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Topics - T6e9a

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1
AEG / Arcturus AK04
« on: March 29, 2020, 10:21:32 AM »
Todays review is of a (pretty much new, but) used Arcturus AK04.



Starts off in a pretty plain looking cardboard box with the logo and slogan.



Open the box up to find a ziploc bag with the owners manual, quality control/testing sheet and Arcturus PVC patch.



Under the top layer of foam, you find the gun, magazine,(supposed to be 1 midcap AND 1 high cap. Having gotten it used, I only got the highcap), a set of polymer back up sights and an unjamming/cleaning rod under the gun.



Starting at the rear, it features a minimalist M.F.T.-esk style stock which has textured rubber butt pad and QD swivel mounts, one on each side. That, on a 6 position buffer tube with a ring type sling mount at the base of the receiver.



The receiver is steel with a traditional side optics rail already mounted, as well as an aluminum railed dust cover.



The selector plate has an extra tab for easier manipulation with your trigger finger.
The pistol grip is polymer, reminiscent of a PTS grip, with a texture on the front and back.



In the trigger guard, there is a small nub that allows access to a spring detention feature.
In front of the trigger guard is a polymer flared Magwell.



Inside the magwell, it has been blocked off to prevent improper magazine insertion.



Up front it rocks a slim, lightweight aluminum M Lok rail system with rails the full length on top and bottom, and 4 M Lok slots on each side.
Threaded to 14mm counterclockwise threads.

Opening it up, the microswitch gearbox has a quick change ball bearing spring guide with a slot for a flat head or coin.
The motor has ferrite magnets and a D type arm/pinion.



On the right side you can see the selector plate parts and a cover for the Ares-esk microswitch trigger design.



On the left side you see the anti reversal latch /spring detention lever, again with a design reminiscent of Ares design.



Inside the gearbox, everything but the trigger trolley and microswitch are standard TM compatible parts, including the cutoff lever and trigger.



It features 8mm bushings on sector and spur, 8mm bearings on the bevel. A sector chip. A full metal tooth piston, with an 8 port poly piston head with bearings. A 3/4 port cylinder with a single O ring polymer cylinder head and a 21.15mm polymer O ring nozzle.




The gears are shimmed pretty well, just a touch on the looser side. And everything that should be greased or lubed looks to be done so with an adequate amount.



The barrel is 380mm, around 6.02ish diameter (per my cheap caliper), made of steel, and has a pretty rough inner bore finish. Definitely a mirror finish. The hop up unit is metal with a plastic arm with numbering for adjustment. Standard cylinder nub, bucking has a normal mound, no split or special shape. Bucking is on the harder durometer side for a stock bucking in my opinion, my guess around 70-75. And the barrel clip is more akin to standard M4 as opposed to the traditional AK shape. It has a ridge to help lock in the barrel from rotating. The whole barrel system fits well together, nice and snug, just not an ideal barrel quality.

Thoughts & Opinions:
I must admit, I had high hopes for these guns, and while I only have a sample size of 1, its easiest to say it wasn't quite entirely what I was expecting.
Overall external quality was decent. Seems maybe a touch heavier than it should be, but that might just be me. It's solid, so long as everything is tightened down. Keeping in mind I got this one second hand, there were a few loose items:
-The buffer tube could twist a tiny bit but nothing an AR wrench couldn't fix.
-It had the usual sloppy/loose external AK selector plate, which tightens up nicely with a slight bend. Snaps into positions nicely now.
-The 2 grub screws in the trunnion were slightly loose, and in turn the barrel and front half of the gun had a tiny bit of play. The handguard was solid to the outer barrel, just loose to the receiver. Tightening the grub screws was all it needed.
-The upper handguard/gas tube lever was loose and didn't stay in its proper spot. It doesn't have any tension from the gas tube to give it friction as the upper handguard is secured to the lower handguard. Just to keep it in position, I bent that inward a touch as well and seems to be holding ok now.
-As I was disassembling the gun for the review, one of the studs/"rivets" popped out. They seem to be held in place by either glue or being splayed outward from the inside of the receiver.
-Lastly, some of the screws for the end cap of the railed dust cover were sorta loose or misaligned, resulting in the part that the button holds it in place being difficult to put back down.
And for the polymer back up sights it came with, due to the dust cover and the top handguard not being the same height, you either have to put both on the dust cover or the handguard, not one on each, at least in a functionality standpoint.
The buffer tube is attached like a real buffer tube, so if you wanted to rewire it through the buffer tube you could, but you would have to either route the wires through the small hole at the end, or cut out the area so you can access the space.

