Magpul Masada Comparisons?

[Overkill]

So, I've been looking for a new airsoft gun that will be a fresh break from the norm, but still maintain solid reliability, flexibility, and has a wide range of aftermarket parts. Ones of the gun types that keeps catching my eye is the Magpul Masadas. There seems to be 3 or 4 version floating about the online retailers, with slightly different internals / externals. They also have widely varying prices. I haven't been able to nail down an actual comparison between the models.

So far I've found these:

A&K Magpul Masada
$310
www.airsoftgi.com/product_info.php?products_id=9196

Magpul PTS Masada AKM
$495.95 (phew, expensive!)
www.airsoftgi.com/product_info.php?products_id=9805

Magpul PTS Masada ACR
$480.00
www.airsoftgi.com/product_info.php?products_id=7057

I've found the same guns on other sites for varying prices, and varying paint jobs (so far ehobbyasia seems to have the most competitive pricing).

So, my question is, are there distinct differences between the A&K version and the Magpul PTS versions? It seems like the outside is the same, but are the internals completely different? I can't really tell if the A&K is just a clone (at $310 I would hope it isn't "just a clone!"), and that I would be losing significant features compared to the Magpul PTS version, or if I can just grab an A&K and pop my own internals in and save some money.

[Blitz]

The Magpul PTS and A&K versions are very different internally. The A&K version uses a standard v2 gearbox while the PTS version has a proprietary gearbox. The PTS will have better internals stock, but since the shell is proprietary, you won't be able to do a lot of upgrading, and repairs will be a challenge. I think the gears and such are a mix of v2 and v3 parts, but you're SOL if the shell cracks.

Also, I thought I saw a Shot Show video about PTS saying that the AKM uses proprietary magazines. I don't know that for sure, so don't quote me on that.

[snafu]

I noticed a few days ago there was an A&K masada in the commerce section.. miairsoft.proboards.com/index.cgi?board=commerce&action=display&thread=42138

The KM tbb is really nice I have one in my cqbr.

[koolor]

Magpul Pts is made by Ares and I have experienced nothing but terrible from ares (first hand) and WOULD NOT ever buy from them so long as I have breath in my lungs. Now that was my opinion a few months ago when the masada came out now its even worse apparently they dont have a reinforced version 2 gb and crack very quickly and the second they crack shows over because there are no replacements. I highly would advise the A&K for multiple reasons. Better GB shell no microswitch trigger I can go on but those are the major reasons why to buy the A&K. Not to mention its cheaper we all like cheap

[archr5]

After reading a bunch about the gun I ended up picking up an A&K Masada for my very first AEG rifle.

My only complaint about it so far is that the selector switch shipped without the spring or rubber detent that makes it click into place when you select one of the firing modes. I've reached out to the shop who sold me the gun to see if they can source that part or file a claim with the manufacturer or something but I'm not holding my breath.

I see the part I need on Evike but it's been out of stock for weeks...
www.evike.com/product_info.php?products_id=35599

I've got a buddy who works in a machine shop so I may see if I can get him to fabricate something that'll do the job.

That being said, it's funny how a lot of the Magpul PTS reviews take pot shots at the A&K version but almost all the A&K first hand accounts talk about how solid the gun feels and point to the advantages of a V2 gearbox.

You should know that if you do intend to swap out the internals you'll need to buy an A&K masada specific air nozzle because it's longer than stock, there are no shortage of stores selling them along side a replacement hop-up unit.