DBOY FN Herstal SCAR-H (Heavy)
Jun 29, 2011 18:50:42 GMT -5
Post by triggs (SABR) on Jun 29, 2011 18:50:42 GMT -5
Full Album Review – DBOY FNH Mk17 SCAR-H
DBOY FN Herstal SCAR-H
- Real Steel History
- Overview
- Accessories
- Externals review
- Internals review
- Performance
- Final Thoughts and Upgradeability
Real Steel History
Image from www.wikipedia.com all rights reserved
The Special Forces Combat Assault Rifle, or SCAR, is a modular rifle made by Fabrique Nationale de Herstal (FNH) for the U.S. Special Operations Command (SOCOM) to satisfy the requirements of the SCAR competition. This family of rifles consist of two main types. The SCAR-L, for light, is chambered in the 5.56x45mm NATO cartridge and the SCAR-H, for heavy, fires 7.62x51mm NATO. Both are available in Long Barrel and Close Quarters Combat (CQC) variants. The FN SCAR system completed low rate initial production testing in June 2007. After some delays, the first rifles began being issued to operational units in April 2009, and a battalion of the US 75th Ranger Regiment will be the first large unit deployed into combat with 600 of the rifles in 2009. (taken from www.wikipedia.org )
Overview
As can be seen from my other review of the Vega Force Company (VFC) SCAR-H, it’s fairly clear I was extremely disappointed in the quality and performance of a $400 ~ rifle. So when I heard that DBOY was planning on producing a VFC SCAR-H clone I immediately put aside the cash in the hopes it would be affordable and a quality replica.
Echo 1 got the first drop however, releasing the “ASC-H,” plastered with Echo1 imitation trademarks and a $260 ~ price tag. Within a month however, the Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) for the Echo 1 was released as the DBOY SCAR-H.
Airsoft GI is currently selling the DBOY SCAR-H for $160 due to a “manufacturing defect” that keeps the stock from locking in place when folded to the side. I will come back to this in the external review section.
Unlike the VFC SCAR-H the DBOY SCAR-H comes packaged in a plain cardboard box with very cheap extruded foam. As can be seen from the pictures the foam is everywhere. It’s no surprise it would be found in the gearbox later on.
Accessories
The DBOY SCAR comes with quite a few accessories in comparison to the VFC, included is a “dumb” wall charger, an 8.4v 1200mAh battery, a single high cap mag, a small Phillips head screwdriver, a small package of BB’s, and of course a cleaning rod. As seen from the pictures however, mine was broken in shipping due to being tucked into the sling mount holes.
Since this is a VFC clone I immediately checked the rifle throughout the review for compatibility. The included high cap mag is identical in shape to the VFC. The coloring is also nearly identical to the VFC high cap (middle) and the VFC midcap (left). The only noticeable difference is the base plate on the DBOY is tan instead of black.
Externals Review
The DBOY externals are by far some of the nicest clone externals I have used up to this point. The coloring and feel is extremely close to the VFC.
The number of SCAR manufacturers is slowly growing, with TM, and a few others jumping on the bandwagon. Since the DBOY is a VFC clone the stock is a Generation 3 model. This is an easily distinguishable feature; On Gen.2 SCAR’s the stock extends three positions, and the cheek rest extends two positions. On the Gen.3 SCAR however, the stock extends six positions, and the cheek rest extends three positions. In addition, the cheek rest is more streamlined, and the stock more curved on the Gen. 3 for comfort.
Like the VFC SCAR-H, the DBOY also has no exposed wires when the stock is folded. As previously mentioned the DBOY SCAR-H, and subsequently the Echo 1 SCAR-H are getting a number of complaints about the stock not locking into place when folded. This is not a “manufacturing defect” as many would believe. Rather it is an issue with the original VFC, the VFC stock does not lock into the folded position. This is due to the wrong dimensions of the stock lock located on the body, it’s simply a millimeter or two shorter than required.
