Triggs' - Springfield M14 Guide
Mar 2, 2011 17:40:54 GMT -5
Post by triggs (SABR) on Mar 2, 2011 17:40:54 GMT -5
This is a very quick overview of the various Springfield M14 models available from the various manufactures. I will try to keep this as up to date as possible.
Two major variations of the Springfield M14 exist:
M14 = 20” barrel
SOC-16 = 16” barrel
AGM Models Type of replica = Tokyo Marui clone[/u]
Price: $100 - $150
FPS: 330 - 350
Mags: Standard Tokyo Marui AEG high cap, midcap, and low cap mag
Pros:
- Extremely affordable
- 100% version 7 compatible gearbox, except the gears which are version 2
Cons:
- AGM quality is extremely hit and miss
- Plastic is cheap feeling and fragile
- Metal parts are cheap pot metal and easily broken
AGM’s manufacturing quality is low, but so is the price. If you’re only interested in a starter AEG or as a base rifle for many upgrades it is at an affordable price.
ARES (STAR) EBR Automatic Electric Gun (AEG) = Tokyo Marui Clone[/u]
Price: $260 - $550
FPS: 330 - 350
Mags: Proprietary ARES/STAR AEG high cap, midcap, and low cap mag
Pros:
- ARES externals are high detailed and accurate
Cons:
- ARES is not well known for their internal quality
- They only manufacture the Enhanced Battle Rifle (EBR) variant
Since ARES has taken over sales of their rifles from STAR, it has taken some time to re-release the models previously available, so there is little information about the ARES Mk14 MOD 0 EBR. However, given previous ARES track record, I would not get my hopes up. There are many options available
Classic Army (Proline) M14/SOC-16/EBR Automatic Electric Gun (AEG) = Original Design[/u]
Price: $250 - $460
FPS: 380 - 410
Mags: Proprietary Classic Army AEG high cap, midcap, and low cap mag
Pros:
- Robust version 7 gearbox fitted with standard version 2/3 gears for easy replacement
- Variations include the standard M14 with composite and faux wood, as well as the “scout” SOC-16 length, and the Mk14 MOD 0 Enhanced Battle Rifle (EBR) with a RIS and adjustable stock
- Classic Army full metal quality
- Factory 60-day warranty
Cons:
- One of the few companies to use their proprietary mag design, it is not to Tokyo Marui standards
- No included battery
The Classic Army M14 series is well know replica. The mags are distinguishable from Tokyo Marui M14’s by the addition of a L shaped cutout from the rear of the mag where it locks into the magwell. The internals however, utilize the indestructible version 7 gearbox with the addition of standard version 2/3 gears for easy replacement should they break. Sadly none of the Classic Army Prolines come with batteries, and for the price it would be a nice touch.
CYMA M14/SOC-16 Automatic Electric Gun (AEG) = Tokyo Marui Clone[/u]
Price: $140 - $150
FPS: 380 - 410
Mags: Standard Tokyo Marui AEG high cap, midcap, and low cap mag
Pros:
- Extremely cheap and affordable
- Excellent base version 7 compatible base rifle
- 100% Tokyo Marui clone
Cons:
- Cheap pot metal internals
- Cheap plastic externals
The CYMA M14 series is considered by many to be an excellent starting point for M14 Designated Marksman Rifles (DMR). The Tokyo Marui version 7 gearbox is never a disappointment in this sort of application. For the price, the CYMA is a good deal, though the overall feel of the rifle can be somewhat disappointing.
Echo 1 M14/SOC-16/EBR Automatic Electric Gun (AEG) = Various Rebrands[/u]
Price: $190 - $200
FPS: 380 - 410
Mags: Standard Tokyo Marui AEG high cap, midcap, and low cap mag
Pros:
- Comes with the standard Echo 1 30-day warranty
- 100% Tokyo Marui version 7 clones
- Variations include the standard M14 with composite and faux wood, as well as the “scout” SOC-16 length, and the Mk14 MOD 0 Enhanced Battle Rifle (EBR) with a RIS and adjustable stock
Cons:
- The standard length M14 and EBR are KART rebrands, while the SOC-16 variant is a CYMA rebrand
- KART M14 use version 2/3 gears not version 7 like the CYMA
- Internal quality is questionable, while Echo 1 adds limited metal internal upgrades, quality is still hit and miss
Echo 1 is a well known company, however, their M14 line is a mix of two different companies, with two very different track records as far as internal and external quality is concerned. The increased price is somewhat pointless as both original companies now come with the same “upgrades” that Echo 1 installs.
