Triggs' - Heckler & Koch G36 Guide
Mar 2, 2011 16:30:32 GMT -5
Post by triggs (SABR) on Mar 2, 2011 16:30:32 GMT -5
This is a very quick overview of the various Heckler and Koch (H&K) G36 models available from the various manufactures; I will try to keep this as up to date as possible.
The various models include:
G36C = Compact
G36K = Carbine
G36KV = Carbine with an adjustable stock
G36E = Full size
MG36 = Light Machine Gun (LMG)
SL8/9 = US civilian sporting rifle
ARES/STAR/Umarex G36 C/K/E/SL8 Automatic Electric Gun (AEG) = Original Design
Price: $260 - $370
FPS: 330 - 350
Mags: Standard Tokyo Marui G36 AEG high cap, midcap, and low cap mag
Pros:
- Quick change spring for adjustable FPS
- Quality nylon fiber reinforced plastic bodies
- Realistic Heckler & Koch (H&K) trademarks through Umarex
- Variations include the standard G36C/K/E, as well as the SL8 civilian rifle
- Electric Blow Back (EBB) mechanism
- Standard flattop rail for accessories on the G36C and 3.5x scopes with accessories rail on the G36K model, and the full 3.5x scope and integrated red-dot sight on the G36E
Cons:
- The Electric Blow Back leaves little to no recoil and is for show
- ARES internal quality is hit and miss
- The gearbox, due to the quick change spring is proprietary
ARES is currently the only H&K licensed company to manufacture the G36 line. The externals are top-notch and one of the three best available (the others being Classic Army and KWA). However, the internals are hit and miss, and with a proprietary gearbox, if/when something breaks, it will be hard to replace directly. The ARES models are however competitively priced with the re-release.
Classic Army (Proline) G36 C/K/E/SL8 Automatic Electric Gun (AEG) = Tokyo Marui Clone
Price: $300 - $400
FPS: 380 - 410
Mags: Standard Tokyo Marui G36 AEG high cap, midcap, and low cap mag
Pros:
- Quality externals made from the same nylon fiber reinforced plastic that H&K uses on the real G36
- Quality internals
- Variations include the standard G36C/K/E as well as the SL8/SL9 body style
- Comes with a flattop rail on the G36C for mounting optics and a 3.5x scope on the G36K/E & SL8
- Factory 60-day warranty
Cons:
- High cost with very few included accessories, the rifle does not come with a battery
- SL8 variant comes with two 20 round magazines but has 12 effective shots as many are lost in the magwell
- Non standard version 3 gearbox: The cylinder head is version 2, not a huge issue, but it can be confusing when upgrading
- The 3.5x scope is very hard to use with goggles on, and the eye relief is poor
Classic Army was one of the first companies to clone the Tokyo Marui G36, and also one of only two companies to use quality nylon fiber bodies. The rifles come at a high cost, but they are extremely well built.
Echo 1 G36 C/KE/MTC Automatic Electric Gun (AEG) = Rebranded Jing Gong (JG)
Price: $150 - $200
FPS: 380 - 400
Mags: Standard Tokyo Marui G36 AEG high cap, midcap, and low cap mag
Pros:
- Echo 1 30-day warranty
- Cheaper alternative to the Classic Army G36 series
- Solid feeling body and internals
- 100% Tokyo Marui compatible version 3 gearbox
- Flattop rail for mounting optics is standard
- Variations include the standard G36C/K/E, but a M4 styled Modular Tactical Carbine (MTC) that includes an M4 LE stock and M4 magwell adapter for using standard M4 high-caps, mid-caps, and low-caps, as well as the standard G36C top rail
Cons:
- Cheap ABS plastic bodies, unlike the Classic Army replicas, it is simply a thicker, textured ABS plastic
- Hit and miss internal quality, as to be expected from a clone company
Since the first version was released, the Echo 1/JG G36 has improved. The original version was highly praised for the internal quality; however the thin ABS body, like the original Tokyo Marui body, was thin and fragile feeling in comparison to Classic Army. However, as a starter AEG, the latest line offers a very solid feeling replica at a low cost. The body is slightly out of proportion with the double thick body, but it is a solid replica.
