Ronin's US Navy Seal Impression

Imagine you're in a car, a really fast car barrelling down a freeway filled with gasoline filled tankers and hostile cops. Now imagine that the driver is the devil and he's mad with driving through all the traffic creating as much destruction as possible while speeding into the mouth of chaos and trauma. That's Ronin. And to share the battlefield with him is a very, very dangerous business.

For both sides.

On 31 July, 2005 I was priveledged with the honor of shooting pics of my good freind here, Ronin. To say that the Impression is simply an illustrative means of displaying a specific uniform or loadout in a given point in history is without question, a ridiculous concept. I have been very lucky to know such people that have committed to making the Impression an art form. It is people like Ronin who lead the way with this art and as we set out in the early morning before our airsoft skirmish, I had no idea just how amazing these photos would look.

The bonus here was 2 impressions in one. Ronin brought out enough gear for both a rifleman's and machinegunners impression.

Sig Sauer P226 in tandem with the Stryder Hybrid HideAwayKnife.

Killer.

This loadout suits him well. Being tall, Ronin can sport a wide variety of weapons and shoulder them all day without any trouble. I was so amazed with the amount of research that went into this and the exhaustive effort put into finding all the gear. Every detail is present and nothing was overlooked. If there is a flaw here, it might be up to a real Navy SEAL to spot it. I must say, however, I don't think would be the case.

Can you tell we're having fun!?!?! Th eM60E3 is a superb copy. It sounds as evil as it looks. The camouflage face paint is a nice touch too. Not only does it add the realism, the atmosphere changes with such a "war face".

Excellent.

Machine gunner weapons -

Custom M60E3 with Marui Version 3 Gearbox and 3000 rd Electronic Magazine in Real Steel CAPCO Assault Box
Marui SIG Sauer P226
Strider MT
Strider Hybrid HideAwayKnife
GB-Tech Standalone M203 Masterkey Module with Quad Sight
Custom M249 fitted with Railed Feed Tray, Lower RIS System, Para Stock and full PGC internals

Rifleman weapons-

Custom Colt RO727 NSW rifle, Marui Based with a Guarder M16A2 Body, Marui 733 handguards, Custom 16 Inch A2 barrel, Full Custom Internals

A quick change of LBE and weapon and Ronin is transformed into the Rifleman. Easy to see why he was so inspired by the US Navy SEALS in the first place. The Colt RO727 NSW rifle is of his own modification... like all his weapons.

SEAL Rifleman Items:
Issue Y- Harness
Issue Alice Triple M4 Mag pouches, repainted and modified
Eagle SAS Subload Pouch Fitted for Alice Adaptors, Holds 2 M4 mags and 2 Frag Grenades or Distraction Devices, repainted
Issue Canteen Pouch with Canteen
SOG SEAL Pup Knife attached to Y Harness
Issue Buttpack

The SOG knife is not needed for airsoft but completes the impression (and it's just cool as hell). Ronin explained to me that a SEAL would not wear the Jolly Roger patch in a woodland environment but instead be saved for the desert only. The RAID BDU jacket sports velcro which quickly accommodates any patch.

* I'd like to make it known that all photos taken this day were long before any game was started, before any AEG was chrono'd, and even before any other player arrived at the field. The absence of eye protection is purely for these pics and tacticle goggles are worn here at all times when in the playing area.

For those of you who don't know him, Ronin's real name is Paul and he is the master gunsmith and co-owner of Long Island Airsoft, The leading airsoft retailer in the US northeast. Paul does amazing upgrades and customizations at LIA and his efforts in his work reflects that which he committed to this impression. I would like to thank him for taking the time to pose for these photographs and doing such a great job detailing all his gear for us. You rock, dude!

Ronin's comments

"This Setup is my favorite of all my gear and impressions. Max load out in M4 Mags is just the 4 Saw/M60 pouches is 24 Magazines, which I have needed on many occasions. 2 Canteen Pouches, 2 Pop Flare pouches which usually hold 1 Pop Flare Signal or a various array of Cylume Light sticks, Infared Light sticks or Suppressors. The Butt pack usually holds my PVS-7B NVG pouch and Stripped Down MRE Meal inserts and additional ammo and essentials. Usually the UDT Inflatable Vest and Fins are parts of my Rig, unless is is essential that I carry a pack for additional missions Gear or the Dive equipment is not necessary or will be a detriment to a OP. Plus you never know when your gonna have to 'get wet'."