Introduction

As a follow up to my first write up on the prototype L119A2 rail from Angry Gun/RedWolf UK, I thought I would do a piece on how my build with it has developed subsequent to the article, and capture the changes to the Marui NGRS Diemaco in general since it was featured on the much missed Reptile House Blog.

I ran my L119 with two uppers, one CQB 10in variant and another 16in SFW variant. Both these uppers and the lower were very much setup as a modern iteration of the L119.

When I received the L119A2 rail I decided to set it up as an A2 upper on an A1 lower in a ‘hybrid’ setup. It very much represents the successor to my CQB upper in terms of setup, and retains many of the same ergonomic and aesthetic approaches, while both utilising the benefits of the A2 features and reflecting referenced A2 setups and equipment.

My primary weapon setups since I started playing airsoft almost 7 years ago have been the L85A2, MP5 and L119A1; None of those platforms is distinguished by being at the current forefront of small arms innovation. While my interest in building weapons to suit impression kits has restricted me from exploring too far, I have been somewhat envious of the Geiselle railed HK416s and Block II M4A1s being used by others into American impressions. A L119A2 being adopted by UKSF, and now being buildable in airsoft form, has at last let me run a setup that is approaching being modern.

Accessory Selection

Both when at milsim/realsim events and skirmishes, I always look to eliminate any excess kit which can encumber movement, interfere with slinging the rifle or snag, so my kit choices are always geared toward both keeping a low profile with the rifle and allowing parts to be removed or altered as quickly as possible.  It is important to be able to do this while still retaining the functionality required of the system, and staying true to reference material for the impression.  As mentioned before, my setups are based on using kit seen in various pictures, or occasionally using brands known to be used, I rarely copy a specific picture exactly, but rather pick and choose from within the reference material to create solutions which work for me.  Much as the real guys will put together individual gear setups from within the kit which is issued to them or can be acquired relatively easily.

The first step therefore was to examine what UKSF correct options would let me run a much slicker setup than that available on my A1s. The first consideration here was the optic. The referenced optics on A2s are a Trijicon TA01ECOS ACOG, an Aimpoint Comp M4 (on standard or GG&G mount) or a Aimpoint Micro T1 (on a GG&G mount). The T1 was a standout choice, it is small and light, which contributed to the setup I was trying to achieve, and it was broadly distinct from an A1 setup, since T1s on L119A1s are much rarer than ACOGs or M4s. Furthermore the real GG&G mount was accessible and replica T1s perform much better and are much more usable for my intended purpose than replica ACOGs.

There were few other decisions setup wise. I decided on a Surefire FH556-216A as opposed to the SOCOM flash hider since I prefer the look, while the Element LA-5B is a stock choice for any modern British spec Diemaco. The AFG is well pictured with the real guys, and is also my favourite foregrip, so that was my choice at the front; I went for the older AFG1 variant since I prefer the ‘wings’ on the side and slightly wider profile. A Magpul RSA-QD ensured the A2 upper could interface with the same sling as my A1 uppers, or indeed forego a sling if needed.

Finally the flashlight is perhaps the largest expense beside the weapon, assuming you aren’t using real optics. Based on reference pictures, the Surefire M620V is the salient choice. You could probably get away with the dependable M600 Scoutlight, although it is abit obsolete, it is a much more accessible choice if going for real weaponlights. I have had enough replica flashlights fail that I was loath to not go real, however I really wanted to run a M620V. The chunky aesthetic, lack of a clunky bolt like on the M600, and QD feature all attracted me. To this end I went for a Night Evolution M620V, which seemed a good unit, although the lack of realistic trades annoyed the perfectionist in me, so it got painted immediately.

In a very lucky break however, in the space of a week from receiving the replica, I noticed a real M620V head on sale for a very, very good price. Additionally I knew another member of E27 was looking to shift a M620V body, and he very kindly threw in the port for a tail switch. With a Surefire tailswitch scavenged from my bits box, I had a real, working M620 for about £100. I couldn’t find a real mount for it, but I bought a repro mount from a fellow Diemaco builder, and promptly replaced the replica M620V with a real one. Very lucky I grant you, but it does go to show how a combination of patience, research and keeping your eyes peeled can sometimes combine with some good fortune to let you really get the most for your money with builds.

Setup

When seen next to the A1 uppers, the A2 will hopefully stand out as a development from them, but also display the similarities in ethos which have been used and tested on the other setups. The A2 most vitally allows a much sleeker setup, the rearward side rails are now slick, and you only have rail where needed, while the much longer free floating rail allows the hand hold to move much further forward and increase stability and decrease the congestion evident in A1 builds with a lot of attachments. It really does work a lot better than the A1, and the silhouette is striking and distinct, which is pleasing for those not wanting UKSF kits to get too generic – while much of the gear choices look rather American nowadays, the rifle retains a rather unique look.

