Triggs' - Saco Defence M60 Guide
Apr 5, 2011 3:53:16 GMT -5
Post by triggs (SABR) on Apr 5, 2011 3:53:16 GMT -5
This is a VERY quick overview of the various types and brands of the numerous Saco Defense M60 variants available; I will be attempting to keep it up-to-date if possible.
The M60 has changed a number of times since its introduction in 1957:
M60 VN = The original “Pig” with a long barrel and bipod
M60 VN Short = A short barrel version of the M60VN, also does not have a bipod
M60E3 = A modern M60 with an additional foregrip and no heat shield
M60E4/Mk43 MOD0 = Virtually identical to a E3 but with internal improvements
M60E4/Mk43 MOD1 = The MOD1 is identifiable by a bottom RIS instead of the molded vertical foregrip of the E3/E4 MOD0
ARES (STAR) M60E4 (Mk43) Automatic Electric Gun (AEG) = Original Design
Price: $400 - $500
FPS: 300 - 350
Mags: Proprietary ARES high cap box mag
Pros:
- New ARES models come with metal gearboxes
- Much needed update to previous offerings
Cons:
- ARES internal quality is hit and miss
- Some parts are proprietary and non-interchangeable with other brands
- Only offer the Mk43 MOD0
ARES has long been known for their polycarbonate gearboxes in their LMG’s. With the newer models coming with a metal gearbox this is a great step up, however, the gearbox remains proprietary with the traditional quick change guide which opens up weak points of early failure.
A&K VN/Short/E4 (Mk43) Automatic Electric Gun (AEG) = Original Design
Price: $350 - $400
FPS: 350 - 400
Mags: Proprietary A&K high cap box mag
Pros:
- Cheaper than the ARES version
- Solid base compared to the ARES
- Modified M249 PGC gearbox for heavy use
Cons:
- Box mags are not compatible with other brands
- Only offer the Mk43 MOD0
- Heavy
A&K has become a leading name in the LMG replica lineup. Their M60 is yet another workhorse like their M249 series. The gearboxes are solid, and the bodies equally solid and heavy. For the price they offer a perfect starting point.
Inokatsu VN/Short/E3/E4 (Mk43) = original/clone
Price: $1200 - $1800
FPS: 380 - 400
Mags: Proprietary INOKATSU high cap box mag
Pros:
- Comes with a full wood, military style, crate
- Full metal
- Quality internals and externals
- Standard version 3 internals
Cons:
- Nearly impossible to find
- Expensive
- Heavy
Inokatsu is considered one of the top companies of replica LMG’s. The M60 is no exception. They are however, extremely rare and expensive, so it’s rare to see one as much more than a wall hanger. However, as a fieldable rifle, they are a solid performer due to the version 3 gearbox, they are also easily repairable with a large amount of aftermarket parts available.
TOP E3/E4 VN/Short/Seal/(Mk43) = original/clone
Price: $600 - $1000
FPS: 280 - 300
Mags: Integrated feed tray
Pros:
- A box mag is not required to use the TOP
- Integrated 1200rnd feed tray in the upper receiver
- Reliable firing for 1000rnds in one pull of the trigger
- Lightweight ABS body
Cons:
- Internals are fragile and hard to find
- Proprietary internals break down frequently
- Expensive
While the TOP M60 is no longer in production, they were extremely light and dependable when working. However, due to the internal “bellows” design, they often broke down. Compared to many newer options the TOP falls short, however, they hold value as collector’s items.
© Copyright triggs 2011
The M60 has changed a number of times since its introduction in 1957:
M60 VN = The original “Pig” with a long barrel and bipod
M60 VN Short = A short barrel version of the M60VN, also does not have a bipod
M60E3 = A modern M60 with an additional foregrip and no heat shield
M60E4/Mk43 MOD0 = Virtually identical to a E3 but with internal improvements
M60E4/Mk43 MOD1 = The MOD1 is identifiable by a bottom RIS instead of the molded vertical foregrip of the E3/E4 MOD0
ARES (STAR) M60E4 (Mk43) Automatic Electric Gun (AEG) = Original Design
Price: $400 - $500
FPS: 300 - 350
Mags: Proprietary ARES high cap box mag
Pros:
- New ARES models come with metal gearboxes
- Much needed update to previous offerings
Cons:
- ARES internal quality is hit and miss
- Some parts are proprietary and non-interchangeable with other brands
- Only offer the Mk43 MOD0
ARES has long been known for their polycarbonate gearboxes in their LMG’s. With the newer models coming with a metal gearbox this is a great step up, however, the gearbox remains proprietary with the traditional quick change guide which opens up weak points of early failure.
A&K VN/Short/E4 (Mk43) Automatic Electric Gun (AEG) = Original Design
Price: $350 - $400
FPS: 350 - 400
Mags: Proprietary A&K high cap box mag
Pros:
- Cheaper than the ARES version
- Solid base compared to the ARES
- Modified M249 PGC gearbox for heavy use
Cons:
- Box mags are not compatible with other brands
- Only offer the Mk43 MOD0
- Heavy
A&K has become a leading name in the LMG replica lineup. Their M60 is yet another workhorse like their M249 series. The gearboxes are solid, and the bodies equally solid and heavy. For the price they offer a perfect starting point.
Inokatsu VN/Short/E3/E4 (Mk43) = original/clone
Price: $1200 - $1800
FPS: 380 - 400
Mags: Proprietary INOKATSU high cap box mag
Pros:
- Comes with a full wood, military style, crate
- Full metal
- Quality internals and externals
- Standard version 3 internals
Cons:
- Nearly impossible to find
- Expensive
- Heavy
Inokatsu is considered one of the top companies of replica LMG’s. The M60 is no exception. They are however, extremely rare and expensive, so it’s rare to see one as much more than a wall hanger. However, as a fieldable rifle, they are a solid performer due to the version 3 gearbox, they are also easily repairable with a large amount of aftermarket parts available.
TOP E3/E4 VN/Short/Seal/(Mk43) = original/clone
Price: $600 - $1000
FPS: 280 - 300
Mags: Integrated feed tray
Pros:
- A box mag is not required to use the TOP
- Integrated 1200rnd feed tray in the upper receiver
- Reliable firing for 1000rnds in one pull of the trigger
- Lightweight ABS body
Cons:
- Internals are fragile and hard to find
- Proprietary internals break down frequently
- Expensive
While the TOP M60 is no longer in production, they were extremely light and dependable when working. However, due to the internal “bellows” design, they often broke down. Compared to many newer options the TOP falls short, however, they hold value as collector’s items.
© Copyright triggs 2011