Very Hot 1:6 Sniper in Jungle

Hot on the heels of Zy Toys is Very Hot, trying to play catch up. This is their next release, which is also a sniper, but Very Hot is calling it "Sniper in Jungle" which actually isn't correct at all!

This figure is much more accurate as a USMC Sniper in Iraq circa 2003. In fact, Very Hot practically copied Hot Toys design and released it as their own.

Hot Toys had released a USMC sniper from the 23rd Marine Regiment with Dominic Purcell head sculpt (see picture below). The set came with NBC Suit (Woodland), Frog Chest Rig (Coyote), BDU Pants (3C Desert), Personal Body Armor, Gas Mask Bag (OD), Shooters Rifle Stock Pack with Bullets, Tactical Drop Leg Holster, T-Shirt, Pistol Belt, and Real like Gloves. Accessories included F3 Radio with Soldier Intercom Headset, USMC ISR Radio, Binoculars, Goggles with OD Cover, PASGT Helmet with Cover, PVS-14 NVG Mount, Sunglasses, Watch, Elbow Pads, Knee Pads, and Tactical Boots. Weapons: M40A3 with AN/PVS-10 & MST-100 Rifle Scope, Multi-Purpose Bayonet, M4/M203 Grenade Launcher, and M9 Pistol with Tactical Retention Lanyard.

The 2003 war fought by the USMC in Iraq was made into a television miniseries (now out on DVD) by HBO titled "Generation Kill". It was based on the book of the same name by Evan Wright about his experience as an embedded reporter with the 1st Reconnaissance Battalion‎ of the United States Marine Corps during the 2003 invasion of Iraq.

Due to the concern that Saddam Hussein might unleash chemical weapons against allied troops, the Marines wore Woodland camouflaged MOPP-4 (Mission-Oriented Protective Posture response level 4) gear over their desert BDUs. Most Marine units were only issued with Woodland camouflage MOPP suits because they just didn't have enough of them in Desert camouflage!

So, as you can see, this Very Hot 1:6 Sniper in Jungle is actually not wearing Woodland BDUs for jungle warfare but Woodland NBC overgarments for battle in the Iraqi desert in preparation for a chemical, biological, radiological, or nuclear (CBRN) strike. The Overgarments — Joint Service Lightweight Integrated Suit Technology (JSLIST) were specially designed clothing to be worn over the normal uniform. These garments are designed to allow maximum airflow for cooling while keeping chemical and biological agents from reaching the skin of the wearer. Some are equipped with a charcoal lining to neutralize some agents. Military personnel often equip over garments with strips of M9 Detector Paper to identify chemical agents on the battlefield they might come in contact with.

The VeryHot 1:6 Sniper in Iraq Uniform set includes a woodland camo "goretex" hooded jacket and pants, "frog" style chest rig (in DCU camouflage pattern), tan soft body armor, helmet in DCU camouflage pattern cover. He is armed with a pistol and drop down holster and M4 carbine with grenade launcher, but being he's a Sniper (and looking like a USMC Scout Sniper at that), he's carrying the M40 Sniper Rifle. Other items in the set include binoculars, gas mask sub-load, nomex gloves, smoke grenades, desert boots, dust goggles, radio with handset, pistol belt and knee pads.

At least this is a more complete figure than the Zy Toys sniper outfit set (no weapons, no accessories, no boots) and it'll be GREAT if you intend to recreate a scene on the 2003 invasion of Iraq or a Generation Kill kitbash.

Veryhot: 1/6 scale Sniper version 3.0

VeryHot is really working up quite a bit of sweat in the shops. They have just released pictures of their third Sniper uniform / outfit set they intend to release. This will be the Veryhot: Sniper version 3.0. It's going to be a sniper in MultiCam. From the pictures they released (see pictures below), it looks really good. The photography makes the figure looks 1:1 scale - because of the camouflage covering the face, the figure look so realistic! Just goes to show what good photography can do :)

MultiCam is a single camouflage pattern designed to help the wearer hide in varied environments, seasons, elevations, and light conditions. It is a 7-color, multi-environment camouflage pattern developed by Crye Associates in conjunction with U.S. Army Soldier Systems Center.

