Post by triggs (FAH) on Jul 25, 2010 1:05:04 GMT -5
This is a VERY quick overview of the various types and brands of the numerous M4 and M16 variants available, I will be attempting to keep it up-to-date if possible.
Due to the sheer number of companies that produce M4’s and M16’s, and due to the number of variations available there will only be four (4) basic designations of variations. This includes:
Stubby M4 = 7” barrel
CQBR M4 = 10.5” barrel
Standard M4 = 14.5” barrel
Standard M16 = 20”+ barrel
Visit any airsoft retailer and they will have just about any M4 or M16 variation hanging on the wall or available through one of their catalogs, and you can get one to fit just about any budget. The goal of this guide is not to point out what M4 or M16 might suite you best, but will focus on the quality you can expect to see from each company, both internals and externals.
AGM M4/M16/HK416 Automatic Electric Gun (AEG) = Tokyo Marui Clone
Price: $160 - $190
FPS: 380 - 400
Mags: Standard M4/M16 STANAG high-caps, mid-caps, and low-caps
Pro’s:
- Full metal, and everything from a stubby M4 to an M16, even the Heckler & Koch (H&K) 416 variant
- Cheap price for a full metal gun, internals and externals
Con’s:
- Cheap quality internals, pot metal and prone to breaking
- Cheap quality externals, more pot metal and can be easily broken
While AGM replicas are full metal, the quality of the metal leaves much to be desired. The trademarks are simple AGM markings, no realistic trademarks, and the internals are also cheap pot metal. For the price they are mediocre, there are certainly better internal quality rifles in the same price range.
A&K M4/M16/LR300/SPR Automatic Electric Gun (AEG) = Tokyo Marui Clone
Price: $200 - $220
FPS: 380 - 400
Mags: Standard M4/M16 STANAG high-caps, mid-caps, and low-caps
Pro’s:
- Full metal internals and externals. Reasonably priced
- Variations include the rare ZM Weapons LR300 (with foldable stock), and the Special Purpose Rifle (SPR)
Con’s:
- Cheap pot metal internals and externals. While they are decent quality, and less likely to break than some other companies, they have less quality control than some
A&K is a mid range/mid price company. The replicas are pot metal, but for the most part, can survive most airsofter abuse. The internals are also semi-decent, and is one of the few companies to have shimmed gears from the factory.
ARES (STAR) M4/M16 Automatic Electric Gun (AEG) = Original Design
Price: $190 - $200
FPS: 320 - 350
Mags: Standard M4/M16 STANAG high-caps, mid-caps, and low-caps
Pro’s:
- Realistic and quality externals
- Realistic trademarks
Con’s:
- Questionable internal quality. STAR was the distributer for ARES, and the internal quality was extremely low quality
- Hard to find currently
Historically STAR AEG’s were extremely low quality. With ARES now marketing them, the quality is still questionable. For their price range there are certainly better options for a AEG, even one with full trademarks.
Celcius CTW M4 Automatic Electric Gun (AEG) = Systema PTW Clone
Price: $500 - $600
FPS: Variable
Mags: Systema PTW M4/M16 STANAG mid-caps and low-caps
Pro’s:
- 100% clone of the Systema PTW
- Variable FPS due to the PTW’s unique cylinder quick-change ability
- Half the price of the Systema PTW
- Realistic operation (functioning bolt catch, charging handle, anti-dry fire)
Con’s:
- Cheaper quality internals than the Systema PTW
- Replacement parts are much more expensive than a standard AEG
- Mags are non-interchangeable with standard AEG’s
- Unrealistic trademarks
Since the introduction of the Systema PTW, people have waited for a reliable clone, that doesn’t come with a $1K+ price tag. Unfortunately the parts are similarly proprietary like the PTW, and just as expensive. However, the CTW/PTW design can be more robust than a standard version 2 gearbox M4.
Classic Army (Proline) M4/M16/M6/XM177 Automatic Electric Gun (AEG) = Tokyo Marui Clone
Price: $300 - $400
FPS: 380 - 400
Mags: Standard M4/M16 STANAG high-caps, mid-caps, and low-caps
Pro’s:
- Full metal internals and externals.
