VFC M4 Differences?

[AnthonyG]

I'm deciding on which VFC M4 to use for a build, and I'm a bit confused between a few of the M4 variants/versions VFC offers. I'm looking primarily at the VR16 since that's what a lot of retailers seem to carry here.

I've noticed several of the VR16s are offered in both a Crane stock and QRS stock variant. For example, M1 sells the Tactical Elite II with a crane stock, while AD sells it with a QRS stock and lists it as "2015 version". Other than externals are their any internal differences to be aware of between the two; is the crane stock version an old model? VFC's website is no help here since I couldn't even find these guns on their site.

I've noticed other retailers selling variants of the VR16 with obvious external differences: shorter barrels, different rail systems, detachable sights etc... and assume the receiver/gearbox is probably between the same between most of these.

I was also looking at the M4ES, and can't see any differences between the VR16 other than trademarks (furniture excluded)?

[beta678]

From the VFC's I've handled and seen lately, one of the main differences I've noticed from a quick look between VFC's E-Series and the VR16's, is the hop up unit.

The E-Series' has a side-dial hop-up unit, while the VR16's has a rotary hop-up unit. Personally I prefer the latter, seems a bit more precise and easier to adjust.

[AnthonyG]

I should also mention there is a big price difference between some models, which adds to the confusion.
$350 on the low end, up to $500. No doubt some of this is as a result of the exchange rate.

[Datawraith]

Ahhhh, yes. So, VFC has 3 lines to choose externals from; E-series, VR-series, and DX-series.

The E-series is older, and features a white laser-etched VFC trademark on the side of the magwell. It has an older style hopup made of clear polycarbonate, but it's still a really good chamber.

The VR-series is newer, and features an engraved VFC trademark on the side of the magwell and uses a rotary style hopup chamber.

The DX-series is the most coveted for it's licensed trades. It also uses the E-series hopup chamber. All 3 lines use the same internals (VR-series hopup excluded) and feature the same finish.

The new VFC lines (2015) feature the QRS stock. However, as far as I know, these are only going to be on the VR line, as the VR line is supposed to replace the E-series. If you're using the body for a build and you want the real trades, you have to get a DX VFC. Unfortunately, some retailers don't mark their DX line very clearly, so you'd have to ask them online or via phone call. If you don't really care about trades, either the E-series or the VR-series will work for you; pick and choose the one with the parts closest to what you want to build to save money I guess. :P

Hope this helped.

[pestobanana]

E-Series:
Standard VFC gearbox with polycarbonate tappet plate and piston, standard polycarbonate hop up unit.
Body has white laser etched VFC logo.

2011 H&K:
Standard VFC gearbox with polycarbonate tappet plate and piston, polycarbonate hop up unit.
Incorrect trademarks, incorrect stock and incorrect pistol grip.

2012 H&K:
Standard VFC gearbox with polycarbonate tappet plate and piston, black rotary hop up unit.
Body has white laser etched H&K trades, USDM version has Umarex bullshit, Asia version has actual trades with no Umarex shit.

KAC:
Standard VFC gearbox with polycarbonate tappet plate and piston, polycarbonate hop up most of the time, I have seen some with the black rotary hop up.
Ambidextrous controls on lower receiver, KAC trademarks deep engraved.

DD:
Standard VFC gearbox with polycarbonate tappet plate and piston, polycarbonate hop up.
Deep engraved DD trades on lower receiver.

Noveske:
Standard VFC gearbox with polycarbonate tappet plate and piston, polycarbonate hop up.
Deep engraved Noveske trades on lower receiver.

Colt:
Standard VFC gearbox with polycarbonate tappet plate and piston, polycarbonate hop up.
Deep engraved Colt trades on lower receiver, steel outer barrel.

VR16:
New line in 2015, replaces E-Series. Same gearbox as before but with improved red tappet plate and improved red piston with half steel teeth. 8mm steel bushings replaced with bearings.
VFC logo deep engraved into lower receiver.

2015 H&K:
New line in 2015, Same gearbox as before but with improved red tappet plate, improved red piston with half steel teeth, and MOSFET installed. 8mm steel bushings replaced with bearings. Some versions hide the MOSFET in the back of the gearbox, others have it in the buffer tube. Black rotary hop up.
Same receiver as 2012, USDM version has Umarex garbage, Asia version has actual trades.

[SuperHog]

Excellent info.

Is there a way to sticky the above?

[AnthonyG]

Originally Posted by pestobanana

VR16:
New line in 2015, replaces E-Series. Same gearbox as before but with improved red tappet plate and improved red piston with half steel teeth.
VFC logo deep engraved into lower receiver.

Perfect.
Is it safe to assume that all VR16s regardless of if they have the QRS or Crane stock have the new gearbox upgrades? This is the part that concerns me the most.

Found this lovely image:

[pestobanana]

Yes, in 2015 VFC eliminated their polycarbonate pistons, tappets, and hop up units. All VR16s I've seen have the red piston and tappet, as well as the rotary hop up. They will not have the MOSFET, only 2015 H&K will.

[pestobanana]

I should add that some of the VFCs from the era of 407+ FPS for import came with neodymium magnet motors.

It is also possible that 2015 VFCs have a different gear ratio, I have never bothered to count. The bevel gear does not look the same but still has 10 teeth.

[Wilkie]

I was unaware of a lot of this info. Thanks everyone