JG G36C/K/E Automatic Electric Gun (AEG) = Tokyo Marui Clone
Price: $120 - $170
FPS: 380 - 410
Mags: Standard Tokyo Marui G36 AEG high cap, midcap, and low cap mag
Pros:
- Extremely cheap and reliable
- The G36C comes with the standard flattop rail, the G36K comes with the 3.5x scope, and the G36E is offered with both the 3.5x scope and flattop rail
- Sturdy feeling ABS body
Cons:
- Thick, textured ABS body instead of realistic and strong nylon fiber reinforced plastic
- Hit and miss pot metal internals like those found in most clones
The Jing Gong (JG) G36 line has been of respectable quality since it was introduced as an alternative to the expensive Classic Army, and hard to find Tokyo Marui models. The latest versions include a very thick ABS plastic body that feels exceptionally sturdy; however, it is also out of proportion as a result. They are still, however, an excellent starting point.
KWA G36C Automatic Electric Gun (AEG) = Tokyo Marui Clone
Price: $300 - $350
FPS: 380 - 410
Mags: Standard Tokyo Marui G36 AEG high cap, midcap, and low cap mag
Pros:
- Realistic nylon fiber reinforced plastic body
- KWA 45-day warranty
- Quality KWA internals
Cons:
- KWA internals are not 100% compatible, with some reports of the hop up being slightly out of dimension in comparison to the Tokyo Marui specifications
- Only a G36C variant available from the factory
KWA is known for respectable quality replicas and the G36C is no exception, high quality internals and externals make this a solid starting point. Unfortunately only one version is available
- 2GX version boils down to unnecessary larger bearings and a regular small type hand guard
SRC G36C/K/KV/K RAS/E/MG36 Automatic Electric Gun (AEG) = Tokyo Marui Clone
Price: $140 - $260
FPS: 300 - 350
Mags: Standard Tokyo Marui G36 AEG high cap, midcap, and low cap mag
Pros:
- Plenty of variations available, including the G36KV with a full size adjustable swinging stock, G36K RAS a G36 with a full metal RIS kit replacing the front hand guard, two variations of the G36E with a flattop rail and 3.5x Scope, and the MG36 complete with 3.5x scope and dual drum electric winding magazine
- Fiberglass externals, thin but durable
Cons:
- Semi-standard internals. The hop up, air nozzle, and cylinder head are non TM compatible
- Cheap fiberglass, similar texture to the ARES/CA/KWA nylon fiber, but not quite as solid
SRC stepped up their original quality control, and now offers more variations than any other company. Unfortunately they are not 100% Tokyo Marui compatible, but replacement parts are readily available.
Tokyo Marui G36C Automatic Electric Gun (AEG) = Original Design
Price: $280 - $310
FPS: 280
Mags: Standard Tokyo Marui G36 AEG high cap, midcap, and low cap mag
Pros:
- Realistic Heckler & Koch trademarks (H&K)
- Quality Tokyo Marui internals
Cons:
- Only the G36C variant produced, and it is no longer available through most sources
- Cheap feeling ABS plastic body
Tokyo Marui has a high standard of quality; unfortunately the quality is hard to come by here in the US within the last five years. Internally the TM G36C is the best money can buy, unfortunately the externals feel cheap in comparison the realistic nylon fiber bodies.
TSD G36C/K/KV/K RAS/E/MG36 Automatic Electric Gun (AEG) = Rebranded SRC
Price: $140 - $260
FPS: 300 - 350
Mags: Standard Tokyo Marui G36 AEG high cap, midcap, and low cap mag
Pros:
- Same as SRC
Cons:
- Same as SRC
Internally and externally the TSD line of G36’s is identical to the SRC line. TSD does include various additional accessories to make up for the slightly higher prices.
WETTI G36 C/K/E/KSK Gas Blow Back Rifle (GBBR) = Original Design
Price: $200 - $250
FPS: 330 - 400
Mags: Proprietary WETTI G36 GBB low cap mag
Pros:
- Only GBB G36 on the market
- Good quality externals and internals
- Compatible with AEG aftermarket hand guards and outer barrels and accessories
- Comes with the new WE open bolt system
Cons:
- WE quality is still questionable, but they are trying very hard to make improvements
- Internals are not AEG compatible
WE (WETTI) have slowly been bringing their quality level up. Their reputation has grown, and the G36 (G39) series is a step in the right direction.