G&G M14/SOC-16/EBR Type of replica = Classic Army Clone[/u]
Price: $250 - $510
FPS: 380 - 400
Mags: Proprietary Classic Army AEG high cap, midcap, and low cap mag
Pros:
- Variations include the standard M14 with composite, faux wood, and real wood, as well as the “scout” SOC-16 length, and the Mk14 MOD 0 Enhanced Battle Rifle (EBR) with a RIS and adjustable stock
- G&G internal quality
- Version 7 gearbox with version 2 gears for increased aftermarket compatibility
Cons:
- One of the few companies to use the Classic Army standard of mag designs
G&G is considered one of the top AEG manufactures today. Their M14 is nearly second to none, with both faux and real wood stocks offered; the options are quite nice at an affordable price.
G&P DMR/EBR Automatic Electric Gun (AEG) = Tokyo Marui Clone[/u]
Price: $240 - $650
FPS: 330 - 350
Mags: Standard Tokyo Marui AEG high cap, midcap, and low cap mag
Pros:
- G&P quality is extremely high both internally, and externally
- They are the only company to manufacture the Marine M14 DMR “Proto” stock, both as a kit and a complete rifle They also make the Mk14 MOD 0 Enhanced Battle Rifle (EBR) with full RIS and adjustable stock
- 100% clone Tokyo Marui internals
Cons:
- Hard to find in stock within the US, many Hong Kong sites have them in stock, but then there is a high price for shipping
G&P makes some of the highest quality rifles and their M14 line is no exception. The only downside to this company is buying the rifle within the US.
KART M14/MCS/EBR/JAE Automatic Electric Gun (AEG) = Tokyo Marui Clone[/u]
Price: $100 - $170
FPS: 350 - 380
Mags: Standard Tokyo Marui AEG high cap, midcap, and low cap mag
Pros:
- Kart is the only manufacture that makes some of the odd ball M14 variants such as the: Troy Ind. M14 Modular Combat System (MCS), the J. Allen Enterprises (JAE)-100 M14, and the Mk14 MOD 0 Enhanced Battle Rifle (EBR).
- The JAE and EBR are available with SOC-16 and standard M14 length barrel.
- With the exception of the MCR .308 (Troy MCS), the gearbox is 100% version 7 compatible
- Gears are version 2/3 and are readily available
Cons:
- The MCR .308 (Troy MCS) uses a semi-proprietary gear system but the rest are version 7
- KART internal and external quality is hit or miss
KART has to have an award for replicating some of the most unique M14 styles in production. Sadly they are low quality, but as a starter rifle or a base rifle for upgrades KART is an excellent for rare models.
UTG M14/Soc-16 Automatic Electric Gun = Rebranded KART[/u]
Price: $120 - $150
FPS: 330 - 350
Mags: Standard Tokyo Marui AEG high cap, midcap, and low cap mag
Pros:
- Same as KART
Cons:
- Same as KART
UTG like TSD simply rebrands the KART line of M14’s. There are no differences from any of the three companies
TSD M14/Soc-16 Automatic Electric Gun = Rebranded KART[/u]
Price: $120 - $150
FPS: 330 - 350
Mags: Standard Tokyo Marui AEG high cap, midcap, and low cap mag
Pros:
- Same as KART
Cons:
- Same as KART
TSD like UTG simply rebrands the KART line of M14’s. There are no differences from any of the three companies
WETTI M14/EBR Gas Blow Back Rifle (GBBR) = Original Design[/u]
Price: $370 - $400
FPS: 360 - 400
Mags: Proprietary WETTI Gas low cap mag
Pros:
- The first Gas Blow Back Rifle (GBBR) M14
- Realistic open bolt design
- Full metal
- Mk14 MOD 0 Enhanced Battle Rifle (EBR) available
Cons:
- WETTI quality is considerably low, metal is low quality pot metal
- Wood variant is faux wood only
WE Tactical Training International has been leading the way in new GBBR designs and replicas recently. However, the quality is not up to par and known for early failure. The new open bolt design is a step in the right direction possibly, though the rifle has only recently been in production so official reviews and information is limited.
