Snow Wolf M41A Colonial Pulse Rifle Replica AEG

The Snow Wolf M41A Colonial Pulse Rifle Replica is a near perfect replica of the firing props used in the Aliens film, down to its Thompson base platform and unique scratch-built grenade launcher. The original props were based on M1A1 Thompsons and used M870 parts with a SPAS-12 heat shield for the 30mm grenade launcher, and Snow Wolf has replicated this perfectly. Probably the best feature of this replica is its functional ammo counter which is present on the right side of the magazine well, and just like the prop used in the film, counts your ammo down to the very last shot.

Ever since the first Pulse Rifle conversion kit for Airsoft Thompsons was released this setup has been drawing curious eyes at skirmish sites across the country. Beneath the sci-fi exterior of this beasty looking rifle is a standard M1A1 Thompson AEG, but you would be hard-pressed to tell without handling it! This means version 6 gearbox upgrades are a go, and by default the Pulse Rifle is equipped with a rotary HOP-up unit, making it a great base platform for upgrades if your Colonial Marine loadout is ready to hit the field!

Starting at the front we can find no threads on this outer barrel, instead, we see the mounting bracket for the dummy grenade launcher/shotgun which also serves as the battery compartment. The dummy shotgun is constructed from polymer but has contrasting finishes between the heat shield, pump grip and mock bolt, giving it authentic looks to match the real thing. To access the battery compartment you will need to pull the front section of the dummy shotgun forwards and rotate it by 90 degrees which will give you access to the mini-Tamiya battery connector inside. We recommend a 7.4V 1300mAh LiPo battery in crane/nunchuck configuration for the Pulse Rifle for an easy fit.

Pumping the dummy shotgun will retract its mock bolt carrier and reveal a detailed mock shell inside the chamber which is a lovely touch for realism and makes the Pulse Rifle great fun to handle. Above the dummy shotgun, we can see an authentically detailed heat shield matching the sci-fi aesthetic of the original prop, constructed from alloy for a realistic feel. This heatshield sits between the shotgun and the barrel and is finished to match the original, with a slightly lighter gunmetal colouration than the barrel which is closer to matt black.

Following the barrel rearwards we reach the shroud of the Pulse Rifle which gives it its futuristic look. The shroud integrates a large carry handle which makes the Pulse Rifle convenient to carry and also has a recess down the centre which functions as a gutter sight. There are no other sighting options on the Pulse Rifle but sights aren't really a necessity for Airsoft, just ask the speedy bois! The substantial size of the carry handle leaves things more open for those who plan to mod the Pulse Rifle to take a 20mm rail or optical sight, but we ask that you consider things carefully before modifying your Pulse Rifle as this type of mod will void your warranty in most cases.

Within the carry handle, we get a glimpse of the Thompson AEG underneath, with the charging handle protruding on the right side, just to the rear of the ejection port. The charging handle can be pulled back and released for a satisfying metal-on-metal sound, though you don't need to pull it to cock the rifle or access the HOP-up unit. The rotary adjuster protrudes through the ejection port as standard, making for fast adjustments with no extra messing mid-skirmish. The rotary adjuster is regarded as the best design for AEGs and has the benefit of providing finer adjustment increments and holding its setting for longer than other unit types under the vibrations of full auto fire.

The magazine well is also part of the shroud and is considerably boxier than a normal Thompson lower to give the appropriate scaling for a futuristic rifle chambered in "10 millimetre explosive tip caseless. Standard light armour piercing rounds". On the right side is where you will find the functional ammo counter L.E.D display. This display requires a 9V battery to power it and this can be inserted with the magazine well cover removed. At the bottom of the magwell is where you will find the cover, and pressing the tab on each side together will allow you to remove it. The battery mount is inside, as is the switch to turn the ammo counter on.

This is also how you reload the Pulse Rifle, though you can leave the magazine well cover off for an improvement in reload speed if you so desire. With the battery compartment removed you can load the Pulse Rifle with any length of Thompson AEG stick magazine, though if you want the authentic outline of the M41A you will need short Thompson magazines.

The pistol grip and fire controls are straight from the Thompson SMG, though the pistol grip is constructed from matt black polymer with authentic linear gripping grooves just like the movie gun. The magazine release takes the form of a paddle which extends back to sit just above the thumb of a right-handed shooter and a push upwards on this control will release the magazine. This is a slightly awkward mag release, as most Thompson users will admit, but its checker pattern surface makes it grippy and easy to use once you get the hang of it.

The fire selector also matches the real Thompson, making use of a dual selector configuration with the foremost selector offering mode selection between semi and fully automatic, and the rearmost controlling the safe and fire functions. These selectors are designed with a 180-degree throw between modes which guarantees you will never accidentally bump either switch into the wrong mode but is difficult to actuate quickly in game. We recommend the "this is my safety, sir" *holds up trigger finger* policy with this AEG for skirmish use so the old-school design of the Thompson doesn't slow you down!

As we reach the rear of this sci-fi monster we come to the stock which is constructed from alloy and extends out to provide 2 positions of adjustment. The adjustment button can be found on the rear of the receiver shroud, just above the stock. The design of the stock was limited by that of the original prop but we are happy to report that it works as intended and is decently comfortable. It may be quite a bit higher than the standard Thompson stock but the butt plate is big enough to get a decent firing position and see well down the gutter sight inside the carry handle. This thing is designed for hip firing, naturally, but it is nice to know you can shoulder it if you like!

Alien franchise fans, you don't need us to sell this gun to you. If you want a replica Pulse Rifle this is currently the best option, whether you skirmish or not! Its functional ammo counter can be lit up for display, and the careful choice of coloured polymers for the metallic elements of the real thing gives it a realistic look and match the aesthetics of the movie prop guns perfectly. If you encounter a Xenomorph and you don't have your M41A Pulse Rifle handy, it truly is "Game over, man, Game over"!

Features

• Alloy upper receiver, outer barrel, heat shield and stock
• Polymer shell, lower receiver and dummy launcher battery compartment
• Functional ammo counter on the right side - Super cool and authentic!
• Rotary adjustable HOP-up unit - Accessible through the ejection port on the right side
• Version 6 gearbox - Upgradable with version 6 parts
• Button to activate ammo counter inside the magazine well on the right side
• Carry handle with gutter sight - Who needs to aim anyway?
• Compatible with Thompson AEG stick magazines - 210rnd short mags for a flush fit
• 9V Battery required for ammo counter - Battery connector inside the magazine well
• Dual selector switch system - One switch for safe-fire, one for semi-auto
• Thumb actuated magazine release - Push upwards to release the mag
• Dummy grenade launcher can be racked back revealing a shotgun/grenade shell in the chamber
• Sliding stock - 2 Positions of adjustment, adjustment button on the rear above the stock
• Available in Pre-two tone blue and Realtree camo - We aren't sure why!
• Front wired: Mini-Tamiya battery connector
• Recommended battery: 7.4V 1300mAh LiPo in nunchuck/crane configuration

Package Includes

• Snow Wolf M41A Colonial Pulse Rifle Replica AEG
• 210rnd High-capacity magazine
• User manual