- Many variations including the LWRC Inc. LWRC M6, as well as Vietnam era Colt CAR-15 (XM177 “M16 Commando”)
- LWRC model is available in both Black (BLK) and Flat Dark Earth/Bronze (FDE)
- Electric Blow Back (EBB) models available in the “X-Series”
- Factory 60-day warranty
Con’s:
- As of 2008-2009 the internal quality of the Classic Army Proline has been hit and miss
- The price is somewhat high considering that they do not come with a battery, unlike most other brands
- Trademarks are semi-realistic, with Armalite trademarks, but with Classic Army M15 variant markings
- Electric Blow Back (EBB) is only for show, there is little to no recoil felt
The quality of Classic Army is certainly not what it used to be. The external quality has improved and is fairly solid. The internals seem to be hit and miss, with a most being hit, but with Classic Army’s former reputation, the misses affect the opinion. Sadly the EBB is only for show and does not affect recoil, and only adds to the things to break. With the high price, there are many other options.
Classic Army (Sportline) M4/M16 Automatic Electric Gun (AEG) = Tokyo Marui Clone
Price: $150 - $200
FPS: 380 - 400
Mags: Standard M4/M16 STANAG high-caps, mid-caps, and low-caps
Pro’s:
- Cheaper than the Classic Army Proline
- Comes with a battery and charger unlike the proline
- Factory 60-day warranty
Con’s:
- Cheap internal quality, many of the Proline problems resulted from the addition of the Sportline series
- Plastic body with the same Armalite trades found on the Classic Army Proline series
Given the price range there are certainly better external quality full metal replicas, and better internal quality “Sportline” replicas. As a starter rifle however, Classic Army does have a reputation, and it could still be a decent buy.
DBOY M4/M16/SPR/PDW/HK416 Automatic Electric Gun (AEG) = Tokyo Marui Clone
Price: $170 - $230
FPS: 380 - 400
Mags: Standard M4/M16 STANAG high-caps, mid-caps, and low-caps
Pro’s:
- Full metal internals and externals
- Variants include the Special Purpose Rifle (SPR) variant, the Knights Armament Company (KAC) Personal Defense Weapon (PDW), and the Heckler & Koch (H&K) 416
Con’s:
- Like the other clones, the metal is lower quality pot metal, so quality suffers both internally and externally
DBOY quality has come up in the recent years, and like A&K can be considered a mid range/mid price AEG. While the pot metal does leave something to be desired, the internals are commonly shimmed from the factory. For the price they are reasonable replicas.
Echo 1 M4/M16/HK416/REC7 Automatic Electric Gun (AEG) = Rebranded Companies
Price: $190 - $240
FPS: 380 - 400
Mags: Standard M4/M16 STANAG high-caps, mid-caps, and low-caps
Pro’s:
- Echo 1 USA offers US customers a 30 day warranty on all of their products
- Variations include the Heckler & Koch HK416, stubby M4, and Barrett REC 7
- The Echo 1 full metal “Platinum” M4 is a VFC E-series with the Echo 1 warranty
- The Echo 1 full metal line now includes an unknown “Stag-15” full metal
Con’s:
- E1 rifles come with plastic bodies, and non-realistic Echo 1 trademarks, except for the licensed Barrett REC 7
- As Echo 1 is only a distributer and not a manufacture, it can be harder to know the true quality of the Original Equipment Manufacture (OEM)
Like many, Echo 1 quality control and general quality have improved since coming into the airsoft market. These days they are considered a decent mid range/mid price company. For a beginner these rifles are a good start.
