Review of the Tokyo Marui CURVE Fixed Slide Gas Gun

This time, I'll be reviewing the Tokyo Marui CURVE, a fixed-gear gas gun, even though it's a bit late.

It appears to be the Compact Carry Gun No. 4, and as of early 2024, the CURVE seems to be the fourth model in the series, following the LCP, BODYGURD380, and LCPⅡ.

Personally, I prefer large pistols of 9mm or larger, and I don't usually find myself drawn to compact models, but I acquired this one because it was included in Akabane Frontier's New Year's lucky bag for 2022.

The thrill and novelty of a lucky bag lies in unexpectedly acquiring a model you wouldn't normally pick up.

This is unrelated to the main topic, but while researching for this article, I came across some very attractive fixed-gas gun lineups from Tokyo Marui, including the Steyr Model GB, Desert Eagle, and AMT Hardboiler, but unfortunately, they seem to have already been discontinued (removed from the catalog).

It was over 30 years ago, but in my memory, Tokyo Marui's fixed gas guns were mainly the Centimeter Master and Wilson Super Grade, so it seems they've evolved quite a bit.

When I was a child, the kids of wealthy families had one of the above fixed-gear gas gun models to play with. Now that I'm an adult and think about it calmly, I realize how many niche models the kids back then were playing with (please forgive me, it was a more relaxed era over 30 years ago and the statute of limitations has expired). The air-cocking models, such as the Luger P08, Nambu Type 14, and Colt Double Eagle, are also quite cool.

Let's get back to the topic and start with the unboxing.

Outer box and contents

This is the outer box.

I think it's a well-designed package that clearly shows the product's appearance and features. Even at a list price of 7,980 yen (excluding tax), the lack of any apparent shortcuts is commendable.

I think many people would prefer simpler packaging and lower prices, but personally, I enjoy the purchasing process itself, so I welcome the elaborate packaging as it is (within limits, of course).

Let's take a look at the side.

It features Tokyo Marui's standard "World No. 1" mark, the ASGK safety standard compliance mark, a barcode, a warning statement, and is marked as being for ages 18 and over and made in Japan.

This is an important point, so it's made sure to be clearly visible.

I'll open the box.

The instruction manual appears to be inside the top box. I think this is a good method because the entire product is visible when you open it.

Let's take out the contents and lay them out.

以上の11点になります。

As is typical of Tokyo Marui products, this model is well-equipped, but it seems that a maintenance rod for barrel cleaning is not included. The instruction manual recommends using cotton swabs to clean the barrel of this model. Presumably, since the barrel is quite short, cotton swabs are sufficient to reach all areas.

Please use this as a reference to check if the contents are correct for those who have purchased the product. If there are any discrepancies, please contact the retailer or Tokyo Marui, and they should be able to resolve the issue.

appearance

Let's take a look at the overall exterior.

opposite side

Let's take a look at one of the most distinctive features of this model, its overall curved design, from the back.

It's significantly curved, presumably optimized for right-handed users. I'll discuss whether it's actually easy to grip later.

In terms of overall size, when I, a person with an average Japanese build, hold it in the palm of my hand, it looks like the picture below.

As the name "Compact Carry" suggests, it's quite compact. In the US, where the actual product is sold, it seems to be called the "Concealed Carry Weapon."

Since it's palm-sized, it naturally fits in any pocket that your hand can fit in.

Now let's take a closer look at each part.

Slide Details

Right side of the slide.

① Serrations
The serrations have a very intricate design, resembling fish scales. Personally, it reminds me of the high-performance M945 from Smith & Wesson.

The real thing is likely machine-made, but this model uses molding. However, even though it's molded, the edges are fairly sharp and the shape is good, demonstrating the high level of Tokyo Marui's injection molding.

Incidentally, the real gun has blowback (apparently it has a proper short recoil), so you need to pull the slide back before firing the first shot. That's why the rear end of the slide has serrations to make it easier to grip, but this model is a fixed gas gun with a non-movable slide, so these serrations are purely decorative.

② Extractor
The extractor is a separate part and its shape is accurately reproduced. Incidentally, it is reproduced in an unloaded (unloaded) state.

③ Chamber
The chamber section is reproduced using molding and paint. It is reproduced in an unloaded state to match the condition of the extractor.

The real thing apparently uses .380 AUTO ammunition, and I'm personally impressed that it can fire so well in such a compact size. The .380 AUTO is a fairly large 9mm x 17mm round, so I imagine the recoil would be considerable. I don't think it's something you can aim properly with, and after doing some research, it seems the manufacturer intends it for shooting within 5 meters.

④ Engraving
The engraving here is molded with the model name, CURVE.

