Saturday, August 16, 2008

Airsoft Gun Gear Improvements

JG 416 or 614 repairs Update after Field Test!

The new Echo1 Commando 614's that have begun showing up at airsoft fields and stores nationwide are pretty sexy looking airsoft machine guns. I recently had the opportunity to field one for the day and must say I was Pleased by the overall performance. When I first saw the odd size battery with a standard large connector (Ni-Ca 4/5sc 1500MaH 8.4V) I was a bit surprised....But a call to my local Wisconsin custom airsoft battery dealer and a new custom battery pack designed for the 614 is on its way. So this airsoft gun chronographed at 350-360 FPS and the accuracy pattern was pretty nice (70' to 100' = 12" inch average pattern) But the smooth firing and quiet operation is what was impressed on me the most as I plinked around the range.
Gotta have a look inside this baby....

SOooo about 20 minutes later, there I was with a brand new Echo1 614 in a complete state of disassembly and noticed a few unique airsoft gun design improvements in this version two mechbox. I like the smaller style automotive fuse...easy to replace.

Airsoft Gun Gear Improvements
Then there is the new gear design, featuring a thrust style bearing unit in the base of the bevel gear. Since this gear is responsible for the transfer of torque from the airsoft gun motor to the gearbox unit it will no doubt eliminate allot of stress and noise that normally exists in the motor to bevel gear transfer of energy in airsoft guns.

I see Echo1 is selling these as aftermarket airsoft gear sets and the standard size gears will fit most airsoft guns with version 2 or 3 standard gearboxes. Stay tuned for further reports on these these new Echo1 gear sets and how they hold up to my heavy trigger finger and add to the overall durability of my upgraded airsoft guns. I also have become a fan of the new black style gearboxes with the nickel plated cylinders.

This version 2 comes with a metal spring guide for added out of the box durability. The JG airsoft piston seems to be very durable and holds up to extreme full auto firing for sustained periods better than any airsoft piston we have tested to date. I also like the reinforced poly tappet plates they have been installing in the newest AEG releases.

JG 614 airsoft gun update
After extensive field testing and trials (shooting my friends) and a full bench assesment this gun ranks about a 6.5 on the BA scale. With a few mods it could easily become a 10. I did only a few simple internal durability upgrades like adding steel bushings and a NNA Power piston hub with a 110 spring and this gun was and "still is" shooting a solid 390 FPS.

Bottom line is the JG 416 614 or whatever you choose to call it is a very good airsoft gun for the money whether you are a noob, pro or just backyard airsofter looking for some trigger time. For the average 150 to 175 this airsoft gun costs it is well worth it. It has become a favorite backup weapon for airsoft games but will never replace my beloved SR-16 stoner rifle although I have been kinda google eyed over the new AGM full metal SR-16's and 416 style M4's that have just arrived....Mmmmm which one should I tear apart first! Guess I will save that for my next airsoft gun repair blog.

Till next time
Armsdealer
Airsoft Technician
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