KWC Sig Sauer P226

Manufacturer: KWC

Model: KWC Sig Sauer P226

FPS: 240-250

Cost: $20-$25

Introduction: The KWC Sig Sauer P226 was formerly a popular and common spring pistol replica found at both airsoft hobby shops and sporting good stores. It has now been discontinued and has been succeeded by the HPA series of the Sig Sauer P226.

Externals: The replica comes in two different colors: Black and Clear. There is no open ejection port, instead the P226 features a one-piece slide. The whole replica is built of solid plastic. The replica feels very solid and good to hold. It is extremely durable. The slide features Sig Sauer trademarks.

Metal Parts: There are no metal parts other than screws, the spring and the barrel of the replica.

Safety: The pistol features a realistic safety which is relatively unique to this series of pistol. It is very solid and slides back and forth well, but does not click. All in all, it is a functional, effective, and sturdy safety.

Magazine: The magazines are all plastic and feel solid. They are able to take a drop from about 2 feet and suffer minimal damage. The feature KWC's speed-loading design with spring plunger and cap that is often the source of criticism and praise depending in its use. You pull down the plunger and hold the cap to allow bbs to flow in. When finished, simply click the button and the pluger releases, holding the bbs in the magazine. Be careful not to touch the cap otherwise bbs will come shooting out of the magazine. This makes magazine transport a bit more tricky and difficult. The magazines fit into the gun easily with a clear click and feature a bit of wobble.

Firing: To fire the KWC Sig Sauer P226, simply pull back the slide till you hear and click and carefully allow the slide to return to its original position. The trigger requires a bit of pull but very little effort. The range is very nice for a spring pistol, reaching distances of 60-70 feet easily. Alas, the FPS is rather low despite this range.

Conclusion: The KWC Sig Sauer P226 is an excellent replica for beginners and with some potential to serve as sidearms for AEGs. It's durablity and ease of use are what make it stand out as a solid spring replica. Ultimately, I have owned this model and actually left it submereged in water and mud for several weeks on accident. Upon rediscovering my replica, after a quick wash, I found the pistol to still be in working condition! All in all, a great pistol, and it is a shame it has been discontinued! While I believe that the HPA version should be an improvement (uses the same magazines and same looks), I cannot say personally for I have not used it and do not know if the higher price-tag is worth it for the upgraded model.

Airsoft Springers Reviews:
Externals: 3/5
Durability: 5/5
Accuracy: 4/5
Range: 4/5
Power: 3/5
Overall: 4/5

Cybergun Desert Eagle .44

Manufacturer: UHC (Cybergun Rebrand)

Model: Cybergun Desert Eagle .44

FPS: 250-270

Cost: $20-$25

Introduction: The Cybergun Desert Eagle is one of the only two options availible when wanting to purchase a spring Desert Eagle replica (The other would be the KWC Ultra Grade Desert Eagle .50) In any case, it is very common at a variety of sporting good stores and comes with a relatively cheap price tag. The popularity of the Desert Eagle style replica makes it a very common beginner's choice in airsoft replicas.

Externals: The replica comes in three different colors: Silver, Black, and Clear. In all cases, the externals are deftinately not impressive as the silver is a very flat silver, the black is a semi-shiny black, and the clear is obviously transparent. The replica is prone to scratching. Although the replica feels very sturdy in its build, it is very light and feels very plasticy; its size is very deceptive. Since this is a Cybergun rebrand, Desert Eagle trademarks are featured on the replica. Taking away from the realism though are the "Cybergun" and "Shoot/Safe" etchings on the side of the replica. Overall, the externals leave much to be desired despite a sturdy build.

Metal Parts: There are no metal parts other than screws, the spring, the barrel, and other various internal mechanisms of the replica.

Safety: The pistol does not feature a reaslitic safety; rather, it uses the slide lock as a safety. It is a little bit stiff but otherwise, clicks nicely into place. (See note in externals about "Shoot/Safe" etchings)

Magazine: The magazines feel very solid and tend to hold around 20-25 bbs. The last couple of bbs are hard to get into the magazine. The magazine has good weight and is where the majority of the weight in the replica comes from. The mag release is quite solid, except that the magazine does not slide out smoothly the majority of the time; it must be pulled out with some force.

