Hello! + H&K416a5 help

[Mikaris]

Hey all, newbie from Australia here. Excited to be a part of the community!

I'm after some advice and opinions.

After a long time wanting to get into the world of airsoft and after a weekend at reforger just outside London, I've been researching airsoft almost 24/7 for the past week while I've been on holiday and I'm keen to get my first rifle.

Now that I've read everything related I could find at least twice or thrice in these past few days, I need some opinions before I actually go insane.

Essentially, I'm torn between which brand 416a5 to get.

I've narrowed it down to a few and mostly leaning towards either the E&C or Double Bell I think:

Specna SA-H11 or H12 https://www.patrolbase.co.uk/specna-arms-sa-h12-one-tm-carbine

E&C 111 (416a5)

https://www.defconairsoft.co.uk/product/ec-airsoft-416a5-full-metal-tan/

Arcturus GR16 Mod 5 https://www.tsairsoft.com/arcturus-gr16-mod5-hk416a5

Double Bell 416 a5 https://wolfarmouries.co.uk/double-bell-416-a5-airsoft-aeg-dark-earth.html

What I know so far and questions:

- Specna QC issues (does this affect the h11 and 12 though? Are they newer or older, better or worse than the h21 and 22 (apart from the obvious mofset)?

- E&C QC is meant to be better, and considering its down from £329 to £249 (cheaper than the double bell) that might be a good option. Is the E&C better, because it's normally more expensive...?

- Arcturus proprietary gearbox... not ideal as I imagine I'll want to upgrade it in the future

- Double Bell seems good and maybe better build quality than E&C?

- Differing barrel lengths between E&C and Double Bell?

This'll be my first replica, but I don't mind teching and upgrading things, I might not straight away unless its strongly recommended, but I'm sure I will down the track. I suppose I'm looking for a solid starter with a good frame that I can tinker with when I get around to it.

Some sources of information from the countless I've sifted through so far:

https://airsoft-forums.uk/topic/48883-double-bell-by-813s-hk416a5-almost/ - review of double bell

https://youtu.be/N3IBuBdZk8Y - very in depth positive review of arcturus

https://www.airsoftaction.net/specna-arms-h-series/ - specna review

I understand that people might say VFC/Umarex and TM, but they're quite expensive by the looks of especially in the UK, and I'm not sure I want to invest that much just yet into something that many say you need to upgrade anyway.

Sorry for the long post,

Thanks all in advance

 

[SerialNoodle]

I've had experience with them so I can lend a hand.

You're slightly correct with Arcturus. Whilst they have proprietary Electronic Trigger Unit, it's still a regular V2 gearbox, so upgrades are fine for the most part. Arcturus externals and qualities are also excellent from my experience.

E&C is essentially just as good as Arcturus, slightly better perhaps. I like that they have trademarks, plus they don't have proprietary ETUs, so upgrades are fine.

Not quite sure about Double Bell, from what I've heard, their quality isn't outstanding.

Specna Arms are decent, their externals are surprisingly nice, they do sound a bit whiney out of the box however. Internals are fine for upgrades as well.

Because it was also mentioned, VFC and TM. Expensive but the external quality and detailing is the best out of all. Internals will last if you don't touch them but are incredibly annoying and finicky if you don't really know what you're doing.

Overall, I'd probably suggest E&C. They have very good quality, and they're good for upgrades.

Hope this helps

 

[Lozart]

IIRC E&C still OEM the Specna One series.

The E&C branded ones have the correct rear sight though. Personally I'd say either the Specna or the E&C.

 

[Paul H]

IIRC E&C still OEM the Specna One series.

The E&C branded ones have the correct rear sight though. Personally I'd say either the Specna or the E&C.

Pretty much what I was going to ad and hi.

Have a think about am optic very least a green/red dot lazer for fast target acquisition  o ise a 551 copy mostly and like it a lot.

Worth checking on availability and cost of spare mags as you'll  need a handful.  High capacity tend to rattle and are wind up but can hold 500 rounds! I prefer sprung mid caps usually 100approx x rounds horses for courses but being well  camoflaged with mags rattling as you move is not ideal.  Have a think about a secondary/pistol and mags too. Some deals on many sights atm G19 is a good size and all-rounder WE or Umarex won't break the bank, upgradeable and pretty good value.

G18c with fully auto option and extended mags is a hoot and gets the job done.

Hello and enjoy.

fwiw i was. Convinced I wanted an mp5k-sd6 as barrel can be easily extended within the fake suppressor. I bought it and it's great. I also bought a g36c a few months later. Not sure why, not made of money but i got one think i must have been watching Line of Duty. Its my favourite long by a long chalk. Handles great, fits me great and a lot of fun.  G36c Stock folds for cqb and its able to shoot decent groups at 25m The MP5 hardly gets a look in. I wouldn't  spend a fortune on my first gun knowing what I now know but buy good. Specna and E&C are both good makes. If you really like the 416 you can upgrade it. Start with barrel and hop before heading to the gearbox  I've fitted laylax prometheus  inner barrels and where possible & better hop units or just the rubber parts and got better accuracy & consistency maybe a little fps improvement too.

Sorry for the brain dump.