Internally I guess I was expecting something else, but really shouldn't complain, being that it is a stock gun. It has a lot of nice features, the spring detent, the microswitch, the quick change bearing spring guide, etc. I was hoping for some XYT or akin to E&L type more robust gears. Time will tell how the stock gears hold up. I expect those to be the weak point of the system currently. As always, even a basic mosfet would be nice. A neomagnet motor would be nice. Deans/T plugs out of the box would be nice. The trigger response isn't anything special in its current format, but it's not bad.

2
AEG / (Internals) King Arms Colt Licensed MK18
« on: March 13, 2020, 08:58:58 PM »
Thought I would share my thoughts on a gun I recently had the opportunity to work on. It was a repair as opposed to a build/upgrade, so all internal parts pictured are stock.

The repair, sample size 1 so far, was that the back of the gearbox shell broke where the quick change spring guide rests against, ultimately causing the spring guide to lean, and lock the piston and spring all in one.

But on to the internals:



As mentioned above, it is a quick change spring system, which is accessible without having to remove the gearbox. Just remove the buffer tube screw and washer, remove the buffer tube, and you have access to the 90degree quick change spring guide. This is akin to many of King Arms newer offerings.

The quick change spring guide has ball bearings, looks to be made of pretty solid materials and thus has little/no need for any upgrade in that department later on.
It has clear insulation wiring, with a small basic mosfet fairly close to the back of the gearbox.
The motor was a King Arms HQA series, featuring Neodymium magnets, a helical motor arm, D type pinion, vented can, and a CNCed aluminum endbell.

Then finally inside the gearbox, it has:



-SHS-esk 18:1 gears, with a tappet delay chip, shimming being somewhat loose
-8mm bearings
-full metal tooth rack piston
-polymer ported piston head(can't say if POM or other)
-brass 3/4 ported cylinder
-red King Arms tappet
The 8mm QC gearbox itself has the old styling of "reinforcement" of added material around the gears, which would render lower ratios to require heavy modification for installation. (Aside from Seigetek low ratios)
The rest of the parts aren't much different from other standard AEGs.

The fix I landed on for this specific guns misfortune was to just drop a small chunk of metal as a shim so the QC spring guide had something the be tightened up against when installing the buffer tube. Not ideal, but a lot quicker and cheaper than having to transfer all of the parts to a new gearbox shell.

3
Tech Questions / Maxx Hop Up in KWA VM4
« on: March 13, 2020, 08:22:43 PM »
I've been meaning to make some tech write ups on some things I've been working on, more or less just to have the info in one spot, accessible, and organized to some degree. As well, to potentially answer questions on compatibility that others might be wondering.

So for this post, I was tasked with installing an aftermarket hop up unit into a KWA VM4A1 with the AEG2.5 gearbox. Owner originally wanted a Prowin installed, but due to the design of the receiver, there isn't room for the tall top portion on the Prowin unit. The stock KWA unit has a very low profile top area, where the arm is. For the Prowin to be installed, it would require a fair amount of modification to the upper receiver above the base of the outer barrel for it to fit.

The Maxx ME-PRO hop up unit fits down the outer barrel and in the receiver without and modifications to either.

Modifications needed:
-You will need to grind the ridge on the top of the proprietary nozzle flush with the rest of the nozzle for full movement within the hop up unit.

-As well for the bb release tab, about 1mm or so needs to be ground away from the bottom of the gearbox shell towards the front.
(without this material removed, magazines are difficult to lock in and cause a compression loss. This build, shooting 410 properly, was shooting 230-250)

And just some other reference to parts in the build, as its all working smooth now:
-Maxx ME-PRO hop up unit(w/o barrel spring)
-Maple Leaf 370mm barrel
-Modify Soft Flat hop bucking
Everything else is currently stock on the gun.