G&G M4/M16/LR300/CQBR/HK416 Automatic Electric Gun (AEG) = Tokyo Marui Clone
Price: $140 - $450
FPS: 350 - 400
Mags: Standard M4/M16 STANAG high-caps, mid-caps, and low-caps
Pro’s:
- Various lines ranging from a plastic body “sportline” (Combat Machine), to a full metal (G&G) line
- Both standard AEG and Electric Blow Back (EBB) models available
- Variations include the ZM Weapons LR300, Heckler & Koch HK416, and the short M4 CQBR
- Variations come in both Black (BLK) and Flat Dark Earth (FDE)
- Full metal internals across the board, despite the range of prices
- Come stock with an aluminum 6.04mm tightbore
Con’s:
- Trademarks are G&G trademarks and are nothing close to realistic, not really a con but it can be to some
- Electric Blow Back (EBB) is only for show, there is little to no recoil felt
- The price for G&G full metals has gone up considerably in the last year
Since G&G came onto the airsoft scene, they have been highly praised for the cheap price, but quality performing AEG’s. Even with the cheaper “Combat Machine” line in production, internal quality has changed little. For the price, at all levels, G&G is an excellent choice.
G&P M4/M16/SAM-R Automatic Electric Gun (AEG) = Tokyo Marui Clone
Price: $220 - $500
FPS: 350 - 370
Mags: Standard M4/M16 STANAG high-caps, mid-caps, and low-caps
Pro’s:
- Quality externals, very few companies can match G&P in external quality
- High quality internals
- Full realistic trademarks
- Variations come in both Black (BLK) and Flat Dark Earth (FDE)
Con’s:
- Hard to find in the US, most have to be ordered direct from Hong Kong (HK)
G&P is not to be confused with G&G, they are two separate companies, and the quality reflects this. If you can get them, they are well worth the money. Unfortunately, since they are HK based, getting them through US Customs is hard due to the copyright trademarks.
ICS M4/M16 Automatic Electric Gun (AEG) = Original design
Price: $160 - $370
FPS: 320 - 350
Mags: Standard M4/M16 STANAG high-caps, mid-caps, and low-caps
Pro’s:
- Full metal and plastic “sportline” models available.
- Full metal internals, with an advanced split gearbox allowing for realistic breakdown
- Variations include the standard M4 and M16 variations, as well as various stubby models
Con’s:
- Some proprietary parts, such as the split level gearbox, but most are standard version 2
- Questionable quality, though many say it has improved since the company started
- Bodies and many external parts are ICS proprietary
ICS used to be known as “I Can’t Shoot,” due to the quality of their replicas. However, recently, the company has been hailed as a quality company. Externals are proprietary, but of good quality, and the internals are unique and strong. Overall they are a good company these days, but the split level gearbox can be more complicated to work on so it still isn’t a “beginner” gun.
JG M4/M16/HK416/JP/S-System/Ikazuchi/ Automatic Electric Gun (AEG) = Tokyo Marui Clone
Price: $150 - $180
FPS: 380 - 400
Mags: Standard M4/M16 STANAG high-caps, mid-caps, and low-caps
Pro’s:
- Cheap and decent quality, full metal internals.
- Variations include the stubby M4, Heckler & Koch HK416, JP Enterprise style M16, ARMS SIR rail M4, and the anime style “Ikazuchi” Star Dragon
Con’s:
- Cheap plastic externals, easily broken
- Some internal variations, unlike Echo 1, the internals are rarely shimmed well, and can be hit or miss
When JG first started production, quality was very low. However, within the last year or so, the quality has gone up and they are a decent mid range/mid price replica.
King Arms M4 Automatic Electric Gun (AEG) = Tokyo Marui Clone
Price: $360 - $400
FPS: 300 - 350
Mags: Standard M4/M16 STANAG high-caps, mid-caps, and low-caps
Pro’s:
- Top quality externals. Unlike most full metal replicas, these are high quality metal
- Realistic trademarks
- Quality full metal internals
Con’s:
- Extremely high price
King Arms is considered one of the best quality companies, the internals and externals are both top quality, but so is the price. It may be worth the money springing for a nice looking AEG, but performance is similar to most other brands.
