Evike Custom SR47 "Challenge Kit" (SOCOM-47)
Nov 10, 2013 12:41:21 GMT -5
Post by triggs (SABR) on Nov 10, 2013 12:41:21 GMT -5
Full Album Review – Evike SOCOM 47 Kit
Evike Custom “SOCOM-47” SR47 Challenge Kit
- Real Steel History
- Overview
- Accessories
- Externals review
- Assembly
- Final Thoughts and Upgradeability
Real Steel History
The SR-47 is a modern assault rifle based on the AR-15 family of rifles created by Knight's Armament Company for USSOCOM. Unlike the majority of guns based around ArmaLite design, the SR-47 is essentially an AR-15 that fires the Soviet 7.62×39mm round from AK-47 magazines, which explains the "47" in the gun's name. The rifle was created after soldiers on long missions in Operation Enduring Freedom complained of running out of 5.56×45mm NATO ammunition for their M4 carbines but having plenty of captured AK-47 magazines. The SR-47 is basically an M4 that will accept standard AK-47 magazines rather than NATO STANAG M16/M4 mags, along with other minor modifications common to KAC's designs. (taken from www.wikipedia.com )
Overview
HurricanE is a long standing company known for manufacturing the strange or rare in the airsoft community. However, their kits are expensive when found in stock, and some have been out of production for a years. Two kits, the Barrett M82 and the Knights Armament Company (KAC) SR-47 have always been on my to-buy list. However, with a cost exceeding many top end complete rifles for a barebones “challenge kit” they have never been feasible.
Until now! This time, Evike has stepped up and released a HurricanE based clone of the original body kit. So, when I heard they had finally been released after waiting almost a year, I decided to pick one up to satisfy my curiosity (and grab a unique rifle at the same time). The initial release was a very limited run (rumors say a total of three) of custom built, complete rifles. However, having no interest in the built-up rifles, I chose to wait for the rumored “challenge kit.”
Accessories
Technically these are not accessories per say, however, since this review focuses on the kit itself and not a completed rifle we’ll call them what they are.
Basically the kit includes everything required to assemble the body and have it ready to drop in the internals, and the rest of the external components. The only thing that is not included is the trigger guard. For whatever reason, Evike chose not to include a standard KAC one. This is a plus since there are many alternatives that may be more comfortable to users, but is a bit of a downside since everything else is included.
- Nonfunctional bolt catch
- Dummy charging, mock bolt, dust cover, and associated hardware
- Selector switch, and associated hardware
- Magazine catch, and associated hardware
- Body pins, and associated hardware
There are a few duplicate parts such as the charging handle spring, and selector switch plate. I’m not sure exactly how or why this happened, but it’s apparently normal according to other reviews of the kit.
Externals Review
Well, where to start…I guess first its worth mentioning that the entire kit only came in a sealed ziplock style bag, featuring a cleanly printed Evike logo. Inside, the body was safely and securely wrapped in bubblewrap, and the parts were neatly and safely tucked inside of the shell, except for the selector switch which was in a separate sealed bag that looked like it had been thrown in before being sealed in the Evike bag.
One thing I would like to mention before going further into the body; before its release I read a rather amusing comment about this being just another “tactical AK.” No, this was a purpose built rifle with a specific function in mind and it really has no relationship to any Russian made AK, except for the fact it uses standard AK47 magazines. In all fact, it shares more similarities with the M4 and SR25 platform. With that said, the airsoft version is just a kit made for someone either looking for a unique M4 styled rifle, or magazine compatibility with the rest of their friends or arsenal.
There has been speculation as to exactly who the OEM is for the metal body since it’s pretty much a given that Evike did not contract with a company to make them just for them. With that in mind I have some good, and bad, points with the body. For starters the body feels a little lightweight considering its size and bulk. It’s a cheap pot metal, so I wouldn’t count on rough housing with the rifle too much. However, I really have no idea just what the metal looks like since it’s cleanly painted and the trademarks are laser etched and cleanly cut.
Speaking of trademarks, this is an entire section unto itself. Unlike the original HurricanE kit, the Evike Custom kit features mock trademarks to avoid copyright infringement. The left side of the lower receiver features a unique serial number (yay I own SOC47 #0057) and fake manufacturing information. The selector has nicely cut safe-semi-full auto markings as well. The right side is bare, except for a large Evike logo cut into the magwell.
The upper receiver features “SOCOM-47 Professional Training Rifle” on the left side, but is blank on the right.
The hopup is the only internal part included. This is due to its proprietary design to allow AK mags to feed with a standard version 2 M4 gearbox (and associated parts). This is the only piece that comes unpainted and gives any idea about the possible metal quality. As you can see the picture shows a very distinct color variation in the two halves. This is somewhat concerning, but only time will tell if the parts will last.