⑤ Engraving
This model has "COMPACT CARRY GAS GUN SERIES" molded into the model name, but the actual product appears to have the manufacturer's name, TAURAS, engraved on it. I think this is unavoidable due to licensing issues. It's probably better to be honest about it than to try to cleverly alter the name TAURAS.

Next is the top view of the slide.

A loaded indicator is molded into the rear end of the chamber. Its shape represents the unloaded state. In a real firearm, if a round is loaded and in the chamber, the loaded indicator will lower.

Next, let's look at the other side of the slide.

The markings are molded to read "MIAMI FL," which likely indicates that the actual product is manufactured in Miami, Florida.

The slide stopper pin in a real firearm is likely a component that absorbs the movement of the slide during blowback, but in this model, the slide does not move, so it is a dummy.

Next is the site picture.

The sight is extremely simple, just a cross drawn with white lines. In reality, it's designed for shooting within 5 meters and uses a built-in laser sight (details below), so this should be fine.

Finally, the front view of the muzzle.

It's a little disappointing, but the yellow of the inner barrel stands out against the steel color of the outer barrel. Those who find this bothersome might consider painting it.

The outer barrel has a small amount of rifling molded into it.

Frame details

Let's take a look at the right side of the frame.

① Clip
One of the key features of this model is the portable clip for concealed carry. It appears that it can be carried inside trousers or other clothing, as shown in the photo below.

It seems to have a smooth design to eliminate as many protrusions as possible so that it can be carried around like this. When I actually tried it, the clip is long so it doesn't seem like it would fall off, but it is difficult to remove.

② Button, ③ Power button
The buttons, including the power button, are for the built-in laser sight and light. The button is likely for turning the light on and off.

The laser sight and light are mounted on the front side, in the position shown in the following photo.

In this model, the light, laser, and battery covers have been omitted due to cost and legal considerations, and are instead represented by molded dummy shapes. I think this is unavoidable.

If you're particular about it, you might be able to build your own lights (though it's probably best to avoid using lasers due to legal restrictions).

Incidentally, you can clearly see that the frame is bent even when viewed from the front.

④ Engraving
This is the usual Tokyo Marui, with the ASGK markings. The real thing has "MADE IN USA" written on it.

⑤ Manufacturer logo
It has a logo that looks similar to the real thing, but if you look closely, you can see "T MARUI" written on it. It's a nice touch that captures the feel of the real thing.
Incidentally, this logo is quite elaborate; a part molded from gray resin is fitted into the main body.

Next, the other side of the frame.

This side is quite simple, with only the ID and QR code engraved on it. The actual ID and QR code are only valid on the physical item; on this model, they are dummies (I did test the QR code).

Next is the bottom.

The grip features molded knurling for improved grip and a non-slip feel.

There's a slight parting line visible. If it bothers you, I think you can remove it by lightly sanding it with sandpaper.

Finally, a rear view.

The back also features a textured surface to prevent slipping when gripping.

Finally, the weight (without gas or ammunition loaded).

only a main part

Magazine included

At just 292.5g, it's incredibly lightweight, and you'll barely feel its weight while wearing it.

Controls, moving parts (grip, trigger, safety)

Insert the magazine.

Grip the handle.

This is a very compact model, so you can only fit two fingers on the grip. The grip isn't particularly comfortable, but I suppose that's unavoidable since compactness is the top priority.

The opposite side.

The buttons for the light and laser sight are just within reach, but on this model, the light and laser sight are dummies, so they're just for show.

The frame has a rightward curve, so it's basically designed for right-handed users, but I didn't feel much discomfort holding it with my left hand.

Next is the trigger pull. This model has a two-stage trigger, so there are three photos showing the trigger pull.

Not pulling at all

At the first stage, half-cock, you can feel the trigger engaging.

firing

Because it's a fixed-gas model, the trigger pull is long and heavy. It's not suited for rapid fire, but that's unavoidable with a fixed-gas gun and I don't think it's a problem given the characteristics of this model. However, in my experience, the gun shakes when pulling the trigger with one hand, so it seems necessary to grip it firmly with both hands when shooting.

Next is the manual safety.

The manual safety is located in front of the trigger, as shown in the photo below.

Safety OFF (Fire possible)

Moving this in the direction of the red arrow will activate the safety and disable firing.

The real thing appears to be double-action only with no manual safety, but Tokyo Marui has, as usual, cleverly designed the shape to incorporate a manual safety.

Finally, removing the magazine requires a bit of skill. The instructions say to align it with the non-slip grip on the bottom of the magazine, pinch it with your fingers, and pull it out, but this is quite difficult.