KWA M4/M16/S-system Automatic Electric Gun (AEG) = Original design
Price: $290 - $400
FPS: 380 - 440
Mags: Standard M4/M16 STANAG high-caps, mid-caps, and low-caps
Pro’s:
- KWA 2GX (second generation) M4/M16’s are highly praised for their
- Full metal externals and internals
- Variations include the ARMS SIR rail M4
Con’s:
- Not many variations
- Trademarks are poor KWA markings
- Long term quality is questionable. With a high FPS out of the box, even the custom reinforced internals could fail like any other company
- 2GX internals are reinforced unlike any other company, but they are still pot metal
- 2GX internals are reinforced unlike any other company, gearbox shells are proprietary
Overall KWA is a good brand company, and offers good replicas in their price range. The 2GX gearbox design is impressive and may fix the problem of the version 2 gearbox breaking at high FPS. However, they are still pot metal. They are still a good quality AEG to purchase.
SRC M4/M16/HK416 Automatic Electric Gun (AEG) = Tokyo Marui Clone
Price: $300 - $370
FPS: 360 - 380
Mags: Standard M4/M16 STANAG high-caps, mid-caps, and low-caps
Pro’s:
- Decent quality full metal (Tactical) and plastic (sportline) body replicas
- Full metal internals
- Variations are limited to the Heckler & Koch HK416
Con’s:
- SRC rebrand, internals are still decent quality pot metal
- Non realistic trademarks
SRC is the Original Equipment Manufacture (OEM) for TSD rifles, they are decent quality internals, with decent externals. Like most mid range/mid price replicas, the SRC rifles are worth the money
Systema Professional Training Weapon M4/M16 Automatic Electric Gun (AEG) = Original design
Price: $1,000 - $1,700
FPS: Variable
Mags: Proprietary Systema PTW M4/M16 STANAG mid-caps, and low-caps
Pro’s:
- Unique quick-change cylinders allow for variable FPS for indoor or outdoor use
- Realistic operation (functioning bolt catch, charging handle, anti-dry fire)
Con’s:
- Extremely high price tag
- Replacement parts are expensive to replace
- Mags are non-interchanable with standard AEG’s
- Unrealistic trademarks
The Systema PTW was designed as a law enforcement/military training weapon. The marketing to airsofters is a secondary thought, as such there is little attention paid to hobby airsofters. The design allows for a wide range of applications, but the parts are expensive to purchase, and expensive to replace. The Systema PTW is considered by many to be an “elite” airsofter replica, and the price tag is a turn off for most.
Tokyo Marui M4/M16 Automatic Electric Gun (AEG) = Original design
Price: $280 - $550
FPS: 280
Mags: Standard M4/M16 STANAG high-caps, mid-caps, and low-caps
Pro’s:
- Extremely high quality internals
- Realistic trademarks
- Variations include a proprietary design M4 SOPMOD that differs from the standard AEG and is non interchangable with standard TM AEG's
Con’s:
- Plastic bodies, some have lower quality, thin ABS plastic which can flex and break easily
- Hard to find, not many are imported into the US anymore
The company that started it all. Tokyo Marui makes some of the highest quality internals. While only shooting 280FPS, the range far exceeds many of the Hong Kong made 400FPS+ replicas. Unfortunately, TM guns have not been imported to the US in many years. These are among the best rifles out there.
TSD M4/M16 Automatic Electric Gun (AEG) = SRC Rebrand
Price: $120 - $500
FPS: 380 - 400
Mags: Standard M4/M16 STANAG high-caps, mid-caps, and low-caps
Pro’s:
- Same as SRC
Con's:
- Same as SRC
TSD sells rebranded SRC full metal and plastic body M4/M16's. The quality is the same level as SRC, TSD however, adds a few accessories and increases the price.
VFC M4/M16 Automatic Electric Gun (AEG) = Tokyo Marui Clone
Price: $270 - $500
FPS: 350 - 400
Mags: Standard M4/M16 STANAG high-caps, mid-caps, and low-caps
Pro’s:
- Extremely high quality externals, very solid feeling
- Variations include the standard M4’s and M16’s as well as a few stubby variants
- Factory supplied 6.04mm tightbore
Con’s:
- For the price, the quality are low quality and may not hold up to long term use
- Non realistic trademarks
For the price that VFC rifles come at, the internal quality is very disappointing. There are many other options for the price range, and certainly the quality. As much praise as VFC receives, it is not proven to be well earned.
