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We will review the ICS CXP APE in this Airsoft Spotlight. We will not go into detail regarding the history of ICS and the Operation Lion Claws Military Simulation Series (OLCMSS) 2015 Tactical Challenge. In the previous blog article we did on the ICS CXP HOG we went over the history of ICS and the details about the Lion Claws Tactical Team Challenge. You can read about that by CLICKING HERE. ICS knows a thing or two about "manufacturing" airsoft guns since the late 80's. I quoted "manufacturing" because most of the brands on the market do not actually "manufacture" items and are more of a brand and use an Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM). Below, I have attached a video of our visit to the ICS factory to illustrate the scale and legitimacy of their operation.
For the OLCMSS Tactical Team Challenge 2015, we will also be using the ICS CXP APE. However, we are setting it up differently than you might think. This will be another one of 8 guns we will be using, thanks to the ICS sponsorship of the event. We used this as a mid-range Designated Marksman Rifle (DMR).
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You might wonder why you need to do that. Well, since we will be playing in an Airplane Boneyard, and a relatively standard and large-sized Boeing 747 is APPROXIMATELY 70 meters in length and width (on average), it would be wise to have a squad-level DMR who could accurately engage targets out to 230ft. While we might not be able to shoot the entire length of an airplane, it could be beneficial for shooting from plane to plane. Or from outside into a plane.
Let's start by looking at the optics package we used at the event. We used a Lancer Tactical 1.5 to 4x variable zoom short-range optic. This is one of the most practical optics available for airsoft. It offers the benefits of a Trijicon ACOG with a fixed 4x magnification for target identification, but the speed and field of view of non-magnified optics when using 1.5x zoom. We also attached the Lancer Tactical Mini Red Dot Sight on a NcStar 45-degree offset mount.
Here is a view through the optic on 4x zoom at a telephone pole about 60 meters away. I am always impressed with the quality and clarity of the image the optic produces.
Here is another view through the optic on its lowest setting, 1.5x zoom. Let's see if we can shoot out Jarrod's tire, approximately 10 meters away.
And for the really close shots we opted to use the Lancer Tactical Mini Reflex Sight.
Here is a picture illustrating the use of the 45 45-degree Red Dot sight. Also, note the Fox Custom Barrel Extension we will be using to cover the extended length of the Fox Custom 6.02mm stainless steel tight bore barrel!
Enough about optics. Let's look at some of the awesome features of this gun. Let's look at the selector switch. At first glance, you may not realize it is ambidextrous and has selector levers on both receiver sides. Also, the magazine catch is ambidextrous, which I will illustrate in another picture. The bolt catch/release is in the lower front portion of the trigger guard. Pressing this down releases the bolt with a satisfying clank. This is one of the only truly ambidextrous airsoft guns on the market.
This is the other side of the receiver, and I wanted to show you the ambidextrous magazine release like I said I would in the previous picture. So when you press the magazine release button from either side, you will release the magazine; however, there is a third option for releasing the magazine. Look at the black vertical lever that is attached to the button head cap screw.
By pressing that lever up with your thumb while grasping the magazine, you can then pull the magazine out while pushing the lever up. This is great for those familiar with Heckler & Koch-style weapons such as the MP5, G3, and G36 and AK variants. This will be a natural transition for those familiar with those weapons or even those familiar with the Tavor and AUG family of bullpups.
The stock is very unique. It is adjustable for the length of the pull and has an adjustable cheekpiece. The battery is also housed in the stock and is extremely easy to change, with ample room for various batteries.
The stock is also side folding, making the gun nice and compact and storing. The gun can be fired with the stock folded, handy when negotiating confined spaces, but you may still need the option to engage targets.
The internals of the gun are standard UK1-style Transform4 gearboxes. The upper gearbox has an additional bracket attached to fit inside the upper receiver, but this part is removable, and the upper gearbox can be used in the UK1 Transform4 and PAR MK3.
The internals still use the upgraded ICS POM Piston and MIM Heated Treated Steel Bevel and Pinion gear. The ICS POM piston is still one of our favorite pistons. It was available for years as an upgraded part from ICS, and it was a real pleasure to see them start including it as standard. We also added our Fox Custom Single Piece CNC Cylinder assembly and Fox Custom 6.02mm Stainless Steel Tightbore Barrel. The gun has been tuned for 366fps w/ .25G BBs per the OLCMSS Rule Set.
The gun also features Back-up Iron sights (BUIS) at the front and rear. The gun also features an extremely nice Keymod handguard. For more information and history on Keymod, check out my previous article on Keymod by CLICKING HERE. What is that little thing attached to the rail, you ask? Check out the next picture for more info.
It is a Speed Airsoft Hand Stop! However, as pictured above, we use it as a Barricade Support. Bipods are traditionally used on precision rifles. You must also get information on a fixed firing position and set up the bipod. Since this event will be a much faster-paced game, and AIN'T NOBODY GOT TIME FOR THAT! Bracing up against a doorway or window while shooting out and keeping most of your body behind cover may be slightly more practical.
Overall, we have been extremely impressed with the CXP-APE from our testing of setting up the gun. It is currently the best non-M4 airsoft gun on the market. The build quality is extremely robust and solid. Let us know what you think about our choice of gun for a DMR.
