Description
Army Hi-Capa 5.1 Gas Blowback Pistol (R608 – Black)
The Army Armament R608 is a black gas blowback pistol on the Hi-Capa platform. A UK retailer lists the R608 as the Hi-Capa Combat XL, in matt black with a gold outer barrel and a ported slide, while our listing names it a Hi-Capa 5.1; please check the product images for the exact configuration. We also stock the R611 and R613, so use the model code to pick the version you want.
The Hi-Capa is a double-stack development of the classic 1911, and it is one of the most popular platforms in airsoft. Its wide grip holds a high-capacity gas magazine, and a huge range of upgrade parts, magazines and holsters is available, so it is easy to keep running and to personalise.
Build and features
The UK listing describes a full metal pistol with an alloy slide, outer barrel, frame and controls, and a polymer grip and trigger guard module with aggressive stippling. It lists a ported slide with rear serrations, a skeletonised trigger and hammer, an ambidextrous manual safety, a beavertail grip safety, an undercut trigger guard and a flared alloy magwell with a lanyard loop. A 20mm rail under the frame takes a torch or laser.
The same listing gives a 5.5-inch outer barrel with a 12mm clockwise female thread, a 120mm 6.08mm inner barrel, a length of 24cm and a weight of around 655g. Sights are a light-gathering fibre optic front and an anti-glare rear notch that is adjustable for elevation and windage, and the gear-type hop-up adjuster sits on the barrel, reached with the slide removed.
How it works
In a gas blowback pistol the magazine holds both the BBs and the gas. When you pull the trigger, the hammer strikes a valve in the magazine and releases a burst of gas: part of it sends the BB through the hop-up and down the barrel, and the rest drives the slide back, cocking the hammer and chambering the next BB as the slide returns. The result is a pistol that cycles and kicks much like the real thing.
Gas pressure drops as the temperature falls, so gas pistols perform best in mild to warm weather. On cold days, keep spare magazines in an inside pocket and fire at a steady pace so the magazine has time to recover.
Getting started
Read the manual and practise stripping the slide so you can reach the hop-up. Fill the magazine with green gas in short bursts, load BBs and fire a few shots at a safe backstop, then adjust the hop-up until the BBs fly flat. The UK listing suggests 0.25g BBs. Have the pistol chronographed at your site before play.
Key features
- Army Armament Hi-Capa gas blowback pistol
- Black, listed with a gold outer barrel
- Full metal construction with polymer grip (per retailer listing)
- Ported slide
- Ambidextrous safety and beavertail grip safety
- Skeletonised trigger and hammer
- Fibre optic front sight, adjustable rear sight
- 20mm accessory rail
- Flared magwell with lanyard loop
- 28-round extended magazine (per retailer listing)
What’s in the box
- R608 pistol (per UK retailer listing)
- 28-round extended magazine
- Manual
Compatibility
The UK listing says the R608 is compatible with Army Armament Hi-Capa 5.1 magazines, and many other Hi-Capa magazines fit, but test a spare before relying on it. The 12mm clockwise female thread takes compatible barrel extensions or mock suppressor adaptors. Holsters must suit the longer barrel and any light fitted.
Care and maintenance
Put a drop of silicone oil on the magazine’s fill valve and seals every few fills so they stay supple and gas-tight, and wipe the slide rails with a lightly oiled cloth from time to time. Fill in short bursts and stop when gas spits back from the valve, and store magazines with a little gas in them so the seals stay seated.
Use only silicone-based lubricants on seals and O-rings, as petroleum-based oils and solvents can make rubber swell and leak. Clean the inner barrel with a rod and soft patch if accuracy drops, and use good quality seamless BBs.
Who is it for?
For players who want a feature-packed, competition-style Hi-Capa with a ported slide and full-length rail, and for anyone building a fast, practical sidearm.
Please note: Gas and BBs are not included. Always wear suitable eye and face protection, and have the replica chronographed at your site before play.
