BWC (Bluing Works Company), customizing Tanio Koba GM-7

I discovered that a company called BWC is using Tanio Koba GM7 as a base to provide customized modelguns, released in small batches of 20 to 50 pieces. Price is quite high, around 60..70000 JPY, double what a base GM-7 costs.

So far they have released LAPD SWAT CUSTOM II, , Custom Covert II and Tactical Custom II, SIS Custom, 3.8 Ultra Compact as well as a Tactical kit for self-assembly:
http://www.bwc-bluingworks.com/Product/complete/LAPD/LAPD.html
http://www.bwc-bluingworks.com/Product/complete/CUSTOM_COVERT/CUSTOM_COVERT.html
http://www.bwc-bluingworks.com/Product/complete/TACTICAL_CUSTOM/TACTICAL_CUSTOM.html
http://www.bwc-bluingworks.com/Product/complete/metal_SIS/metal_SIS.html
http://www.bwc-bluingworks.com/Product/complete/3.8_ultra/3.8_ultra.html
http://www.bwc-bluingworks.com/Product/complete/kim_kit_mg/kim_kit_mg.html

All these conversions use a "Metal Cartridge Chassis Set", which consists of a replacement metal skeleton which goes inside the frame to replace the original one, a steel ejector as well as a set of metal (!) cartridges (BLK style, also known as open).
http://www.bwc-bluingworks.com/Product/custom-parts/chassis_set/chassis_set.html

I've already seen these appear on Yahoo Auctions and airsoft shops. Unfortunately most of the product text on BWC website is put on picture, so it's not possible to use Google Translate for additional information.

General outline of what the text means:

1) Many new steel parts (safeties / slide stop etc) are CNC-machined;
2) Laser Precision Marking for various trademarks;
3) Real Kimber Grips fitted;
4) New Slide & Frame are made with Heavyweight Material...

After reading all these...why don't BWC make their own guns instead?

I thought the same - modifications are so extensive that it's practically a brand new model. Maybe patents on mechanism stop them?

Found a video of BWC Kimber:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LLIPilfxsrs

And some pictures on a blog:
http://blogs.yahoo.co.jp/hoop23hm/16364240.html

Guys,

Hi,
I see you point, but making a new model cost lot of money, especially, the molds.
When this was back in 1970/80 where 1,000 of single gun can easily sold, but now a day, may be 1/10 of it. If that is the case, making custom model is more profitable and less risk.

S

Good point, but I'm not sure I understood correctly what BWC does.

I was under impression that BWC already make new slide and frame as well as safety lever, grip safety and metal "skeleton" that goes inside frame. These seem to be very expensive already! Only internals such as barrel, detonator, breech block and sear/hammer/springs are left from Tanio Koba GM-7. As BWC are already producing so many custom parts, including slide and frame, why not the remaining few details?

I could misunderstand, maybe slides/frames are not manufactured completely by BWC, just modified from airsoft or somehow cut down from original TK ones?

OK some input from me...for one of my HK made steel dummy guns, since only one was made so it was hand made without having a mold (slide cut from a block of steel then polished / CNC / "get into shape" manually)...molds are too expensive for such small orders as what shazhib mean...

Since I'm not into molding so one silly question: can a mold be slightly modified so other models/variations can be made out of it in order to save cost (e.g. Western Arm's airsoft M1911A1 / Beretta M9 series - I don't believe every variant requires a different mold otherwise WA broke already)?

This may give a hint - can be made either by machine or by hand...BWC limits each Colt variant to 30 pcs...

This shall be the most expensive (and unique) BWC Custom 1911 ever ...maybe?

Can anyone tell me about this M16A4 model?

https://page.auctions.yahoo.co.jp/jp/auction/f222193930

It seems to be a BWC. It looks similar to a Tanio Koba, but it has FN markings and is a rifle, not a carbine.

It's a BWC model based on Tanio Koba M4. They have both M4A1 and FN M16A4 versions
http://www.bwc-bluingworks.com/Product/complete/coltM4A1Carbin/index.html

Video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Uf2iKH7I42k

recently released bwc models such as m45a1, springfield loaded etc models cost like $2,000. i've had many bwc models before.
they're basically same(just finish and some steel parts added) as tanio koba gm7s but recent ones, slide(breech)is completely different. became more realistic.
i love bwc 1911 models.

In the pictures and videos it appears to show using a "normal" 30-round mag (non P-Mag look). Is BWC going to offer this type of mag for sale?

The mag looks like a real one ...

I think it looks like a real mag shell, too.
I just checked and a real mag will insert and lock into the TK M4 model! Unfortunately, the internals of the TK mag are quite different from the RS version - not just the spring tension.

Thank you for this input, mate! I think you are right. I just judged from the outer look.