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Light machine guns based off of regular assault rifles are nothing new to the world of modern firearms. Many
countries and firearms manufacturers have tried to find an easy way to make their squad support weapons
compatible with soldiers’ primary battle rifles, some with tremendous success (Russia’s RPK and Germany’s
HK21/23) to mediocre performance (US M16 LMG and Austria STYER H-BAR). Despite this spotty record and
advancements in technology and battle tactics (as well as development of squad-level LMGs), some countries
continue to have these weapons in their inventory. The UK and their SA-80 series rifles have one such beast,
the L86. While not very popular or effective, it does provide some performance features that other LMGs are
hard pressed to achieve, namely, compactness! Following up their L85 AEGs, ICS also developed a complimentary
LSW for periodical British Airsoft re-enactors to “complete the set.”
countries and firearms manufacturers have tried to find an easy way to make their squad support weapons
compatible with soldiers’ primary battle rifles, some with tremendous success (Russia’s RPK and Germany’s
HK21/23) to mediocre performance (US M16 LMG and Austria STYER H-BAR). Despite this spotty record and
advancements in technology and battle tactics (as well as development of squad-level LMGs), some countries
continue to have these weapons in their inventory. The UK and their SA-80 series rifles have one such beast,
the L86. While not very popular or effective, it does provide some performance features that other LMGs are
hard pressed to achieve, namely, compactness! Following up their L85 AEGs, ICS also developed a complimentary
LSW for periodical British Airsoft re-enactors to “complete the set.”
Specs:
Product Brand: I Chin Shivan (ICS)
Built Material: metal/ABS
Shooting Modes: Semi/Full auto
Magazine Capacity: 450rnds (hi-cap)
Length: 900mm
Barrel Length: 650mm
Weight: 4,411g
Power Source: battery, mini-type
Hop-up: yes, adjustable
Blow-back: N/A
Power: 350fps w/0.20g BBs in Low
375fps w/0.20g BBs in Med
395fps w/0.20g BBs in High
Product Brand: I Chin Shivan (ICS)
Built Material: metal/ABS
Shooting Modes: Semi/Full auto
Magazine Capacity: 450rnds (hi-cap)
Length: 900mm
Barrel Length: 650mm
Weight: 4,411g
Power Source: battery, mini-type
Hop-up: yes, adjustable
Blow-back: N/A
Power: 350fps w/0.20g BBs in Low
375fps w/0.20g BBs in Med
395fps w/0.20g BBs in High
Package & MSRP:
Starting with the usual graphic
coated self-sealing cardboard box
(this one also with a build-in
plastic carrying handle) you get the
L86A2 proper, two hi-cap magazine, a
bottle of BBs, cleaning rod, the
instruction manual AND a instruction
DVD all cradled in a velvet coated
plastic frame for around $400 USD.
Starting with the usual graphic
coated self-sealing cardboard box
(this one also with a build-in
plastic carrying handle) you get the
L86A2 proper, two hi-cap magazine, a
bottle of BBs, cleaning rod, the
instruction manual AND a instruction
DVD all cradled in a velvet coated
plastic frame for around $400 USD.
Pros:
Utilizing the compact bullpup design also found in its L85 brother, the L86 offers the same performance as a
full size LMG but in a more compact package due to the firing mechanism being in the rear of the weapon rather
than in the middle. ICS engineers included some of the innovative designs and features they build into the
L85A1, such as a quick disassembly feature for accessing the mechbox, a mechbox spring release, and a quick
access battery compartment. One of these is an adjustable Spring Tension capacity, something that players have
always wanted, the ability to change spring tensions from stronger to weaker (or vice versa) to adapt to any
playing situation. The ICS eggheads were able to delivered this with an adjusting cross bolt spring guide that
can be adjusted quickly and easily, changing performance in minutes without that long and expensive trip to the
Airsoft shop. Other improvements include a two pin quick disassembly/reassembly system found on the L85 that is
brought over to the L86 as well, making it a quick snap to split the receiver halves open to access the mechbox
for either maintenance, spring tension adjustment or complete removal. The clever design of the fore-
grip/battery compartment makes it very easy to open and access to switch out the battery in a flash, even in the
field! One thing to note here is that, as with most long barreled LMGs, this one comes with a bi-pod to prop up
and provide a stable firing platform for the weapon when shooting in the prone position or from a raised
barrier. The bi-pod legs are extendable to accommodate the gunner’s preference.