Unlike a standard AR the SCAR, per requirements, is completely ambidextrous, meaning it can be used by a right or left hand dominant person. The selector switch, magazine release, and even the charging handle can easily be switched for use with either hand.
Oddly the entire rifle is very close in coloring to the VFC on the DBOY SCAR-H except for the pistol grip. For whatever reason, DBOY has produced an almost Ranger Green colored pistol grip, the VFC however is closer to a Khaki tan.
One of the disadvantages to a standard M4 or M16 is the length of the upper rail for the mounting of accessories such as; scopes, aimpoints, AN/PEQ’s, and the like. So when FNH designed the rail system they included a fully railed upper receiver. The DBOY is very similar in color to the VFC. They are however, made of very different metals, and the DBOY is noticeably lighter. The top rail is still numbered on the odd numbers for easy replacing of accessories if stored or taken off. Rail covers are recommended for unused portions as they have extremely sharp corners.
Again, like the VFC, DBOY has cloned the working bolt catch. This is a nice advantage when trying to adjust the hopup wheel, as well as when you smack the release, the upper makes a very nice, head turning, clank.
Moving up to the barrel, VFC chose to model the CQC variant, and likewise the DBOY is also the shortest CQC variant. The threads are a standard 14mm counterclockwise (CCW) and can mount any number of extensions, flash hiders, and silencers. The DBOY SCAR-H unlike the Echo 1 however, does not come with a metal flash hider, just the standard orange plastic.
One of the other innovations in the VFC SCAR series that DBOY has included in their clone is the inclusion of a built-in tool stored in the gasblock. The first use of which is a nice hopup adjustment tool. With gloves on, or even with bare fingers, it is difficult to access the hopup, due to the size of the shell ejection port. The tool however, makes it very simple to adjust. The downside is the tool easily slips around in the gasblock housing, and can just as easily fall out while on the field. I found a quick piece of electrical tape or Teflon tape made enough friction to keep it in place. The gasblock contains a small ball bearing and spring that “lock” the tool in the housing. The only complaint I could find with the DBOY was that the gas block is simply painted black like their SCAR-L, which on the VFC and the real FN SCAR-H is a gunmetal gray.
The iron sights are faithfully replicated like every other part of the externals. The SCAR-H features front and rear flip-up types and are convenient if you choose to mount any sort of optics, if one fails you can simply take it off and use the Backup Iron Sights (BUIS). As far as clarity for iron sights, I wasn’t a huge fan of the stick type. In CQC it can be a problem when sighting in for close quarters and quick reaction shooting. It is worth noting however, that the DBOY has a selectable reticule on the rear sight for close and long range acquisition
Internals Review
So, the externals were at the very least on par with VFC, what about the inside? After all the VFC looked great before review as well.
Unfortunately, due to the design of the stock, there’s still not much room for a battery. Like the VFC SCAR’s, the DBOY SCAR-H is wired to the rear and simply has a pop out locking pin holding the stock pad on. There’s really not much room inside the stock as stated. My 9.6v 1500mAh was a tight squeeze, and only allowed the use of five of the six positions once installed. I was extremely happy with the fuse as the size is much larger and did not blow on a 9.6v like many clone fuses do. As you can see from the picture it’s similar to an automotive fuse, so replacement should be easy to find. Unlike the VFC, DBOY has moved the cotter pin that secures the stock pad pin in place inside the body, this means f you’re doing a quick change on the field, you are less likely to lose the stock pad like you would on the VFC.
The AEG breaks down identical to a real SCAR, and identical to the VFC. Simply unscrew three star screws along either side of the upper receiver, pop out the front pin on the lower receiver, and the barrel and lower assembly slide out, pull straight down on the stock and the stock pulls out, finally simply pull the recoil rod through the hole where the stock was and that’s about all there is to field stripping a SCAR, airsoft or real. Now you remember that gas block tool I mentioned earlier? Well, it also includes the star shaped screwdriver needed. As you can see from the picture below, just pull the hopup adjustment half off and you have the tools needed to breakdown everything on the field.