Firing: To fire the Cybergun Desert Eagle, pull the back of the replica till you hear a click. Afterwards, simply pull the trigger. The trigger pull is solid and responds quite well. Ultimately, the range is probably around 50-70 ft accurate with .20s, and probably pushing 75 ft with .12s. Either way, its range is acceptable. The FPS is also decent at 250-270. Overall, its performance is acceptable for such a low cost replica, but still can't compare with potentially less expensive KWC Cybergun-rebranded spring replica pistols.

Conclusion: A fine pistol and a good purchase for those a fan of big handguns and/or the general Desert Eagle style. Unfortunately, the externals and the fake safety are what really make this replica medicore, but it is still a great starting point for beginners because of its easy maitence and sturdy build. I have seen it take several drops onto hard surfaces from 3 feet off the ground and it still holds its own pretty well. In the end, a good deal for its price and great for beginners.

Airsoft Springers Reviews:
Externals: 3/5
Durability: 4/5
Accuracy: 4/5
Range: 3/5
Power: 4/5
Overall: 3.5/5

UHC M9 Heavyweight

Manufacturer: UHC

Model: M9 Heavyweight

FPS: 250-260

Cost: $17-$25

Introduction: The UHC M9 is a very popular spring pistol. It is commonly availible at airsoft retail stores and is very nice. Note that there are two different versions- the normal and the heavyweight. The normal is supposedly much weaker and less well built than the heavyweight replicas (I have only handled heavyweight models).

Externals: The pistol's build quality is very nice and feels very solid- no creaks. The pistol also features an open ejection port. It feels like very nice quality ABS plastic. Overall, there really isn't much to say about the pistol's external build other than that it has good weight, nice build, and overall looks very impressive for a low-cost replica.

Metal Parts: There are no metal parts other than screws, the spring, the barrel, and other various internal mechanisms of the replica.

Safety: The pistol does not feature a reaslitic safety; rather, it uses the slide lock as a safety.

Magazine: The magazines feel very solid and tend to hold around 10-12 bbs. They are loaded very simply, though in a slow manner. Again, the simplicity of the replica and its parts is what makes it stand out as an excellent low-cost replica.

Firing: To fire the UHC M9, cock back the pistol till you hear a click and guide the slide forward. The cocking processes can only be described as clunky and not smooth- it feels like sliding two sheets of metal against each other. Once you do that, the trigger should shift indicating the replica is cocked. The trigger pull is very light and response. The replica has excellent range and power, easily reaching anything within 60-70 feet and possibly hiting targets up to 100 feet. Overall, the pistol is a joy to shoot and operate.

Conclusion: An outstanding spring pistol- it definately is worth it's low cost. It is very durable due to its simplicity and solid build. I highly recommend the HEAVYWEIGHT version to any beginner or airsofter looking for a side arm.

Airsoft Springers Reviews:
Externals: 4/5
Durability: 5/5
Accuracy: 5/5
Range: 4/5
Power: 4/5
Overall: 4/5

UTG/DE M87

Manufacturer: UTG/DE

Model: M87

FPS: 280-290

Cost: $20-$30

Introduction: The DE M87 is an extremely common rebranded shotgun that is often sold under the brands UTG and Cybergun. Note that Crosman also makes a cheaper version of this replica with slightly lower quality internals. It is availible at virtually every sporting goods story, airsoft retailer, and large department stores.

Externals: The M87's externals are acceptable. The M87 itself is availible in 3 variants- a pistolgrip replica, a telestocking grip replica, and finally a full-stock replica. The externals are essentially the same on all of them. They feature a confortable textured grip. It features a removable RIS system. There is a slight wobble in the pump, but otherwise the replica feels very solid. The telescoping stock functions very well, but note that the full-stock variant should be handled with care to prevent the replica from snapping in half at the grip (a major replica weakpoint). While they are essentially based on the looks of the mossenberg, the rails must be removed to have a decent realistic look, but it reveals a plethora of screw holes. Ultimately, the externals of this replica are nothing special but well built.

Metal Parts: There are few metal parts on this replica. They are limited to the inner-barrel, pump guide, and pump tube. Everything else is ABS plastic.

Safety: The safety is a simple push button safety located next to the trigger that prevents the trigger from being pulled. Note that after some use the safety may or may not become broken in that it refuses to lock completely into a firing postion, creating a slight resistance to the trigger pull. This has happened to a couple of the replicas I have examined.

