EMG Salient Arms 2011 DS Hi-Capa 5.1 GBB Pistol

Salient Arms is a brand of modern firearms, they have led the way in innovation by creating some of the most popular platforms available on the market. They focus on cutting-edge performance and dynamic style to create a unique product that is memorable. They make something that the user knows they can trust to get the job done, and just like Salient Arms' real pistols, the Airsoft version gets the job done.

Starting at the front of the pistol, you will find the gold outer barrel peeking out, which adds some gorgeous flare to the front of the pistol giving it a luxurious appearance to whoever is unfortunate enough to be looking down it on the battlefield. Sadly, the outer barrel of this pistol is not threaded so it is not possible to add a tracer or suppressor without replacing the outer barrel.

Situated just above the exposed outer barrel, we can find the front iron sight, equipped with a green light-enhancing insert to make it easy to pick up. The front sight is paired with an anti-glare rear sight, giving you an ultra-modern and highly effective iron sight setup which is set at the correct height for co-witnessing with many slide-mounted red dot sights. 

The slide itself features serrations at the front and rear, allowing you to cock the pistol before the first shot from the front or back with maximum traction. Through the ejection port on the right side of the slide, we get a glimpse of the gold outer barrel and its realistic, cleanly engraved .45 ACP calibre markings and a "SAI" trademark.

Moving down to the frame, we can take note of the 5.1 style design, providing plenty of space for a tactical flashlight or laser aiming module so you can kit the DS out as a primary pistol platform. The rail only has a single slot, just like the real Salient Arms pistols but fortunately, this is in the perfect spot for an X300, XH35 or X400 style illuminator. On the right side of the frame rail, we are treated to a unique serial number, just like the real thing.

The adjustable HOP-up unit of the Salient Arms 2011 DS is located on the bottom of the outer barrel and is accessible with the slide removed, in "field stripped" condition. To remove the slide you will first need to remove the magazine and rack the slide to cock the hammer. With this done you can pull the slide back to align the slide lock lever with the rearmost cut-out on the left side of the slide. With the slide in this position, you can push the slide release catch through from the right side of the frame, after which the side can be slid forward and removed from the front of the pistol. The adjustable HOP-up allows you to tune your pistol for different ammo weights and extend your range, adjusting the dial until the trajectory is as flat as possible.

Rear of the frame rail, we come to the trigger guard which is built into the grip, as is the convention with Hi-Capa/2011 platforms.  The guard leads onto the unique Saliant Arms grip, adorned with grippy diamonds on the front, rear and sides for maximum traction in all weather conditions. Also present is the Saliant Arms logo, a cube with the letter "S" in it, simple yet effective.

In terms of controls, the DS will be very familiar to anyone who has handled a Hi-Capa or 1911 platform before, rocking the iconic "beavertail" grip safety at the rear of the grip, designed to prevent the pistol from being fired when gripped improperly. The manual safety has a slightly enlarged profile, allowing shooters to carry "cocked and locked" and get on target quickly, with the added benefit that the safety can be used as a thumb rest for improved recoil control. Please note if you purchase the full-auto variant, the right side of the manual safety is the fire selector.

The magazine release is right where we would expect; on the left side of the grip, well within reach of the shooter's thumb when the DS is held in a firing grip. The mag release is a standard-sized example with a slightly raised profile, making it easy to reach but not so easy you lose your mag in the heat of combat. Both the trigger and hammer are skeletonised, reducing weight and keeping the styling in line with the real steel DS and most other modern Hi-Capa platforms.

Inside, the DS is based on the Tokyo Marui Hi-Capa, meaning most Hi-Capa upgrade parts such as inner barrels and Hop-Up rubbers should fit but may need modification. If you're a fan of real steel brands and want something that looks like the real thing, the EMG Salient Arms 2011 DS Hi-Capa 5.1 GBB Pistol is an excellent choice. Style and suave are a given with this platform, and your loadout will definitely benefit from this classy sidearm.

Features

• Full metal construction
• 6.08mm Inner barrel 
• Unthreaded outer barrel
• 20mm Picatinny frame rail - Nice and long, ideal for a tactical flashlight
• Diamond textured pistol grip - Grippy and comfortable, with or without gloves
• Slide serrations at the front and rear of the slide - Great for improved handling
• Beavertail grip safety - Prevents the pistol from being fired when it isn't gripped properly
• Manual safety - On the full auto version, the right side of this is the fire selector
• Extended slide lock/release catch - Very easy to reach, even for those with smaller hands
• Fixed light enhancing fibre optic front iron sight - Easier to acquire for rapid follow-up shots
• Open rear iron sights - Low profile snag-reducing design
• Steel skeletonised external hammer - Speedy modern looks
• Flat skeletonised trigger - Great for double taps, looks great too!
• Gear Hop-Up adjuster - Accessible in the field stripped condition
• Compatible with Armourer works, Army Armament and JW Hi-Capa GBB magazines

Package Includes

• EMG Salient Arms 2011 DS Hi-Capa 5.1 GBB Pistol
• 28rnd Hi-Capa Pistol Magazine