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| Online exclusive content published by The NAM: National Airsoft Magazine Q2 2010. The NAM: National Airsoft Magazine Copyright © 2009 All Rights Reserved. |
Specs:
Product Brand: Both Elephant (BE)
Built Material: Metal & ABS plastic
Shooting Modes: Semi-auto only
Magazine Capacity: 180 BBs
Length: 960mm
Barrel Length: 416.8mm
Weight: 3,150g
Power Source: Gas (Green gas
recommended)
Hop-up: yes, fixed
Blow-back: No
Power: 330-350fps w/0.20g BBs
per 5-shot burst
Product Brand: Both Elephant (BE)
Built Material: Metal & ABS plastic
Shooting Modes: Semi-auto only
Magazine Capacity: 180 BBs
Length: 960mm
Barrel Length: 416.8mm
Weight: 3,150g
Power Source: Gas (Green gas
recommended)
Hop-up: yes, fixed
Blow-back: No
Power: 330-350fps w/0.20g BBs
per 5-shot burst
Package & MSRP:
Basically a simple package. What
you see is what you get. $200 USD
gets you the shotgun, a complete set
of replacement O-rings and a manual.
Basically a simple package. What
you see is what you get. $200 USD
gets you the shotgun, a complete set
of replacement O-rings and a manual.
Pros:
First off, and a huge benefit, Both Elephant designers deciding to use a good deal of metal in the shotgun which
added greatly to the strength and durability of the weapon, unlike its rivals which are mainly ABS plastic.
This decision also works greatly to achieve the overall weight of the shotgun, giving it a heft and strong feel
largely absent from the more plastic based models. Borrowing heavily from the Marushin 8mm shotgun concept and
Tanaka CA870s, Both Elephant took the same path with their decision to fire multiple pellets in a daisy chain
down a single barrel but took it a step further and increased the burst capacity from 3bbs to 5bbs per shot.
Those familiar with the Tanaka’s CA870 series (one BB per shot down a single barrel) and the Tokyo Marui’s SPAS-
12 and M3/Super90 “tri-shot” (one BB down 3 separate barrels per shot) know that the design of there “shotguns”
is not much more than a dressed up “springer.” This does very little towards enticing players to adopt this
type of close-in game play. Both Elephant’s approach helps give more of the performance players want without
over-complicating the design. One of the strongest pros you’ll find on this weapon is the upgrade gas
performance. Green Gas (HFC22) is required to put enough pressure behind the BB chain to fire the load a good
distance. The strengthened internal gas system is more robust, allowing for the higher pressure gas to be used,
offering a higher hit probability without sacrificing the overall performance. The much larger BB capacity,
largely due to the use of 6mm instead of 8mm like the Marushin, ensures that the weapon will have enough ammo to
allow the shooter to blast their way out of (or into, depending on your tactical preference) any hostile
situation without having to worry about running out of BBs. Other nice additions are the ghost iron sights
provided, allowing for much easier and faster target acquisition without an aiming device then with the usual
hunting sights found on most other militarized shotguns. Finally the chrome finish gives the weapon a very
shiny appearance, something that players who like some “bling” on their gun will really enjoy. The faux wooden
plastic furniture is a nice touch as well for those who like a hunter’s feel and the realistic finish foregoes
any worry of comparisons to Tokyo Marui’s cheap looking, faux wood AKs.
First off, and a huge benefit, Both Elephant designers deciding to use a good deal of metal in the shotgun which
added greatly to the strength and durability of the weapon, unlike its rivals which are mainly ABS plastic.
This decision also works greatly to achieve the overall weight of the shotgun, giving it a heft and strong feel
largely absent from the more plastic based models. Borrowing heavily from the Marushin 8mm shotgun concept and
Tanaka CA870s, Both Elephant took the same path with their decision to fire multiple pellets in a daisy chain
down a single barrel but took it a step further and increased the burst capacity from 3bbs to 5bbs per shot.