NOTE: This is only for the M4 models, not the QRF MODS, TK.45s or other non 556 models. The pistol caliber models all have proprietary hop up units to each design.

4
AEG / G&P i5 Gearbox
« on: July 15, 2018, 02:40:49 PM »
I had the chance to get my hands on a G&P i5 gearbox recently, thanks to Gunny87. So while I have the chance, and as it is pretty new, I figured I would do a write up on its features and my thoughts and opinions on it.

So let us start with the outside of the gearbox; Right side



Use G&Ps standard 2mm hex screws:
3 short above the cylinder
5 long along the bottom
and a single short screw about where the trigger axle would be.

Along the top toward the front of the gearbox, both above and below the cylinder, there is what looks like the facilities for a mock bolt and bolt catch very much akin to that on a Krytac. But unlike a Krytac, there is a rectangular hole just below the front of the cylinder that provides access to the tappet plate spring, similar to the design of the V7 gearbox. A nice feature to further release spring tensions before opening up the shell.

Moving further back, there is a large plastic rectangular box. This is merely the top protective housing for the electronic trigger board.

Behind that, there looks to be a slightly modified ambi bar hole, for what I imagine to be future options to add an ambidextrous selector switch or for models that might include that feature.

G&P's standard 8mm bearings. Some of the best stock bearings in my opinion.

A small hole for easy access to apply lubrication to the gears.

And in the rear, added support around the rear body pin hole. I could see this potentially causing issues with receiver fitment and/or alignment, but could also aid in those as well as stability.

Flipping over to the left side of the shell:



Again in the front, with the Krytac-esk bolt catch/release system.

Groves with little tabs to retain wires for front wiring configurations.

Proprietary selector plate that appears to be a hybrid of sorts. It is similar in function to that of Ares with a small magnet imbedded in the plate and with a tab that moves above the trigger for the safety. The other half of the plate looks to be about the same as most V2. It has a spring secured by a 2mm hex screw that gives the selector tension and stability.

Under the selector is the electronic trigger board. Secured by 3 small Philips head screws. When the screws are removed, the board just lifts right out.

Moving around the lower and back outer edge of the gearbox is a convenient channel for the wiring. This helps to separate the electrical from moving mechanical components and potential damage. But the damage with this design can happen more so during assembly/disassembly if proper caution isn't taken as the wiring passes under where the grip alignment ridges go.

Then all the way in the back is the mosfet held in by 2 small Philips head scews




And on top, probably the most notable feature of the system, the quick change spring guide through the top of the gearbox. Requiring only to take off the upper receiver and buffer tube screw and to pried out with a flat head or similar tool. But this also requires the piston to come to rest in forward position, which can be difficult as it is recommended to just cycle the gun and hope it ends up fully forward.

The electronic trigger board




Mosfet




Inside the gearbox:



Standard G&P compression set, including a tapered cylinder, metal cylinder head, metal O-ring nozzle, and G&P's 3 port "jelly bean" piston head.

Could be just with this specific gearbox, but this one has a 14 total tooth piston, with the 2nd to last removed and the last 3 release teeth being metal.

To pair with the 14 tooth piston, a 14 tooth sector gear. From counting teeth and using an online calculator, it has a torquier gearset in the 25:1 ratio range.
The sector gear looks to be pretty on par with previous offerings from G&P, but the spur and bevel are a little bit different. The bevel has what seems like a nylon buffer set into the top of the gear. My guess to reduce friction and possibly to adapt to tighter shimming. The spur looks to be made of a better steel than what I have seen in previous G&Ps.

The tappet plate is proprietary, but does not look too far off to where a standard aftermarket part can't be modified to work. Proper measurements and cuts for material to be removed and I could see any standard aftermarket option working.





In the top half, only 2 things of note really:

-Proprietary trigger/trigger spring
-And the top casing for the electronic trigger board can be pushed out.

