Reviews - Sidearms

Kokusai - Glock 17-2 concept model. 

DolphiN#1

Kokusai are a well known and long establised airsoft and model gun manufacturer, When I got the chance to handle one of there guns i almost literally jumped at the chance.

The Kokuisai Glock 17 -2 concept model looks like a glock. unsurprisingly. However the version that i got had a muzzle breakcompensator module tacked on the front, which hid a slightly longer barrel. Added to this was the competition style rear sight. This version of the Glock17 -2 seems to be set up in race gun mode. but not as a 17L. Still Kokusasi decieded to add the Moniker "Sniper version" to the front of the box, so I'm not arguing.

Now. The gun itself is a sterling piece of craftmanship. Its finish is similar to that of a KSC made gun. i.e. fairly high quality. Some parts of the gun, the slide especially, encroach upon Tokyo Marui (very high) standards. Overall though the effect is let down by some over shiney plastic used in the grip.
some little details include the :-

• hefty magazine
• trade marks
• magazine bottom plate
• hefty overall weight

A special note goes to the BB loading mechinism that is seen when the slide is pulled back. This mech is very similar to the real thing and is not hidden away from view. You can actually see the BB being pushed into and seated into the chamber! Top marks!

This is a GAS BLOW BACK gun which means that each time a shot is fired the top slide flys back and forth, simulating the action of a reael fire arem, yet using no explosive gases. in simple terms It loks good!
Kokusai models are usually noted for there power and accuracy. and this model was no exception. The blow back action was very strong and loud (a good thing), The gun was very accurate (another good thing) and exceedingly powerful!(good. yet again)  The gun also failed to fail in any way shape or form during the test period!

Its not all rosey though, Even though the Glock17-2, goes like a scalded cat. Even though it punches through targets with the minimum of ease, aided and abetted by its "sniper" barrel, Lets not also forget its sumptuous performance and (in the test anyway) reliablility. *pause* It has one fatal flaw.

The top slide does not lock back

*GASP* Okay.. Sounds trivial doesn't it? Well in some ways. but think about it. Even the old MGC design guns lock the slide back when the mag has been emptied of rounds. In fact some spring guns lock the slide back when the magazine is emptied. Why doesn't this gun? All it takes is a small cutout, a spring and the catch itself. Cheaper, inferior guns have it. but not the Glock17-2 from Kokusai. This could lead to embarrasment on the field with you blasting away with an empty magazine, the top slide hammering away, a distinct lack of BB's exiting the barrel, your compatriots wondering why you think you are in a john woo film.

Oh. The trigger is crap too. working with an audible plastic click!

would I buy this gun?

depends on the price as of 25/06/99: TMC 9800yen, box rrp 12800 yen,so it should be £65
but....UK price 195UKP.

You get a solid, high performance gun, that is solid, reliable and in no way anorexic that looks good. But it does'nt lock the slide back after the last round and has a crap trigger.

gas used in test:  Toy jack green gas
BB's used:            0.2 gm

LONG TERM UPDATE 2003

Well, Kokusai are no longer with us. After a massive fire that burnt down theire factory in 2001, KKS struggled to get back into business.. And Earlier in 2003, they announced that it was the end of the line for the, A shame since they have been one of the oldest Airsoft and model gun manufacturers still in existance.