Those familiar with the Tanaka’s CA870 series (one BB per shot down a single barrel) and the Tokyo Marui’s SPAS-
12 and M3/Super90 “tri-shot” (one BB down 3 separate barrels per shot) know that the design of there “shotguns”
is not much more than a dressed up “springer.” This does very little towards enticing players to adopt this
type of close-in game play. Both Elephant’s approach helps give more of the performance players want without
over-complicating the design. One of the strongest pros you’ll find on this weapon is the upgrade gas
performance. Green Gas (HFC22) is required to put enough pressure behind the BB chain to fire the load a good
distance. The strengthened internal gas system is more robust, allowing for the higher pressure gas to be used,
offering a higher hit probability without sacrificing the overall performance. The much larger BB capacity,
largely due to the use of 6mm instead of 8mm like the Marushin, ensures that the weapon will have enough ammo to
allow the shooter to blast their way out of (or into, depending on your tactical preference) any hostile
situation without having to worry about running out of BBs. Other nice additions are the ghost iron sights
provided, allowing for much easier and faster target acquisition without an aiming device then with the usual
hunting sights found on most other militarized shotguns. Finally the chrome finish gives the weapon a very
shiny appearance, something that players who like some “bling” on their gun will really enjoy. The faux wooden
plastic furniture is a nice touch as well for those who like a hunter’s feel and the realistic finish foregoes
any worry of comparisons to Tokyo Marui’s cheap looking, faux wood AKs.
Design:
Being a replica of the famous Mossberg M500 series, BE didn’t go very far out of its way to try to re-invent
the wheel (or gun, in this case). Nearly everything you find on the real weapon is present and located on the
Airsoft one. Starting from the front, we have the black oversized front sight post positioned at the very tip
of the muzzle of the long chromed outer barrel. Inside is the single inner barrel use to propel the BB burst
downrange to the target, reaching practically to the tip of the muzzle. Just behind the muzzle and directly
under the barrel is the storage chamber and loading slot. To gain access you need to pull back the wooden
gripped racking shuttle to expose the loading slot. From the front of the storage tube you need to turn the
release latch on the loading assembly to pull it out to begin the loading process (DO NOT pull out the assembly
all the way, as reinserting is a serious pain in the tush, ESPECIALLY in the field). Once the loading tubes
clear the slot, you can insert the BBs until the tube is full and then rotate the assembly to the next free
tube to continue the process until all three tubes are full. Then it’s just a matter of pushing the assembly
down into the housing and locking it into place. Moving further rearward we encounter the working “bolt” and
shell ejection port, whose function is largely cosmetic and doesn’t really augment performance but definitely
make the gun feel real when racking the shuttle to load BBs into the chamber. Along the underside of the
receiver located in the shell loading tray is the gas intake valve used to fill the weapon up with propellant
(HFC22 is required). Just behind the shell loading rack near the rear of the receiver is the trigger with its
simple circular trigger guard. Directly over the trigger group on top of the receiver is the adjustable rear
ghost sighting circle to assist the shooter in sighting in on a target without sight assisting devices.
Attached at the rear of the receiver is the bold-action style stock made of “faux wood” ABS plastic with a
rubber butt stock for authenticity.
Being a replica of the famous Mossberg M500 series, BE didn’t go very far out of its way to try to re-invent
the wheel (or gun, in this case). Nearly everything you find on the real weapon is present and located on the
Airsoft one. Starting from the front, we have the black oversized front sight post positioned at the very tip
of the muzzle of the long chromed outer barrel. Inside is the single inner barrel use to propel the BB burst
downrange to the target, reaching practically to the tip of the muzzle. Just behind the muzzle and directly
under the barrel is the storage chamber and loading slot. To gain access you need to pull back the wooden
gripped racking shuttle to expose the loading slot. From the front of the storage tube you need to turn the
release latch on the loading assembly to pull it out to begin the loading process (DO NOT pull out the assembly
all the way, as reinserting is a serious pain in the tush, ESPECIALLY in the field). Once the loading tubes
clear the slot, you can insert the BBs until the tube is full and then rotate the assembly to the next free
tube to continue the process until all three tubes are full. Then it’s just a matter of pushing the assembly
down into the housing and locking it into place. Moving further rearward we encounter the working “bolt” and
shell ejection port, whose function is largely cosmetic and doesn’t really augment performance but definitely
make the gun feel real when racking the shuttle to load BBs into the chamber. Along the underside of the
receiver located in the shell loading tray is the gas intake valve used to fill the weapon up with propellant
(HFC22 is required). Just behind the shell loading rack near the rear of the receiver is the trigger with its
simple circular trigger guard. Directly over the trigger group on top of the receiver is the adjustable rear
ghost sighting circle to assist the shooter in sighting in on a target without sight assisting devices.
Attached at the rear of the receiver is the bold-action style stock made of “faux wood” ABS plastic with a
rubber butt stock for authenticity.
Efficiency:
Getting this piece into operational status is relatively simple but a bit time consuming. Because of the unique
loading design, some patience is necessary when filling up the loading tubes and can be an awkward hassle when
running out or ammo in the field. Gassing up the weapon is very easy and straight forward, but requires you to
bring either a mini or full can with you into the field to ensure that you have sufficient propellant to keep
the shotgun functioning in either heavy or prolonged engagements, or both. After loading and gassing up the
weapon, you just need to flip the safety switch directly behind the rear ghost right, pull the trigger and BANG!