Due to the sheer number of companies that produce M4’s and M16’s, and due to the number of variations available there will only be four (4) basic designations of variations. This includes:
Stubby M4 = 7” barrel
CQBR M4 = 10.5” barrel
Standard M4 = 14.5” barrel
Standard M16 = 20”+ barrel
Visit any airsoft retailer and they will have just about any M4 or M16 variation hanging on the wall or available through one of their catalogs, and you can get one to fit just about any budget. The goal of this guide is not to point out what M4 or M16 might suite you best, but will focus on the quality you can expect to see from each company, both internals and externals.
AGM M4/M16/HK416 Automatic Electric Gun (AEG) = Tokyo Marui Clone
Price: $160 - $190
FPS: 380 - 400
Mags: Standard M4/M16 STANAG high-caps, mid-caps, and low-caps
Pro’s:
- Full metal, and everything from a stubby M4 to an M16, even the Heckler & Koch (H&K) 416 variant
- Cheap price for a full metal gun, internals and externals
Con’s:
- Cheap quality internals, pot metal and prone to breaking
- Cheap quality externals, more pot metal and can be easily broken
While AGM replicas are full metal, the quality of the metal leaves much to be desired. The trademarks are simple AGM markings, no realistic trademarks, and the internals are also cheap pot metal. For the price they are mediocre, there are certainly better internal quality rifles in the same price range.
A&K M4/M16/LR300/SPR Automatic Electric Gun (AEG) = Tokyo Marui Clone
Price: $200 - $220
FPS: 380 - 400
Mags: Standard M4/M16 STANAG high-caps, mid-caps, and low-caps
Pro’s:
- Full metal internals and externals. Reasonably priced
- Variations include the rare ZM Weapons LR300 (with foldable stock), and the Special Purpose Rifle (SPR)
Con’s:
- Cheap pot metal internals and externals. While they are decent quality, and less likely to break than some other companies, they have less quality control than some
A&K is a mid range/mid price company. The replicas are pot metal, but for the most part, can survive most airsofter abuse. The internals are also semi-decent, and is one of the few companies to have shimmed gears from the factory.
ARES (STAR) M4/M16 Automatic Electric Gun (AEG) = Original Design
Price: $190 - $200
FPS: 320 - 350
Mags: Standard M4/M16 STANAG high-caps, mid-caps, and low-caps
Pro’s:
- Realistic and quality externals
- Realistic trademarks
Con’s:
- Questionable internal quality. STAR was the distributer for ARES, and the internal quality was extremely low quality
- Hard to find currently
Historically STAR AEG’s were extremely low quality. With ARES now marketing them, the quality is still questionable. For their price range there are certainly better options for a AEG, even one with full trademarks.
Celcius CTW M4 Automatic Electric Gun (AEG) = Systema PTW Clone
Price: $500 - $600
FPS: Variable
Mags: Systema PTW M4/M16 STANAG mid-caps and low-caps
Pro’s:
- 100% clone of the Systema PTW
- Variable FPS due to the PTW’s unique cylinder quick-change ability
- Half the price of the Systema PTW
- Realistic operation (functioning bolt catch, charging handle, anti-dry fire)
Con’s:
- Cheaper quality internals than the Systema PTW
- Replacement parts are much more expensive than a standard AEG
- Mags are non-interchangeable with standard AEG’s
- Unrealistic trademarks
Since the introduction of the Systema PTW, people have waited for a reliable clone, that doesn’t come with a $1K+ price tag. Unfortunately the parts are similarly proprietary like the PTW, and just as expensive. However, the CTW/PTW design can be more robust than a standard version 2 gearbox M4.
Classic Army (Proline) M4/M16/M6/XM177 Automatic Electric Gun (AEG) = Tokyo Marui Clone
Price: $300 - $400
FPS: 380 - 400
Mags: Standard M4/M16 STANAG high-caps, mid-caps, and low-caps
Pro’s:
- Full metal internals and externals.
