Historical replicas are quite a narrow topic, but there are companies that specialize in them. A perfect example is Viva Arms, which focuses on replicas of designs used during World War I and II with some exceptions. During this year's MOA trade show, the Viva Arms booth presented its upcoming products, including constructions such as the American Winchester Model 1897, the Japanese Type 14 Nambu, FP-45 Liberator, as well as more modern rifles such as the Simonov SKS in its gas-powered variant, and a conversion for the Ruger 10/22 replica styled after the Mini-14 from the TV show "The A-Team".
Type 14 Nambu
The showcased replica of the Type 14 Nambu pistol of the Imperial Japanese Army may be of interest to reenactors of conflicts in Asia. Viva Arms decided to manufacture the replica from aluminum, with full markings and a faithfully reproduced characteristic bolt. The replica is based on the less common gas standard by Marushin, which is also reflected in the use of magazines from the company’s P08 Luger replica.
Together with the Type 14 Nambu replica, users will receive walnut wood grips and a leather holster to complete the look.
FP-45 Liberator
An American firearm of first—or last—resort (depending on how you look at it). The design, chambered in .45 ACP, was produced in a very minimalistic form and widely distributed in occupied territories. It was based on the concept of a cheap, single-shot pistol, a concept also followed in the replica. The version presented at the booth (and in the photos) is the FP-45 Liberator replica with a polymer housing intended for the Japanese market.
For Europe, a variant made entirely from stamped metal is planned. Two versions will be offered: a realistic one with a separately loaded shell (containing both the gas reservoir and BB), and a more airsoft-friendly version (featuring an internal gas reservoir).
The individual variants will gradually appear on the market, starting with the airsoft version featuring an internal gas reservoir in January next year.
SKS GBB
The most famous Soviet firearm after World War II is, of course, the AK designed by Mikhail Kalashnikov. Its predecessor, however, was the Simonov SKS, introduced at the end of the conflict along with the 7.62×39 mm M43 ammunition. Due to wartime testing, the SKS can also be considered a World War II–era design.
Due to technical issues, the replica did not arrive in time for the trade show and was instead presented recently on Viva Arms social media, which is why only limited information is available. The replica will feature a removable magazine with a capacity of 10 BBs and will be powered using Green Gas. Interestingly, the stock sets used are made by the original supplier of stocks for the closely related Type 56 rifle, suggesting that original stocks may be compatible. The replica is scheduled for release in the second quarter of 2026.
Winchester Model 1897
For World War I reenactors and fans of pump-action firearms, a replica of the Winchester Model 1897 — the shotgun used by American forces — has been prepared. It will be available as a gas-powered version using PPS/APS shells with a realistic loading/ejecting mechanism, as well as a more pragmatic spring-powered variant based on Tokyo Marui solutions.
Mini-14 / Rage Boy Conversion
Based on the KWJ KC-02 (Ruger 10/22) replica, a more modern design inspired by the Ruger Mini-14 has been created. The replica replaces the polymer stock with a wooden one, reproduces the characteristic folding stock, and introduces improvements to the hop-up chamber by replacing it with a TDC system. During the trade show, only the more recognizable variant with the folding stock was presented, but a fixed-stock version is also planned — and more variants are not out of the question.
Photos: WMASG, Shooting Media, Viva Arms Airsoft