Magazine: The magazines are very simple and use either the included loading tool or speedloader to load the standard 17 rounds into the magazine. Alternatively, a Hi-cap magazine is also availible to carry up to 150 rounds. While the lo-cap magazines are built extremely well and feel solid, the hi-cap magazines feel slightly weak and plasticy, and may face some resistance feeding into the gun. They must be winded well in order to function properly. Ultimately, the low-cap magazines exchange stability for lower mag capacity, while the high-caps are vice-versa.

Firing: To fire this replica, pump the replica, find your target, and give a firm trigger pull. Note that there are no included iron sights on this replica- you must either sight your targets by eye or buy an optic to mount to the replica's RIS. The barrel is prone to scratching from the pump handle. While this replica can slam fire, it is highly unrecommended as it severely damages the replica's internals. The replica is accurate within 100 feet with .20s after some adjustment with the hopup. Hop up is adjustable and is a simple slider to turn hop up on or off and with varying degrees inbetween.

Conclusion: An excellent replica for any beginner, the M87 replica offers great performance and durability allowing it to be a great starter's replica. Note that .12s should not be used in this replica; only .20s and above are recommended. While this replica's externals are nothing special, the relative simple mechanisms inside the replica allow it withstand much wear and tear up to several years of excellent performance if maintained and treated properly.

Airsoft Springers Reviews:
Externals: 3/5
Durability: 5/5
Accuracy: 5/5
Range: 5/5
Power: 4/5
Overall: 4/5

TSD M14

Manufacturer: TSD

Model: M14

FPS: 280-290

Cost: $35-$45

Introduction: The TSD M14 is one of the only spring M14 replicas on the airsoft market. Availible in both regular and SOCOM variants, the M14 is a very nice replica for its price. It is commonly purchasable in airsoft retail stores.

Externals: The M14's externals are extremely impressive. It has a very decent weight, most of which is concentrated in the back of the rifle in the stock. The ABS plastic feels very solid and there is no creaking or flexing in this replica. The weakest part in the build of the replica is the rear sling mount, which is completely weak and cheap plastic that will eventually break under normal usage. The front slight mount does not suffer from this deficiency. The textured parts of the body are very confortable to hold. The fire-selector is molded in and cannot move. The rear sight is very well made. The only significant detriment to the replicas overall looks is a giant seam-line runing from the front of the barrel down the sight. The M14s I have handled also were slightly prone to scratching.

Metal Parts: The TSD M14 features a plethora of metal parts which include front slight mount, rear sight, cocking bolt, and inner barrel. The inclusion of so much metal parts makes the replica feel very sturdy and makes cocking the replica feel confortable and solid.

Features: The M14 features a detached tri-rail RIS that can fits on the front of the rifle. The SOCOM variant has an additional RIS rail attached to the bottom of the front of the rifle. The SOCOM variant also has a fake ACOG (simply for looks, not skirmishable) and a cheap flashlight (half-decent and okay). Also included is a small screwdriver for locking in the RIS and a speedloader for loading the magazines.

Safety: The safety is a smaller lever on the trigger guard that flips in or flips out. It is quite solid and should not break under normal usage. Make sure to disengage the safety even when cocking the rifle to prevent wear on the replica's internals.

Magazine: The magazines are relatively solidly built with a few quirks. The first is that the magazine is quite prone to scratching. Secondly, the magazine begins to open at its seams when it reaches more than 8-10 bbs. The magazines capacity tops off around 35 bbs. Note that this coming apart at the seams does not affect the firing of the replica and is resolved when the magazine is loaded into the replica. Also note that a couple pieces of electric tape or duct tape should also fix this problem. Another interesting note about this replica's magazines is that UTG/DE M87 style magazines also can feed into this replica, but do not lock in. They simply hang in there with some light friction from the mag release. This gives you another two magazines choices: a short 17 round magazine or a large, 150 hi-cap magazine from this replica. This versatility in magazine choices is another highlight of this replica.