- Many variations including the LWRC Inc. LWRC M6, as well as Vietnam era Colt CAR-15 (XM177 “M16 Commando”)
- LWRC model is available in both Black (BLK) and Flat Dark Earth/Bronze (FDE)
- Electric Blow Back (EBB) models available in the “X-Series”
- Factory 60-day warranty
Con’s:
- As of 2008-2009 the internal quality of the Classic Army Proline has been hit and miss
- The price is somewhat high considering that they do not come with a battery, unlike most other brands
- Trademarks are semi-realistic, with Armalite trademarks, but with Classic Army M15 variant markings
- Electric Blow Back (EBB) is only for show, there is little to no recoil felt
The quality of Classic Army is certainly not what it used to be. The external quality has improved and is fairly solid. The internals seem to be hit and miss, with a most being hit, but with Classic Army’s former reputation, the misses affect the opinion. Sadly the EBB is only for show and does not affect recoil, and only adds to the things to break. With the high price, there are many other options.
Classic Army (Sportline) M4/M16 Automatic Electric Gun (AEG) = Tokyo Marui Clone
Price: $150 - $200
FPS: 380 - 400
Mags: Standard M4/M16 STANAG high-caps, mid-caps, and low-caps
Pro’s:
- Cheaper than the Classic Army Proline
- Comes with a battery and charger unlike the proline
- Factory 60-day warranty
Con’s:
- Cheap internal quality, many of the Proline problems resulted from the addition of the Sportline series
- Plastic body with the same Armalite trades found on the Classic Army Proline series
Given the price range there are certainly better external quality full metal replicas, and better internal quality “Sportline” replicas. As a starter rifle however, Classic Army does have a reputation, and it could still be a decent buy.
DBOY M4/M16/SPR/PDW/HK416 Automatic Electric Gun (AEG) = Tokyo Marui Clone
Price: $170 - $230
FPS: 380 - 400
Mags: Standard M4/M16 STANAG high-caps, mid-caps, and low-caps
Pro’s:
- Full metal internals and externals
- Variants include the Special Purpose Rifle (SPR) variant, the Knights Armament Company (KAC) Personal Defense Weapon (PDW), and the Heckler & Koch (H&K) 416
Con’s:
- Like the other clones, the metal is lower quality pot metal, so quality suffers both internally and externally
DBOY quality has come up in the recent years, and like A&K can be considered a mid range/mid price AEG. While the pot metal does leave something to be desired, the internals are commonly shimmed from the factory. For the price they are reasonable replicas.
Echo 1 M4/M16/HK416/REC7 Automatic Electric Gun (AEG) = Rebranded Companies
Price: $190 - $240
FPS: 380 - 400
Mags: Standard M4/M16 STANAG high-caps, mid-caps, and low-caps
Pro’s:
- Echo 1 USA offers US customers a 30 day warranty on all of their products
- Variations include the Heckler & Koch HK416, stubby M4, and Barrett REC 7
- The Echo 1 full metal “Platinum” M4 is a VFC E-series with the Echo 1 warranty
- The Echo 1 full metal line now includes an unknown “Stag-15” full metal
Con’s:
- E1 rifles come with plastic bodies, and non-realistic Echo 1 trademarks, except for the licensed Barrett REC 7
- As Echo 1 is only a distributer and not a manufacture, it can be harder to know the true quality of the Original Equipment Manufacture (OEM)
Like many, Echo 1 quality control and general quality have improved since coming into the airsoft market. These days they are considered a decent mid range/mid price company. For a beginner these rifles are a good start.
