Packaging: Carded G.I. Joe with a little history blurb & photo on the back of the card. Ron Rodriguez points out that the figure should be called a SAW (Squad Automatic Weapon) Gunner and not SAWS. PFC Dodge further enlightened this civvie with the news that the weapon is an M-249 and not an M-60. Thanks to all of you Soldiers and Veterans for contacting me with the right information.
Figure: Ultra-articulated body with Gung-Ho Grip. The headsculpt has a unique camouflage paint job on a Normandy Ranger head. Perhaps the most professionally done face camouflage on any of the Hasbro figures up to this point. It looks like something from a movie or documentary. Unfortunately, the excellent paint job ends before the ears and jaw line. A Soldier pointed out that the ears, eye sockets, and the back of the neck should have gotten camo paint too. The way Hasbro did the figure, it does look like some kind of Children's Face Painting that was done at the local Mall. It is too late to send it back to Hasbro now!
Outfit & Gear: What looks like a pre-Woodland Camo outfit. I am not sure what these are called, but they look more camouflage than the Woodland Camo. The uniform is similar to the pattern that was used for the Roy Benavidez Medal of Honor uniform. It is well tailored with snaps and also brings a camo helmet. The SAW M-60 machine gun is the best Hasbro has ever done. The ammo box attaches and the ammo clip feeds into it. The front of the barrel is hollowed out, which adds a lot to the realistic look which gives any hobby photograph or diorama a much more realistic appearance. Ron points out that the Ranger should either be wearing long sleeves or else should have some camouflage on his arms if he is involved in any tactical encounter or recon.
Overall: These were priced at $9.99 briefly during the Christmas sales, and the prices went back up to $14.99 right after Christmas.
Grade: B+
