Seeking Expert Advice! New FAL Purchase

[PV2 Carlisle]

Hello fellow airsofters! I'm looking to purchase a new rifle, and have always been in love with the FAL. Both the history of the real weapon, and using it in COD. Knock on me if you will but I am not ashamed of my hobbies =P Anywho, i have a few choices and was wondering about getting some insight from the more experienced individuals. Even if you don't own or have never used a FAL, maybe the brand names and my dilemma explanation will be enough. Ok so first off, I'm looking at a possible 4 choices. Before you get in to the weapons, please note choice #1 has a version 2 gearbox, slightly less fps, but can use m4/m16 mags. Mags would be cheaper and there's more options. Says there are plenty of room and options for upgrades. It doesn't have a mounitng rail on top but i know where i can purchase one for about $30. Choices 2-4 have version 3 gearboxes, higher fps, but can only use fal mags, and i would have to buy more expensive Classic Army Mid cap mags and I don't even know if those would fit for sure. I would rather use low or mid cap mags than high cap. Being from the military I'd rather reload than wind haha. Also mid and low caps feed much better.

Choice #1 - G&G Licensed FN Herstal FNC Full Metal Airsoft AEG Battle Rifle

Product Found Here

Price - $299.95, no coupons, free shipping, battery and charger not included

Superior Construction and Authentic Design:
The G&G FNC AEG is completely constructed from high quality metal, except for the pistol grip and hand guard. The side folding stock is very sturdy and comes in quite handy when entering close quarters environments. The hand guard provides plenty of space for installing a mini 8.4v or 9.6v battery, as well as 8.4v and 9.6v nunchuck batteries. The ability to use standard M4 magazines with this AEG provides a wider variety of compatible magazines, and makes it easier to find magazines for this AEG. The G&G FNC has a front and rear sling mount perfect for single and two point slings. The G&G FNC is incredibly well balanced for a larger AEG, and can be easily and comfortably shouldered. Adding to this AEG's authenticity are the laser engraved trademarks, prominently displaying the FN Herstal logo as well as a unique serial number. G&G definitely succeeded in making what is truly one of the most realistic airsoft replicas on the market!

Industry Leading Internal Design:
The internals of the G&G FNC AEG are made from the best internal components G&G has to offer, including 8mm ball bearing bushings, a steel gear set, and a high torque motor. Unlike many unique airsoft AEGs on the market, the G&G FNC uses a fairly standard version 2 gearbox which is compatible with a host of aftermarket upgrades and replacement parts. The performance of the G&G FN Herstal FNC is perfect for outdoor airsoft fields, with precision accuracy and consistently firing at 400 FPS! The 8mm bearing gearbox is equipped with G&G's latest and most advanced gearbox performance technology, featuring enhanced Top-Tech internals that allow for serious performance and accuracy!

Overall, the G&G licensed FN Herstal FNC AEG is an amazingly accurate replica of the real steel battle rifle with a superior build quality and high end performance. The G&G FNC is perfect for players who want a high quality and high performance AEG that stands out in the crowd, and is easily upgradable and compatible with easy to find magazines. The G&G FNC is hands down one of the best AEGs on the market, and is sure to sell out quickly!

Features:
- Precision inner barrel
- Fully cycling charging handle
- Integrated front/rear iron sights
- Compatible with standard M4/M16 magazines
- Ultra high grade full metal body
- Full metal high performance 8mm gearbox coupled with high-torque motor
- Adjustable hop-up

Battery and charger are NOT included. Airsoft Megastore recommends a 8.4v/9.6v mini-type battery or 8.4v/9.6v nunchuck battery with a standard NiMH Smart Charger for use in this rifle.

Specifications:
Operation: Electric Automatic
Build/Body: High grade metal body with full metal internals
Firing Modes: Semi-automatic and Full-automatic
Firing Velocity: 365-400 FPS w/ 0.20g BBs (depending on spring setting)
Magazine: 450-round hi-cap mag
Gearbox: Full metal w/ 8mm bearings, reinforced metal high-speed gears
Package contents: Rifle, 450rd hi-cap mag, manual
Battery & charger:Not included. Compatible with 8.4v and 9.6v nunchuck/mini batteries.
Weight: 8 pounds (approx. 3500g)
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Choice #2 - Echo 1 Full Metal Entreprise Arms SOF 3

Product Found Here

Price - $260, free shipping but no coupons available, no battery or charger included

Description:
The SA58 Rifle is truly a unique looking gun, it is basically a tactical compact FAL. This gun features a metal barrel with vented front hand guards and a full stock. The body is CNC machined steel which not only makes the gun look good but it also feels solid. The charging handle has a very strong spring to keep it closed so when the lever is pushed to release it there is a very loud snap made while closing. There are rotating sling swivels on the body and the barrel so the user's sling doesn't get twisted and uncomfortable. Possibly the best feature on the rifle is the long rail on top of the upper receiver which will accommodate all sorts of different kinds of optics.