G&G M4/M16/LR300/CQBR/HK416 Automatic Electric Gun (AEG) = Tokyo Marui Clone
Price: $140 - $450
FPS: 350 - 400
Mags: Standard M4/M16 STANAG high-caps, mid-caps, and low-caps
Pro’s:
- Various lines ranging from a plastic body “sportline” (Combat Machine), to a full metal (G&G) line
- Both standard AEG and Electric Blow Back (EBB) models available
- Variations include the ZM Weapons LR300, Heckler & Koch HK416, and the short M4 CQBR
- Variations come in both Black (BLK) and Flat Dark Earth (FDE)
- Full metal internals across the board, despite the range of prices
- Come stock with an aluminum 6.04mm tightbore
Con’s:
- Trademarks are G&G trademarks and are nothing close to realistic, not really a con but it can be to some
- Electric Blow Back (EBB) is only for show, there is little to no recoil felt
- The price for G&G full metals has gone up considerably in the last year
Since G&G came onto the airsoft scene, they have been highly praised for the cheap price, but quality performing AEG’s. Even with the cheaper “Combat Machine” line in production, internal quality has changed little. For the price, at all levels, G&G is an excellent choice.
G&P M4/M16/SAM-R Automatic Electric Gun (AEG) = Tokyo Marui Clone
Price: $220 - $500
FPS: 350 - 370
Mags: Standard M4/M16 STANAG high-caps, mid-caps, and low-caps
Pro’s:
- Quality externals, very few companies can match G&P in external quality
- High quality internals
- Full realistic trademarks
- Variations come in both Black (BLK) and Flat Dark Earth (FDE)
Con’s:
- Hard to find in the US, most have to be ordered direct from Hong Kong (HK)
G&P is not to be confused with G&G, they are two separate companies, and the quality reflects this. If you can get them, they are well worth the money. Unfortunately, since they are HK based, getting them through US Customs is hard due to the copyright trademarks.
ICS M4/M16 Automatic Electric Gun (AEG) = Original design
Price: $160 - $370
FPS: 320 - 350
Mags: Standard M4/M16 STANAG high-caps, mid-caps, and low-caps
Pro’s:
- Full metal and plastic “sportline” models available.
- Full metal internals, with an advanced split gearbox allowing for realistic breakdown
- Variations include the standard M4 and M16 variations, as well as various stubby models
Con’s:
- Some proprietary parts, such as the split level gearbox, but most are standard version 2
- Questionable quality, though many say it has improved since the company started
- Bodies and many external parts are ICS proprietary
ICS used to be known as “I Can’t Shoot,” due to the quality of their replicas. However, recently, the company has been hailed as a quality company. Externals are proprietary, but of good quality, and the internals are unique and strong. Overall they are a good company these days, but the split level gearbox can be more complicated to work on so it still isn’t a “beginner” gun.
JG M4/M16/HK416/JP/S-System/Ikazuchi/ Automatic Electric Gun (AEG) = Tokyo Marui Clone
Price: $150 - $180
FPS: 380 - 400
Mags: Standard M4/M16 STANAG high-caps, mid-caps, and low-caps
Pro’s:
- Cheap and decent quality, full metal internals.
- Variations include the stubby M4, Heckler & Koch HK416, JP Enterprise style M16, ARMS SIR rail M4, and the anime style “Ikazuchi” Star Dragon
Con’s:
- Cheap plastic externals, easily broken
- Some internal variations, unlike Echo 1, the internals are rarely shimmed well, and can be hit or miss
When JG first started production, quality was very low. However, within the last year or so, the quality has gone up and they are a decent mid range/mid price replica.
King Arms M4 Automatic Electric Gun (AEG) = Tokyo Marui Clone
Price: $360 - $400
FPS: 300 - 350
Mags: Standard M4/M16 STANAG high-caps, mid-caps, and low-caps
Pro’s:
- Top quality externals. Unlike most full metal replicas, these are high quality metal
- Realistic trademarks
- Quality full metal internals
Con’s:
- Extremely high price
King Arms is considered one of the best quality companies, the internals and externals are both top quality, but so is the price. It may be worth the money springing for a nice looking AEG, but performance is similar to most other brands.
