Ebeneezer Goode

"Extremely heavily upgraded" Translation:- fucked about with and probably a rolling wreck. An overpriced one at that.

Nice job.

Just what the market needs, another tarted up 1911...

Yeah, got to be careful with chemicals and plastics. That's why I just painted over the two tone rather than try to strip it.

I just painted over mine. Halfords OD camo paint worked a treat.

Can't say I disagree, some fiddly wee bits to lose if you're careless. Getting the trigger to seat properly in the shell to allow both sides to close properly was the most fiddly point of the whole exercise. I somehow managed to align the three gears in their bearings in the shell before slotting in the trigger and getting both sides closed with each other. Also I have a QC spring which I'm sure makes things a lot easier. My Lancer also has the same feature.

I did say "should"... there again this is airsoft!

I sprayed some silicone lubricant in there (home bargains, handy for the treadmill) so hopefully should last a while.

The V2 was designed for use in AR15/M4/M16s so should fit any AR15 style reciever.

Thanks @Davegolf - in this case the leak was a loose fit between the bucking and hop unit, however I did also check the hop-to-gearbox mating as that's the next most obvious culprit for a leak. Very good point though. And @Rogerborggood tip re: magnets! Haven't had the V2 in my M933 apart yet but it's working fine - not going to muck about with that unless something goes awry. Only regreased the V3 box as I had it apart for investigation and although I (correctly) suspected the hop unit I wanted to check all else was OK. No stripped or damaged teeth, metal shavings etc and compression/seals all good. Certainly puts any claims to bed about APS' supposedly keech build quality, I was pleasantly surprised, gearbox seems a well built and solid unit.

Had the UAR apart (again) today to solve a niggly ongoing FPS/hop issue which I (correctly) suspected was an air leak. While I was at it I decided to check the cylinder air seal and the general condition of the gearbox, seeing as I've had the gun a couple of years now. As its my first time inside an AEG's guts I thought I'd share my thoughts... Armed with Poundland's finest Rolson mini screwdrivers and a YT video explaining V3 gearbox disassembly/reassembly, I cracked on. Disassembly was a piece of cake. Motor removed via two screws, remove the selector levers, three (or was it four? Cannae remember) hold the shell together plus (on the UAR v3 box) a big clip on the top holding both parts together - wee bit fiddly to remove but doable with some force and not too much swearing. Inside things are pretty simple - three gears, AR latch, cyl/piston and trigger. I removed the cylinder as I wanted to check the seal on the head. Holding my finger against the nozzle and pushing the piston I was pleasantly sueprised to find an excellent seal - no further problems there. A good spray of silicone in the cylinder and then checked the gears. There wasn't much grease in there - I was expecting a mess - so I sprayed some white lithium grease on the gears and shims and, satisfied all was well, went about putting it all back together. The infamous AR latch was actually quite simple to keep in place, the trigger was fiddly but got there in the end after holding it all down firmly in place and screwing the shell together again. The big clip was then slid over the rail at the top of the box to keep it all together - simpler than removal - and then the selector levers were put on again. Next, I examined the hop unit, which was clear there was an air leak there - the hop rubber slid out way too easily, so I added some electrical tape I had lying about and instantly solved the issue. After putting it all back together test shots were now reading 1.07j - back to what the gun was before this started (power dropped to 0.85j and dropped low as 0.3 when any hop applied). So, first time teching experience. My thoughts... There's a lot of fear around AEG internals - having seen first hand and done work, it's honestly not that hard. Granted different gearboxes will have completely different layouts but honestly, I found this pretty simple. Even without the YT video I reckon I'd have managed OK. Secondly... quite a few little bits to lose. Clean, flat, well-lit work area is an absolute myst, along with little storage cups or similar for stopping all those wee bits getting lost. I briefly goofed by losing the hop nub in the carpet - wife and kids dustracting me, they got the blame - 20 minutes of much swearing and anxious hunting ensued before it was found safe and well. Thirdly, I achieved this with basic household tools. I'm sure there's better gearbox lubricant than white lithium but that's what I had in the garage and I'm sure it won't do harm. It certainly sounds smoother and quieter cycling than previously. My view is anyone with the most basic mechanical knowledge and with a set of poundland screwdrivers could fix an AEG. I'd go as far as say I enjoyed it and it's certainly helped demystify these mysterious machines so many of us are scared to touch. Eezer G