The front barrel assembly comes apart fairly easily, and identically to the VFC. Unlike the VFC however, instead of two 1.5mm allen screws, there are two 2mm allen screws on either side of the hopup. Unscrew those and you can slide the assembly out. As you can see the hopup is not a standard M4 hopup, instead it is a VFC SCAR specific variant. Both the VFC SCAR-L and SCAR-H use this design so if it breaks you’re in luck for replacements, with DBOY and Echo 1 now carrying the same design spare parts will be much easier to locate. The bucking is a generic china made, and gives decent accuracy and range. The barrel is also of decent quality; with the length being around 300mm for the CQC variant which is a tad shorter than the VFC.
Pulling out the gearbox is somewhat similar to a standard AR, but also somewhat more difficult. VFC used a standard version two gearbox and DBOY unfortunately copied this. The advantage of course is the availability of parts. The downside is, some parts become proprietary as well as the inherent weakness of the version two gearbox design. To pull the gearbox out, take out a screw from the magwell, the motor and grip, and the screw from the rear of the gearbox, and finally disassemble the selector switches. Be very careful not to lose any of the parts. Unlike a typical AR there is no trigger pin, so no need to hammer at the faux one. You are then free to pull the gearbox from the lower body.
I was extremely impressed with the VFC externals and extremely unimpressed with the VFC internals. However, I can’t say the same of the DBOY internals. The motor is of a generic label, and is easily able to pull the gearbox on the included 8.4v 1200mAh battery
VFC gearbox
DBOY gearbox
As previously stated, and posted in the VFC SCAR-H review I was extremely disappointed in the VFC internal quality, so when opening the DBOY I wasn’t sure they could be worse.
I was quite surprised that VFC did not choose to use a high strength SR-25 gearbox, given that the room inside would easily allow for the use of one, DBOY kept the same standard version 2 gearbox in their SCAR-H as well. The gearbox itself is made of a cast zinc alloy and the quality is somewhat questionable, but certainly stronger than the VFC. Unlike the VFC however, the gearbox is a “reinforced” type gearbox with heavy reinforcement around the gears.
The gears are standard china made “XYT” brand gears, and in comparison to the VFC are at minimum, on par in quality. The shimming was above par and was far above the VFC shimming, requiring only a quick checkup and minor adjustment.
The spring guide and bushings were a huge letdown on the VFC, with both being made of an extremely cheap plastic. DBOY however, includes a metal spring guide with bearing, and metal 7mm bearings. Everything spun freely and made the entire gearbox worth it’s weight.
Moving to the spring I was generally pleased. The spring was of decent quality, and felt in the range of an M120-M130, with the chronograph confirming the initial guess.
As seen from the pictures the piston and tappet plate greatly differ from the VFC and are made from a white poly carbonate. From past experience the china poly carbonate holds up decently, and certainly feels stronger than the VFC plastic. I was pleasantly surprised and pleased to see the removal of the second tooth on the piston like on the VFC. They say it removes overall stress, and while this may or may not be true, the inclusion of such features is at least “cool.” The piston head is a blue poly carbonate on the DBOY, unlike the aluminum piston head in the VFC. Like the VFC however, it is not a bearing piston head. Instead of a plastic spacer like on the VFC, the DBOY only had two washers. I’m uncertain if they forgot the bearing ring or not.
The cylinder is a decent quality brass cylinder. The cylinder head is made of plastic like the VFC, but it did make a good seal. The air nozzle is obviously a proprietary piece and is a copy of the VFC. It looks very similar to an M4, except being elongated and almost twice as long. Compression wasn’t as consistent as the VFC and had a minor leak when tested, however, chrono readings were still fairly consistent.
The wiring is the typical china wiring. The quality is about the same as any stock clone possibly less, with very thin wiring, 18-20 gauge at best. It works well enough, but definitely an area of improvement if using anything larger than a 9.6v battery. This is another area where the VFC failed, but for a DBOY it’s more than appropriate.
