It’s October and it's the month for the Airsoft Arms Fair 4! Optimus Prime and Masterchief were not able to attend this event as both had to attend to personal commitments they can't get away from, under pain of death (well, I made the last bit up). I was asked to cover for them instead, and thanking a friend of mine for the DSLR camera that I will use in taking photos of this event to report to Popular Airsoft, off I went to the event which was held last 8-9 October.

It was still early morning but dozens of airsofters and people alike were already queuing at the gate of the Grange, patiently waiting for the gates to open and grab hold of those bargains. These are the early bird ticket holders, which are the most sought after tickets as they can rummage through bargains and fresh stocks before the rest of the horde, err... guests, start to arrive and buy up the rest. Those who brought their Airsoft International Magazine patches got a £1 refund.

Upon entering the Fair, I noticed that there was a change of exhibit layout. All the big names in airsoft world in the United Kingdom were inside a giant tent, doubling the ground space of the hall normally where they used to put up their booths.  You can check all the latest products they have in stock and have brought for all the attendees to see. The “in” thing seems to be the A-TACs camouflage pattern where it is as prominent as the guccicam that you we usually see whenever we go to the Airsoft Arms Fair.

Out in the grounds, you will see private sellers who are selling their personal military gears and guns, happily allowing you to haggle a bit more from their asking price. Inside the hall was the AIPSC (Airsoft International Practical Shooting Confederation), a first timer to the AAF, already gathering interest from the crowd. You try to shoot a small board, nearest to the centre gets 5 points, then 3 on the next line and  1 on the last line. 5 of these targets on each stage then moving to the next stage, 15 targets in total then hitting the last metallic plate on the end to stop the clock. The highest score over the weekend gets to win a pistol rig courtesy of The Shop at the Grange. I tried it and was amazed on the score I had. Trying to beat the highest score, I had a go again, but failed, still my score was one of the top 10 that day. Quick draw, steady hands, and agility with BB Bastard for your ammo is the secret of the day.

Inside the main tent, I was immediately greeted by the centre stall “Intelligent Armour” where they told me that they will launch their website in the French Language very soon. Sharing the centre stage is the “The Shop at the Grange” selling their A-TACS range of apparel and gear (one of these days, I’ll have you all!!!). Familiar faces are all around, East Midlands Airsoft, Landwarrior Airsoft, BadgerTac, Swindon Airsoft, Patrol Base, Airsoft Skirmish, and Airsoft Direct. I also bumped to the Airsoft International Magazine team which I proudly show off my P-MAGs which I painted in A-TACS. I lent it to them for a few hours and placed it beside the Danner A-TACS boots. When I came back, I was told that some people are interested in buying them. Wow! I can make some money out of my tactical painting hobby!

Also spotted was Philip of Yosser's Airsoft Odyssey going around as he covered the event for his blog. Just like during the Airsoft Arms Fair 3, Gareth of Airbana was there together with the good folks of UKAPU.

Another first timer at the AAF is the new magazine called Airsoft Action Magazine who happily showed me around the pages of their magazine. They are now already on second issue (November), and busily preparing for their third. Their first and second issues were mainly about the Ground Zero Weekender 2011, but there are some interesting stuff to be read about. Time for Ai to have some competition in the airsoft print publication market where they have lorded it over the years. Though Ai just unveiled their digital subscription where you can read the magazine online, from wherever you are in the world. Let's see if their newest competitor will match that as well.

Edgar Brothers, together with Stirling Airsoft, were busily running the training lane at the skirmish area. Carl Miller of Edgar Brothers showed me the Magpul PTS M4 that will be soon release in the market, sweet! Other attendees tried their hand on this latest airsoft gun whilst waiting for their turn for the CQB training. Plus, those who went to their area got some goodie bags as well. I wasn't able to participate in the Close Quarters training conducted by Pro-Tact and Help For Heroes, and the sessions they had were very much interesting as well.

I covered both days Airsoft Arms Fair and I enjoyed it. A round of applause to Jim and the rest of the organisers for the excellent job and more Airsoft Arms Fairs to come!

See you again in May next year. If I failed to mention an exhibitor's name here, my apologies. Loads of photos of the Airsoft Arms Fair are now available at the Popular Airsoft Facebook Page.