Specifications:
Manufacturer: Echo 1
Gearbox Type: Ver. 3
Muzzle Velocity: 430-440fps
Magazine Capacity: 550 rounds
Package Includes: gun, 2 magazines, cleaning rod


Features:
Real Firearm Logo
Realistic Bolt Action
Unique Serial Number
Fiber Fore-Grip, Stock, & Hand Grip
CNC Upper and Lower Receiver
Front and Rear Sling Swivels


Please Note:
Scope is not included
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Choice #3 - JG Full Metal FAL Carbine

Product Found Here

Price - $217, Qualifies for 20% off and free shipping. Also comes with battery and charger. With coupon brings it to under $180 before taxes.

Description:
The JG Full Metal FAL Carbine AEG Airsoft Gun is a great replication of it's real steel counterpart, and a perfect choice for the player who is looking to complete their British Falklands war load out, but wants to avoid breaking the bank to do it. The body of this airsoft gun is constructed completely out of metal, giving it a very realistic weight and feel, and a functioning charging handle that pulls back the mock bolt to allow access to the hop up adjustment. The gun also features sling swivels both in front of the polymer hand guard, and on the stock to aid in carrying. On top of all that, the upper rail is perfect for mounting any of your favorite optics, and the included high capacity magazine, battery, and charger ensure that you will have almost everything you need to be ready to play.

Specifications:
Manufacturer: JG
Model: FAL Carbine
Muzzle Velocity: ~400 FPS
Magazine Capacity: 500 rounds
Color: Black
Package Includes: Gun, magazine, battery, charger


Features:
Full metal construction
Authentic appearance
Front and rear sling points
Optic rail
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Choice #4 - Lancer Tactical Full Metal FAL Carbine

Product Found Here

Price - $190, free shipping, no coupon, no battery or charger (no red dot either)

Description:
If you love the look and feel of the FAL, but don't want to break the bank, the Lancer Tactical FAL Carbine Airsoft Gun is the perfect choice for you. The body of this airsoft gun is constructed completely out of metal, giving it a very realistic weight and feel, and a functioning charging handle that pulls back the mock bolt to allow access to the hop up adjustment. The gun also features sling swivels both in front of the polymer hand guard, and on the stock to aid in carrying. Overall, the Lancer Tactical FAL Carbine is the perfect option for the fan of the British Falklands war load out, or just for someone looking for something different to add to their arsenal, without having to worry about spending too much.

Specifications:
Manufacturer: Lancer Tactical
Model: FAL Carbine
Muzzle Velocity: 420-430
Magazine Capacity: 500 rounds
Color: Black
Package Includes: Gun, magazine


Features:
Functioning bolt catch
Full metal construction
Realistic weight and feel
Sling swivels


Please Note:

•Item does not include Red Dot Sight.
•Item does not include a battery or charger

[Puma1]

My vote is 100% for the G&G.
After working on a couple Echo1 and JG gearboxes, I've learned an awful lot on how bad they are.

Not to mention, from my experience the CA mags don't fit in any of the above 3. (I can confirm the 2nd option won't work. My friend Alex has it and there are no mid caps that fit it. However, we did find a way to make G3 mags work after a LOT of time spent sanding and modifying. Almost an hour and a half for one mag.)

G&G's build quality is always going to be better than any of the "starter clones", internally and externally. The ability for it to take M4 mags also opens up the opportunity for mag sharing, cheaper/easier to find MOLLE gear, and more importantly, mid caps out the whazoo.

I believe one of the Suicide Kings actually has the G&G FNC, so he may be able to weigh in on its performance.

My vote: G&G FNC.

[PV2 Carlisle]

Thanks puma1! Appreciate the insight! A couple of my battle buddies here in Fort Jackson, SC also voted for the g&g. Also thank you for the speedy reply! I'm new to this site, and semi new to airsofting but fell in love with it instantly. This site is kind of a michigander's airsoft dream come true I have nothing else to say. Can't wait to interact more with the inhabitants of this page =D Oh one quick question though. It is a version 2, do you think that will affect the quality at all? I thought version 3 was supposed to be better? Or does it go with the airsoft brands as well, not just gearboxes in general?

