Choosing an AEG Platform to Work From

[Eldin]

Yea, I know what you're thinking "Oh no, not another 'Wh1ch 1337 A3g t0 g3t' thread."
I've searched around the forums for this question, but it doesn't address my situation directly, so here it goes.

I'm looking to acquire an AEG next year, as I have recently finished my VSR-10 and GBB M11.

My budget is $2000 (2k)
My plan is purchasing a solid stock AEG, then spending what money I have left on upgrading it, which would probably hover somewhere around $1500.
I was leaning towards a SCAR, or an M14 EBR to start from, I would prefer not to start from an M16/M4, G36 or L85, but in a pinch I'm willing to start from the M16.

I know little about AEG's as I've been solely running my VSR-10... I know which parts to upgrade and what to do after I get a base to upgrade from, so my only question is...
Which AEG platform would be best suited for my needs?

I'm not one for looks, I'll run something that looks like complete crap as long as it works out for what I need.

Musts:
-Upgrade compatibility
-Outer barrel supports 500mm+
-Rails
-Available parts; Saves me having I have to go to hell's half acre and back looking for them.
-Preferably Metal Receiver

I am aware that this decision lies mostly on personal preference, but if I'm going to spend this big chunk of change, I would really appreciate some feedback; I don't want to run the risk of coming out on the other side of $2000 with something I'm disappointed in.

Thanks

[Styrak]

If you didn't already know, an EBR is going to be REALLY HEAVY.
I'm not sure if that sways your decision.

Have you considered a type of AK?

[DarkAngel]

TM M14
- EBR Kits are heavy and arnt full stock, I dont advise them
- They are some of the most durable guns out on the market, rarely break down
- RAS Systems are availaible
- parts readily availiable
- Mags + Pouches Readily Availaible
- Quiet as Hell
- Full stock, can carry Large Batts while the EBR cant.
- Comes with a metal receiver.

You can easily get your M14 done up completely with RS Optics + kit etc for under 1500.

[Spike]

It sounds like you want either an m14 or an m16. An m16 has a 509mm barrel, metal receiver, can have rails, has a crapload of parts available for it, as well as aftermarket upgrades.

The m14 can be heavier, has a longer barrel, but isn't metal, and the magazines are larger, leaning that pouches (while still available) are less common, and you can't carry as many as regular m16 mag pouches.

What kind of role do you plan on playing with this gun? If you're going to be moving a lot, I would not suggest the m14, as they're better suited for a DMR role. Have you considered a support gun model? RPKs have a long barrel, take AK mags, and run a solid v3 mechbox.

[DarkAngel]

Originally Posted by Spike

The m14 can be heavier, has a longer barrel, but isn't metal, and the magazines are larger, leaning that pouches (while still available) are less common, and you can't carry as many as regular m16 mag pouches.

I take it you havent handled M14's.
They arnt at all heavier than an m16, comes with a metal receiver, and can easily carry the same amount of M14 mags as an m16.
V7 boxes are far superior than the V3's. The only weak link being the selector lever, which is plastic. (I replaced mine with metal)

TM - M14
Full metal with ABS Stock
Weight - 3850g

TM M16 (Plastic Receiver, not even metal)
Weight - 3900g

Info Provided by WGCShop

[Eldin]

Thanks for the info and the quick responses!

Originally Posted by Spike

It sounds like you want either an m14 or an m16. An m16 has a 509mm barrel, metal receiver, can have rails, has a crapload of parts available for it, as well as aftermarket upgrades.

The m14 can be heavier, has a longer barrel, but isn't metal, and the magazines are larger, leaning that pouches (while still available) are less common, and you can't carry as many as regular m16 mag pouches.

What kind of role do you plan on playing with this gun? If you're going to be moving a lot, I would not suggest the m14, as they're better suited for a DMR role. Have you considered a support gun model? RPKs have a long barrel, take AK mags, and run a solid v3 mechbox.

This role will be an aggressive marksman, as sometimes I need to take an aggressive stance at games, but it really doesn't work out with a bolt action and an inaccurate M11.

I don't plan on doing as much running around as I do running my sniper.
I'm willing to sacrifice weight for any functionality that enables the gun to work better.

I want to end up having good accuracy and consistency.

I don't really want a support gun, they are too inconvenient for transport, and I don't want to be running through 3 bags off bb's/round

The m14 sounds just what I'm looking for...
I'll definitely add the regular M14 to my list of considerations, along with the M16. I want to get as much info as I can before making a decision.

[DarkAngel]

Go with the M14 over the M16 (Unless you prefer the M16 for personal reasons)

You will have less headaches in the long run, more durable, better accuracy, its quieter, and its designed as a Marksman's platform.

