Airsoft Gun Upgrading Part 1

Why upgrade your airsoft gun?

I upgrade my airsoft guns for durability, accuracy and performance. Understanding the core components and engineering principles of your guns gearbox will be the first step to any upgrade process.

Far to often it seems the driving factor for airsoft upgrades is FPS or power upgrades. The common misconception with airsoft guns is that to achieve more power (FPS) all you have to do is add a stronger spring. This is INCORRECT and can result in major damage to your beloved replica firearms collection...

KWA Airsoft Gun Repair

KWA USA, has released what appears to be one of the nicest V2 M4's I have ever had the pleasure to dig my allen wrenches into. The KWA spec sheet says:
"The KWA KM4A1 Carbine is the first production AEG engineered specifically for the unparalleled performance of today’s advanced battery technology – Lithium Polymer (LiPo). LiPo batteries provide higher capacity and superior performance surpassing the more common Nickel Metal Hydride (NiMh) batteries. However, this powerful battery requires the highest quality of internal components. To handle the extra power of LiPo batteries, the KM4A1 is equipped with a reinforced metal gearbox utilizing KWA’s exclusive 8 and 9 mm ball bearing bushing combination and case hardened, precision metal gear sets. Heavy duty springs and high-torque motors are matched for optimum results. High-grade metal alloy are used for the production of the upper and lower receivers. The KWA KM4A1 Carbine was engineered to outperform the competition, offering ultra high performance and dependability straight out of the box"!
Overall Length = 33.75" (30.5" when stock is fully retracted)
Outer Barrel Length = 14.5" (368mm)
Barrel thread = 14mm (Counter clock wise)
Inner Barrel Length = 15.5" (394 mm)
Inner Barrel Diameter = 6.05mm +/- .03mm
Hop-Up: Adjustable
Magazine Capacity = 350 Rounds
Caliber = 6mm BB
Velocity = 380 ~ 400 fps* with .20 gram BB's
Rate of Fire = 20+ rps**
Weight = 6.5 lbs.
Power = 8.4V, 9.6V NiMh Battery, or 7.4V, 11.1V Lithium Polymer Battery (Maximum 11.1 V, 18A continuous)

Well I visited the inside of one of the KWA M4's and am humbled by the custom engineering that has gone into making this a long lasting and durable airsoft gun...The solid external full metal build of this M4 equals and in most cases exceeds other airsoft manufacturers hands down. The ROF at 20+rps has a fantastic suppressive effect on the airsoft field...

On the bench Airsoft Repair Pictures this model strips down easily and quickly to reveal a modified V2 gearbox with several performance enhancing features. The 8mm ball bearings sure seem like a nice addition, but they are not sealed and I would be concerned with the long term effects of dirt and grime that seems to find its way into my airsoft guns at every game. However I see these 8mm bearings are readily available at airsoft stores globally. Inside the KWA V2 you find steel high speed gears and a solid built piston assembly that fires .20 bb's out at about 380FPS.

The reinforced gearbox seems to be the biggest innovation in the new KWA and looks like it could finally resolve the cracked gearbox nose repair problem most airsoft guns suffer from. The puzzle piece engineered fit of the two gear box halves seem to have significantly reduce shock and vibration transfer to the gearbox shell creating reduced operating stresses and longer life on upgraded airsoft guns. The hop up unit is very well built and is full metal. The adjustment is smooth and shows a noticeable improvement with each small adjustment. The barrel seems to have some flaking issues with a coating of Teflon or some kind peeling off the inner barrel after 10,000 rounds or so and requires a vigorous cleaning.

All in all I look for this M4 to be a hard competitor at future airsoft games...A team owning several of these fast firing KWA M4's could lay down enough suppression fire to own the airsoft battlefield for the day. Hmmmm....
C ya next time
Armsdealer

Airsoft Gun Winter Service

One often asked question here in the Great Lakes Region of the United States is "will my airsoft gun work outdoors in the winter"? The answer is "Maybe" but this depends on certain factors. Is your airsoft gun highly upgraded is one huge factor. The version 2 G&P mechbox shown below is set to shoot at around 390 FPS. 15 minutes outside and this gearbox will cease to fire until it is warmed up and the cylinder and other parts contract back to normal dimensions.

In general it is best to use a stock mechbox in the winter months. They tend to out perform the upgraded gearboxes since the mechanical tolerances are not so tight to begin with and will allow for cold air expansion of critical parts. Preparing your airsoft gun for winter would include switching to a lighter viscosity silicone oil, Using a thinner grease inside the mechbox and keeping the barrel clean and coated with a lite film of oil.

The mechbox unit below has had the heavy grease removed and the thinner winter grease added. One thing to note is that Systema upgraded pistons do not work in cold weather and have a problem shattering when used in temps below 20 degrees Fahrenheit. Be sure and give your airsoft gun proper maintenance and cleaning once the gun has warmed to room temperature as condensation will develop on and inside of your airsoft gun from the snow and cold weather. Airsofting in the winter is a game of endurance for both player and equipment but if properly prepared for can add a whole new dimension to airsoft gaming in general.