KJ Works Stealth Assassin
OptimusPrime
24 Jun 2008
One of the least discussed gas-powered non-blowback pistols in the market, the KJ Works Stealth Assassin, with its large profile, is one pistol that cannot be ignored when going into a pistol-packing skirmish. This one packs a punch, in the tradition of its real steel counterpart, the MK23 SOCOM pistol with its .45 caliber load. As there are other MK23 SOCOM airsoft replicas out in the market today, would KJ Works standup to be on par with the TM or the KSC MK23 SOCOM, and be regarded as worthy of bearing the name of the MK23 SOCOM so beloved by special operations people?
The MK23 SOCOM still has a very young history, as it started in 1991 upon the request of the US Special Operations Command (SOCOM) in its search for an offensive handgun, rather than relegating the role of the pistol as a backup weapon. Initially called the Offensive Handgun Weapon System (OHWS), the challenge to the gun makers was to come up with a handgun that is not purely for “defensive” purposes but powerful enough to be used as an offensive handgun. Heckler & Koch (HK) and Colt Industries competed in this program, with the former winning the contract. From the OHWS, the final designation was Mark 23 Mod 0, otherwise known as the MK23 SOCOM.
The MK23 SOCOM magazine holds 12 .45 ACP rounds which comes with a suppressor made by the Knights Armament Company (KAC). Another company, Insight Technology Inc., was tasked to make the Laser Aiming Module (LAM Module) which features visible laser, tactical lighting, and infrared capabilities. The LAM housing is attached below the barrel of the pistol firmly anchored at the trigger guard.
Tokyo Marui MK23 SOCOM with LAM attached
The KJ Works Stealth Assassin is not provided with the LAM Module, as compared to the TM MK23 SOCOM. But it is said that the TM LAM Module can be fitted to it.
One of the bigger handguns, almost as large as the Desert Eagle, the KJ Works Stealth Assassin comes in a box that is marked “Special Operation Stealth Assassin 1:1 Gas Non-Blowback Airsoft Gun”. The box states the dimensions of the pistol as being 427mm in length, with a weight of 1000 grams, a magazine capacity of 28 bbs, and can accommodate .20g to .25g of bbs. It comes with an advisory on the side that “This Product is for Training Purposes Only”. As sometimes observed in the packaging of some airsoft gun manufacturers from East Asia, there's no indication that this product is made by KJ Works.
Though the box shows the MK23 replica with a suppressor and LAM module, once you open it, you'll only find that it comes with the replica, the suppressor, small pack of .20 bbs, a manual, and the 28-round magazine. You'll be disappointed that there's no replica LAM, a speed loader or even a cleaning rod. But for its price of US$60.00, it's one of the cheapest gas powered pistols out there.
For a low-cost gas airsoft gun, surprisingly this one comes with a manual. The manual is simple, well-written and no “Engrish” as always quipped by other airsofters who make reviews of airsoft guns made in Asia. The inner pages contain the diagram and parts for the pistol, while the back page shows safety precautions and shooting instructions.
The whole airsoft gun has no markings whatsoever, even at closer inspection, not even a “Made in Taiwan”. It is mainly made of plastic with the metal parts being the trigger, the barrel, hammer, magazine release, and safety levers. The magazine is metal and seems to be the sturdiest part of the pistol. When you release the magazine, the pistol grip seems to be a hollow-fragile handle, and I find CYMA's Glock 18c AEP pistol grip to be better built than this. To be frank about it, I feel that the plastic is “cheap-looking”. To give it a little bit of good news to this, it's good balanced, and attaching the suppressor gives it some heft. Another disappointment also is the lack of painted/illuminated sights.
Operating the Stealth Assassin of course requires you to fill up the 28-round magazine by pulling the magazine spring down and use a speed loader to quickly fill up the magazine up to its maximum capacity. The recommended gas for injecting into the magazine is HFC 134A but I use Green Gas as I play in colder weather. You'll have to inject the gas at the bottom of the magazine and to vent out in order to empty the magazine of gas, you'll need to press on the valve at the back of the magazine.
Magazine insertion is easy, and the magazine locks into place with no creaks inside the pistol grip. You can release the magazine by pressing down on the ambidextrous magazine release lever at the bottom of the trigger guard. The magazine slides out pretty smoothly caused by the heavy metal magazine being pulled by the earth's gravity.
While the pistol is a non-blow back gun, you can cock the gun by pulling the slide or the hammer before firing. Upon firing, the hammer also acts to load a bb into the chamber. You don't need to actually cock the gun for airsoft, but it also serves a purpose for snap shooting in tight spots. There are two safety levers: one is the longer lever which is just right above the trigger and the ambidextrous shorter lever which is located at the rear part of the pistol. You can use the short lever as a safety lever while the hammer is pulled back. You can quickly turn off this safety during skirmishes, especially if you do not have big hands to reach the main safety lever with your thumb. Operating these levers is also taxing as they are not smooth to move from their positions. This pistol is much more fit for those with bigger and stronger hands.