The pattern was on the race to replace the 3-color desert and Woodland patterns, and originally lost to the Universal Camouflage Pattern (UCP) in 2004, seen in the Army Combat Uniform (ACU). However, it has been newly commissioned in 2010 and will be replacing the UCP pattern over time for use by US Army Units serving in Afghanistan, Under the Designation OCP or Operation Enduring Freedom Camouflage Pattern.

It is already used by some American Special Operations units and law enforcement agencies. The US Army has recently approved the use of MultiCam for the 173rd Airborne Brigade deployed to Afghanistan.

VeryHot MultiCam looks to be a whole lot greener than other MultiCam uniform sets in the market so it's okay if you're only using the VeryHot set but not if you want to mix and match MultiCam BDUs. I find that this VeryHot MultiCam color and pattern looks more like Woodlands camouflage than MultiCam. MultiCam tends to look more brown than green.

MultiCam has background colors of a brown to light-tan gradient and lime green blending in between, the main part consist of green to yellowish green gradient and finally dark brown and light pinkish blotches spread throughout the pattern. This allows for the overall appearance to change from greenish to brownish in different areas of the fabric, while having smaller blotches to break up the bigger background areas.

MultiCam hides volume and form by tricking the human eye's perception of color. MultiCam allows the object it covers to blend into the background with the camo pattern.

As usual, the boots issued by VeryHot leaves much to be desired :( It's okay when your figure is in the bushes / grass and his footwear is obscured from view but one-color molded boots should be a thing of the past.

Do note that this VeryHot: 1/6 scale Sniper version 3.0 outfit set does not include the 12-inch figure, only the BDUs (sniper outfit) and some accessories. Main weapon (sniper rifle) and sidearm are also included, along with the binoculars.

For most of us, the word "sniper" evokes some unsettling imagery -- a lone gunman, undetectable, on the hunt. And while military snipers are indeed elite shooters who hide, line up a target in their sights and pull the trigger, there is a lot more to it than that.

These highly skilled marksmen are often perceived as lone assassins racking up "confirmed kills." In reality, true snipers work for the military and law enforcement agencies and are far more concerned with the number of lives they save than with the ones they take.

Because of the nature of their missions, snipers travel with very little gear, patiently moving under the cover of brush or night. But they never travel alone. Snipers teams often have to stay completely still for hours or days at a time to avoid detection, waiting for the right moment to take the shot.

A sniper team consists of a sniper and a spotter. The two-man team offers many advantages over the deployment of a lone sniper in the field. The spotter carries his own special scope that is much more powerful than the scope on a sniper rifle. The spotter uses his scope to help the sniper observe objectives and set up the shot. The two soldiers work together to get to the objective safely and discreetly and then set up a position.

Isn't it time some 1/6 manufacturer release sniper sets with the spotter scope as well so that a proper two-man sniper team can be produced? In so many shows we see and books we read, the sniper rarely works ALONE! So let's make this right. Give us the spotter too.

Snipers are what military strategists refer to as force multipliers. Simply put, a force multiplier is an individual or small team that, through the use of special tactics, can do the damage of a much larger force. What's amazing about snipers is that they are capable of force multiplication without ever directly engaging the enemy.

Very Hot 2nd Infantry Division Gunner Uniform Set

As of late, a lot of the 1:6 scale manufacturers have been releasing sets based on the Special Forces branch of the US Armed Forces. Being that these groups generally get the newest and neatest gear and such first, it would only make sense that the toy companies would follow suit. Thus we 1:6 scale military figure collectors actually get to see what's being used out there on the battlefield. However, that doesn't mean that there isn't demand for the basic Infantryman / Grunt or Marine out there in the field.

