EDcase

They are strong enough but personally I wouldn't use them because they're not sealed around the edges so a BB can get underneath from certain angles.

Agreed. FatBoy40, better to have a bearing on the spring guide only. The piston head should be as light as possible to reduce impact forces on the gearbox shell.

Yeah, 22rps is plenty. A box mag will enable the suppressive effect but as TacticalPith mentioned, its a bit less practical in general skirmish games. Anyone who wants to play as LMG can just use a drum mag with a HoneyBadger or MP5. I think some sites do restrict that which is good.

Yeah TNLoki, return it if you can. Avoid wasting your money and the grief when it fails during a game day. If you want M4 style THIS or THIS CYMA will be far better.

Welcome Alex. Check the sites near you HERE You'll have to check where they do Milsim. Read about UKARA requirements HERE Its annoying you have to go through it but that's UK law at the moment. Lots of info on the forum so have a look around and hope you have a good time.

Lookin good ? You gota get a STAR XR-5 to go with the outfit ? Its basically an M4 with a body kit so it takes M4 mags. (From a US site to show the range)

Yes, its possible but not noticing safe isn't working or a missing screw is a bit dubious.

As said above, if it shoots then it could be described as 'working'. Yeah, the seller is a bit of a douche for not stating all the things wrong with it but that's the second-hand market for you. Its also up to the buyer to probe for any possible failures in the description. (This is why its generally riskier for new players to buy used) Whenever you buy used you have to be ready to do some tinkering and fixing up even if all seems fine. Doesn't sound like there's anything seriously wrong with it. Have a careful look to see if the selector plate has any damage or wear that would limit its movement.

Just going by what I see: I'm assuming 20% needs to be added plus possible import fees so its not all roses

Shipping to UK is back on with (temporary) free delivery ? But likely to get hit with other fees.

Yeah, I'd say get the one you like the look of most. Sounds like its going to be on a shelf most of the time anyway. The performance of any of those should be good enough to play in woodland or cqb and can always be improved. I've heard the AA L85 isn't great but if you like the look of it and its cheap enough then why not. It should still give you some good game days. Its not that hard to fit a basic MosFet so you can fit or replace one if you want to get into a bit of teching. I wouldn't listen to Mr Negative too much. He spouted about the Ares L1A1 being crap and hard to work on but I worked on mine no problem and it shoots really well. And I'm not a tech by any standard. I have a JG Aug which was less than £150. I haven't used it in a game yet but testing in the garden indicates it shoots really well.

I would have advised to get a more recognised make of rifle and some Li-Po batteries but I hope you have fun with your purchases ?

Yeah, the cover is definitely not a precision made part. (Just like a real one ?) Its OK to bend the top cover a bit if you see where it needs some adjustment. Just do small changes at a time.

I think you're not pushing the cover forward enough. If you look carefully where the front end goes you'll notice a groove that matches the shape of the cover. Push the cover into that groove. It may be quite tight if the cover doesn't match the shape exactly. (which is often the case) Then while still pushing forward at the front push down the rear past the release catch. (You can push in the catch as you push down on the cover) The cover should sit on the inside of the lower body. Back end should look like this when properly seated.

Looks like an old RC connector. Doubt you'll find one to be honest. Also those batteries have different chemistries, one is Ni-Cd (Nickel Cadmium) and the other is Ni-Mh (Nickel Metal Hydride) You could use the same charger but its not recommended as they would charge at different rates so the charge time would be different. Yes, there is a jump from the very low quality plastic throw away ones to half decent and reliable ones. A bit of research is always recommended before any purchases. You really should get a 7.2v Li-Po battery and decent charger then fit Deans connectors to everything. You'll be able to use that battery with any gun after that. The CM033 is very good (I have one) Not as heavy as the real thing of course but a good weight to it and shoots very well. I've heard the Double Bell Kar98K is also very good. Repeated bolt pull might be a strain for a young one depending on age but its arguably more satisfying than just pulling the trigger repeatedly with an electric one like the CM033. Then again, the CM033 has full auto which is also fun. Whatever you get, make sure to clean the barrel before using a new gun. (It really can make a difference to the performance)

Think of it as an investment since it can be transferred to a new purchase in the future...

Welcome anyway ?

True, but our favourite shop 'Patrolbase' only offer the choices of Red, Green or Blue. Places like BBguns4less have other colours but you have to be careful what you buy there.

Welcome mate ? All the info you need is in the forum ? You just have to find it ? Unfortunately the choice is lower than it should be because stock is very low everywhere.

Out of curiosity, did you get a black one or was part of it in a bright colour? (Legally it should be half painted red, green or blue) Its likely a problem with the low quality charger and battery but as Roger said, it may not be worth investing more money into that purchase unless you can try a different battery. How are you at soldering? If you can do basic soldering to change the plugs then its worth getting a Li-Po battery and charger to try because you'll also be able to use them with any other rifles you buy (assuming they fit) If your son really likes AKs I would recommend this one as a starter. https://bbguns4less.co.uk/products/cyma-cm522-ak47-with-full-stock-in-blue.html There would normally be other cheaper options but unfortunately there's a national stock shortage at the moment which will likely last into the next year. Is he set on an AK type? THIS or THIS are the cheapest available alternatives. Or a spring sniper rifle which doesn't need batteries at all. https://www.patrolbase.co.uk/airsoft-two-tone-sniper-rifles Pulling the cocking handle back does take some effort so only really suitable for ages 12 and up I would guess. (Make sure to select a 'Two Tone' colour option when ordering)

It might come across as a bit mean to someone who isn't used to the humour around here ?

Push the grip and body together as you pull on the pin. It may be caught on a lip.

Lets just say that I didn't run over to the bush to find out... ?

This is also handy for some extra tips...

Flash mags are also very loud to wind. I hear 'zip-zip-zip' and I know my mate is hiding in a bush about 10 metres away ?