Now, that was quick, really quick. The reserved value kits that were released by Systema Engineering have been sold out. There were 300 pieces per value kit were released, and they were snapped quickly by dealers and resellers worldwide. They are looking into increasing production, but then there are some logistical issues which they are now trying to deal with internally.

With a big enough user base of knowledgeable owners of the PTWs, the company are planning to organise a "Gun Of the Year" based on custom PTWs that will be formed using the value kits by those who have ordered.

There seems to be almost endless ways to customise an AR these days as the real steel AR is always evolving from its original design. From stocks, to front end, even the fire selector switch, many gunsmiths have been making innovations, if not incremental improvements to the rifle. Still, the AR still has that distinct look that makes it easily identifiable  from the other iconic rifle that it's usually pitted against, the AK-47.

What many loyal owners of Systema PTWs, which are also a very demanding bunch, the beauty of the PTW is the ability to get off-the-shelf and custom external weapons parts and accessories made for the real deal AR and readily install these on the PTW since it has real steel AR dimensions. For owners of other airsoft guns that are usually based on Tokyo Marui AEG design, these parts cannot be installed without doing some modding, or wait until for a replica made for the airsoft market.

With the Systema PTW Value Kits, PTW owners can readily make new custom PTWs not based on the complete PTWs or even the Challenge Kits, With the lowered costs of to own a PTW, the owner is given more freedom in putting together the custom gun. It is also a test of understanding the parts of the PTW, and the ingenuity of putting  a custom PTW using the Value Kit, and off-the-shelf aftermarket products.

The details of the Systema "Gun of the Year" Contest are still to be released. But what we know that choosing the winner(s) of this contest will be done by voting by customers and shop from all over the world, which means that this will be an online voting. Furthermore, even if one makes an awesome custom PTW, if the photo presentation is not done well, it may not get a vote. So this is not only a custom gun contest, it is also a photo contest.

Choosing for the "Gun of the Year" is said to be by the end of the year. This gives more time for those interested in joining this contest to plan their custom project whilst waiting for more contest details. Now, Systema is getting more pro-active at engaging its customers by listening more carefully and launching challenges to keep their interest and loyalty aimed at improving their product offerings.