Utilizing the compact bullpup design also found in its L85 brother, the L86 offers the same performance as a
full size LMG but in a more compact package due to the firing mechanism being in the rear of the weapon rather
than in the middle. ICS engineers included some of the innovative designs and features they build into the
L85A1, such as a quick disassembly feature for accessing the mechbox, a mechbox spring release, and a quick
access battery compartment. One of these is an adjustable Spring Tension capacity, something that players have
always wanted, the ability to change spring tensions from stronger to weaker (or vice versa) to adapt to any
playing situation. The ICS eggheads were able to delivered this with an adjusting cross bolt spring guide that
can be adjusted quickly and easily, changing performance in minutes without that long and expensive trip to the
Airsoft shop. Other improvements include a two pin quick disassembly/reassembly system found on the L85 that is
brought over to the L86 as well, making it a quick snap to split the receiver halves open to access the mechbox
for either maintenance, spring tension adjustment or complete removal. The clever design of the fore-
grip/battery compartment makes it very easy to open and access to switch out the battery in a flash, even in the
field! One thing to note here is that, as with most long barreled LMGs, this one comes with a bi-pod to prop up
and provide a stable firing platform for the weapon when shooting in the prone position or from a raised
barrier. The bi-pod legs are extendable to accommodate the gunner’s preference.
Design:
Starting from the M16 style flash-hider, at the end of the VERY long one-piece barrel, you’ll find the multi-
axis steel bi-pod typically found on most LMG style weapons. The bi-pod is attached directly to the barrel
support frame and folds up into it easily (there’s a catch/release latch on the underside of the frame to hold
the bi-pod in the storage position). Moving to the fore-grip, the shape is similar to the L85 with one
exception; the flared out flange at the front. This is to ensure that the freehand stays in place when firing
on the move (since there is no place to install a vertical fore-grip). Interestingly, ICS engineers really
though out how to design the fore-grip, making it very easy to “open” to access the battery storage chamber
(just flip up the upper part of the fore-grip and pull down the clasp at the bottom). The chamber itself is
rather small when compared to the weapon, limiting the battery size to a standard mini-type (again, an
irrelevant fact if using a LiPo battery though). At the top of the fore-grip is the removable front sight
post, virtually identical to the one on its L85 brother. Moving to the receiver, we find the cross bolt safety
feature located right behind the fore-grip, with the trigger and pistol grip directly under it for quick and
easy access and utilization. Because of the nature of the bullpup design, the mag well is located immediately
behind the pistol grip, lending the key design advantage of the weapon, compactness. The well is very similar
to the M16 and accepts standard M16 mags as well as M16 compatible drum/box mags (although being able to hold
the weapon with such a drum mag will be tricky). Further back still we come across the selector switch lever
on the left side just forward of the butt-stock, with the usual semi/full auto options available. Also found
on the right side of the receiver is the bolt cocking lever, which pulls back the faux bolt cover to allow
access to the oversized hop-up adjusting wheel. The wheel itself is easily twice the size of the normal hop-up
wheel. At the rear of the receiver we find the plastic buttplate with its incorporated flip-out bracket, most
commonly used to keep the weapon shoulders to minimize movement when firing from either the standing, crouched
or prone position. Also present is a vertical fore-grip located directly behind the mag well. While oddly
placed, its intention is to give the shooter’s free hand an additional surface to grasp to help stabilize the
weapon when firing in prolonged bursts from the prone position. Going back to the upper receiver, we find the
two cross pins near the front and rear of the body. Much like the retaining pins on the M16 and L85, these
pins hold the upper and lower halves of the receiver together and have one end riveted inside the body,
ensuring they cannot be lost when pushed outward to separate the halves. Now is where the ICS L85/L86 design
proves its innovative uniqueness. Pushing the pins to their extreme allows the upper and lower receiver halves
to disassemble, giving directly access to the mechbox and hop-up chamber. From here, the mechbox can be
removed and either adjusted or replaced entirely. Reassembly is fluid and effortless and with practice the
entire procedure can be done in less than 5 min, even in the field!