KWA M4/M16/S-system Automatic Electric Gun (AEG) = Original design
Price: $290 - $400
FPS: 380 - 440
Mags: Standard M4/M16 STANAG high-caps, mid-caps, and low-caps
Pro’s:
- KWA 2GX (second generation) M4/M16’s are highly praised for their
- Full metal externals and internals
- Variations include the ARMS SIR rail M4
Con’s:
- Not many variations
- Trademarks are poor KWA markings
- Long term quality is questionable. With a high FPS out of the box, even the custom reinforced internals could fail like any other company
- 2GX internals are reinforced unlike any other company, but they are still pot metal
- 2GX internals are reinforced unlike any other company, gearbox shells are proprietary
Overall KWA is a good brand company, and offers good replicas in their price range. The 2GX gearbox design is impressive and may fix the problem of the version 2 gearbox breaking at high FPS. However, they are still pot metal. They are still a good quality AEG to purchase.
SRC M4/M16/HK416 Automatic Electric Gun (AEG) = Tokyo Marui Clone
Price: $300 - $370
FPS: 360 - 380
Mags: Standard M4/M16 STANAG high-caps, mid-caps, and low-caps
Pro’s:
- Decent quality full metal (Tactical) and plastic (sportline) body replicas
- Full metal internals
- Variations are limited to the Heckler & Koch HK416
Con’s:
- SRC rebrand, internals are still decent quality pot metal
- Non realistic trademarks
SRC is the Original Equipment Manufacture (OEM) for TSD rifles, they are decent quality internals, with decent externals. Like most mid range/mid price replicas, the SRC rifles are worth the money
Systema Professional Training Weapon M4/M16 Automatic Electric Gun (AEG) = Original design
Price: $1,000 - $1,700
FPS: Variable
Mags: Proprietary Systema PTW M4/M16 STANAG mid-caps, and low-caps
Pro’s:
- Unique quick-change cylinders allow for variable FPS for indoor or outdoor use
- Realistic operation (functioning bolt catch, charging handle, anti-dry fire)
Con’s:
- Extremely high price tag
- Replacement parts are expensive to replace
- Mags are non-interchanable with standard AEG’s
- Unrealistic trademarks
The Systema PTW was designed as a law enforcement/military training weapon. The marketing to airsofters is a secondary thought, as such there is little attention paid to hobby airsofters. The design allows for a wide range of applications, but the parts are expensive to purchase, and expensive to replace. The Systema PTW is considered by many to be an “elite” airsofter replica, and the price tag is a turn off for most.
Tokyo Marui M4/M16 Automatic Electric Gun (AEG) = Original design
Price: $280 - $550
FPS: 280
Mags: Standard M4/M16 STANAG high-caps, mid-caps, and low-caps
Pro’s:
- Extremely high quality internals
- Realistic trademarks
- Variations include a proprietary design M4 SOPMOD that differs from the standard AEG and is non interchangable with standard TM AEG's
Con’s:
- Plastic bodies, some have lower quality, thin ABS plastic which can flex and break easily
- Hard to find, not many are imported into the US anymore
The company that started it all. Tokyo Marui makes some of the highest quality internals. While only shooting 280FPS, the range far exceeds many of the Hong Kong made 400FPS+ replicas. Unfortunately, TM guns have not been imported to the US in many years. These are among the best rifles out there.
TSD M4/M16 Automatic Electric Gun (AEG) = SRC Rebrand
Price: $120 - $500
FPS: 380 - 400
Mags: Standard M4/M16 STANAG high-caps, mid-caps, and low-caps
Pro’s:
- Same as SRC
Con's:
- Same as SRC
TSD sells rebranded SRC full metal and plastic body M4/M16's. The quality is the same level as SRC, TSD however, adds a few accessories and increases the price.
VFC M4/M16 Automatic Electric Gun (AEG) = Tokyo Marui Clone
Price: $270 - $500
FPS: 350 - 400
Mags: Standard M4/M16 STANAG high-caps, mid-caps, and low-caps
Pro’s:
- Extremely high quality externals, very solid feeling
- Variations include the standard M4’s and M16’s as well as a few stubby variants
- Factory supplied 6.04mm tightbore
Con’s:
- For the price, the quality are low quality and may not hold up to long term use
- Non realistic trademarks
For the price that VFC rifles come at, the internal quality is very disappointing. There are many other options for the price range, and certainly the quality. As much praise as VFC receives, it is not proven to be well earned.