Performance
FPS: 387-392FPS (Average:389FPS)
Range: 150-180ft
As far as performance I was extremely pleased with DBOY. Despite Airsoft GI leaving the spring compressed during shipping, the FPS was still very close the 400FPS it registered during their chrono testing. Range and accuracy will be lower due to the short inner barrel, but there is plenty of room for improvements and upgrades.
Final Thoughts and Upgradeability
Having been extremely unimpressed with VFC, I was very hopeful that the DBOY wouldn’t give me the feeling of having just been robbed. After a thorough review I can safely say this is probably one of the best deals. The externals aren’t as pretty as the VFC when compared side-by-side, but when it comes down to the shooting the DBOY runs away in quality and performance.
Upgradability is somewhat limited in certain areas like its VFC counterpart.
As noted it is a version two box, so almost everything is upgradeable. The only exceptions of course are the trigger and air nozzle. This does limit upgrades however, as you cannot use any sort of bore-up kit for a higher FPS. In theory one might also be able to mount a SR25 gearbox and use a standard M4 airnozzle, but I have yet to test the theory.
Of course external upgrades are endless. The massive amount of rail space means you can mount just about anything. EGLM grenade launchers, AN/PEQ-15 boxes, scopes, aimpoints, etc. will all fit the standard 20mm rail.
Externals Score: 8/10
A lower score than the VFC, but the lighter feel, and cheaper quality of the upper takes away from the overall feel.
Internals Score: 9.5/10
The only reason I can even take points away from the internals is the slightly unshimmed gears, and the plastic hop up, even though the original is plastic, it would have been nice for DBOY to make a metal hop up chamber
Overall Score: 10/10
If you’re looking for a nice looking SCAR-H, the VFC is a good choice. It’s by far one of the most realistic looking available. However, if you’re looking for an out-of-the-box field worthy rifle the DBOY is worlds ahead of the VFC. I’m extremely pleased at the overall purchase and have no feelings of being ripped of like I did when I purchased the VFC.
© Copyright triggs 2011
DBOY FN Herstal SCAR-H
- Real Steel History
- Overview
- Accessories
- Externals review
- Internals review
- Performance
- Final Thoughts and Upgradeability
Real Steel History
Image from www.wikipedia.com all rights reserved
The Special Forces Combat Assault Rifle, or SCAR, is a modular rifle made by Fabrique Nationale de Herstal (FNH) for the U.S. Special Operations Command (SOCOM) to satisfy the requirements of the SCAR competition. This family of rifles consist of two main types. The SCAR-L, for light, is chambered in the 5.56x45mm NATO cartridge and the SCAR-H, for heavy, fires 7.62x51mm NATO. Both are available in Long Barrel and Close Quarters Combat (CQC) variants. The FN SCAR system completed low rate initial production testing in June 2007. After some delays, the first rifles began being issued to operational units in April 2009, and a battalion of the US 75th Ranger Regiment will be the first large unit deployed into combat with 600 of the rifles in 2009. (taken from www.wikipedia.org )
Overview
As can be seen from my other review of the Vega Force Company (VFC) SCAR-H, it’s fairly clear I was extremely disappointed in the quality and performance of a $400 ~ rifle. So when I heard that DBOY was planning on producing a VFC SCAR-H clone I immediately put aside the cash in the hopes it would be affordable and a quality replica.
Echo 1 got the first drop however, releasing the “ASC-H,” plastered with Echo1 imitation trademarks and a $260 ~ price tag. Within a month however, the Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) for the Echo 1 was released as the DBOY SCAR-H.
Airsoft GI is currently selling the DBOY SCAR-H for $160 due to a “manufacturing defect” that keeps the stock from locking in place when folded to the side. I will come back to this in the external review section.
Unlike the VFC SCAR-H the DBOY SCAR-H comes packaged in a plain cardboard box with very cheap extruded foam. As can be seen from the pictures the foam is everywhere. It’s no surprise it would be found in the gearbox later on.