Firing: There is no internal difference between the SOCOM and regular version of the M14 replica. To fire this replica, make sure that the safety is off. Firing while the safety is on puts unnecessary wear on the replica's internals. The pull on the bolt is quite hard but becomes easier overtime. After hearing a solid click, guide the bolt forward to prevent further unnecessary wear on the replica's externals. Then line up the iron sights/optics, and fire. The trigger pull is firm and responsive. Note that the iron sights are only slightly adjustable for left/right, and do not adjust for elevation. The range of this rifle is excellent and easily pushes 140 feet with hop-up adjustment. Adjusting the hop-up is a simple ordeal with the hop-up adjust knob in the magazine well and simply turning in either direction adjusts the hop-up. The FPS of the rifle may seem a bit low, but it makes up for it in great accuracy and range.

Conclusion: Definately an excellent spring replica, the TSD M14 is a wonderful performer for its price and can easily outmatch almost every other spring replica. Other than some slight flaws in externals such as the rear sling mount and scratching, the rifle is both perfect for a beginner and an experienced airsofter. Ultimately, I highly recommend it to anyone looking for a long range and effective spring replica.

Airsoft Springers Reviews:
Externals: 4/5
Durability: 4/5
Accuracy: 5/5
Range: 5/5
Power: 4/5
Overall: 5/5

KWC Tanfoglio Witness

Manufacturer: KWC

Model: Tanfoglio Witness

FPS: 240-250

Cost: $17-$25

Introduction: A reltatively common and low-priced pistol, the KWC Tanfoglio Witness is sold under the Cybergun brand and features Tanfoglio trademarks. Don't let its low price trick you though, KWC spring pistols have a reputation for being reliable and durable replicas. They are commonly availible at both sporting good stores and airsoft retailers.

Externals: The externals of the Tanfoglio Witness are very impressive and nice. They are made up of a very durable ABS plastic. The grips are made up of slightly less-pretty plastic that takes the hue of a hideous brown. All parts of the replica feel very solid. Note that there is no open-ejection port; rather, the ejection port is covered by a very convincing plastic or sticker that gives a very good impression of metal. The iron sights are simple and are practical. The take-down lever for KWC pistols is the fake slide-lock; simply pull it out and then the slide comes off for easy cleaning and maitence.

Metal Parts: There are no metal parts on this replica other than the screws and inner barrel.

Features: There is no significant features on this spring replica. No RIS rails for attaching additional acessories.

Safety: The safety could be considered the weakest part of this replica. Though it will function fine if used properly. There is no functioning grip safety. Engaging the safety lever makes a nice click noise to indicate it safe and in this mode you can't pull the trigger or cock the pistol. The most commonly experienced problem with the safety is that the small spring of the lever becomes lost, and the safety no longer locks into place. None the less, under proper usage and care, this problem should no occur.

Magazine: The magazines are of the typical KWC speedloading style. Simply pull down the spring till it locks in place, and then hold on the lever and let the bbs come in. The flaws in this design are that the spring may accidentally snap back up, causing the bbs to spew everywhere during reloading, and during usage if anything touches the lever that holds the bbs down, it will let all the bbs spew out of the magazine. Thus, magazines must be stored and handled with care to prevent accidental discharge of all the bbs. Overall, they are very light and very skinny; they are built well but still seem slightly fragile.

Firing: To fire this replica, make sure the safety is off first. Cocking the pistol while the safety is engaged may break the safety. Then, simply grip the slide and pull back till you hear a click and guide the slide back to its original position. A firm trigger pull will cuase the replica to fire. Note that the pistol should be cocked all the way to prevent jamming. If the replica does jam, you must remove the magainze and cock the pistol one more time and fire to clear the chamber.

Accuracy: This replica is able to use both .12s and .20s. Obviously, .20 bbs have a straighter trajectory and accuracy, while .12s still offer a respectable accuracy. The lack of hop-up on the newer version 2 of this replica mean limited range (50-60 feet), but it is extremely accurate within this range.

Conclusion: A highly recommended replica which has stood the rigorous tests of durabilty. Beginners will definately be satisfied with this replica and it may even make a backup sidearm for AEGs. Despite the 2 slightl deficiences of this replica (safety and magazines), this replica is well worth its low-cost due to its extreme accuracy and build quality.