In my experience which is exclusively sub-£200 budget gnus as that's my budget - I'd say that any of the big names will serve any beginner perfectly well, and most are available under £150. -CYMA - A good safe bet, they just work and seem to last really well. The CM513 is brilliant, mock suppressor and tons of RIS space. Their AKs are legendary and highly recommended. CM048 is next on my want list. Probably the best choice here. -JG - Another safe bet, again they just work. Provides "different" platforms like MP5s, M14s, G3s, G36s etc. -Specna - Their Core series is decent, Edge IMO should be avoided, everyone knows someone who's had an Edge that's had the complicated electronics or notorious Orion gearbox poo itself at an awkward moment and ruining a skirmish day. Would pick a CYMA or LT instead but that's just me. -Double Eagle - The Honey Badger series has gained a real cult following for lots of features often seen on Gnus double their price - I haven't tried one but lots of fans out there, seeing them appear regularly and everyone has nothing but praise. -Lancer Tactical - Controversial opinion, but I'd recommend them for beginners, lots of features for the money and imternals seem decent. The plastic they use for construction feels more sturdy than most other manufacturers at this price point. I have the M933 Gen 2. It's great cheap thrills, a real hoot, best 100 quid I spent in airsoft! -G&G - Have a good rep, excellent quality but their prices seem to have inflated considerably over the past couple of years. Overpriced for what they are IMHO but otherwise a safe bet for something that will just work. Couple of points to make for beginner AEGs:- -Don't get too hung up on metal bodies - yes its "more realistic" but a) it makes it heavier and b) the metal used in many airsoft guns, especially at this price point, tends to be pretty shit. Plus plastic doesn't rust... -Forget "upgrades". Most AEGs are decent out of the box and only require routine maintenance to keep them working nicely. Parts only really need replacing if they get worn out/broken, like hop rubbers, barrels, motors etc. Focus on getting your game good, your aim, your fitness and your tactics and being part of a team. Those are the important things. Fancy high-end pieces or "uPgRaDeD" frankensteins, i.e. the airsoft equivalent of a tarted-up Vauxhall Nova (and just as unreliable, unless done by someone who knows what they are up to), do not make you a better player. -Snipers, DMRs etc. seem "cool" (and they are to an extent), however its a different way of playing and requires a lot of patience, practice and investment to get right - something that most beginners don't have. Learn the basics first. Learn about communication, team tactics, getting fit, learn your site and the different attack points, defensive points, ways to move, bits you can camp in etc. Once you learn the game you can then look at the different roles within a team and look at things like being a marksman etc. The most important point in all of this however is something that many miss - HAVE FUN! Eezer G

Thanks for the feedback gents. Looks like I'll finally be able to get my USP9 mags after all. Oo-rah!

I was about to post a thread regarding WGC Shop then I saw this. As it seems to be the only place right now that has VFC/Umarex USP9 mags - rarer than rocking horse keech apparently - I was wondering if anyone had experiences of lighter non-RIF packages from them, what charges are etc. I'm only looking at buying two so should be a very small package. I did find on EBay a TM USP9 mag however I'm not sure if its compatible with the Umarex. Serves me right. should've bought a 1911 or Deagle but no, I had to be smartthick and want the sci-fi-ey USP didn't I, and then found out the mags are non-existent. I did chib the retailer a few times but their reply was "meh".