Starting from the M16 style flash-hider, at the end of the VERY long one-piece barrel, you’ll find the multi-
axis steel bi-pod typically found on most LMG style weapons. The bi-pod is attached directly to the barrel
support frame and folds up into it easily (there’s a catch/release latch on the underside of the frame to hold
the bi-pod in the storage position). Moving to the fore-grip, the shape is similar to the L85 with one
exception; the flared out flange at the front. This is to ensure that the freehand stays in place when firing
on the move (since there is no place to install a vertical fore-grip). Interestingly, ICS engineers really
though out how to design the fore-grip, making it very easy to “open” to access the battery storage chamber
(just flip up the upper part of the fore-grip and pull down the clasp at the bottom). The chamber itself is
rather small when compared to the weapon, limiting the battery size to a standard mini-type (again, an
irrelevant fact if using a LiPo battery though). At the top of the fore-grip is the removable front sight
post, virtually identical to the one on its L85 brother. Moving to the receiver, we find the cross bolt safety
feature located right behind the fore-grip, with the trigger and pistol grip directly under it for quick and
easy access and utilization. Because of the nature of the bullpup design, the mag well is located immediately
behind the pistol grip, lending the key design advantage of the weapon, compactness. The well is very similar
to the M16 and accepts standard M16 mags as well as M16 compatible drum/box mags (although being able to hold
the weapon with such a drum mag will be tricky). Further back still we come across the selector switch lever
on the left side just forward of the butt-stock, with the usual semi/full auto options available. Also found
on the right side of the receiver is the bolt cocking lever, which pulls back the faux bolt cover to allow
access to the oversized hop-up adjusting wheel. The wheel itself is easily twice the size of the normal hop-up
wheel. At the rear of the receiver we find the plastic buttplate with its incorporated flip-out bracket, most
commonly used to keep the weapon shoulders to minimize movement when firing from either the standing, crouched
or prone position. Also present is a vertical fore-grip located directly behind the mag well. While oddly
placed, its intention is to give the shooter’s free hand an additional surface to grasp to help stabilize the
weapon when firing in prolonged bursts from the prone position. Going back to the upper receiver, we find the
two cross pins near the front and rear of the body. Much like the retaining pins on the M16 and L85, these
pins hold the upper and lower halves of the receiver together and have one end riveted inside the body,
ensuring they cannot be lost when pushed outward to separate the halves. Now is where the ICS L85/L86 design
proves its innovative uniqueness. Pushing the pins to their extreme allows the upper and lower receiver halves
to disassemble, giving directly access to the mechbox and hop-up chamber. From here, the mechbox can be
removed and either adjusted or replaced entirely. Reassembly is fluid and effortless and with practice the
entire procedure can be done in less than 5 min, even in the field!
Efficiency:
Getting this baby operational is far easier than even the L85. Inserting the battery into the fore-grip is a
snap thanks for the innovative “pop-n-swivel” design. With a LiPo battery, not only can you get a lot of
capacity but also power. From the pistol grip several of the AEG’s key features are reachable, namely the
safety cross-bar. The fire select lever is located at the left rear of the weapon, requiring the shooter to
take their free hand off the fore-grip to reach back into the crock of their arm to flip it from semi to full
auto and vice versa, not necessarily a major problem but one more thing you need to learn to perfect through
constant practice. The mag release lever is located on the left top of the mag well and is surrounded by a
“gate” to prevent accidental/unintentional release of the mag when pressed against the shooters shoulder (this
is specifically for righties). Flipping up the stabilizing latch on the butt-stock is simple enough like most
other LMGs. The biggest obstacle of the weapon is the unconventional bullpup design itself. With the magazine
being located behind the pistol grip, getting use to removing/loading mags is tricky and does take some
practice. The protruding mag well makes location and inserting of magazines simple, but sadly this same design
also makes it very difficult to handle the weapon with anything larger than the included hi-cap M16 mags.