Accessories
The DBOY SCAR comes with quite a few accessories in comparison to the VFC, included is a “dumb” wall charger, an 8.4v 1200mAh battery, a single high cap mag, a small Phillips head screwdriver, a small package of BB’s, and of course a cleaning rod. As seen from the pictures however, mine was broken in shipping due to being tucked into the sling mount holes.
Since this is a VFC clone I immediately checked the rifle throughout the review for compatibility. The included high cap mag is identical in shape to the VFC. The coloring is also nearly identical to the VFC high cap (middle) and the VFC midcap (left). The only noticeable difference is the base plate on the DBOY is tan instead of black.
Externals Review
The DBOY externals are by far some of the nicest clone externals I have used up to this point. The coloring and feel is extremely close to the VFC.
The number of SCAR manufacturers is slowly growing, with TM, and a few others jumping on the bandwagon. Since the DBOY is a VFC clone the stock is a Generation 3 model. This is an easily distinguishable feature; On Gen.2 SCAR’s the stock extends three positions, and the cheek rest extends two positions. On the Gen.3 SCAR however, the stock extends six positions, and the cheek rest extends three positions. In addition, the cheek rest is more streamlined, and the stock more curved on the Gen. 3 for comfort.
Like the VFC SCAR-H, the DBOY also has no exposed wires when the stock is folded. As previously mentioned the DBOY SCAR-H, and subsequently the Echo 1 SCAR-H are getting a number of complaints about the stock not locking into place when folded. This is not a “manufacturing defect” as many would believe. Rather it is an issue with the original VFC, the VFC stock does not lock into the folded position. This is due to the wrong dimensions of the stock lock located on the body, it’s simply a millimeter or two shorter than required.
Unlike a standard AR the SCAR, per requirements, is completely ambidextrous, meaning it can be used by a right or left hand dominant person. The selector switch, magazine release, and even the charging handle can easily be switched for use with either hand.
Oddly the entire rifle is very close in coloring to the VFC on the DBOY SCAR-H except for the pistol grip. For whatever reason, DBOY has produced an almost Ranger Green colored pistol grip, the VFC however is closer to a Khaki tan.
One of the disadvantages to a standard M4 or M16 is the length of the upper rail for the mounting of accessories such as; scopes, aimpoints, AN/PEQ’s, and the like. So when FNH designed the rail system they included a fully railed upper receiver. The DBOY is very similar in color to the VFC. They are however, made of very different metals, and the DBOY is noticeably lighter. The top rail is still numbered on the odd numbers for easy replacing of accessories if stored or taken off. Rail covers are recommended for unused portions as they have extremely sharp corners.
Again, like the VFC, DBOY has cloned the working bolt catch. This is a nice advantage when trying to adjust the hopup wheel, as well as when you smack the release, the upper makes a very nice, head turning, clank.
Moving up to the barrel, VFC chose to model the CQC variant, and likewise the DBOY is also the shortest CQC variant. The threads are a standard 14mm counterclockwise (CCW) and can mount any number of extensions, flash hiders, and silencers. The DBOY SCAR-H unlike the Echo 1 however, does not come with a metal flash hider, just the standard orange plastic.
One of the other innovations in the VFC SCAR series that DBOY has included in their clone is the inclusion of a built-in tool stored in the gasblock. The first use of which is a nice hopup adjustment tool. With gloves on, or even with bare fingers, it is difficult to access the hopup, due to the size of the shell ejection port. The tool however, makes it very simple to adjust. The downside is the tool easily slips around in the gasblock housing, and can just as easily fall out while on the field. I found a quick piece of electrical tape or Teflon tape made enough friction to keep it in place. The gasblock contains a small ball bearing and spring that “lock” the tool in the housing. The only complaint I could find with the DBOY was that the gas block is simply painted black like their SCAR-L, which on the VFC and the real FN SCAR-H is a gunmetal gray.