Airsoft Springers Reviews:
Externals: 4/5
Durability: 5/5
Accuracy: 4/5
Range: 3/5
Power: 3/5
Overall: 4/5

Cybergun DPMS M16

Manufacturer: Cybergun

Model: DPMS M16

FPS: 280

Cost: $50-$70

Introduction: The Cybergun DPMS M16 is a common M16 spring replica availible on the market. The main significant factor is its inclusion of Panther Arms Trades. They are commonly availible at sporting goods stores.

Externals: The DPMS M16's externals feel very plasticy. The replica is very light despite its big size. It also feels relatively fragile. The Panther Arms trademarks are one of the few highlights of this gun's externals. Overall, the externals are not impressive and are slightly disappointing.

Metal Parts: There are no metal parts on this replica other than the screws and inner barrel.

Features: There are no RIS rails included on this replica. It is a relatively simple airsoft spring replica. The carry handle cannot be removed.

Safety: The safety is a typical M16-style fire selector. Notice that "semi" and "auto" selectors are both to fire. It works well and is relatively easy to operate, although cheap feeling.

Magazine: The magazine itself requires a special loading tool to load the rifle. It holds around 30 rounds. It is quite plasticy as well and has a decent weight.

Firing: To fire the rifle, simply pull back the cocking bolt on the back of the rifle behind the carry handle. The cocking bolt feels plasticy, weak, and flimsy, though usable. Then simply give a decent trigger pull and the replica will fire. The iron sights are simple as well, with the two different iron sights to switch between. The iron sights work well, and they can be used with a paintball mask (though with some difficulty).

Accuracy: Relatively accurate up to 100 feet. There is nothing spectucular about the performance of this replica.

Conclusion: An okay beginner's rifle that should only be purchased if no other options are availible. While not at the lower end of the spectrum, it is very medicore. The main deteriments are its fragile and plasticy feel, which make it very light and unbalanced to fire. The Panther Arms Trades are a cool addition though. Overall, it is simply a beginner's rifle and should be purchased if no better alternatives are availble.

Airsoft Springer Reviews:
Externals: 2/5
Durability: 3/5
Accuracy: 4/5
Range: 3/5
Power: 3/5
Overall: 3/5

Cybergun FAMAS SV Review

Manufacturer: Cybergun

Model: FAMAS SV

FPS: 280-290

Cost: $30

Introduction: The Cybergun FAMAS SV is a commonly referenced beginner's spring replica. Commonly availible at various airsoft stores and sporting good stores, it is unique in that it is one of the only spring bullpup rifles.

Externals: The Cybergun FAMAS has all ABS plastic externals that are relatively well-built. There is no creaking in the rifle. The majority of the weight is in the butt of the stock, typical of many spring rifles. The front external barrel can be screwed off, making the replica length shorter. The plastic is semi-shiny, and is relatively resistant to scratching and such.

Metal Parts: There are no metal parts on this replica other than the screws and inner barrel.

Features: There are two RIS rails- one on the carry handle and a smaller one under the front of the reciever. Note that the RIS on the bottom of the replica is relatively ineffective in that very few acessories are able to attach to it. Both are removable. Also, the bullet ejection shield/cheek rest can be removed and switched to both sides of the replica.

Safety: The safety is extremely simple and is a small lever that twists in the way of the trigger to prevent it from firing. It is ambidextrious.

Magazine: The magazine itself is relatively simple, holding up to around 30 bbs and is easy to load with the included loading tool or speedloader. The magwell itself is also simple, but the mag release lever seems particularily weak (though with proper usage, it should hold up just fine).

Firing: To fire the rifle, simply pull back the cocking bolt on the top of the rifle till you here a click. Be careful not to let the bolt slam forward or it will put unnecessary strain on the front of the rifle. After than, a firm trigger pull is all that is needed to fire the replica. The iron sights on this replica are extremely effective. Note that the iron sights are unusable if you wear a paintball helmet/mask as your facial protective gear.

Accuracy: Very accurate up to 100-110 feet with .20s. Essentially, it is very accurate within its range.

Conclusion: An excellent beginner's replica or simply a good replica to plink around with. The easy to operate bolt makes it able to fire rapidly and accurately. It will be very effective in any spring-replica skirmishes. You definately get your money's worth and more when you purchase this replica. It is very reliable and should last its owner several years of shooting with proper maitence.

Airsoft Springer Reviews:
Externals: 4/5
Durability: 4/5
Accuracy: 4/5
Range: 4/5
Power: 3/5
Overall: 4/5