Attaching the provided plastic mock suppressor is by screwing it in a clockwise motion. What you get in attaching the suppressor is a very long handgun with a length that is longer than an HK MP5 PDW with its stock folded. The suppressor, being plastic, does not have much weight to pull the gun down when aiming. But with the suppressor, it gets a “hand cannon” reputation, with which I shall explain in the next paragraph.
Putting the gun to the chrono test, you'll get huge differences in chrono results with or without the suppressor. Without the suppressor, the pistol averages at 294fps, and with the suppressor screwed on, the pistol averages 358fps. Why the huge difference? The only plausible explanation is that rather than act as an actual suppressor (read: lower sound/noise), the suppressor acts as an extended barrel that increases the velocity of the bb as it travels through the barrel.
With these readings on the mock suppressor attached, this pistol won't be able to pass chrono limits in other countries. This power is equivalent to many AEGs. Thus, skirmish site owners need to caution players with this pistol not to attach their suppressors when playing at their sites.
One added benefit with suppressor screwed to the pistol is that even accuracy is improved in the test conducted. In the paper target used, those marked in green were shots taken without the suppressor while those in red were shots taken with the suppressor. The accuracy test was taken at 5 meters utilising .20g bbs:
I am disappointed with its accuracy as I needed to make several adjustments in order for the shots to hit the target at 5 meters without the suppressor. While I am very much satisfied with the suppressor attached as the accuracy tremendously improves, I won't be able to use the suppressor as I can only play at 328fps skirmish sites.
Squeezing the trigger during these tests (others say “Pull”, but squeeze is a sweeter term) gives you a feeling that you'll have to put in more effort in order for it to fire.
It is not smooth as compared to WE airsoft pistols which are a pleasure to fire.
Will I Play with it?
Unfortunately no. While this is a pleasant gun to play with, I'd rather use it for backyard shooting rather than for a skirmish as this replica will not be able to stand the stress required in a combat situation. It is not sturdy enough for my standards where I tend to put my airsoft replicas to extreme abuse. One big disappointment with this is the magazine where the plastic part that holds the bbs to the feeder just fell-off while I was loading it, instantly becoming useless.
This is hand cannon, no doubt about it. Together with the Desert Eagle, it is also tough to look for holsters to fit this as most of the holsters available are for Glocks and Berettas. You can find a holster that is produced by Viper, and it's a good one, tough and sturdy enough to keep the pistol into place.
If you are still bent on getting a hand cannon, I would recommend that you strongly consider the TM MK23 SOCOM, while it is more expensive, it comes with bells and whistles such as the mock suppressor, LAM unit, and even a nifty pistol case. Another contender is the KSC MK23 Hard Kick which comes in variants such as with the Heavy Weight Prototype and Commercial but does not have the add-on accessories that the Marui replica provides, though it has a great reinforced blow back feature.
Now, I better search online to find a magazine to replace my broken one.
Republished from the Popular Airsoft Magazine Volume 1 Issue 1.
The MK23 SOCOM still has a very young history, as it started in 1991 upon the request of the US Special Operations Command (SOCOM) in its search for an offensive handgun, rather than relegating the role of the pistol as a backup weapon. Initially called the Offensive Handgun Weapon System (OHWS), the challenge to the gun makers was to come up with a handgun that is not purely for “defensive” purposes but powerful enough to be used as an offensive handgun. Heckler & Koch (HK) and Colt Industries competed in this program, with the former winning the contract. From the OHWS, the final designation was Mark 23 Mod 0, otherwise known as the MK23 SOCOM.
The MK23 SOCOM magazine holds 12 .45 ACP rounds which comes with a suppressor made by the Knights Armament Company (KAC). Another company, Insight Technology Inc., was tasked to make the Laser Aiming Module (LAM Module) which features visible laser, tactical lighting, and infrared capabilities. The LAM housing is attached below the barrel of the pistol firmly anchored at the trigger guard.
Tokyo Marui MK23 SOCOM with LAM attached
The KJ Works Stealth Assassin is not provided with the LAM Module, as compared to the TM MK23 SOCOM. But it is said that the TM LAM Module can be fitted to it.
One of the bigger handguns, almost as large as the Desert Eagle, the KJ Works Stealth Assassin comes in a box that is marked “Special Operation Stealth Assassin 1:1 Gas Non-Blowback Airsoft Gun”. The box states the dimensions of the pistol as being 427mm in length, with a weight of 1000 grams, a magazine capacity of 28 bbs, and can accommodate .20g to .25g of bbs. It comes with an advisory on the side that “This Product is for Training Purposes Only”. As sometimes observed in the packaging of some airsoft gun manufacturers from East Asia, there's no indication that this product is made by KJ Works.
Though the box shows the MK23 replica with a suppressor and LAM module, once you open it, you'll only find that it comes with the replica, the suppressor, small pack of .20 bbs, a manual, and the 28-round magazine. You'll be disappointed that there's no replica LAM, a speed loader or even a cleaning rod. But for its price of US$60.00, it's one of the cheapest gas powered pistols out there.