© Copyright triggs 2010
Two major variations of the Springfield M14 exist:
M14 = 20” barrel
SOC-16 = 16” barrel
AGM Models Type of replica = Tokyo Marui clone[/u]
Price: $100 - $150
FPS: 330 - 350
Mags: Standard Tokyo Marui AEG high cap, midcap, and low cap mag
Pros:
- Extremely affordable
- 100% version 7 compatible gearbox, except the gears which are version 2
Cons:
- AGM quality is extremely hit and miss
- Plastic is cheap feeling and fragile
- Metal parts are cheap pot metal and easily broken
AGM’s manufacturing quality is low, but so is the price. If you’re only interested in a starter AEG or as a base rifle for many upgrades it is at an affordable price.
ARES (STAR) EBR Automatic Electric Gun (AEG) = Tokyo Marui Clone[/u]
Price: $260 - $550
FPS: 330 - 350
Mags: Proprietary ARES/STAR AEG high cap, midcap, and low cap mag
Pros:
- ARES externals are high detailed and accurate
Cons:
- ARES is not well known for their internal quality
- They only manufacture the Enhanced Battle Rifle (EBR) variant
Since ARES has taken over sales of their rifles from STAR, it has taken some time to re-release the models previously available, so there is little information about the ARES Mk14 MOD 0 EBR. However, given previous ARES track record, I would not get my hopes up. There are many options available
Classic Army (Proline) M14/SOC-16/EBR Automatic Electric Gun (AEG) = Original Design[/u]
Price: $250 - $460
FPS: 380 - 410
Mags: Proprietary Classic Army AEG high cap, midcap, and low cap mag
Pros:
- Robust version 7 gearbox fitted with standard version 2/3 gears for easy replacement
- Variations include the standard M14 with composite and faux wood, as well as the “scout” SOC-16 length, and the Mk14 MOD 0 Enhanced Battle Rifle (EBR) with a RIS and adjustable stock
- Classic Army full metal quality
- Factory 60-day warranty
Cons:
- One of the few companies to use their proprietary mag design, it is not to Tokyo Marui standards
- No included battery
The Classic Army M14 series is well know replica. The mags are distinguishable from Tokyo Marui M14’s by the addition of a L shaped cutout from the rear of the mag where it locks into the magwell. The internals however, utilize the indestructible version 7 gearbox with the addition of standard version 2/3 gears for easy replacement should they break. Sadly none of the Classic Army Prolines come with batteries, and for the price it would be a nice touch.
CYMA M14/SOC-16 Automatic Electric Gun (AEG) = Tokyo Marui Clone[/u]
Price: $140 - $150
FPS: 380 - 410
Mags: Standard Tokyo Marui AEG high cap, midcap, and low cap mag
Pros:
- Extremely cheap and affordable
- Excellent base version 7 compatible base rifle
- 100% Tokyo Marui clone
Cons:
- Cheap pot metal internals
- Cheap plastic externals
The CYMA M14 series is considered by many to be an excellent starting point for M14 Designated Marksman Rifles (DMR). The Tokyo Marui version 7 gearbox is never a disappointment in this sort of application. For the price, the CYMA is a good deal, though the overall feel of the rifle can be somewhat disappointing.
Echo 1 M14/SOC-16/EBR Automatic Electric Gun (AEG) = Various Rebrands[/u]
Price: $190 - $200
FPS: 380 - 410
Mags: Standard Tokyo Marui AEG high cap, midcap, and low cap mag
Pros:
- Comes with the standard Echo 1 30-day warranty
- 100% Tokyo Marui version 7 clones
- Variations include the standard M14 with composite and faux wood, as well as the “scout” SOC-16 length, and the Mk14 MOD 0 Enhanced Battle Rifle (EBR) with a RIS and adjustable stock
Cons:
- The standard length M14 and EBR are KART rebrands, while the SOC-16 variant is a CYMA rebrand
- KART M14 use version 2/3 gears not version 7 like the CYMA
- Internal quality is questionable, while Echo 1 adds limited metal internal upgrades, quality is still hit and miss
Echo 1 is a well known company, however, their M14 line is a mix of two different companies, with two very different track records as far as internal and external quality is concerned. The increased price is somewhat pointless as both original companies now come with the same “upgrades” that Echo 1 installs.
