KWA discontinued H&K line

[kullwarrior]

In case if you guys don't know. KWA was the OEM for many of the Umarex's GBB guns (MP7, USP series, and HK45)
KWA has not make any official announcement, the H&K stuff has been pull off their website. The response from the forum indicated that the deal between KWA and Umarex were severed, there fore no more H&K stuff (completely, including guns without trademark) The KWAUSA forum also indicated that they will service existing gun (not sure if they would sell the parts)



http://kwausa.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=10514

[Shatter]

Damn, I really wanted an HK45... oh well.

[Off_kilter]

NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!

Well hopefully this gets there asses in gear for other models.

[cdn_]

Yes, I just noticed. Thank goodness I just got my HK45!

[unknownvariable]

I would bet that VFC starts making them.

I recall reading somewhere that Hk recently had some lawsuit in the US and some statement that they were going after everyone who copied their designs. A couple of US retailers had firesales on unlicensed Hk guns (G36, MP5 etc) prior to the new year which is when some of this legal stuff was supposed to go into effect.

[RacingManiac]

Interesting, I guess this timing coincides with VFC coming out with a bunch of HK guns....

Wonder what happens with the KSC stuff...

[MultipleParadox]

They did stated they are most likely goign to continue producing parts for their past lineup.

Sad story is about the MP7; good thing TM started producing one, or there wouldn't be anymore good option about MP7 gbbr O_o

[MultipleParadox]

Oh and same goes for the FPG btw

[talon]

Pretty sure KSC doesn't care, don't they still produce glocks?

[unknownvariable]

It depends on where they make their money. KWA seems to be pretty big in the USA. It seems reasonable that since their major market respects IP that they may have to shift their business. KSC on the other hand may be more diversified. They might not be able to get their unlicensed copies into the US, but they probably don't care.

I think we are starting to see a shift in airsoft. A handful of companies, bigger names etc are going out of their way to obtain licenses, even for products that are less than mainstream (Battlecomp, Spikes Tactical, etc), and with obvious names/designs with more strength (KAC, Hk, Barrett, Magpul etc). Second to these companies are the other guys where it is business as usual, cloning, copying etc. When is there the tipping point for the second to join the first.. dunno..

[L473ncy]

I'm pretty sure KSC gives 0 fucks about US copyright law because their market is more Asia region and they can play fast and loose with their designs and whatnot.

[unknownvariable]

As the sport grows, some Asian companies will start to make some real money. It will probably be tempting for the top among them to invest in a license or property and see if they can get penetration into the US and Europe where the disposable income is much higher. The market is already being carved up my Umarex and Cybergun and to a lesser extent Madbull, PTS, and G&P. What they do with the license seems to be varied (build their own or partner up/hand off and take their cut).

But yeah.. agreed, some/most will never try as long as they can still make a few bucks.

I think those that go the license route are probably the ticket to getting some decent quality in these generally crap guns. Those with the money who see the benefit of licenses will also see the benefit of real QA and the ability to sell at a premium. Their license terms may also dictate it in part. Anecdotally I think we already see the effects of this.

[EagleDriver]

VFC is now making the MP7:

VFC MP7A1.3gp - YouTube

[BennyBoy]

I like how they can just open the window and unload and give 0 shits about it lol

[QKLee11]

Originally Posted by unknownvariable

It depends on where they make their money. KWA seems to be pretty big in the USA. It seems reasonable that since their major market respects IP that they may have to shift their business. KSC on the other hand may be more diversified. They might not be able to get their unlicensed copies into the US, but they probably don't care.

I think we are starting to see a shift in airsoft. A handful of companies, bigger names etc are going out of their way to obtain licenses, even for products that are less than mainstream (Battlecomp, Spikes Tactical, etc), and with obvious names/designs with more strength (KAC, Hk, Barrett, Magpul etc). Second to these companies are the other guys where it is business as usual, cloning, copying etc. When is there the tipping point for the second to join the first.. dunno..

KWA is very big in the United States, some Police Services use their products for TRG...Airsoft in general in Buffalo is used as a TRG aid for the National Guard in Western New York.