It doesn't have the old style of shell reinforcement so low ratio gears are an option.


COMPATIBILITY:

Compatible with standard TM spec parts:
-Piston
-Piston head
-Nozzle
-Cylinder head
-Spring
-Gearset
-Bushing/Bearings
-Anti Reversal Latch & spring

Potentially compatible with modifications:
-Tappet plate
-Spring guide(would still take standard spring guides, but the quick change feature wouldn't hold)

Proprietary:
-Gearbox shell
-Trigger
-Wiring harness/Mosfet
-Tappet plate spring

FINAL THOUGHTS

Overall, it is really nice to see innovation and new products and parts coming from G&P. But I wish there was just a couple more things, even just one, that would have been incorporated into the shell; an anti reversal latch release. This would make releasing the spring tension and swapping springs MUCH easier, as well as just better for the gun all around. There are numerous ways it has been done by other companies before such as ICS and G&G, or they could have even just drilled a hole in the shell similar to that on VFC gearbox shells.

This is NOT the gearbox for anyone looking to drop a Gate Titan, BTC Chimera/Spectre or other TM spec V2 style trigger board mosfet into.

5
Tech Questions / G&G ETU red light error
« on: April 18, 2018, 10:10:24 PM »
Since the isn't much easily found info on diagnosing the blinking red light codes on the G&G ETU, I figured I would make a post with my experiences.

So most recently, on a freshly installed ETU which was replacing one burnt in a lipo meltdown, was working fine for me when returned to the owner, but when they plugged everything in to go play, they would plug in w battery, and pull the trigger, and the gun did nothing. The mosfet blinked when the trigger was pulled.

Issue: motor connectors were not securely connected.

Luckily it was a nice easy fix. But other possibilities might include:

-low battery voltage
-sector in wrong position

I am not sure what all other possible reasons it might blink, but as people encounter it, feel free to add to this thread so we can figure things out and have a resource for those looking for answers.

6
SCAMMER Threads / Hop Up Scammers
« on: February 14, 2018, 03:59:37 PM »
Post here an names/details on known or suspected scammers on the HopUp app.

Hunter Dean a.k.a.
"Brandon Tomas"
Instagram: _hcd_
479 Hoover Rd
Sanford NC, 20322
Has stolen a Polarstar Fusion Engine V2 Gen 3 Amped Airsoft edition, with multiple accessories from myself.
And an APS red scheme gun from someone else last week.
"In trade" for
A Redline Airstock Gen 1 and a Wolverine Inferno Gen 2.

7
Off Topic / Favorite/EDC pocket knives
« on: October 13, 2017, 05:12:23 PM »
What are everyones favorite knives to carry for utility or just to have? I've been in the market ever since my favorite knife broke the pocket clip.

8
The Gallery / T6's Collection Thread
« on: October 06, 2017, 05:37:31 PM »
I don't think I have ever posted pictures of my collection at any point in time and thought it would be about time seeimg as I just took some the other day. (Minus an Elite Force H8R)

So here goes:








The "Pistol" collection(minus the H8R)




The Shotgun collection



Added 11/4/17




My H&K family




5.56 platforms




HPA platforms




And a few more



9
Off Topic / Blank Guns
« on: September 28, 2017, 11:49:05 PM »
So in working at Commandos in Roseville, and having blank guns for sale there, I am rather clueless when it comes to them. I have been curious what local laws and restrictions might be on them. I always get asked, and haven't been able to give a clear answer. I know you need to be 21+ to purchase, but that's mostly the extent.

Anyone here have any experience or input on the subject?

10
Accessories & Ammo / AK Optics
« on: September 24, 2017, 10:17:44 PM »
I have been trying to figure out what I want to do in terms of optics for my CYMA AKS74MN. I currently have a side rail mount and am running my VisionKing Shortdot scope on it. I feel it is very heavy and cumbersome and could be streamlined a bit. I have always been partial to putting a more "traditional"/etc optic on it such as a PSO-1 or POSP to keep with that look. I'm curious how I should go about it.