If you look at the opinions of soldiers from Vietnam, where the M16 and M14 were widely used, youll see nothing but cussing for the M16, and praise for the M14.

As people say, With M14s, its TM or bust. Dont bother getting clones.
Best way to find out if your happy with it, is to try it and handle it. Look for a local that owns one (a TM M14) and see if you like handling it.

[Spike]

I said "can" be. Not my expertise by all means, but any of them that I've held, I've instantly disliked because of the weight.

Also, yes, the receiver is metal, but it's not the bulk of the gun.

Originally Posted by DarkAngel

I take it you havent handled M14's.
They arnt at all heavier than an m16, comes with a metal receiver, and can easily carry the same amount of M14 mags as an m16.
V7 boxes are far superior than the V3's. The only weak link being the selector lever, which is plastic. (I replaced mine with metal)

TM - M14
Full metal with ABS Stock
Weight - 3850g

TM M16 (Plastic Receiver, not even metal)
Weight - 3900g

Info Provided by WGCShop

*edit*

Originally Posted by DarkAngel

As people say, With M14s, its TM or bust. Dont bother getting clones.

+1, I've heard nothign but praise for TM M14s.

However, if you wanted to do the M16, Don't get a TM, armalites are their weakest models.

[DarkAngel]

Originally Posted by Spike

I said "can" be. Not my expertise by all means, but any of them that I've held, I've instantly disliked because of the weight.

Also, yes, the receiver is metal, but it's not the bulk of the gun.

Its not supposed to be metal, the RS M14 isnt all metal.
Thats kinda like complaining that the CA G36 isnt metal.

I dont see how it "can" be heavier, An M16 with a PLASTIC receiver is heavier than an M14 with a FULL metal Receiver. That just doesnt make sense.

If you dont like it for personal handling reasons, thats a different story. But please be clear about that. Your giving advice to someone regarding a future purchase, you should be more precise/clear about opinions when doing so.

The M14 has a different weight distribution, due to the cocking assembly, the weight is distributed foreward more than the M16, which pretty much doesnt have anything of significant weight distribution to the front, but rather towards the back.

The way you handle, maneuver and operate an M14 is Very different from the way you handle an Armalite, Two point/three point Slings are a very good investment, while an Armalite can be handled with all 3 types. You dont want a 1 point sling with an M14, unless u have the shorter socom version, in which I still recommend a 2 or a 3 point.

Be aware that mounting a RAS on an m14 will also shift more weight foreward, the balance of the gun will change and will be barrel heavy. But that difference wont be much more than the weight distribution changing by putting a RAS on an m16 either. Hell, most of my Armalites are a bit barrel heavy once you put a 203 or a taclite of any real significance to it.

Originally Posted by Spike

However, if you wanted to do the M16, Don't get a TM, armalites are their weakest models.

+1, while I wouldnt call them "weak", plastic armalite tabs and bodies are known to crack and break over use. Youd want to FMU TM guns asap.
Personally, unless you want a custom/special engraving body, I would go with CA's as they come with metal bodies.

[Disco_Dante]

I'm just going to throw this out there, but the G&G SG550 has a 510+ inner barrel, is very well made, full metal, and incredibly sexy. Only 30round mags though, but if you want to be a marksman then I don't think that's really a drawback.

Good luck in your search.

[Eldin]

I think I will end up getting the M14, I don't really like the feel of the M16 and how it handles.

The thing that's nice about M16's is they are quite easy to find.
Now, finding a Canadian retailer that sells the TM M14 is the hard part.
It looks like Mach1 is releasing a CA M14 Scout soon...

Does anyone know of any private retailers around the Victoria/Vancouver area who carry TM M14's?

[DarkAngel]

As Stated Before, Get a TM. CA M14's, while normally a very good manufacturer, lack in comparison to the TM's.

TM M14's range in the 700-800 range typically.
Yes they are harder and harder to find, you wont see alot of them up on the boards as those who have em tend to keep em.

See if you can get an importer to bring one in for you. There are a few who are doing custom orders.

I "might" put mine up on the blocks, but if i do, its only because id end up spending that $ on a WE GBBR M14. I much prefer the performance on the TM's but my Gas fetish is growing more and more.

Edit : Just realized Op is not AV'ed. Retailers will not sell to you without your AV Status. Please get AV'ed first before inquiring further on obtaining AS Guns in Canada.

[Eldin]

I've decided on the M14, thanks for all the help and quick responses!

[Wrath144]

Have a look at a G3. Just CA though, plastic ones are too feeble.

[ThunderCactus]

Highly recommend a CA uh... SAR taktik II I think is what it's called.... anyway it's a G3-SG1, REALLY accurate rifles
Or a G&P M16A3 or SAMR style if you want something solid