The iron sights are faithfully replicated like every other part of the externals. The SCAR-H features front and rear flip-up types and are convenient if you choose to mount any sort of optics, if one fails you can simply take it off and use the Backup Iron Sights (BUIS). As far as clarity for iron sights, I wasn’t a huge fan of the stick type. In CQC it can be a problem when sighting in for close quarters and quick reaction shooting. It is worth noting however, that the DBOY has a selectable reticule on the rear sight for close and long range acquisition
Internals Review
So, the externals were at the very least on par with VFC, what about the inside? After all the VFC looked great before review as well.
Unfortunately, due to the design of the stock, there’s still not much room for a battery. Like the VFC SCAR’s, the DBOY SCAR-H is wired to the rear and simply has a pop out locking pin holding the stock pad on. There’s really not much room inside the stock as stated. My 9.6v 1500mAh was a tight squeeze, and only allowed the use of five of the six positions once installed. I was extremely happy with the fuse as the size is much larger and did not blow on a 9.6v like many clone fuses do. As you can see from the picture it’s similar to an automotive fuse, so replacement should be easy to find. Unlike the VFC, DBOY has moved the cotter pin that secures the stock pad pin in place inside the body, this means f you’re doing a quick change on the field, you are less likely to lose the stock pad like you would on the VFC.
The AEG breaks down identical to a real SCAR, and identical to the VFC. Simply unscrew three star screws along either side of the upper receiver, pop out the front pin on the lower receiver, and the barrel and lower assembly slide out, pull straight down on the stock and the stock pulls out, finally simply pull the recoil rod through the hole where the stock was and that’s about all there is to field stripping a SCAR, airsoft or real. Now you remember that gas block tool I mentioned earlier? Well, it also includes the star shaped screwdriver needed. As you can see from the picture below, just pull the hopup adjustment half off and you have the tools needed to breakdown everything on the field.
The front barrel assembly comes apart fairly easily, and identically to the VFC. Unlike the VFC however, instead of two 1.5mm allen screws, there are two 2mm allen screws on either side of the hopup. Unscrew those and you can slide the assembly out. As you can see the hopup is not a standard M4 hopup, instead it is a VFC SCAR specific variant. Both the VFC SCAR-L and SCAR-H use this design so if it breaks you’re in luck for replacements, with DBOY and Echo 1 now carrying the same design spare parts will be much easier to locate. The bucking is a generic china made, and gives decent accuracy and range. The barrel is also of decent quality; with the length being around 300mm for the CQC variant which is a tad shorter than the VFC.
Pulling out the gearbox is somewhat similar to a standard AR, but also somewhat more difficult. VFC used a standard version two gearbox and DBOY unfortunately copied this. The advantage of course is the availability of parts. The downside is, some parts become proprietary as well as the inherent weakness of the version two gearbox design. To pull the gearbox out, take out a screw from the magwell, the motor and grip, and the screw from the rear of the gearbox, and finally disassemble the selector switches. Be very careful not to lose any of the parts. Unlike a typical AR there is no trigger pin, so no need to hammer at the faux one. You are then free to pull the gearbox from the lower body.
I was extremely impressed with the VFC externals and extremely unimpressed with the VFC internals. However, I can’t say the same of the DBOY internals. The motor is of a generic label, and is easily able to pull the gearbox on the included 8.4v 1200mAh battery
VFC gearbox
DBOY gearbox
As previously stated, and posted in the VFC SCAR-H review I was extremely disappointed in the VFC internal quality, so when opening the DBOY I wasn’t sure they could be worse.
I was quite surprised that VFC did not choose to use a high strength SR-25 gearbox, given that the room inside would easily allow for the use of one, DBOY kept the same standard version 2 gearbox in their SCAR-H as well. The gearbox itself is made of a cast zinc alloy and the quality is somewhat questionable, but certainly stronger than the VFC. Unlike the VFC however, the gearbox is a “reinforced” type gearbox with heavy reinforcement around the gears.