Getting this piece into operational status is relatively simple but a bit time consuming. Because of the unique
loading design, some patience is necessary when filling up the loading tubes and can be an awkward hassle when
running out or ammo in the field. Gassing up the weapon is very easy and straight forward, but requires you to
bring either a mini or full can with you into the field to ensure that you have sufficient propellant to keep
the shotgun functioning in either heavy or prolonged engagements, or both. After loading and gassing up the
weapon, you just need to flip the safety switch directly behind the rear ghost right, pull the trigger and BANG!
Durability:
One of the first things any shooter will notice
while picking up this shotgun is the heft. This
seems to come from an extensive use of metal
(aluminum) for the barrel and receiver and nylon-
fiber reinforced thick ABS plastics for the
stock and shuttle. The barrel itself is made of
descent aluminum, which augments the guns weight
and contributes greatly to the strength of the
overall frame. The body is also aluminum,
making the combination very strong and stiff,
nearly to the point that the gun could be used
as a bat. The stock, as mentioned before, uses
very thick plastic and it very tight and rigid,
making the gun virtually “creak-proof.” With
the tight tolerances, this weapon feels like a
solid stick.
One of the first things any shooter will notice
while picking up this shotgun is the heft. This
seems to come from an extensive use of metal
(aluminum) for the barrel and receiver and nylon-
fiber reinforced thick ABS plastics for the
stock and shuttle. The barrel itself is made of
descent aluminum, which augments the guns weight
and contributes greatly to the strength of the
overall frame. The body is also aluminum,
making the combination very strong and stiff,
nearly to the point that the gun could be used
as a bat. The stock, as mentioned before, uses
very thick plastic and it very tight and rigid,
making the gun virtually “creak-proof.” With
the tight tolerances, this weapon feels like a
solid stick.
Upgradability:
Possible. Given the performance already
achieved, the only options are largely an M4
stock/grip system for those who prefer a more
tactical feel. Sadly aftermarket parts are
really lacking for this model as far as internal
upgrades go. But you could always go all out
and spring for custom O-rings molded from
urethane to increase the tolerance for Red gas.
Possible. Given the performance already
achieved, the only options are largely an M4
stock/grip system for those who prefer a more
tactical feel. Sadly aftermarket parts are
really lacking for this model as far as internal
upgrades go. But you could always go all out
and spring for custom O-rings molded from
urethane to increase the tolerance for Red gas.
Final Thoughts:
Having owned and played with the Marushin 8mm version, I found the BE version to be very similar, with the main
difference being the different but similar loading system, the use of the standard 6mm BBs and a much lower
cost. Performance was adequate for short to mid range combat but really began to suffer at distance. The
shotgun’s durability should allay any fears of the weapon breaking under heavy use while the ease of use makes
it virtually a no-brainer to use. While the loading/feeding system was a bit of a pain, it offered plenty of
ammo to keep the gun working for quite a spell (assuming gas didn’t run out first). So all in all, “blinging”
finish notwithstanding, I’d have to say I prefer this shotgun over the others. In the final analysis, this
item will definitely give you better performance than most other shotguns on the market, but will necessarily
fit all combat scenarios.
Having owned and played with the Marushin 8mm version, I found the BE version to be very similar, with the main
difference being the different but similar loading system, the use of the standard 6mm BBs and a much lower
cost. Performance was adequate for short to mid range combat but really began to suffer at distance. The
shotgun’s durability should allay any fears of the weapon breaking under heavy use while the ease of use makes
it virtually a no-brainer to use. While the loading/feeding system was a bit of a pain, it offered plenty of
ammo to keep the gun working for quite a spell (assuming gas didn’t run out first). So all in all, “blinging”
finish notwithstanding, I’d have to say I prefer this shotgun over the others. In the final analysis, this
item will definitely give you better performance than most other shotguns on the market, but will necessarily
fit all combat scenarios.
