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