Welcome back, classic airsoft fans! For this Flashback Friday, we have a treat: a spotlight on a unique replica along with a look at some upgrades that were available during its lifespan.

Spotlight: Western Arms Nighthawk Talon Recon

Originating from Japan, the Western Arms Nighthawk Talon Recon comes with a plastic frame, slide, and outer barrel. Unfortunately, we were unable to chrono this particular replica due to the fill valve being slightly too deep and the gas nozzles being just a bit short for fully filling the magazine.

Upgrades for the Talon Recon

Curious who made upgrades for this older piece? Some notable aftermarket options included:

• Guarder 2-piece spring guide
• Guarder recoil spring
• Guarder hammer springs

The first common upgrade was replacing the plastic externals. Popular choices included the Prime Metal Body Kit (MBK) and the Guarder two-piece outer barrel, which added a more realistic feel.

With the heavier slide installed, further upgrades included the Guarder 150% recoil spring and hammer spring. The upgraded recoil spring allows smoother slide cycling and can handle green gas, while the upgraded hammer spring strikes the valve with more force, giving the replica a slight FPS boost. Finally, the Guarder 2-piece guide rod improves durability over the stock pot metal guide rod and simplifies disassembly.

Playability

With all upgrades installed, the Nighthawk Talon Recon becomes a very usable replica for both indoor and outdoor play. Keep in mind the fixed hop-up limits accuracy, so keep shots under 50 feet and use BBs no heavier than 0.25g.