Author: ORCA

Tokyo Marui – M14 SOCOM

For a U.S. Based retailer. AEX is starting to get Japanese released gun FAST. They used to be a few weeks behind Hong Kong retailers, but they are expecting a shipment of the M14SOCOM's into the U.S. next week. Right in time for Xmas if you live near 1 of the retail stores. A SOCOM II railed foregrip will follow soon.

Tokyo Marui – Glock 17 GBB

The latest Tokyo Marui GBB Glock 17 does not disappoint. Shooting about 300fps and using green gas no problem. It's a solid build as with all previous TM GBB's. It does feel a bit lighter then the KSC Glock 17 series.

Trigger safety is functional and take down is easy. Was happy to see (Also with the TM 1911A1) the trademarks were "tastefully" altered.

King Arms – FN FAL

Was curious to see King Arms first complete AEG. When I first picked it up it was much lighter then I expected at 7.3 lbs. A bit longer then a TM G3/SG1, but over 1 lbs lighter. The build seemed solid but the lightweight throws you off a bit. It takes a large battery in the butt stock with the same style of butt pad door as the full stock G3's. It fired OK, but the fps results varied alot between shots compared to other AEG's. FPS was between 265 – 291 with .20 bb's. Magazine catch was really tight, but that should work smoother as it's used more.

Star – FNC

The build quality is very similar to the Star L85 line. Semi gloss black painted stamped metal. It reminds me of a TM Type 89 with a paratrooper style stock, but not as heavy.

I tried a TM M16 Highcap and it misfed alot. Seems to only like the included Star magazine. Battery goes in the foregrip and its a custom slim nunchuck style. Like the Type 89, the Star FNC also has a mechanical 3 shot burst. But the Star's 3 shot burst sometimes only shoots 2 bb's instead of 3 and the timing of the 3 shots isn't consistent.

It had some insanely high FPS around 370 -390 out of the box though.

Tokyo Marui – GM 1911A1

Since the release of teh Hi-Capa series, Tokyo Marui has really given the 1911 airsoft genre a high quality, high performance and affordable 1911 style handgun. The GM 1911A1 is on par with the more expensive Westarn Arms GM 1911's and already has more add-on/upgrades available then competing GM 1911 models..

Colt has been all over U.S. Customs as of late. So anything with Colt markings have been having a difficult time getting through. When they do get to the shop, the trademarks have been defaced very badly. Fortunatley the 2nd batch AEX receieved, the trademarks were altered, but in much less dramatic way. Unfortunately AEX is out of stock again.

The TM GM1911 took green gas no problem, performed well, and shot around 300fps. While IRL this is a single stack magazine, TM managed to stagger the bb's resulting in a 26 round capacity.

VFC – HK416

The VFC 416 is a nice replica of the HK 416. It comes with both 10" and 14.5" outer barrels as well as the railed versions famous HK style iron sights. It's all metal construction gives it a very solid feel.

The replica gas piston assembly is well done and the cosmetic bolt plate locks back when charging handle is pulled and releases using the bolt release.

Unfortunately for us in teh U.S. the markings say "VF 416" with VFC crest logo. I'm also not thrilled on the highcap magazine they ship in that you need an allen wrench to wind. But luckily it will work with any TM compatible M16 magazine.

Performance is good averaging 330 fps out of the box.

Classic Army – M15A4 CQB Compact SEAL

The Classic Army – M15A4 Compact SEAL and M15A4 Compact are very nice M4 style CQB variants. If you ever wanted a Patriot style Armalite pistol, then these are good alternatives. It's a solid weapon with the following features:

• Rail System
• Flip-Up Rear Sight
• Real ARMALITE Logo
• Modified Wiring Switch
• Individual Serial Number
• Hi Cap Magazine (300 Rd)
• Steel Detachable Front Sight
• Easy Disassembly Metal Body
• 7mm Bearing Metal & New Design Gear Box
• Bearing Spring Guide and Piston Head
• Reinforced Parts (Gear Set and Sealed Cylinder)

Performance is good averaging 320 fps out of the box.

Classic Army – Steyr AUG A2

I wasn't too impressed by CA's AUG A1 Military, so I wanted to check out the A2. Outside or the licensed Steyr trademarks, this is very colse to the original Tokyo Marui build. This CA AUG also has quality problems in the build. Vertical foregrip doesn't move as smoothly as the TM version.

But this could be a good base if you add the Action Aug A3 rail system.

First Factory – Swordfish Frontend MP5

This is a nice comsetic modification to your MP5. I've been a longtime fan of the MP5 Swordfish variant and happy to see AEX finally stocking them. Add the Nitro MP5 Top Rail, RIS handgrip and Folding Stock and you get this.