moulded, the limited edition's ones are CNC-milled and assembled by Mr. Kim personally. In addition, extra things will be included: Carved Special Gun serial number, 001-300/300 on the lower receiver, signed certificate by the developer, DAS LIMITED EDITION special patch, 6 months warranty, and priority access to GBLS next limited edition model. For more details, visit our website on 9th May: www.gbls.co.kr.

The price of the mass production model is only available to dealers, and we are under negotiations with several dealers. Let your local dealers contact us on your behalf.

How can dealers and resellers interested in the DAS M4A1 able to contact you for bulk orders?

Just send an email to [email protected]. Limited edition will be open to both individuals and dealers, but mass production model is only shipped to wholesalers and dealers.

Will you be able to provide after-sales support such as maintenance/repair tips, and parts?

Sure. For limited edition, we will provide after-sales service directly. But for mass production model, we will work through local dealers. The requested parts will be shipped without delay.

How do you see the DAS M4A1 as a product in the airsoft market and the GBLS as an airsoft market in the future?

Mr. Kim, CEO, and Mr. Choi, COO, have confidence in DAS. If they wanted to sell mediocre guns, they would have released in 2015. GBLS will build DAS's brand as "summit of realism" with durable and reliable products, so quality will not be compromised even if it takes a long time to achieve this goal. 

Today’s airsoft game wastes large quantities of BBs during the game from high firing rate, but DAS can be a game changer to provide realistic simulation, which demands high shooting accuracy.  DAS will be at the center of that change, and it will be beside you before you know it...

...With GBLS.

Thank you very much!

(Erratum: We previously wrote that DAS stands for Direct Action System. It is now corrected to mean Dynamic Action System. Our apologies.)