In reality, it's easier to remove the magazine by pinching it in the position shown in the photo below.

This model has a fixed hop-up, so hop-up adjustment is not possible. This concludes the check of the controls and movable parts.

Magazine

Let's take a look at the magazine.

This is the side of the magazine.

In the real thing, there's a hole in the magazine to check the remaining ammunition, but in this model, it's just a dummy molded in. If that bothers you, painting it copper-colored might make it look more realistic.

The opposite side.

Let's take a look at the parts on top of the magazine.

This part moves back and forth. It appears to be the nozzle for feeding ammunition. Note that when loading ammunition, if the nozzle is not positioned towards the back as shown in the picture, the ammunition capacity will be reduced by one round.

Front view of the magazine.

It's the usual method of lowering the notch to load the bullets. The magazine capacity is 10 rounds. The real thing seems to hold 6 rounds.

back.

You can see the usual valve.

Finally, here is the weight of the magazine with no gas or ammunition loaded.

Live-fire performance verification

These are the conditions for verifying the actual firing performance.

The conditions were: a full magazine of HFC-134a gas, a magazine surface temperature of 27.2°C, a room temperature of 20.8°C, and 10 rounds loaded (VFC bio BBs 0.2g).

Since it's a fixed-hop model, we'll measure it as is.

First shot

10th shot, last one

With 0.2g BBs, the muzzle velocity is a very stable 55.3-58.9 m/s, which is impressive for a fixed-gear gas gun, as expected from Tokyo Marui. I haven't checked the trajectory yet, but since it's Tokyo Marui, I don't think there will be any problems.

Considering the initial velocity and the fact that it's a Marui product, I'd estimate the aimed firing range to be roughly 20m to 25m.

It seems to hit its target more accurately and has a longer effective range than the real thing.

Introduction article on chronographs

Fuel efficiency

Next is fuel efficiency.

This is the weight with the magazine fully filled with gas.

This is the weight of a magazine after firing all 10 rounds.

It consumes 0.5g of gas for 10 shots, so that's about 0.05g per shot, and as expected of a fixed-gas gun, the fuel efficiency is incredibly good.

To calculate how many shots you can get with a full tank of gas, first, the weight of an empty magazine is 128.5g, and when full it is 131g, so the amount of gas is 2.5g. The gas consumption per shot is 0.05g, so theoretically you can get 50 shots, which is equivalent to 5 magazines (10 shots).

These are reference values ​​only, as they vary greatly depending on usage conditions.

Finally, here's a video of it in operation (after emptying one magazine).

Tokyo Marui CURVE dry firing video

Since it's a fixed-gear gas gun, it's quite quiet. However, compared to the company's SOCOM MK23 fixed-gear gas gun, the barrel is shorter, so the popping sound might be a little noticeable.

G&G Bio-Bullets 0.2g
It's inexpensive and accurate, so I use it for a wide range of purposes, from performance testing to airsoft games. It's been my favorite since it first came to Japan (around 2008). It lasts a long time for a biodegradable product.

G&G Bio-Bullets 0.25g
It's 0.25g. I generally use 0.25g BBs when playing airsoft.

Summary

In summary, despite its ultra-compact size, it achieves an initial velocity of around 55m/s to 58.5m/s (over 0.3J) with 0.2g BBs, making it an interesting product that seems to have good projectile flight.

Furthermore, as expected from a fixed-gas gun and a product from Tokyo Marui known for its high performance, its fuel efficiency is incredible, boasting an astonishing 0.05g per shot.

Furthermore, the exterior finish is quite elaborate, demonstrating the high level of Marui's molding technology.

Some unavoidable limitations include the fact that, being a fixed-gas gun, it has few playable features, and due to cost and legal considerations, the light and laser sight are dummies.

In terms of gameplay, it seems like it would be quite fun to use in target shooting or airsoft games, taking advantage of its lightweight and compact design to increase mobility with light equipment and aim to capture the flag, or to sneak up behind the enemy and launch a surprise attack.

For those who travel to airsoft games by train, the CURVE won't be a nuisance to add to your usual gear.

Also, since the base price is affordable, I think DIY customizations such as installing lights would be quite fun.

That concludes my review of the Tokyo Marui CURVE.

Next time, I plan to show you how to disassemble it and make some minor modifications to improve its functionality.

Thank you for reading this lengthy explanation.

Tokyo Marui Compact Carry Gun No. 4 CURVE Fixed Gas Gun
With a market price of 6980 yen, it seems like it would be fun to use as a base for customization.

Tokyo Marui CURVE Spare Magazine
It's not a model that fires in rapid succession, but since it holds 10 rounds, having one would probably be quite useful.