Fortunately, Very Hot is aware of this and will be releasing a US Army 2nd Infantry Gunner's Uniform Set come November. Since the Army has made the transition to MultiCam, this soldier's uniform and equipment is made in that pattern, from top to bottom, from the ACU cut fatigue shirt and pants to the IOTV body armor.  The Squad Automatic Weapon is nice too - with removable short and long barrels.


To echo what somebody said on the forums: "Finally we can have regular army infantrymen. wow..an infantryman?..really?..they have those? not a super secret snake eatin supadupaparatroopa black ops ninja space viking?..a soldier? wow" I thought it was just so funny the way he put it across especially when it is so true!

The Very Hot 2nd Infantry Division Gunner Uniform Set will include: MICH2000 helmet with cover, Combat Goggles, IOTV GEN2 Tactical Vest, 200-round Pouch x 2, 100-round Pouch, Hand Grenade Pouch x 3, M-67 Hand grenade x 3, Medic Pouch, Radio Pouch, Radio, Dump Pouch, Hydration Carrier, MISC / Utility Pouch, OCP ACU Style Shirt, OCP ACU Style Trousers, Belt x 2, Patches x 3, Gloves, Kneepads, Boots

NOT included: 1/6 head and 12-inch figure body!

What's so different about this set that makes it a standout? Here are some points contributed in the forums.

Firstly the subject: Finally, we get a combat infantryman. Consider the fact that Special Forces operators are dwarfed by the number of conventional grunts out there who do the majority of the fighting and dying, they are VERY under-represented in the combat figure numbers. That is a direct opposite to the WWII market.

Secondly, the set has several bits that haven't been done or are exceedingly hard to find.

Multicam Helmet - VHT continues to be the ONLY company producing helmets with an MC cover which are being worn by the conventional troops and recently the rangers (w/a different NVG mount).

Multicam IOTV - First time done. Multicam pouches - Would have liked some 5.56 mag pouches but all MC pouches are welcome.

Multicam uniform - Contrary to popular belief, only SEALS and CAG get plenty of Crye Multicam. Most operators and the overwhelming majority of conventional troops in Afghanistan make do with issued MC in the ACU style cut (no integrated knee / elbow pads).

Boots - a tad shiny, always preferred molded because of the bozo the clown effect on too many fabric boots.

Misc - can always use, chemlights, frags, goggles. The kneepads are very cool but would have preferred some multicam ones as they are issued and very hard to find.

So now's the best time as any to kit out your own 2nd Infantry Division Gunner, thanks to Very Hot.

Veryhot 1/6 USMC M40A3 Sniper uniform set

Very Hot might as well be called a company of snipers, i.e. 1/6 scale snipers ;p Very Hot really seems to be on a Sniper frenzy. Last month, they announced the early Iraqi War era USMC Scout Sniper uniform set, and the Tactical Concealment inspired Army Sniper uniform set, complete with CheyTac Intervention 200 Sniper Rifle. 

Not having enough of snipers, they are now back to showing some love for the United States Marine Corps, with their USMC Scout Sniper Uniform and Kit Set in Woodland MARPAT utility uniform, complete with bergen and M40A3.

The US Army have their ACU and MultiCam while the USMC have their MARPAT (MARine PATtern) MCCUU (Marine Corps Combat Utility Uniform). In fact, the Marines were the ones who were already putting on digital camouflage in 2002. When the uniforms were first introduced, Dragon Models Limited wasted no time in producing 1/6 scaled MARPAT MCCUU and the first of these was the USMC LRRP "John" in 2002. He came fully decked with his USMC MOLLE (MOdular Lightweight Load-bearing Equipment) which consisted of his FLC (Fighting Load Carrier) along with his main rucksack secured to a lightweight frame together with his sleeping mat and additional pouches.