Assembly
Evike doesn’t call this a challenge kit for nothing, without any included instructions you’re basically left to your own devices and know-how to assemble the body. Honestly though, if you’ve ever took apart an M4 or seen one it’s fairly straight forward. Each of the small bags of parts go together on their part of the body. i.e. The mag catch bag contains all of the levers and springs required; it’s simply a matter of assembling them into the body after that.
On that note: I had do quite a bit of filing to the mag catch and lower receiver to get everything nice and smooth when releasing mags. When I first assembled the catch the M4 style catch was very stiff and hard to depress the button. After some careful filing it moved as freely as the AK style catch.
One other minor inconvenience I discovered during my build was that the buffer tube support was too long to work with the G&P LIPO buffer tube I purchased. For some people this won’t be a problem, normal buffer tubes have a long enough screw section that the long support won’t interfere with. However, if you plan on getting a buffer tube that is long or wide enough to comfortably fit LIPO’s, be aware you might need to trim yours down. It will not affect the structural integrity of the lower or the stability of the buffer tube, it’s just one of those things you tend to discover.
Also while assembling the upper receiver, I found that my picatinny rail was crooked at the front, thus not allowing the uninterrupted rail from fitting correctly. A quick filing job later everything fit nice and snug.
Final Thoughts and Upgradeability
Overall I can’t help but be pleased with my purchase, it’s not comparable to the HurricanE kit, but I don’t think it can or should be given its price. It shares the design, but it’s a different market and can be judged as such.
Modifications are virtually endless. The lower receiver is designed to take everything a standard M4 would (except for mags obviously). High FPS or ROF gearboxes, M4 pistol grips, stocks, and trigger guards are all readily available; as are the RIS, outer barrel, inner barrel, and sights for the upper receiver.
Magazine compatibility:
Classic Army Highcaps fit and feed but wobble side to side
DBOY Highcaps fit and feed but wobble side to side
MAG Midcaps fit and feed but wobble side to side
CYMA Midcaps fit and feed but require minor filing to the back of the mag below the mag catch tab, as well as filing to the tab itself
Matrix 3500rd drum mags will not fit due to the angled sides of the magwell
Externals Score: 8/10
I have to take away a couple points simply for the cheap feeling metal, I’m a bit wary of the thing taking any hits and not showing some damage. The trademarks are a bit of an eyesore as well, depending on how bothered you are by the giant Evike logo on the side.
Overall score: 10/10
I can’t help however, to give the kit full marks. For the price it can’t be beat, and is a great way to get a unique or squad compatible rifle (if your friends all happen to AK mags anyways).
© Copyright triggs 2014
Evike Custom “SOCOM-47” SR47 Challenge Kit
- Real Steel History
- Overview
- Accessories
- Externals review
- Assembly
- Final Thoughts and Upgradeability
Real Steel History
The SR-47 is a modern assault rifle based on the AR-15 family of rifles created by Knight's Armament Company for USSOCOM. Unlike the majority of guns based around ArmaLite design, the SR-47 is essentially an AR-15 that fires the Soviet 7.62×39mm round from AK-47 magazines, which explains the "47" in the gun's name. The rifle was created after soldiers on long missions in Operation Enduring Freedom complained of running out of 5.56×45mm NATO ammunition for their M4 carbines but having plenty of captured AK-47 magazines. The SR-47 is basically an M4 that will accept standard AK-47 magazines rather than NATO STANAG M16/M4 mags, along with other minor modifications common to KAC's designs. (taken from www.wikipedia.com )
Overview
HurricanE is a long standing company known for manufacturing the strange or rare in the airsoft community. However, their kits are expensive when found in stock, and some have been out of production for a years. Two kits, the Barrett M82 and the Knights Armament Company (KAC) SR-47 have always been on my to-buy list. However, with a cost exceeding many top end complete rifles for a barebones “challenge kit” they have never been feasible.
Until now! This time, Evike has stepped up and released a HurricanE based clone of the original body kit. So, when I heard they had finally been released after waiting almost a year, I decided to pick one up to satisfy my curiosity (and grab a unique rifle at the same time). The initial release was a very limited run (rumors say a total of three) of custom built, complete rifles. However, having no interest in the built-up rifles, I chose to wait for the rumored “challenge kit.”
Accessories
Technically these are not accessories per say, however, since this review focuses on the kit itself and not a completed rifle we’ll call them what they are.
Basically the kit includes everything required to assemble the body and have it ready to drop in the internals, and the rest of the external components. The only thing that is not included is the trigger guard. For whatever reason, Evike chose not to include a standard KAC one. This is a plus since there are many alternatives that may be more comfortable to users, but is a bit of a downside since everything else is included.
- Nonfunctional bolt catch
- Dummy charging, mock bolt, dust cover, and associated hardware
- Selector switch, and associated hardware
- Magazine catch, and associated hardware
- Body pins, and associated hardware
There are a few duplicate parts such as the charging handle spring, and selector switch plate. I’m not sure exactly how or why this happened, but it’s apparently normal according to other reviews of the kit.