Cons:
The first con that came to mind when I handled this weapon was the strangeness of the loading process. Much
like the Marushin 8mm version, the BBs needed to be loaded via an exposed slot under the loading tube. To load
BBs into the weapon, you need to release and pull back the long triple tubes that run the length of the “mag
chamber.” Midway down the chamber (cleverly hidden under the pump shuttle), is a slot to insert the BBs to roll
down the feel tube. Once on tube is filled, you rotate the entire loading assembly until the next empty tube
lines up, by which you repeat the loading process. When all three tubes are full, the assembly must be pushed
back down to apply spring pressure to the BBs to feed them into the loading chamber, which is then locked in
place once more before firing. This entire process is considerably time consuming and definitely a detraction
should you have to reload in the field. Another shortcoming of the shotgun is the length of the weapon
overall. Adversely, the solid stock sadly makes this gun quite unsuitable for CQB/CQC scenarios and situation,
as the length makes it longer than a carbine and very difficult to handle when moving indoors room to room. It
is much better suited for outdoor use, when an area needs to be covered or secured and when power is needed to
subdue one or more targets. This next con is a bit of a tricky one. While the weapon technically is a shotgun
(firing multi-projectiles in a single burst), its performance is unfortunately lacking as one; the five BBs are
“trained” (lined up one behind the other) in a single barrel. Once fired from the gun, the BBs “uncouple” at
random intervals and distances, making an accurate “burst” difficult at best. Typically this “shot” would be
good if you need to deliver a devastating amount of power against a single target or to penetrate deep brush.
Lastly, I found that the chrome finish actually was a serious detraction, the highly reflective finish let just
about anyone with eyesight know EXACTLY where you are at, not something you want to do while you’re sneaking
around the brush or lying in wait for an ambush!
The first con that came to mind when I handled this weapon was the strangeness of the loading process. Much
like the Marushin 8mm version, the BBs needed to be loaded via an exposed slot under the loading tube. To load
BBs into the weapon, you need to release and pull back the long triple tubes that run the length of the “mag
chamber.” Midway down the chamber (cleverly hidden under the pump shuttle), is a slot to insert the BBs to roll
down the feel tube. Once on tube is filled, you rotate the entire loading assembly until the next empty tube
lines up, by which you repeat the loading process. When all three tubes are full, the assembly must be pushed
back down to apply spring pressure to the BBs to feed them into the loading chamber, which is then locked in
place once more before firing. This entire process is considerably time consuming and definitely a detraction
should you have to reload in the field. Another shortcoming of the shotgun is the length of the weapon
overall. Adversely, the solid stock sadly makes this gun quite unsuitable for CQB/CQC scenarios and situation,
as the length makes it longer than a carbine and very difficult to handle when moving indoors room to room. It
is much better suited for outdoor use, when an area needs to be covered or secured and when power is needed to
subdue one or more targets. This next con is a bit of a tricky one. While the weapon technically is a shotgun
(firing multi-projectiles in a single burst), its performance is unfortunately lacking as one; the five BBs are
“trained” (lined up one behind the other) in a single barrel. Once fired from the gun, the BBs “uncouple” at
random intervals and distances, making an accurate “burst” difficult at best. Typically this “shot” would be
good if you need to deliver a devastating amount of power against a single target or to penetrate deep brush.
Lastly, I found that the chrome finish actually was a serious detraction, the highly reflective finish let just
about anyone with eyesight know EXACTLY where you are at, not something you want to do while you’re sneaking
around the brush or lying in wait for an ambush!
Shotguns are a very much desired and respected weapon in the CQB environment. Their ability to put out a
massive wall of lead per shot is utterly devastating for the recipient and even more terrifying for those
downrange. It is a weapon that absolutely dominates the short range field. Sadly, what works in real steel
doesn’t always translate as well into Airsoft. While many players desire the power and performance of the
shotgun, safety factors and costs necessitate limitation of performance. That hasn’t stopped some Airsoft
companies from trying to realize their version of this weapon in Airsoft form. Unfortunately for us players,
many of the offerings often come to us somewhat underwhelming. From the single BB pump action shotguns to the
tri-burst and 8mm size BB ones, none have really given what we crave; close in firepower. While not many
models out there have gained much ground in helping close the gap between the two performances, Both Elephant
made a sincere attempt to at least deliver on the spread and burst found with shotguns. We’ve taken one such
model they offer and put it though out typical battery of tests.
massive wall of lead per shot is utterly devastating for the recipient and even more terrifying for those
downrange. It is a weapon that absolutely dominates the short range field. Sadly, what works in real steel
doesn’t always translate as well into Airsoft. While many players desire the power and performance of the
shotgun, safety factors and costs necessitate limitation of performance. That hasn’t stopped some Airsoft
companies from trying to realize their version of this weapon in Airsoft form. Unfortunately for us players,
many of the offerings often come to us somewhat underwhelming. From the single BB pump action shotguns to the
tri-burst and 8mm size BB ones, none have really given what we crave; close in firepower. While not many
models out there have gained much ground in helping close the gap between the two performances, Both Elephant
made a sincere attempt to at least deliver on the spread and burst found with shotguns. We’ve taken one such
model they offer and put it though out typical battery of tests.
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