Because of the large size nature of drum mags, maintaining a grip upon the pistol grip with a large drum/box
mag is very awkward at best, forcing you to stick your elbow out to get around the box/drum mag to grab the
pistol grip (although this is typical firing posture for British soldiers). Additionally, most box/drum mags
would cover up the mag release lever, which with its anti-release “gate” around it would make it extremely
difficult to release the box/drum mag without the help of a very thin and sturdy instrument (or a
screwdriver). Given the fast pace of combat in general, I don’t think you’d want to be caught trying to dump a
box/drum mag while you and/or your squad mates are taking fire. An option around this would be to remove the
mag release guard.
Getting this baby operational is far easier than even the L85. Inserting the battery into the fore-grip is a
snap thanks for the innovative “pop-n-swivel” design. With a LiPo battery, not only can you get a lot of
capacity but also power. From the pistol grip several of the AEG’s key features are reachable, namely the
safety cross-bar. The fire select lever is located at the left rear of the weapon, requiring the shooter to
take their free hand off the fore-grip to reach back into the crock of their arm to flip it from semi to full
auto and vice versa, not necessarily a major problem but one more thing you need to learn to perfect through
constant practice. The mag release lever is located on the left top of the mag well and is surrounded by a
“gate” to prevent accidental/unintentional release of the mag when pressed against the shooters shoulder (this
is specifically for righties). Flipping up the stabilizing latch on the butt-stock is simple enough like most
other LMGs. The biggest obstacle of the weapon is the unconventional bullpup design itself. With the magazine
being located behind the pistol grip, getting use to removing/loading mags is tricky and does take some
practice. The protruding mag well makes location and inserting of magazines simple, but sadly this same design
also makes it very difficult to handle the weapon with anything larger than the included hi-cap M16 mags.
Because of the large size nature of drum mags, maintaining a grip upon the pistol grip with a large drum/box
mag is very awkward at best, forcing you to stick your elbow out to get around the box/drum mag to grab the
pistol grip (although this is typical firing posture for British soldiers). Additionally, most box/drum mags
would cover up the mag release lever, which with its anti-release “gate” around it would make it extremely
difficult to release the box/drum mag without the help of a very thin and sturdy instrument (or a
screwdriver). Given the fast pace of combat in general, I don’t think you’d want to be caught trying to dump a
box/drum mag while you and/or your squad mates are taking fire. An option around this would be to remove the
mag release guard.
Durability:
With the steel receiver frame, one piece outer
barrel and support frame, steel bi-pod, liberal
use of nylon/fiber plastic for the foregrip,
pistol grip and TPR for the cheek rest and butt
plate, this combo of strong parts make the L86
is a very durable piece. Each part compliments
the other and gives additional support and
rigidity to the overall weapon, virtually
guaranteeing that the gun will withstand not
only every day gaming bangs and rough handling,
but also far more extreme abuses. With so much
metal on the weapon, you could use this as a bat
to knock out the competition (which I don’t
recommend unless you use it to play cricket,
have enough cash on hand for settling out of
court or possess a fetish for prolonged prison
stays).