[Puma1]

I'd say roughly 75% of the active players on this forum run M4's with V2 gearboxes. Most of them don't have too many problems with them either.
V3's do have some added benefits, but I'd take a well built V2 over any JG V3.

If a V2 gearbox is built really well, there won't be any issues at all. A buddy of mine has had the same G&G combat machine for over 4 years. I opened it up for the first time, and it still in pretty good condition (minus an O-ring I replaced). I haven't heard of any stock JG's or Lancer Tactical's lasting for much longer than a couple years.

Don't take just my word for it, because there are a lot of people on this forum who know much more than me. In my opinion, take the quality over the "possible benefits" of a V3.

[PV2 Carlisle]

hmmm good point, see i knew posting here would outweigh goolge searches tenfold haha. Looks like i'm putting in an order for this to be waiting for me at home. thanks again, anyone else with comments is still more than welcome to post though, i won't be purchasing it right away. still a couple days away honestly. oh and was the format of my post good enough? easy to follow along and read with enough info? just for future post reference.

[Pagan]

The V2 gearbox is more about the shape and design of the gearbox rather than the progression of it.

One of my team mates is the person Puma referred too. There are actually four of us on the team that have FNCs, three Star FNCs and one G&G. The G&G is solid, and an excellent choice. The only negative I can say about it, is the learning curve for getting the battery and handguard in place can be a bit of a pain.

[PV2 Carlisle]

ok awesome, good info, hey if it's a learning curve i'll conquer it. especially if it's as solid as i'm hearing. i don't have much experience with airsoft rifles but if i can completely disassemble the real m16, m4, 240B, and m249, i should be able to catch on pretty quick. hopefully >.> haha

[snafu]

I vote for the FNC. I had the pleasure I running Gunnys for a day and I absolutely loved it. They are unique so they don't need a bunch of add ons to make them sexy.

[PV2 Carlisle]

ha that's three for the fnc here alone, although i'm sure your teammates, Pagan, would probably agree with you I have nothing else to say. the only add on i was thinking was some sort of optic on top, also what is a good recommended battery type? airsoftmegastore says 8.4 mini, but another site mentioned a 9.6. and i've also heard that some stock internals on rifles run kind of cheap, is there anything i should replace? or should i just out of box use it.

[Pagan]

Nov 14, 2013 12:14:20 GMT -5 PV2 Carlisle said:

ha that's three for the fnc here alone, although i'm sure your teammates, Pagan, would probably agree with you I have nothing else to say. the only add on i was thinking was some sort of optic on top, also what is a good recommended battery type? airsoftmegastore says 8.4 mini, but another site mentioned a 9.6. and i've also heard that some stock internals on rifles run kind of cheap, is there anything i should replace? or should i just out of box use it.

It's good to go out of the box, I'd recommend a 9.6 or 7.4v lipo for it over the 8.4.

Here's a shot of our team collection: The G&G is the second from the top.

[PV2 Carlisle]

Hmmm, photobucket is blocked here on base. I'll have to wait until I get out of this class and head back to the barracks to check it on my laptop. Thanks for the heads up on the battery. I've never owned a lipo before, any advice on that? Upkeep and what not? And would you recommend it over the 9.6? Is there a special charger needed for the lipo? Sorry for all the questions guys. I'd rather rack your reliable brains than go google hunting, as long as you guys are cool with it haha.

[Pagan]

A 7.4v lipo will deliver the same power as a 9.6v in a much smaller package.

You just need a standard lipo charger, which run about the same as a regular smart charger. The biggest thing about using lipos is not running them until they are out of juice. As soon as you notice a decrease in performance from a lipo, it's time to switch batteries. That being said, I've used a 1300 mah 7.4v for both days of Northern Lights and didn't need to change batteries.

[PV2 Carlisle]

Ok so a standard lipo charger, and maybe an extra battery. I guess an extra battery would be a good idea though no matter what kind of battery I get huh. Wouldn't want to be stuck trying to harpoon people with a makeshift spear or something -.- Is there a smart charger option for lipo's?

[Pagan]

Yes there is.

I always recommend this:
www.amazon.com/Thunder-Balance-Charger-Discharger-Software/dp/9269806723/ref=sr_1_1?s=toys-and-games&ie=UTF8&qid=1384452237&sr=1-1&keywords=ac6+charger

It'll charge basically any battery you will ever use for airsoft. By far one of the best investments I've made in the sport.

[PV2 Carlisle]

Awesome, seems like a solid investment. You're sure the rifle is lipo ready? I'm not seeing anything about this, no reviews or anything... Hmmmm... I'd hate to buy it then ruin it shortly after...