I have to give it to the Taiwanese in terms of pushing the design of airsoft guns as compared to the Japanese and Hong Kong airsoft manufacturers who are sticking to the existing real-steel firearms' design. But it is indeed a trend for the Taiwan Airsoft Industry, ICS and G&G already making experimental designs which are getting success in terms of reception amongst airsoft players and here's a new company from the Island that even pushes the envelope further: Strike Recon Union (SRU).

They have fascinating designs and their first batch of designs are inspired by legendary military aircraft, from the P-51 Mustang for their Glock 17 to the F-117 Nighthawk Stealth Attack Aircraft for their Glock 18c Conversion Kit. But their designs are actually neat, giving such iconic airsoft handguns a more futuristic look without deviating from the Glock design philosophy. What's more, their concept designs are something that we are looking forward to be released such as their bullpup kits for the AK, SVD, and Glock, MK23 Conversion Kit, Glock Pistol to Carbine Conversion Kits, and their own contemporary interpretation of the 1911 and M9 pistols.

It's best to talk to them and to learn more about this company that's coming up in the radar screens of many airsoft players:

Popular Airsoft: Can You Tell Us More About Your Strike Recon Union? Who are the people behind this and when it was established?

SRU: In June 2012, SRU was established by two designers, Vince Chen and Paul Lin. who just came back to Taiwan from the EU. After their journey of being yacht and car designers they came back home and then fell in love with airsoft. The creative dynamic in their minds drove them start to design beautiful guns.

What made you establish Strike Recon Union and what do you aim to do in the airsoft market?

SRU designers advocate peace and love to create, dream and have pleasure. There is only one kind of war that creates happiness --- an Airsoft game. It is a good concept for SRU to make guns become a carrier of mechanic aesthetic for conveying designer’s philosophy. SRU always aim at offering a unique experience for airsoft market.

Impressive as they look in the photos, why military aircraft as your design inspiration for your products?

SRU designers love aircraft, because aviation was a human dream a long time, it also symbolizes freedom and the ultimate combination of art and engineering.  As aviation DNA melt into guns by sophisticated design technique, it will bring a new life to armament, makes it step forward in terms of art and engineering levels.

Your designs, whether existing or still in conceptual stages, are all conversion kits. Are there plans for you to produce fully completed airsoft guns based on your designs?

Yes, an original complete gun is under design process in SRU design house! And all of our concepts will turn into real world. It is SRU design team’s goal.

There is that Glock Bullpup Kit in the concepts. Do you think it's feasible to produce that or will it just remain a concept?

It is in the final design step, we are still waiting for the market situation to put the design into production.

How was the reaction of the airsoft players to your designs?

SRU often get the feedback like "too excited", "so cool", and "so sexy", "when will this god damn new concept go into production", "take my money," etc.

Is there much interest from distributors and resellers on your products? Where can customers order your products?

Yes, since SRU has launched the product, there are many dealers from all over the world have contacted SRU, and the customer can order SRU products via our online store.

Going back to your concept airsoft guns. Which of these are you looking into releasing this year? Next year?

It will be an XDM conversion slide with floating rail system first. Then the 1911 conversion with integrated sight system and a bold new concept equipment carry bag design.

Do you think the airsoft market is growing despite economic problems especially in the best markets for airsoft such the USA and Europe?

SRU focus on unique and high-end group, where the economic problems have not much impact on them.

Where do you see SRU 5 years from now?

As we see Taiwanese airsoft companies are facing the copyright license issues, SRU is going to find out a new way to cross this problem by SRU’s original design ability. We believe this will also be a new way for those Taiwanese companies too.

SRU goal is to give every classic AIRSOFT gun a new soul by our sophisticated design, and continue to provide the SRU audience fancier and more gorgeous products.