For a low-cost gas airsoft gun, surprisingly this one comes with a manual. The manual is simple, well-written and no “Engrish” as always quipped by other airsofters who make reviews of airsoft guns made in Asia. The inner pages contain the diagram and parts for the pistol, while the back page shows safety precautions and shooting instructions.
The whole airsoft gun has no markings whatsoever, even at closer inspection, not even a “Made in Taiwan”. It is mainly made of plastic with the metal parts being the trigger, the barrel, hammer, magazine release, and safety levers. The magazine is metal and seems to be the sturdiest part of the pistol. When you release the magazine, the pistol grip seems to be a hollow-fragile handle, and I find CYMA's Glock 18c AEP pistol grip to be better built than this. To be frank about it, I feel that the plastic is “cheap-looking”. To give it a little bit of good news to this, it's good balanced, and attaching the suppressor gives it some heft. Another disappointment also is the lack of painted/illuminated sights.
Operating the Stealth Assassin of course requires you to fill up the 28-round magazine by pulling the magazine spring down and use a speed loader to quickly fill up the magazine up to its maximum capacity. The recommended gas for injecting into the magazine is HFC 134A but I use Green Gas as I play in colder weather. You'll have to inject the gas at the bottom of the magazine and to vent out in order to empty the magazine of gas, you'll need to press on the valve at the back of the magazine.
Magazine insertion is easy, and the magazine locks into place with no creaks inside the pistol grip. You can release the magazine by pressing down on the ambidextrous magazine release lever at the bottom of the trigger guard. The magazine slides out pretty smoothly caused by the heavy metal magazine being pulled by the earth's gravity.
While the pistol is a non-blow back gun, you can cock the gun by pulling the slide or the hammer before firing. Upon firing, the hammer also acts to load a bb into the chamber. You don't need to actually cock the gun for airsoft, but it also serves a purpose for snap shooting in tight spots. There are two safety levers: one is the longer lever which is just right above the trigger and the ambidextrous shorter lever which is located at the rear part of the pistol. You can use the short lever as a safety lever while the hammer is pulled back. You can quickly turn off this safety during skirmishes, especially if you do not have big hands to reach the main safety lever with your thumb. Operating these levers is also taxing as they are not smooth to move from their positions. This pistol is much more fit for those with bigger and stronger hands.
Attaching the provided plastic mock suppressor is by screwing it in a clockwise motion. What you get in attaching the suppressor is a very long handgun with a length that is longer than an HK MP5 PDW with its stock folded. The suppressor, being plastic, does not have much weight to pull the gun down when aiming. But with the suppressor, it gets a “hand cannon” reputation, with which I shall explain in the next paragraph.
Putting the gun to the chrono test, you'll get huge differences in chrono results with or without the suppressor. Without the suppressor, the pistol averages at 294fps, and with the suppressor screwed on, the pistol averages 358fps. Why the huge difference? The only plausible explanation is that rather than act as an actual suppressor (read: lower sound/noise), the suppressor acts as an extended barrel that increases the velocity of the bb as it travels through the barrel.
With these readings on the mock suppressor attached, this pistol won't be able to pass chrono limits in other countries. This power is equivalent to many AEGs. Thus, skirmish site owners need to caution players with this pistol not to attach their suppressors when playing at their sites.
One added benefit with suppressor screwed to the pistol is that even accuracy is improved in the test conducted. In the paper target used, those marked in green were shots taken without the suppressor while those in red were shots taken with the suppressor. The accuracy test was taken at 5 meters utilising .20g bbs:
I am disappointed with its accuracy as I needed to make several adjustments in order for the shots to hit the target at 5 meters without the suppressor. While I am very much satisfied with the suppressor attached as the accuracy tremendously improves, I won't be able to use the suppressor as I can only play at 328fps skirmish sites.
Squeezing the trigger during these tests (others say “Pull”, but squeeze is a sweeter term) gives you a feeling that you'll have to put in more effort in order for it to fire.
It is not smooth as compared to WE airsoft pistols which are a pleasure to fire.
Will I Play with it?
Unfortunately no. While this is a pleasant gun to play with, I'd rather use it for backyard shooting rather than for a skirmish as this replica will not be able to stand the stress required in a combat situation. It is not sturdy enough for my standards where I tend to put my airsoft replicas to extreme abuse. One big disappointment with this is the magazine where the plastic part that holds the bbs to the feeder just fell-off while I was loading it, instantly becoming useless.
This is hand cannon, no doubt about it. Together with the Desert Eagle, it is also tough to look for holsters to fit this as most of the holsters available are for Glocks and Berettas. You can find a holster that is produced by Viper, and it's a good one, tough and sturdy enough to keep the pistol into place.
If you are still bent on getting a hand cannon, I would recommend that you strongly consider the TM MK23 SOCOM, while it is more expensive, it comes with bells and whistles such as the mock suppressor, LAM unit, and even a nifty pistol case. Another contender is the KSC MK23 Hard Kick which comes in variants such as with the Heavy Weight Prototype and Commercial but does not have the add-on accessories that the Marui replica provides, though it has a great reinforced blow back feature.
Now, I better search online to find a magazine to replace my broken one.
Republished from the Popular Airsoft Magazine Volume 1 Issue 1.