The M40 is a bolt-action sniper rifle used by the United States Marine Corps. It has had four variants—the M40, M40A1, M40A3, and M40A5. The M40 was introduced in 1966. The changeover to the A1 model was completed in the 1970s, the A3 in the 2000s, and the A5 in 2009.

Each M40 is built from a Remington 700 bolt-action rifle, and is modified by USMC armorers at Marine Corps Base Quantico, using components from a number of suppliers. The M40 has always been based on the proven Remington 700 Short Action with .308 bolt face and this is no different in the M40A3.

All service M40A3s are based upon the A4 Tactical Riflestock, a high-quality benchrest-style fiberglass riflestock made by McMillan Fiberglass Stocks and cast molded in an OD Green color.

One bipod stud is located on the underside of the forearm. The M40A3s use a 6–9" Harris notched swivel type bipod with a KMW podlock.

Almost all snipers carry sidearms for when things get bad and Marine snipers are no different. The Beretta M9 Pistol is a standard USMC sidearm while the MEU(SOC) .45 pistol is issued to MEU (SOC) forces.

Veryhot 1/6 USMC Barrett M82 Sniper uniform set

This upcoming Very Hot USMC Sniper uniform set is of a USMC Marine sniper wearing the Desert MARPAT utility uniform (MCCUU) and will come with a camouflaged .50 cal Barrett Sniper Rifle, and is outfitted in coyote brown gear.

As with all of VeryHot uniform sets, NO 1/6 head sculpt or 12-inch figure body will accompany this uniform set. The pictures released with figure are just to show off the uniform and sniper kit and how the outfit looks on the figure so don't expect any BODY when you purchase this VeryHot USMC Barrett M82 Sniper uniform set.

Unlike MultiCam which is a single camouflage pattern designed to help the wearer hide in varied environments, seasons, elevations, and light conditions – It is a 7-color, multi-environment camouflage pattern developed by Crye Associates in conjunction with U.S. Army Soldier Systems Center (also known as U.S Army Natick labs) – the Marine's MARPAT camouflage has to be switched when operating in different environments, hence the need for desert MARPAT as well as Woodland MARPAT.

The M82 is a recoil-operated, semi-automatic anti-materiel rifle developed by the American Barrett Firearms Manufacturing company. A heavy SASR (Special Application Scoped Rifle), it is used by many units and armies around the world. It is also called the "Light Fifty" for its .50 caliber BMG (12.7 mm) chambering.

Ronnie Barrett began his work in the early 1980s and the first working rifles were available in 1982, hence the designation M82. The first conventional military success was the sale of about 100 M82A1 rifles to the Swedish Army in 1989. Major success followed in 1990, when the United States armed forces purchased significant numbers of the M82A1 during operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm in Kuwait and Iraq.

About 125 rifles were initially bought by the United States Marine Corps, and orders from Army and Air Force soon followed. The M82A1 is known by the US military as the SASR—"Special Applications Scoped Rifle", and it was and still is used as an anti-materiel rifle and explosive ordnance disposal (EOD) tool.

The long effective range, over 1,800 metres (5,900 ft) (1.1 miles), along with high energy and availability of highly effective ammunition such as API and Raufoss Mk 211, allows for effective operations against targets like radar cabins, trucks, parked aircraft and the like. The M82 can also be used to defeat human targets from standoff range or against targets behind cover.

The latest derivative of the M82 family is the M82A1M rifle, adopted by U.S. Marine Corps as the M82A3 SASR and bought in large numbers. This rifle differs from M82A1 in that it has a full length Picatinny rail that allows a wide variety of scopes and sighting devices to be mounted on the rifle. Other changes are the addition of a rear monopod, slightly lightened mechanism, and detachable bipod and muzzle brake.

This has to be one of the oddest "modern" holsters I've ever come across in 1/6 scale (see picture below). The holster looks like it's from a time long forgotten i.e. World War I to World War II era. Not even sure if they still carry these type of holsters out in the field ;p