They are taking the airsoft world by storm, in terms of producing airsoft sniper rifles. The first release of photos of the AMP DSR-1 took the world by surprise, as it is a take off from the usual VSR-10 and Barrett kits that we see on the market. The details as seen on the photos did really make a lot of players drool, and even I myself would want one. While many players are placing orders on the AMP DSR-1, they then released photos for the CheyTac M200 Intervention Rifle and the PGM Mini-Hecate. These photos just of course placed our brains into a reset mode— "which one should I get?”. All looked like there is great craftsmanship put into these products.

First things first. Rather than delve into their products only, we decided that we might as well learn more about the company, its people, and products. The genius behind the AMP DSR-1 is Square Production Company, who is not only an eight-year veteran in airsoft gun manufacturing, but also a known gun aficionado and enthusiast, as evidenced by how much attention to detail was put into their versions of the FNC with three-round burst mode, the AW338 gas-powered sniper rifle, the M16 series and the ultra-light M249. All these AEGs and gas rifles are marketed under Star brand.

Now, in collaboration with Quick Reaction Force (QRF), a popular airsoft and wargame equipment retailer, to form NEWQRF, Square Production reemerged in the airsoft scene with the ARES AMP DSR-1. Other high-quality gaspowered sniper rifles are also in the pipeline for marketing under the ARES brand, as well as airsoft accessories and upgrade parts (Shooter) and of course, Star AEGs from its previous collections.

Here is the rest of our chat with Chris Chan:

Popular Airsoft: The AMP DSR-1 is your first release into the replica market as a new entity, NEW QRF. Why start with that model?

Chris Chan: The AMP DSR-1 is one of my most favorite guns that I could never have. Due to limited information available about the gun at that time, it was impossible to come out with a decent replica. When I saw that the AW338 was being popular, I invested on the R&D of the DSR-1. Similar investments were made in the development of the PGM and M200 replicas.

What significant technological breakthroughs in the design can you share with us? Is it a 1:1 replica?

Similar to the development of other gun replicas, having enough research is very crucial. We even have to buy real guns as reference to let us understand the shapes, sizes, materials and details. This means is rather difficult, as it is generally very hard to obtain an authentic gun for reference (despite having the license to own weapons).

Therefore, most information is obtained from the Internet and other books about guns. Understanding weapons and their background is also very important in order stay true to the overall look and structure of future products. The ARES AMP DSR-1 is a 1:1 rifle, however, some parts were customized as dimensions of the real ones are very hard to replicate.

Will there be after-market upgrade and spare parts available?

Once the DSR-1 is released, there will be a whole set of upgrade parts for sale, including silencer barrel, spare magazines, valve and o-ring sets.

Other than the PGM Mini Hecate and Cheytac M200, what other replicas will you be introducing?

I cannot tell you now, but what we have upcoming will no longer be a bolt action rifle.

Will you focus solely on precision/sniper/marksman rifles?

Yes, ARES focuses solely on sniper rifles.

The SRP for the AMP DSR-1 does not break the US$1,000- mark, as it will be retailed at US$768, does that mean that you are targeting the high-end market more? How are you positioning yourself in the airsoft market?

We have never wished to set ourselves at the high-end position. At US$768 apiece, the DSR-1 will be worth your money as it is constructed entirely of metal with most parts CNC-machined. With two stainless steel magazines and a  scope, the price is very competitive. In fact, a lot of visitors who came to the show in Japan two months ago could not believe at how low our price is.

Gleaming from the details of the products that you are about to release, it must have taken you time to ensure that you are faithful to the original ones. What can you say about the development of these sniper replicas?

I really enjoy the development process of this gun—from collecting about 30 images from the Internet to putting it all together with some photos from various magazines it’s like putting together a jigsaw puzzle. After the final product was finished, sales and promotions follow. I keep reminding myself that the final has to be acceptable to all—a dream gun that is reputable and admired by everyone.

What will be the final retail prices for the PGM Mini Hecate and the CheyTac M200?

No need to worry about the price because at present I can control the wholesale price. I believe prices of other products having similar qualities and levels are not as low.

Will you be developing the after market parts for these rifles on your own, or will you be allowing other manufacturers provide the after market parts?

Yes, we will develop the after market parts for these rifles on our own. We also accept customers’ suggestions as to what accessories and parts they want us to make. Interesting items from other manufacturers are also welcome.

Can you tell us more about the CheyTac M200 replica you’re making? When is the target date for its release to players?

The CheyTac M200 is still being fine-tuned, but the molding is almost completed. As this product is relatively large, its price will also be higher. We envision this model as a sniper platform, wherein customers have the freedom to customize and change parts—like the bolt and magazine to achieve individual preferences, such as CO2-compatibility or being able to support 8mm to 10mm paintballs. The release date will be the same as PGM, which is after the DSR-1.

How about the PGM Mini Hecate? What other details can you provide to our readers?

Most customers are aware by now that most parts of the PGM, including its external parts and frame, cannot be massively cast into a mold, and have to be CNC-machined for precision. These processes will require a lot of manhours, making the PGM one of the most difficult replica to produce and one the will offer our company the least profit margin.

When these products are released, where can airsoft buyers get these? Who are your distribution and retail partners?

We are targeting on releasing 1,000 DRS-1s, 500 PGMs and 300 M200s, which will be available mostly from our online shop clients from Europe, Japan and the United States. Once the products debut, we will have distributors and retail partners.

The economic crises that is happening around the world, especially with rising prices in almost all areas of the economy, affecting pre-orders and interest in
your products?

Of course it will be affected, but for every hardcore gun enthusiast like me, one less meal or one less shirt does not matter if I can buy what I like.

Anything else that you would want to share to our readers? Say, new products that they can look forward to?

ARES is the new brand of my old company—Square Production. In the past, much of our efforts were focused only in developing mainstream models or replicas, which are often neglected by the market, in favor of more popular brands. This time around, I will focus in rolling out “modern” guns, which I have a liking for, and hopefully some collectors would too. I encourage my customers everywhere to give us more feedback. We will also gladly consider replicating other suggested guns if possible. We hope you will continue to support our products.