Arcturus Vanguard 5" Hi-Capa Optics Ready, Black

The Arcturus Vanguard 5" Optics Ready is a full-size Hi-Capa GBB pistol with a slide that is factory-cut for a red dot sight. It is built to the Tokyo Marui Hi-Capa standard, runs on green gas and weighs just under 960 g, so it sits well in the hand both as a sidearm and as a primary in CQB.

The advantage of the Hi-Capa platform is the huge range of upgrade parts, and the Vanguard is built to fit right in. At the same time, Arcturus has reinforced the typical wear parts with MIM steel and used an ENT-treated inner barrel, so the pistol runs consistently out of the box. According to retailer data, it sits at around 100 m/s (approx. 1.0 J) with 0.20 g BBs.

Why the Vanguard OR stands out

The most important technical details:

• Optics Ready slide: The slide is prepared for mini red dot sights with an RMR footprint via a mounting plate. The sight sits lower than on a rail mount, so you can co-witness with the fixed sights.
• Reinforced MIM steel internals: Ten key parts are made of MIM steel with QPQ surface treatment, which resists wear better than the zinc alloy parts often found in Hi-Capa pistols in the same price range.
• 6.03 mm ENT-treated inner barrel: The 113 mm carbon steel inner barrel is nitrided to resist wear and give a more uniform surface, contributing to consistent accuracy shot after shot.
• Ambidextrous controls: A double-sided safety and reversible magazine release make the pistol just as easy to use for left-handed as for right-handed shooters, and the slide stop is steel.
• SEFP magazine and RIS rail: The magazine's feed lips, follower and base plate are impact-resistant SEFP polymer that copes better with dropped magazines. Under the frame sits a rail for a light or laser.

Maintenance and safety

• Lightly lubricate the O-rings and slide rails with airsoft silicone oil, and store the magazine with a little gas in it to keep the seals tight.
• Gas efficiency drops in the cold – keep the magazine warm in a pocket between shots on cold days.
• Only use gas intended for airsoft and good-quality BBs, such as Hank Tactical BIO. If the pistol needs upgrading or a red dot fitted, our workshop in Aulum, Denmark can help.
• Always wear approved eye protection, and transport the pistol in a closed bag or case.