Post by redphoenix14 on Feb 28, 2005 10:14:08 GMT -5
[glow=red,2,300]No5685[/glow]
First Impressions:
I bought this gun used from DC (on ASR) and it arrived in one day. I would just like to thank him for that, and he responded promptly to all my emails. I got it for $85 shipped, and it came with the original box, dejammer, and manual (which is in Japanese anyway, but still a nice gesture). I came home and saw the package as soon as I came home from school, just sitting on my doorstep. I cut it open and was amazed, this is one beautiful rifle. Much better than my HFC M16. The stock screwed on with 3 screws, and the magazine was easy to load. Much better design than the HFC again. This was my first experience with a TM mag, which some say are complex. You just turn the lever and pour in BB's. Mine holds 50, an astonishing amount, and without the hassle of the speedloader tube my friends DPMS A-15 has. This magazine also has a resovoir, you pull out this funnel like piece that you put over the spout of the magazine (Kind of like the UHC MP5), to reveal a large open space. When you want BB's, just pull out the funnel and put it over the spout and pour out BB's into your hand, then into the funnel. It's kind of hard to explain. It holds 500 or so BB's, which is a nice feature. But it rattles around once it starts to get emptier, not very stealthy. If I was on a mission when stealth was a necessity, I'd just empty it, not a big deal. The thingying bolt is on the left side, and the tip can fold in. This gun also has a contoured butt-plate, so it's very comfortable to shoulder. This also has a mere 1/4 inch of orange on the barrel, which is great compared to the DPMS's 3 or so inches. It has a nice OD green stock, grip and hanguard, just adding to the aesthetic appeal of this gun. This gun also has full trademarks that read on the left side:
G3FS 14 S278
HK 3/74
On the other side it reads:
Made in Japan
HK Inc.
Afl. Va. 22303
Kal. 308
Performance:
This gun performs great, but doesn't shoot very fast. I think it's 228 with .25g BB's. They shoot roughly 80 ft. accuratly. From 50 ft. away, I could land 26/30 shots on a standard peice of paper (11 3/4 x 8 1/2). I think this is pretty good, not the best though. I'd say the range is about 80 ft. to consistently hit a human sized target, and my gun is used, I'm not sure of the age. I can say this shoots better than any springer I've shot (which include the DPMS A-15, UHC MP5 SD3, and Cybergun Thompson M1). I'd imagine the Toystar would shoot much better, and it's around the same price new, although I got mine for $85.
Feel:
I have owned these rifles; HFC M16A1, Crosman shotgun, and a WELL M-4. This one feels the best by far. The grip on this is great, it fits into your hands perfectly. The HFC and WELL were by no means uncomfortable though. This just feels best. The stock is fixed of course, but the length is nice, and it's removable for short people (it's fine on me, and I'm 5'8"). Real long, but I like it that way. Like I said before, the butt-plate is contoured, which feels great to shoulder. This gun has the standard MP5 sites, and a peep site, for quicker target acquisition. There are three MP5 sites, all varying in size. The magazine release is also conveniently placed, and it's not to hard or easy to push, you have to want to push it, but apply minimal pressure. The carry handle is also nice, it folds over and is out of the way, but when you hold it it's a little rear heavy. This is due to placement, as it's not it the middle of the gun. The gun isn't totally balanced anyway though, which isn't noticable when shouldered. This also has a nice weight to it, it's about 1 1/2 lbs. heavier than the HFC M16. I think this has a decent metal content, the most vital internal parts at least. Although the only metal on the outside is the carry handle and screws.
Skirmishability:
I have skirmished with this gun a few times, and it's done pretty good. The weight and size are a little cumbersome though. I would recommend a sling, but this doesn't have a front sling mount (at least mine doesn't). When you get in closer combat, it gets a little hard to swing around. I would recommend having a sidearm for these encounters. This gun works great for forest though, at least more thinned ones. It's comfortable to go prone with, unlike the HFC M16, which is a little short. You can prop this up on a rock, or better yet, get a bipod. You can also buy scope mounts, for around $20-30. The way the scope is mounted near the rear is nice, so you can shoulder and look through the scope simeltaneously. This gun has OD furniture too, which is nice for woodland. This gun looks good enough to mount on the wall, but with the way it performs I'd never limit it's use to a wall hanger.
Conclusion:
I would highly recommend this gun for a sniper-like rifle. I got it for $85, so that didn't hurt either. I would recommend any of the TM rifles, they are better than anything I've shot. I got this over the TM XM177e2 and M16 because I wanted a slightly longer barrel. I don't really utilize the high ROF of those. I basically just take precision shots. If you would be in closer combat, I would recommend the XM or M16 over this, those have a fold down pump handle in the fore grip. Those guns would also be more maneuverable, and come with front sling mounts. This also fits in my bass gig bag, so it's easy to carry around and less conspicuous.
I mounted this scope ($16 BSA 3-7 power) on without mounts. I didn't want to spend money on G3 mounts, when I can buy some for my FA-MAS. I just had to cut a notch it the plastic. If you want more details and pictures, just email me.
Pros:
Very Durable
Good Range
Good Accuracy
Scope Mounts Available
Large size and Decent Weight
Cons:
If you're short Large Size and Weight May Be Cumbersome
Not Very Powerful
Expensive
Low Metal Content
Specs:
228 fps w/.25g BB's
80-90 ft. range
50 round magazine capacity with 500 rd. resovoir
39 1/2 in. long
5 1/4 lbs.
You can buy it for $80 at www.airsoft-war4.com (with shipping about $140 total).
-no5685
(don't worry no5685, I know it is under my name, but i upped your post count