G&G M14/SOC-16/EBR Type of replica = Classic Army Clone[/u]
Price: $250 - $510
FPS: 380 - 400
Mags: Proprietary Classic Army AEG high cap, midcap, and low cap mag
Pros:
- Variations include the standard M14 with composite, faux wood, and real wood, as well as the “scout” SOC-16 length, and the Mk14 MOD 0 Enhanced Battle Rifle (EBR) with a RIS and adjustable stock
- G&G internal quality
- Version 7 gearbox with version 2 gears for increased aftermarket compatibility
Cons:
- One of the few companies to use the Classic Army standard of mag designs
G&G is considered one of the top AEG manufactures today. Their M14 is nearly second to none, with both faux and real wood stocks offered; the options are quite nice at an affordable price.
G&P DMR/EBR Automatic Electric Gun (AEG) = Tokyo Marui Clone[/u]
Price: $240 - $650
FPS: 330 - 350
Mags: Standard Tokyo Marui AEG high cap, midcap, and low cap mag
Pros:
- G&P quality is extremely high both internally, and externally
- They are the only company to manufacture the Marine M14 DMR “Proto” stock, both as a kit and a complete rifle They also make the Mk14 MOD 0 Enhanced Battle Rifle (EBR) with full RIS and adjustable stock
- 100% clone Tokyo Marui internals
Cons:
- Hard to find in stock within the US, many Hong Kong sites have them in stock, but then there is a high price for shipping
G&P makes some of the highest quality rifles and their M14 line is no exception. The only downside to this company is buying the rifle within the US.
KART M14/MCS/EBR/JAE Automatic Electric Gun (AEG) = Tokyo Marui Clone[/u]
Price: $100 - $170
FPS: 350 - 380
Mags: Standard Tokyo Marui AEG high cap, midcap, and low cap mag
Pros:
- Kart is the only manufacture that makes some of the odd ball M14 variants such as the: Troy Ind. M14 Modular Combat System (MCS), the J. Allen Enterprises (JAE)-100 M14, and the Mk14 MOD 0 Enhanced Battle Rifle (EBR).
- The JAE and EBR are available with SOC-16 and standard M14 length barrel.
- With the exception of the MCR .308 (Troy MCS), the gearbox is 100% version 7 compatible
- Gears are version 2/3 and are readily available
Cons:
- The MCR .308 (Troy MCS) uses a semi-proprietary gear system but the rest are version 7
- KART internal and external quality is hit or miss
KART has to have an award for replicating some of the most unique M14 styles in production. Sadly they are low quality, but as a starter rifle or a base rifle for upgrades KART is an excellent for rare models.
UTG M14/Soc-16 Automatic Electric Gun = Rebranded KART[/u]
Price: $120 - $150
FPS: 330 - 350
Mags: Standard Tokyo Marui AEG high cap, midcap, and low cap mag
Pros:
- Same as KART
Cons:
- Same as KART
UTG like TSD simply rebrands the KART line of M14’s. There are no differences from any of the three companies
TSD M14/Soc-16 Automatic Electric Gun = Rebranded KART[/u]
Price: $120 - $150
FPS: 330 - 350
Mags: Standard Tokyo Marui AEG high cap, midcap, and low cap mag
Pros:
- Same as KART
Cons:
- Same as KART
TSD like UTG simply rebrands the KART line of M14’s. There are no differences from any of the three companies
WETTI M14/EBR Gas Blow Back Rifle (GBBR) = Original Design[/u]
Price: $370 - $400
FPS: 360 - 400
Mags: Proprietary WETTI Gas low cap mag
Pros:
- The first Gas Blow Back Rifle (GBBR) M14
- Realistic open bolt design
- Full metal
- Mk14 MOD 0 Enhanced Battle Rifle (EBR) available
Cons:
- WETTI quality is considerably low, metal is low quality pot metal
- Wood variant is faux wood only
WE Tactical Training International has been leading the way in new GBBR designs and replicas recently. However, the quality is not up to par and known for early failure. The new open bolt design is a step in the right direction possibly, though the rifle has only recently been in production so official reviews and information is limited.
© Copyright triggs 2010