I'm primarily looking for some magnification, preferably no higher than 4x(nice eye relief is a plus), not concerned about it being illuminated, for it to properly fit on my platform and not have alignment issues.
In looking at PSO/POSP replicas, they usually run around $100-$120 range, and most don't have the greatest reviews, as well are mostly advertised for the SVD/Dragunov platform(which has a lower clearance than an AK from what I can tell from research and some hands on). And the real deal is MUCH more than I'm will to pay as I'm not THAT devoted to it.
If anyone has had any experiences with any, please share! Not looking for the best, but something decent and affordable.

If nothing renders in that search, I have considered other more direct mounts for the shortdot, but am unsure how fitment and clearances would be with some thing like this:
https://www.amazon.com/Midwest-Industries-30mm-Sight-MI-AK-RD/dp/B0097A9UEG
Which is quite a bit to drop on just a mount, which I'm unsure will even fit properly. (It will fit the scope diameter, butI not sure how the rest of the scope would be, if interfering with the dust cover or iron sights or other parts of the externals)

My current issue is that I can't put it far enough forward to be comfortable, where I can lean into my gun and see what I need to. Possibly a rear sight rail? But how sturdy are those? Has anyone had any experience with them?

11
Seller/Buyer Ratings / Spartan 2-5
« on: September 11, 2017, 05:32:37 PM »
Sold him an 416c style stock. Great communication, prompt payment, nice, quick and clean over all. Would do business with again.

+1

12
Seller/Buyer Ratings / Centurion
« on: July 30, 2017, 12:38:14 PM »
Sold him some items. Good communication. Would do business with again. +1

13
Seller/Buyer Ratings / VooDoo
« on: June 02, 2017, 01:56:11 AM »
Figured I would start him a thread on the new forum as he doesn't have one here yet.
Old forum, where he went by slackerv8: http://miairsoft.proboards.com/thread/47744/slackerv8

And a review:

I've been doing business with him for years, be it buying, selling, trading, repairs or more. Have never had a bad experience. If anything ever might go awry, he makes it right as best he can. Great guy.
Probably the most recent trade was a KJW M700 package for an MP5K that was in need of repair, and an ASG CZ P-09, which needed some fixing initially. I was a little upset by the initial nonfunctional state of the P-09, informed him of it, and (without me really asking for any/much compensation) sent me a box full to the brim of assorted stuff!

Every instance might differ, but I can tell you, you won't be disappointed if you do business with him.

14
Clothing & Load Bearing Gear / WileyX SG1 RX
« on: May 02, 2017, 02:08:49 PM »
So with a recent trip to the optometrist/eye doctor, and the consideration of actually playing this year, I thought I would look around at what the RX options were for goggles.

I had always thought you could just find a place that made a complete replacement lens for say some Revision Desert Locusts, as in the whole goggle lens, but from my research, there are only inserts that attach internally to the goggle which the prescription lenses are fit into.

And from my experience with wearing glasses under goggles, I would assume these inserts would undergo the same fogging issues as traditional glasses-under-goggles would.

A little more research, I find the highly regarded WileyX SG1s.
https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.opticsplanet.com/wileyx-rx-sunglasses.html%3F_iv_amp%3D1

So I'm pretty interested in these, and will be more than willing to drop the dough so long as they fit well and work how they should.

Has anyone had these at any point, have any input?
On the sight I linked, there are 2 options, one specifying "gaskets only", the other not. I'm somewhat confused on that and would love to clear that up.

15
Seller/Buyer Ratings / Exile
« on: December 03, 2016, 12:53:52 AM »
Starting a thread for him as he appears to not have one yet.

Traded a KWA Kriss Vector and 5 magazines for his TM M870 Breacher lot +$200. Was very pleased with the experience. Great guy. Great communications. When he first approached me about buying the Vector, he mentioned working out a "payments" plan, so that he wouldn't "spend it all in one place." While we ended up working out the trade, looking at my experience with him, I would trust that he would be good for it.

Always good to have some info on experiences, I really believe it helps the community and individual with building trust and reputation.

But overall, couldn't be happier! +1

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