© Copyright triggs 2010
The various models include:
G36C = Compact
G36K = Carbine
G36KV = Carbine with an adjustable stock
G36E = Full size
MG36 = Light Machine Gun (LMG)
SL8/9 = US civilian sporting rifle
ARES/STAR/Umarex G36 C/K/E/SL8 Automatic Electric Gun (AEG) = Original Design
Price: $260 - $370
FPS: 330 - 350
Mags: Standard Tokyo Marui G36 AEG high cap, midcap, and low cap mag
Pros:
- Quick change spring for adjustable FPS
- Quality nylon fiber reinforced plastic bodies
- Realistic Heckler & Koch (H&K) trademarks through Umarex
- Variations include the standard G36C/K/E, as well as the SL8 civilian rifle
- Electric Blow Back (EBB) mechanism
- Standard flattop rail for accessories on the G36C and 3.5x scopes with accessories rail on the G36K model, and the full 3.5x scope and integrated red-dot sight on the G36E
Cons:
- The Electric Blow Back leaves little to no recoil and is for show
- ARES internal quality is hit and miss
- The gearbox, due to the quick change spring is proprietary
ARES is currently the only H&K licensed company to manufacture the G36 line. The externals are top-notch and one of the three best available (the others being Classic Army and KWA). However, the internals are hit and miss, and with a proprietary gearbox, if/when something breaks, it will be hard to replace directly. The ARES models are however competitively priced with the re-release.
Classic Army (Proline) G36 C/K/E/SL8 Automatic Electric Gun (AEG) = Tokyo Marui Clone
Price: $300 - $400
FPS: 380 - 410
Mags: Standard Tokyo Marui G36 AEG high cap, midcap, and low cap mag
Pros:
- Quality externals made from the same nylon fiber reinforced plastic that H&K uses on the real G36
- Quality internals
- Variations include the standard G36C/K/E as well as the SL8/SL9 body style
- Comes with a flattop rail on the G36C for mounting optics and a 3.5x scope on the G36K/E & SL8
- Factory 60-day warranty
Cons:
- High cost with very few included accessories, the rifle does not come with a battery
- SL8 variant comes with two 20 round magazines but has 12 effective shots as many are lost in the magwell
- Non standard version 3 gearbox: The cylinder head is version 2, not a huge issue, but it can be confusing when upgrading
- The 3.5x scope is very hard to use with goggles on, and the eye relief is poor
Classic Army was one of the first companies to clone the Tokyo Marui G36, and also one of only two companies to use quality nylon fiber bodies. The rifles come at a high cost, but they are extremely well built.
Echo 1 G36 C/KE/MTC Automatic Electric Gun (AEG) = Rebranded Jing Gong (JG)
Price: $150 - $200
FPS: 380 - 400
Mags: Standard Tokyo Marui G36 AEG high cap, midcap, and low cap mag
Pros:
- Echo 1 30-day warranty
- Cheaper alternative to the Classic Army G36 series
- Solid feeling body and internals
- 100% Tokyo Marui compatible version 3 gearbox
- Flattop rail for mounting optics is standard
- Variations include the standard G36C/K/E, but a M4 styled Modular Tactical Carbine (MTC) that includes an M4 LE stock and M4 magwell adapter for using standard M4 high-caps, mid-caps, and low-caps, as well as the standard G36C top rail
Cons:
- Cheap ABS plastic bodies, unlike the Classic Army replicas, it is simply a thicker, textured ABS plastic
- Hit and miss internal quality, as to be expected from a clone company
Since the first version was released, the Echo 1/JG G36 has improved. The original version was highly praised for the internal quality; however the thin ABS body, like the original Tokyo Marui body, was thin and fragile feeling in comparison to Classic Army. However, as a starter AEG, the latest line offers a very solid feeling replica at a low cost. The body is slightly out of proportion with the double thick body, but it is a solid replica.