This sleekness and the improved ergonomics are the key benefit to the L119A2 over the A1 in airsoft terms. For those hoping the setup will be lighter, it is unlikely to be the case. My L119A2 upper setup here is in fact heavier than the L119A1CQB, at 1798g to 1743g: This includes the fact the A1 has an Eotech 552 and MATech BUIS, while the A2 only has a T1. Without accessories the A2 upper is 170g heavier – That isn’t much at all, it certainly isn’t a heavy rifle and it is well balanced, but it dispels the notion that the sleeker setup will be lighter.

I have two further Angry Gun A2 rails in the pre-order, and when they arrive both will be going on full L119A2 builds, rather than the hybrid approach here. These will be much more involved builds and take a great deal longer to get right, however so this setup allows me to get started right away.  I haven’t undertaken any receiver modifications yet to make the receiver itself more accurate, although that is certainkly on the cards in the future, I am considering various options on that front.

I still have one more article planned to write on the Angry Gun L119A2 rail, this one is more of an indulgence detailing my personal build, the final one will be somewhat more technical and give greater detail about the product. I will try and get it out before the pre-orders arrive around end September 2017.

Parts lists below, * denotes replica:

L119A1 Lower:

• Marui NGRS CQB-R
• Magpul ASAP Sling Plate (Modded to fit)
• Laylax Next Gen Recoil Body ( Custom engraved Diemaco trades and cerakoted)
• G&P Locking Pin
• Magpul BAD Lever
• G&P Storm Grip
• Magpul PTS Enhanced Trigger Guard
• Blue Force Gear QD Sling Loop
• Blue Force Gear Vickers 2-2-1 Padded Sling
• Magpul EMag (Converted with Marui NGRS Internals) or Magpul PTS PMags for Marui NGRS

L119A1 10in Upper:

• Tokyo Marui NGRS Upper*
• Tokyo Marui NGRS Front Sight (Modded to remove bayonet lug)*
• Pro Arms 10in L119 Barrel (Modded for KAC RAS)*
• Replica Surefire FH556-216A Flash Hider (Modded to accept Angry Gun Suppressor)*
• Angry Gun SF556 SOCOM Suppressor (Modded to fit FH556-216A Flash Hider)
• Knights Armament Company RAS
• AR15 Front Cap (Without M203 cut outs)
• G&P Barrel Nut/Delta Ring*
• Magpul RSA-QD
• Magpul AFG1
• Magpul Enhanced XTM Rail Covers
• Element LA-5 (Custom sticker set) *
• Surefire Scoutlight with KL4 Head (Tactical Optician Lens Protector)
• Haley Strategic Thorntail Scoutlight Mount (Modded to raise flashlight in line with LA-5)
• Eotech 552 Holographic Sight and MATech BUIS or Diemaco DIS Iron Sight

L119A2 10.5in Upper:

• Angry Gun Prototype L119A2 rail*
• Toyko Marui NGRS Upper Receiver*
• Toyko Marui NGRS CQB Outer Barrel*
• Toyko Marui NGRS Barrel Base*
• GG&G Accucam Aimpoint T1 Mount
• Nuprol Aimpoint T1 Replica*
• Element LA-5 with custom sticker set*
• PTS Ergo Ladder rail covers*
• Magpul AFG1
• Magpul RSA-QD
• Replica Low Profile Gas Block (modded)*
• Replica Surefire FH556-216A Flash Hider*
• Surefire M620V (Replica mount)

L119A1 16in Upper:

• Tokyo Marui NGRS Upper*
• Army Code Diemaco Front Sight*
• Pro Arms L119 Barrel Extension*
• Marui NGRS Outer Barrel (Modded to reduce to 10in)*
• Laylax Reinforced Barrel Nut Base*
• Replica Surefire FH556-216A Flash Hider *
• Knights Armament Company RAS
• G&P Barrel Nut/Delta Ring*
• AR15 Front Cap (Without M203 cut outs)
• PTS Ergo M4 Rail Extension*
• Magpul RSA-QD
• Magpul XTM Handstop Kit
• Magpul Enhanced XTM Rail Covers
• Magpul Ladder Rail Covers
• Element LA-5 (Custom sticker set) *
• Replica Trijicon ACOG TA01ECOS (Built from several parts inc G&P Acog, Replica LaRue QD Mount, Replica RMR with side switch, Real Trijicon Bikini Cover, Offset ACOG BUIS, Tactical Optician Lens Protector)*
• MATech BUIS