Replica Training Weapon Systems

How will RTW’s assist in training?
Airsoft RTW’s can assist a Department or SWAT team training immensely! RTW’s give a Team Member (TM), Officer, or Deputy a full size, realistic training aid that is nearly identical to what is carried on a tactical mission or while on duty. RTW’s also give a Trainee the most important, yet most neglected, side of a full mission profile or duty training; pulling the trigger. This neglected part of training can now be addressed in the most budget friendly way!!

What is it?
A Replica Training Weapon (RTW) is a 1:1 scale, exact duplicate of real world weapons (real steel). An RTW is either Spring, Gas, or Battery powered. With the exception of a bolt action sniper rifle, Spring RTW’s are fairly useless as they require chambering after each shot. Gas RTW’s are mostly pistols and are split into Gas Blow Backs (GBB) and Non Blow Back (NBB). A GBB has a slide that operates like a real steel pistol and a NBB has a fixed slide. Automatic Electric Guns (AEG) run on an 8.4, or 9.6 NiCd or NiMH battery. These are usually assault rifles such as the M4/AR-15 and the submachine gun like the MP5. AEG’s run the gamut from a Squad Automatic Weapon (SAW) to the diminutive MP5K and Uzi. An RTW utilizes a 6mm BB, fired at 260-500 feet per second (fps). Most AEG’s top out between 260-350 fps, with sniper rifles between 400-500 fps

How safe are RTW’s?
Safety levels with RTW’s are very high while keeping necessary safety equipment to a minimum. A Trainee may train in full turnout gear or duty uniform without fear of marking it up, or damaging it. The only safety equipment really required are full seal goggles, which are inexpensive and easily procured. Paintball masks may also be utilized in place of gas mask training.

Will RTW’s save a department money?
With budget being the forefront of requirements for any training regimen, RTW’s are an incredible deal! RTW’s of the M4 and MP5 variety usually cost between $230 and $500. This is vastly less than other alternatives that cost as much or more than a real steel weapon system! RTW pistols usually run between $150 and $300. Again, vastly less expensive than their counterparts. Ammunition for an RTW is the most cost saving piece about them. Approximately ten thousand rounds (yes, that’s not a typo!) can be purchased for around $30. Bio-degradable BB’s are also available for training scenarios operating in a woodland environment. And the BB’s are easy to clean up. Simply sweeping with a broom and dust pan,
or vacuuming gets the job done. No washing of walls, floors, ceilings, ballistic shields, tac vests, duty uniform, web or leather gear, or other equipment.

Summary
Using an Airsoft Replica Training Weapons system just makes sense! It gives a Department or SWAT team an avenue of training that allows for use of modern training techniques, with a high level of safety at a minimum of costs!!

Wil Dorsett
Senior Deputy, FTO, DT Inst.
Lynchburg Sheriff Office
itsahak@brassairsoft.com
wilfred.dorsett@lynchburgva.gov

Addendum – Recently the Lynchburg Sheriff’s Office added airsoft RTW’s to our list of training aids. We were given superb information, assistance and pricing from Mr. Joe Hulog over at Airsoft Extreme, San Diego. Joe was extremely helpful, and contacted me several times in getting this order processed. He also gave us the absolute best price quote of the 6 companies I contacted. He has also filled orders for the FBI and LAPD. I would definitely recommend using him!