I had a recent Evri delivery (car part from EBay) unceremoniously dumped in our bin without a "sorry you were out card". It was only when I checked the tracking the next day wondering where it was that I found the photo of said item in our bin... thankfully it hadn't yet been collected otherwise it would have been fed to the recycling wagon. Cowboys.

Utterly beyond me why anyone would attempt to send a RIF via Evri, let alone anything else. Feel sorry for the OP getting shafted like that. I hope you got your money back from the seller... Would like to think most of us airsoft folks are well aware of laws and regulations surrounding RIFs and Couriers' Ts&Cs but there's no accounting for ignorance it seems.

I think the problem with HFC is that many of their products are low-end (BBGnuz websites' fodder) and therefore many regard the brand as keech. Haven't had any experience with Ares, however in my opinion they are overpriced for what they are - just my view.

Brands to avoid - absolutely swerve from Raven - mate bought one of their G18s, shat itself out of the box. Both mags pished gas out everywhere at first firing, at chrono on one of the warmest days of the year. Have heard other anecdotes from airsoft comrades who have also had similar experiences with Raven pistols - enough to put me off. Just as well as I was eyeing up one of their MEU 1911s for a while until my mate's experience. SRC also pretty gash. Most SRC stuff I've come across is bbgunz4lesh "bundel" (sic) quality, i.e. risible shite fit for the bin. LT are actually OK for the money, mine (M933) has been flawless over the past 2 years. Decent internals and hop. Remains a favorite of mine. That said, a VERY chequered past as noted previously including the utterly unforgivable eyepro situation, although I understand they are "under new management" and have put a lot of things right, apparently. Their AEGs seem to have a lot of decent features for the price point. Reddit users have a major beef with LT, although I suspect its because Reddit is full of hyper Yanks and teenagers who jump on bandwagons in an attempt to appear "knowledgeable", explode with rage at anyone who disagrees with them, plus they're all gear snobs. There again - others may have had a bad experience with LT. Who knows. APS get a bad rap generally, the in-joke being that APS stands for "A Piece of Shit", there again my UAR has like my LT933 been pretty decent, aside from a minor air leak that required some minor fettling to resolve, something that happens with any brand really.

Da, nice collection Tovarisch.

Good point and one I'm not averse to - although I am rather more old school and take people at their word. So if something is advertised at price x, that's the price, no nudge nudge wink wink ere ahhs abaaht a deal then me old mucka. Can't be arsed. If it's advertised on your site at x that's what I pay, or decide to go elsewhere if x is too dear. As for InstaSpam and ShitTok, pah, a pox on their houses.

Preaching to the converted my friend. Scottish Highlands, we get sodomised mercilessly by courier charges as we are "not part of the mainland" despite the map saying otherwise and that A9 going all the way from Stirling to Thurso. 😡

Literally a 1kg bag, i.e. sod all. A joke considering a RIF from the same supplier is £20 for delivery (still excessive IMO but at least understandable). As I say, they've fucked themselves with their own cock as far as I'm concerned.

Aye, but if I buy any more gnus Mrs. Goode will be having ma baws as ear-rings. Otherwise I'd be after it quicker than a Scotsman goes after a chip van.

Very very nice. I want one.

I recently went online to a well-known and regarded airsoft retailer I have used many times in the past without issue to stock up on some BBs, only to find I was quoted a shocking £12.99 in shipping (more than the cost of the BBs themselves). Previously it was half this for non-RIF packages like BBs, gun addon tat, clothing etc. I know the cost pressures everyone is facing - my wife has a business and has had to change couriers due to exorbitant costs (mainly due to the out of control price of fuel). I can understand courier charges for RIFs, need for insurance, secure transit/delivery etc. However to charge more for shipping than the price of an item definitely ventures into the arena of taking the piss. With Royal Mail the size of said package would cost no more than a fiver... I went instead to EBay and bought there, for the same total price the well-known retailer quoted and got double the amount of BBs. Shipping was included in the price too. Said well-known retailer has now lost my business forever. Sad really.