The gears are standard china made “XYT” brand gears, and in comparison to the VFC are at minimum, on par in quality. The shimming was above par and was far above the VFC shimming, requiring only a quick checkup and minor adjustment.
The spring guide and bushings were a huge letdown on the VFC, with both being made of an extremely cheap plastic. DBOY however, includes a metal spring guide with bearing, and metal 7mm bearings. Everything spun freely and made the entire gearbox worth it’s weight.
Moving to the spring I was generally pleased. The spring was of decent quality, and felt in the range of an M120-M130, with the chronograph confirming the initial guess.
As seen from the pictures the piston and tappet plate greatly differ from the VFC and are made from a white poly carbonate. From past experience the china poly carbonate holds up decently, and certainly feels stronger than the VFC plastic. I was pleasantly surprised and pleased to see the removal of the second tooth on the piston like on the VFC. They say it removes overall stress, and while this may or may not be true, the inclusion of such features is at least “cool.” The piston head is a blue poly carbonate on the DBOY, unlike the aluminum piston head in the VFC. Like the VFC however, it is not a bearing piston head. Instead of a plastic spacer like on the VFC, the DBOY only had two washers. I’m uncertain if they forgot the bearing ring or not.
The cylinder is a decent quality brass cylinder. The cylinder head is made of plastic like the VFC, but it did make a good seal. The air nozzle is obviously a proprietary piece and is a copy of the VFC. It looks very similar to an M4, except being elongated and almost twice as long. Compression wasn’t as consistent as the VFC and had a minor leak when tested, however, chrono readings were still fairly consistent.
The wiring is the typical china wiring. The quality is about the same as any stock clone possibly less, with very thin wiring, 18-20 gauge at best. It works well enough, but definitely an area of improvement if using anything larger than a 9.6v battery. This is another area where the VFC failed, but for a DBOY it’s more than appropriate.
Performance
FPS: 387-392FPS (Average:389FPS)
Range: 150-180ft
As far as performance I was extremely pleased with DBOY. Despite Airsoft GI leaving the spring compressed during shipping, the FPS was still very close the 400FPS it registered during their chrono testing. Range and accuracy will be lower due to the short inner barrel, but there is plenty of room for improvements and upgrades.
Final Thoughts and Upgradeability
Having been extremely unimpressed with VFC, I was very hopeful that the DBOY wouldn’t give me the feeling of having just been robbed. After a thorough review I can safely say this is probably one of the best deals. The externals aren’t as pretty as the VFC when compared side-by-side, but when it comes down to the shooting the DBOY runs away in quality and performance.
Upgradability is somewhat limited in certain areas like its VFC counterpart.
As noted it is a version two box, so almost everything is upgradeable. The only exceptions of course are the trigger and air nozzle. This does limit upgrades however, as you cannot use any sort of bore-up kit for a higher FPS. In theory one might also be able to mount a SR25 gearbox and use a standard M4 airnozzle, but I have yet to test the theory.
Of course external upgrades are endless. The massive amount of rail space means you can mount just about anything. EGLM grenade launchers, AN/PEQ-15 boxes, scopes, aimpoints, etc. will all fit the standard 20mm rail.
Externals Score: 8/10
A lower score than the VFC, but the lighter feel, and cheaper quality of the upper takes away from the overall feel.
Internals Score: 9.5/10
The only reason I can even take points away from the internals is the slightly unshimmed gears, and the plastic hop up, even though the original is plastic, it would have been nice for DBOY to make a metal hop up chamber
Overall Score: 10/10
If you’re looking for a nice looking SCAR-H, the VFC is a good choice. It’s by far one of the most realistic looking available. However, if you’re looking for an out-of-the-box field worthy rifle the DBOY is worlds ahead of the VFC. I’m extremely pleased at the overall purchase and have no feelings of being ripped of like I did when I purchased the VFC.
© Copyright triggs 2011