Shotguns

The WinGun Model 731 revolver is quite similar to the S&W M10, except for the barrel being only 2.5"... Also, running on CO2, I'm not sure what horrendous velocities you'll get from it for short-range work, but it will look the part at a 5m distance.

What is the UK limit for sidearm weight/FPS, along with minimum ranges?

Cripes throw in a couple of bows and arrows while ur in ther mate!

To be fair, a Bow & Arrow would be more valid. Old 'Mad' Jack Churchill is the only known British soldier to have a confirmed kill with a longbow in World War 2...

In the original post, the OP was looking to *purchase* a shotgun for his Brit impression, and asked if it was valid. That to me seemed to be a mistake, as he could have easily picked up a PPK, p08, p38, or a 1911/M10 as a sidearm, all of which would be more valid, and less incongruous in a ww2 game.

If he already had one, then yes, that's fine as a stand in until he decided to pick up something more accurate, as a purchase specifically for a British impression, less so. If he wanted to shoehorn one in regardless of accuracy, then again, fine, who am I to stop someone bringing whatever they want to a game.

As it was, he asked for advice, which I gave.

Cripes throw in a couple of bows and arrows while ur in ther mate!

To be fair, a Bow & Arrow would be more valid. Old 'Mad' Jack Churchill is the only known British soldier to have a confirmed kill with a longbow in World War 2...

In the original post, the OP was looking to *purchase* a shotgun for his Brit impression, and asked if it was valid. That to me seemed to be a mistake, as he could have easily picked up a PPK, p08, p38, or a 1911/M10 as a sidearm, all of which would be more valid, and less incongruous in a ww2 game.

If he already had one, then yes, that's fine as a stand in until he decided to pick up something more accurate, as a purchase specifically for a British impression, less so. If he wanted to shoehorn one in regardless of accuracy, then again, fine, who am I to stop someone bringing whatever they want to a game.

As it was, he asked for advice, which I gave.

No you were perfectly on the money Evo. If it is wanted for an open day, then fine. You could use a pink MP5 at an open day, it really doesn't matter and there is no need for any advice on here what is acceptable to use.
But no, it would not be allowed at any self respecting WWII game and the very idea that it would be should be discouraged with maximum zeal.

I borrowed Pete's sawn-off for Flying Lead.

Only having two shots is, frankly, terrifying. I always made sure I was stood next to an ally with a six-shooter.

Bring on along to a WW2 game. You'll have fun, but it will only last for about 1.6 seconds before you need to go back to the field hospital.

best partisan weapon you could have ,now that would be cool , i could get into the role of grizzled old French farmer helping see of the Germans during overlord .

The guns I had been considering as sidearms were actually a 'Liberated' WE Luger or the WE Browning Hi-Power. As I was discussing it on the AF-UK forums, someone suggested a sawn off shotgun. I then discovered that airsoft sawn off shotguns do exist and that with the ability to shoot 24bb's at a time (12 per barrel) they would be an awesome new toy . There was some discussion about whether a sawn off shotgun would be a valid weapon to carry, but I thought I would get a more historically accurate view here (I guess character assassination is just a bonus ).
My current pistol is a Mk23 Socom, which obviously doesn't fit a WW2 loadout but would out perform most other pistol options, the Goblin Deuce therefore appealed to me on 2 levels; it looks like a lot of fun and it does something different to my current sidearm so wouldn't compare unfavourably.
Sidearms only really perform 2 functions: Cool toys and emergency backup so my thinking now is that I should get the cool toy for normal airsoft and for WW2 events keep the MK23 in my pack in case of malfunctions.

to be fair a pistol was an officers weapon really and other than some airborne units not usually carry'd by a regular soldier so not a needed item but that doesn't mean i don't have a full complement of period pistol's

The guns I had been considering as sidearms were actually a 'Liberated' WE Luger or the WE Browning Hi-Power. As I was discussing it on the AF-UK forums, someone suggested a sawn off shotgun. I then discovered that airsoft sawn off shotguns do exist and that with the ability to shoot 24bb's at a time (12 per barrel) they would be an awesome new toy . There was some discussion about whether a sawn off shotgun would be a valid weapon to carry, but I thought I would get a more historically accurate view here (I guess character assassination is just a bonus ).
My current pistol is a Mk23 Socom, which obviously doesn't fit a WW2 loadout but would out perform most other pistol options, the Goblin Deuce therefore appealed to me on 2 levels; it looks like a lot of fun and it does something different to my current sidearm so wouldn't compare unfavourably.
Sidearms only really perform 2 functions: Cool toys and emergency backup so my thinking now is that I should get the cool toy for normal airsoft and for WW2 events keep the MK23 in my pack in case of malfunctions.

Nope, we don't do that in WW2 airsoft. You get a malfunction, you have to reconsider your role within your squad. Perhaps become a medic until you can sort your weapon, or volunteer for comms duty as a runner or laying cable.

We actively discourage carrying multiple weapons around as it's deeply unauthentic. Most WW2 soldiers only had access to a rifle and a small amount of ammunition.

If you want to buy a sawn off, sure, go ahead. But IMHO they're a waste of time and money. Save up and get a decent period rifle or SMG.

As Steve says, don't buy a side arm.

Save your money. Buy a correct main weapon or even better buy some extra uniform items. Maybe the correct boots, helmet. etc...

Or... even better save your money to pay to get a WWII event.

Or buy two main weapons; a rifle and an SMG is a good mix.

It gives you plenty of options at games, not to mention, having a reliable backup is a very good idea.

Tommy, Fritz and Ivan didn't cart around secondary weapons. Hank the yank would maybe (mayyybee) have a pistol. Sawn offs are just too anachronistic for a WWII game.
This is on top of the simple fact that most 'side arms' are rubbish. When we did the Jedburgh training event, where secondary weapons would have been accurate kit, we lugged them around all day and when it came to a snap-shot exercise, every pistol bar Lardy's failed for one reason or another. Expensive, useless junk

A rubber bayonet and two steel balls might be a better choice for a paratrooper.