With the steel receiver frame, one piece outer
barrel and support frame, steel bi-pod, liberal
use of nylon/fiber plastic for the foregrip,
pistol grip and TPR for the cheek rest and butt
plate, this combo of strong parts make the L86
is a very durable piece. Each part compliments
the other and gives additional support and
rigidity to the overall weapon, virtually
guaranteeing that the gun will withstand not
only every day gaming bangs and rough handling,
but also far more extreme abuses. With so much
metal on the weapon, you could use this as a bat
to knock out the competition (which I don’t
recommend unless you use it to play cricket,
have enough cash on hand for settling out of
court or possess a fetish for prolonged prison
stays).
Upgradability:
Not necessary. With the guns ability to switch
the spring tension via the spring guide
adjusting feature, installing stronger springs
is largely irrelevant, although you could if
you truly desired to push the performance even
further. Though, why, is anyone's guess unless
you truly want to hurt other players. The lack
of aftermarket parts and/or accessories for
this weapon and its proprietary design also
makes upgrading it difficult at best.
Not necessary. With the guns ability to switch
the spring tension via the spring guide
adjusting feature, installing stronger springs
is largely irrelevant, although you could if
you truly desired to push the performance even
further. Though, why, is anyone's guess unless
you truly want to hurt other players. The lack
of aftermarket parts and/or accessories for
this weapon and its proprietary design also
makes upgrading it difficult at best.
Final Thoughts:
Being the LMG aficionado that I am, I can see the advantages that having a “compact” support weapon can be,
especially in the CQB arena where size does matter. Having a long barreled LMG in a “short” length can make a
huge difference when you’re maneuvering through rooms and alleyways. Sadly, the lack of a real high capacity
box/drum mag contributes a serious short-coming of the L86, helping to defeat the major reason for a LMG in the
first place; a high ammo capacity weapon to provide prolonged suppressive fire. But overall, if your into LMGs
and love kitting out in authentic British kit, then you need look no further than this weapon.
Being the LMG aficionado that I am, I can see the advantages that having a “compact” support weapon can be,
especially in the CQB arena where size does matter. Having a long barreled LMG in a “short” length can make a
huge difference when you’re maneuvering through rooms and alleyways. Sadly, the lack of a real high capacity
box/drum mag contributes a serious short-coming of the L86, helping to defeat the major reason for a LMG in the
first place; a high ammo capacity weapon to provide prolonged suppressive fire. But overall, if your into LMGs
and love kitting out in authentic British kit, then you need look no further than this weapon.
Cons:
A common problem with most AEG bullpup designs is that battery space is limited due to the fore-grip shape and
size especially if you use Ni-CD/Ni-MH batteries (this shouldn’t be too much of an issue if your battery of
choice is a LiPo variant). Another drawback due mainly because of the unique design and shape of the weapon
itself, is that a custom mechbox is required, making extensive repairs/modifications to it troublesome at best.
Also because of the longer barrel, supporting frame and metal bi-pod at the flash-hider, the gun becomes rather
front heavy, making prolonged holding of the weapon tiresome. As if to add insult to injury, I found that
trying to get the storage hooks on the bi-pod legs to either enter/exit the support frame bracket was time
consuming, largely due to the extreme flexibility of the bi-pod joint. Some twisting and finagling was
necessary to deploy/store the bi-pod properly; not something you want to deal with when you need to move quickly
while under fire or to reposition.
A common problem with most AEG bullpup designs is that battery space is limited due to the fore-grip shape and
size especially if you use Ni-CD/Ni-MH batteries (this shouldn’t be too much of an issue if your battery of
choice is a LiPo variant). Another drawback due mainly because of the unique design and shape of the weapon
itself, is that a custom mechbox is required, making extensive repairs/modifications to it troublesome at best.
Also because of the longer barrel, supporting frame and metal bi-pod at the flash-hider, the gun becomes rather
front heavy, making prolonged holding of the weapon tiresome. As if to add insult to injury, I found that
trying to get the storage hooks on the bi-pod legs to either enter/exit the support frame bracket was time
consuming, largely due to the extreme flexibility of the bi-pod joint. Some twisting and finagling was
necessary to deploy/store the bi-pod properly; not something you want to deal with when you need to move quickly
while under fire or to reposition.
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