Western Arms (WA)

http://www.wa-gunnet.co.jp/

Originally founded by Keiichi Kunimoto, who previously worked for Nakata (?). WA released a few modelguns: Colt Blackhawk, Beretta 1934, Beretta M9, Walther PPK/S and AR-7 assault rifle. For a long time they no longer manufacture modelguns, but airsoft models.

Some input from me: no Beretta M9 modelgun from WA...

Also more details on their part in eliminating Beretta modelguns with authentic markings (Marushin/KSC/Tanaka) by basically buying off all the trademark rights then suing around almost every Japanese toygun maker will make this section more fulfiling

Thank you for update :-)
I've seen WA M9 on Yahoo Japan auctions, but it could have been airsoft mistakenly put in modelguns section.

Trademark wars are something that is very interesting! I remember seeing information in Japanese, but could not figure out anything useful, so decided to avoid misinformation.

Usual practice for some sellers - so whatever the buyers type (Marushin/Kokusai/MGC, etc) their items will show up!

What I know - WA started all the bullying in 1997 stopping KSC from having any Beretta markings on their best-selling M93R & M8000 - allowed Marushin to do so initially (but with the long & ugly reference giving credits to WA's generosity) and later they realised they should better forget it...so even today WA gets the exclusive rights.

New MGC was an exception - because old MGC helped WA a lot when they started business so this is basically WA's repay...

And yes you're right (not just the misinformation) - this is quite a big topic and it'll somehow involve the airsoft field as well (WA also sue others for similarities with their Magna operating systems)...so maybe just leave it at the moment?

Does anyone know if WA uses old newMGC molds to make their M4A1? I have seen a WA M4A1 and the markings (despite the W-serial number) and the traces from casting/molding look very close to the ones I have on my MGC M4A1 modelgun ...

I could not compare the models directly and I could not take a picture, but here is a picture from a Yahoo auction.

most likely not as the externals look very similar but most of the internal area is different

DOC

WA & MGC were good friends (it can be said that in early days MGC helped WA to "grow big") so later on WA helped MGC back in certain aspects (one notable example: only allow New MGC bearing Beretta markings on their pfc M9)...therefore not surprising to see something that Madmike pointed out regarding the M4 receiver/marking...

WA obtained the mold from MGC and alter it for airsoft use.
S

shazhib wrote:

WA obtained the mold from MGC and alter it for airsoft use.
S

Thank you! So this explains why the traces from the molds look so similar. Anyway there is no chance for a reproduction of the MGC M4 series which makes me really sad.

Did WA already released their M4 well before the closure of New MGC (i.e. New MGC didn't keep their molds until the last minute)? I thought WA make their molds with data from New MGC (seems to remember a period in which both New MGC & WA release their M4 at the same time)...

Also - just got the news: Tanio-Koba's going to release M4 modelgun (obviously with their own molds & firing system)...

Thank you. Please keep us updated about the Tanio-Koba M4 modelgun. I would love to see a new M4 modelgun, but I can't believe the news right now.