Externals Review
Well, where to start…I guess first its worth mentioning that the entire kit only came in a sealed ziplock style bag, featuring a cleanly printed Evike logo. Inside, the body was safely and securely wrapped in bubblewrap, and the parts were neatly and safely tucked inside of the shell, except for the selector switch which was in a separate sealed bag that looked like it had been thrown in before being sealed in the Evike bag.
One thing I would like to mention before going further into the body; before its release I read a rather amusing comment about this being just another “tactical AK.” No, this was a purpose built rifle with a specific function in mind and it really has no relationship to any Russian made AK, except for the fact it uses standard AK47 magazines. In all fact, it shares more similarities with the M4 and SR25 platform. With that said, the airsoft version is just a kit made for someone either looking for a unique M4 styled rifle, or magazine compatibility with the rest of their friends or arsenal.
There has been speculation as to exactly who the OEM is for the metal body since it’s pretty much a given that Evike did not contract with a company to make them just for them. With that in mind I have some good, and bad, points with the body. For starters the body feels a little lightweight considering its size and bulk. It’s a cheap pot metal, so I wouldn’t count on rough housing with the rifle too much. However, I really have no idea just what the metal looks like since it’s cleanly painted and the trademarks are laser etched and cleanly cut.
Speaking of trademarks, this is an entire section unto itself. Unlike the original HurricanE kit, the Evike Custom kit features mock trademarks to avoid copyright infringement. The left side of the lower receiver features a unique serial number (yay I own SOC47 #0057) and fake manufacturing information. The selector has nicely cut safe-semi-full auto markings as well. The right side is bare, except for a large Evike logo cut into the magwell.
The upper receiver features “SOCOM-47 Professional Training Rifle” on the left side, but is blank on the right.
The hopup is the only internal part included. This is due to its proprietary design to allow AK mags to feed with a standard version 2 M4 gearbox (and associated parts). This is the only piece that comes unpainted and gives any idea about the possible metal quality. As you can see the picture shows a very distinct color variation in the two halves. This is somewhat concerning, but only time will tell if the parts will last.
Assembly
Evike doesn’t call this a challenge kit for nothing, without any included instructions you’re basically left to your own devices and know-how to assemble the body. Honestly though, if you’ve ever took apart an M4 or seen one it’s fairly straight forward. Each of the small bags of parts go together on their part of the body. i.e. The mag catch bag contains all of the levers and springs required; it’s simply a matter of assembling them into the body after that.
On that note: I had do quite a bit of filing to the mag catch and lower receiver to get everything nice and smooth when releasing mags. When I first assembled the catch the M4 style catch was very stiff and hard to depress the button. After some careful filing it moved as freely as the AK style catch.
One other minor inconvenience I discovered during my build was that the buffer tube support was too long to work with the G&P LIPO buffer tube I purchased. For some people this won’t be a problem, normal buffer tubes have a long enough screw section that the long support won’t interfere with. However, if you plan on getting a buffer tube that is long or wide enough to comfortably fit LIPO’s, be aware you might need to trim yours down. It will not affect the structural integrity of the lower or the stability of the buffer tube, it’s just one of those things you tend to discover.
Also while assembling the upper receiver, I found that my picatinny rail was crooked at the front, thus not allowing the uninterrupted rail from fitting correctly. A quick filing job later everything fit nice and snug.
Final Thoughts and Upgradeability
Overall I can’t help but be pleased with my purchase, it’s not comparable to the HurricanE kit, but I don’t think it can or should be given its price. It shares the design, but it’s a different market and can be judged as such.
Modifications are virtually endless. The lower receiver is designed to take everything a standard M4 would (except for mags obviously). High FPS or ROF gearboxes, M4 pistol grips, stocks, and trigger guards are all readily available; as are the RIS, outer barrel, inner barrel, and sights for the upper receiver.
Magazine compatibility:
Classic Army Highcaps fit and feed but wobble side to side
DBOY Highcaps fit and feed but wobble side to side
MAG Midcaps fit and feed but wobble side to side
CYMA Midcaps fit and feed but require minor filing to the back of the mag below the mag catch tab, as well as filing to the tab itself
Matrix 3500rd drum mags will not fit due to the angled sides of the magwell
Externals Score: 8/10
I have to take away a couple points simply for the cheap feeling metal, I’m a bit wary of the thing taking any hits and not showing some damage. The trademarks are a bit of an eyesore as well, depending on how bothered you are by the giant Evike logo on the side.
Overall score: 10/10
I can’t help however, to give the kit full marks. For the price it can’t be beat, and is a great way to get a unique or squad compatible rifle (if your friends all happen to AK mags anyways).
© Copyright triggs 2014
