PERSONAL COLLECTION #4: Sigma 6 LONG RANGE

I have to admit : I wasn't a fan of the Sigma 6 line, nor was I into collecting action figures again after I sold off my 60+ 3.75" G.I. Joe figure collection to a friend six years ago. It was a stupid yet very necessary decision I had to make, back then. The good thing was that I sold them all to someone I know, so they'll always be in good hands.

And, after six years of action figure abstinence, here I am again: collecting action figures. Jaded at what the local Mini4WD racing scene had become (a new haven for small-time gamblers and cockfight enthusiasts, IMO), I sought after another more meaningful and rewarding hobby.

But, it was almost too late: after hesitating for so long due to the initial, prohibitive prices of Sigma 6 figures around two years ago (each figure was priced at around P1,300 back then), I was now only left to choose from the few remaining varieties available on store shelves. So when I saw this next figure on the shelf, I knew I had to pick this one up real soon, or be sorry again.

Long Range is Sigma 6's resident transportation specialist and target acquisition expert. This figure's main weapon is a large (and by "large", I do mean large -- when fully assembled, the rifle stands taller than Long Range himself) sniper rifle, which has a strong resemblance to a Barrett sniper rifle.

The rifle is made up of separate pieces: the body which includes the stock, two barrel configurations, scope, tripod (which is made up of three separate pieces itself), and a grenade launcher. The rifle also has a neat "recoil" effect when you slide the bolt back.

His secondary weapon is a sawed-off shotgun which even has a fold-down double barrel. The shotgun also has a keychain attached (most probably the keys to the R.O.C.C.). Too bad that I only got a Long Range figure recently -- they released a limited series variant (1000 - 1500 pieces only) that had a black skull attached to the keychain.

Long Range also has a nasty looking knife with a serrated blade.

I love the overall look of this figure. He has a distinctive head sculpt which has a short ponytail and a scar running over his left eye, that gives him a battle-hardened appearance. And his knee-length trenchcoat really serves to distinguish him from the rest of his teammates. His subdued color scheme was well thought-out, perfect for a sniper to remain undetected.

Highly recommended.