KSC G19 vs. WA Railed 4.3" SVI

[Minky]

Yesterday I had a huge, DumboRAT sized (;D) review and comparison written up for these two guns, but proboards decided to be bitchy and make me lose everything.  I really don't feel like doing the whole thing over, so I'll just post the pics I had instead, and write a little.  First off, here's some good and not so good pics of the two guns both alone and together for size comparison:

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Ok, so I got a little carried away with the pics, but I wanted to really show the two guns in detail.

First of all, let me say that between these two guns, I feel the G19 is the better choice.  It's nearly $100 cheaper than the SVI, and even after the addition of a metal slide/barrel and upgraded recoil spring, it still came out cheaper.  

The difference in quality between the two is, in my eyes, not worth the large price gap.  The G19 sports KSC's new heavyweight frame and feels like a rock in your hands.  With the metal slide and barrel in place, the gun is extremely realistic looking, and the weight feels about the same as the SVI.  Speaking of weight, both guns are pretty hefty, and since they're a compact size they feel really heavy in the hand.

The SVI beats out the G19 in cosmetic flair, with its Bomar sights, metal frame, anodized blue trigger, silver metal hammer and safeties, and big ol' .45 caliber barrel.  To be honest I was a bit disappointed when I first picked up the SVI, since you always hear how great the finish is on Western Arms' guns.  From the pictures I'd seen of this gun, the hammer and safeties appeared to be chromed, but in fact they're more of a dull silver color that isn't very reflective.  The outer barrel and recoil spring guide are very shiney however, and look great.  In stock form both guns are very nice, but the frame of the G19 just wins out over all the flash of the SVI in my opinion.

Both guns are built extremely well, but the G19 is much more simple internally than the SVI.  Less complicated internals means less to go wrong, which is always good.  If I was using the same gas to operate both guns I would be able to give a better comparison of durability in the long run, but I have to use Green gas for the G19 in order for it to cycle properly.  I intend to use only Duster gas in the SVI since it was designed to use it very well, and I'd like the gun to last as long as possible.

Even with the use of different gases, both guns have a nice kick when firing, and cycle their slides fast.  The G19 sounds much louder when firing, since it's using a more powerful gas and it has lovely metal clanks from the slide.  Both guns get a little over 2 magazine's worth of BBs from a single charge of gas, so they're pretty equal in terms of gas efficiency.  One thing I've noticed is that the G19 only needs a 2-3 second jab of Green gas to be full, while the SVI needs around 4-5 seconds of duster to reach its capacity.  The G19 can hold 20+1 rounds compared to the SVI which holds 25+1.

Both guns have adjustable hop-up, but the SVI also has front and rear adjustable sights.  I haven't fiddled around with the hop-up on the SVI yet, as it seems pretty accurate out of the box with .20s.  The G19 shot kind of erratically with .20s at first, but I've since switched to using .25s and adjusted the hop, and the groupings have tightened up considerably.  I haven't done any extensive accuracy testing, but both guns have no trouble nailing a pop can from 30 feet away at least 75% of the time.  I'm sure once both guns break in a little more they will settle into a more predictable shot pattern.

As I said before, if choosing between these two guns, I'd recommend the G19 based on price vs. performance that I've observed so far.  At $95 from most HK retailers, compared to $183 for the SVI, it's a steal for the performance it delivers.
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Wowza, I didn't mean to write so much this time, heh ;D
As always, questions/comments/pic requests/threats to steal my guns are all welcome.

8)

[Knief]

Thanks a lot for that, i was considering one of those two guns for my side arm.  But since the glocks are about half the price, i was considering dual glocks to the one SVI.  I had pretty much decided, but this just pushed me way over the egde to get the glocks.  Once again, thank's a lot.  I would have loved to seen what you originally wrote up, too bad it got lost.  One thing though, if you consider this "a little", what do you consider a lot, damn.

[Hadoken]

Very Nice Minkovich, it's too bad though the super long review was turned into thin air by evil proboards. Same thing has happened to me a few times and I KNOW how frustrating it is.

Now on to the good stuff:
That Glock 19 looks very nice indeed as I've already told you on ICQ with my constant drooling and trade offers. Very impressed with the look of the new lower frame, doesn't look as plasticy as my old and very much missed Glock 18C used to have. Looks a LOT better, and has given me Glock fever once again. Need some glock boxy goodness to settle my boiling blood. mmmMMmmm

SVI looks great too, I especially love the blue trigger. But even with how great it all looks the cost of the damn thing really turns me off. Sure, sure...WA guns are meant to be top of the line, but for that kind of money I'd rather get something else I wouldn't be worried about bonking up and breaking on the field. Guess I just care for my things too much or something.

Now...about stealing the guns.. I'll give it a shot at our next game. Muhahahahah!

[Knief]

Minky, whiat kind of gas does the g19 use stock?  I'm looking around, but i thought i'd ask you too.  seeing as how you have the gun.

[Minky]

In stock form the gun worked fine on Duster gas (HFC 134a), and that should be all you need during the summer months while it's warm outside.  As it gets closer to Fall and Winter, Duster might not be enough to cycle the gun, so Green gas would probably have to be used.  You can use whatever gas you want to power it, it's just a question of if you're willing to accept the increased risks that come from using anything more powerful than 134a.   I myself have used mainly Green gas and everything's fine so far..... knock on wood

[Knief]

ok, thanks

[WTS-Mike]

Just  a note, we don't recommend using green gas(HFC22) in them unless you have upgraded to the metal slide/barrel.

H134a does a good job and will not harm the gun for the "long haul"