JG G36C/K/E Automatic Electric Gun (AEG) = Tokyo Marui Clone
Price: $120 - $170
FPS: 380 - 410
Mags: Standard Tokyo Marui G36 AEG high cap, midcap, and low cap mag
Pros:
- Extremely cheap and reliable
- The G36C comes with the standard flattop rail, the G36K comes with the 3.5x scope, and the G36E is offered with both the 3.5x scope and flattop rail
- Sturdy feeling ABS body
Cons:
- Thick, textured ABS body instead of realistic and strong nylon fiber reinforced plastic
- Hit and miss pot metal internals like those found in most clones
The Jing Gong (JG) G36 line has been of respectable quality since it was introduced as an alternative to the expensive Classic Army, and hard to find Tokyo Marui models. The latest versions include a very thick ABS plastic body that feels exceptionally sturdy; however, it is also out of proportion as a result. They are still, however, an excellent starting point.
KWA G36C Automatic Electric Gun (AEG) = Tokyo Marui Clone
Price: $300 - $350
FPS: 380 - 410
Mags: Standard Tokyo Marui G36 AEG high cap, midcap, and low cap mag
Pros:
- Realistic nylon fiber reinforced plastic body
- KWA 45-day warranty
- Quality KWA internals
Cons:
- KWA internals are not 100% compatible, with some reports of the hop up being slightly out of dimension in comparison to the Tokyo Marui specifications
- Only a G36C variant available from the factory
KWA is known for respectable quality replicas and the G36C is no exception, high quality internals and externals make this a solid starting point. Unfortunately only one version is available
- 2GX version boils down to unnecessary larger bearings and a regular small type hand guard
SRC G36C/K/KV/K RAS/E/MG36 Automatic Electric Gun (AEG) = Tokyo Marui Clone
Price: $140 - $260
FPS: 300 - 350
Mags: Standard Tokyo Marui G36 AEG high cap, midcap, and low cap mag
Pros:
- Plenty of variations available, including the G36KV with a full size adjustable swinging stock, G36K RAS a G36 with a full metal RIS kit replacing the front hand guard, two variations of the G36E with a flattop rail and 3.5x Scope, and the MG36 complete with 3.5x scope and dual drum electric winding magazine
- Fiberglass externals, thin but durable
Cons:
- Semi-standard internals. The hop up, air nozzle, and cylinder head are non TM compatible
- Cheap fiberglass, similar texture to the ARES/CA/KWA nylon fiber, but not quite as solid
SRC stepped up their original quality control, and now offers more variations than any other company. Unfortunately they are not 100% Tokyo Marui compatible, but replacement parts are readily available.
Tokyo Marui G36C Automatic Electric Gun (AEG) = Original Design
Price: $280 - $310
FPS: 280
Mags: Standard Tokyo Marui G36 AEG high cap, midcap, and low cap mag
Pros:
- Realistic Heckler & Koch trademarks (H&K)
- Quality Tokyo Marui internals
Cons:
- Only the G36C variant produced, and it is no longer available through most sources
- Cheap feeling ABS plastic body
Tokyo Marui has a high standard of quality; unfortunately the quality is hard to come by here in the US within the last five years. Internally the TM G36C is the best money can buy, unfortunately the externals feel cheap in comparison the realistic nylon fiber bodies.
TSD G36C/K/KV/K RAS/E/MG36 Automatic Electric Gun (AEG) = Rebranded SRC
Price: $140 - $260
FPS: 300 - 350
Mags: Standard Tokyo Marui G36 AEG high cap, midcap, and low cap mag
Pros:
- Same as SRC
Cons:
- Same as SRC
Internally and externally the TSD line of G36’s is identical to the SRC line. TSD does include various additional accessories to make up for the slightly higher prices.
WETTI G36 C/K/E/KSK Gas Blow Back Rifle (GBBR) = Original Design
Price: $200 - $250
FPS: 330 - 400
Mags: Proprietary WETTI G36 GBB low cap mag
Pros:
- Only GBB G36 on the market
- Good quality externals and internals
- Compatible with AEG aftermarket hand guards and outer barrels and accessories
- Comes with the new WE open bolt system
Cons:
- WE quality is still questionable, but they are trying very hard to make improvements
- Internals are not AEG compatible
WE (WETTI) have slowly been bringing their quality level up. Their reputation has grown, and the G36 (G39) series is a step in the right direction.
© Copyright triggs 2010