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Post by theoverlord on Jun 25, 2014 21:45:09 GMT -5
Hi, I've been looking at getting the Echo 1 BAR recently but I want to make sure that I won't be getting anything bad or of poor quality. Does anyone have or has anyone seen this gun and if so how is it? Any problems internally or externally? Also, what are the pros of this gun? (I would just get the VFC BAR if I had the choice, but that thing is so d*** expensive that I simply cannot get the money. Ah well, one can dream, can't he?)
Oh, and on a quick note, how would the ICS M1 Garand stack up to this? Is it better considering the quality, ease of use, "funness"?
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2nd Bat
Master sergeant
Posts: 11,813
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Post by 2nd Bat on Jun 26, 2014 1:35:12 GMT -5
I have both the ECHO 1 BAR and the ICS M1 Garand. I have been equally impressed with both. The ICS features real wood which cosmetically needs a little refinish to enhance its authenticity and there are a few other cosmetic tweaks that I find camouflages some of its visual and demensional infidelities. ( none of them terribly pronounced). It shoots awesome, has been extremely durable and reliable for me and is my favorite all time airsoft gun. the ECHO 1 BAR has to rate right up there as well. It is solid, shoots great and looks fabulous. They both shoot right up around 400 fps with .20 grams. The BAR handguard and butt stock are simulated wood but well done. There is an affordable real wood kit available. I believe you would be pleased with either. The BAR with full auto and box magazines is obviously more competitive then the Garand which is semi auto and holds 32 rounds (not the 42 promised). I personally like this as given the nature of WW2 airsoft find that more authentic. (i like changing mags and see that as more realistic). The BAR is heavy, long, awkward to field and frankly a pain to skirmish with. Exactly as it should be being a BAR!
My bias would be for you to get the Garand as they were more common. The BAR is currently on SALE at Evike and is less expensive then the Garand. To field the Garand you need at least four spare magazines as is true of the BAR if you intend to fill the SAW role it is designed for.
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Post by theoverlord on Jun 26, 2014 9:05:46 GMT -5
Cool, that's just the kind of info I was looking for. Thanks!
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Post by patrickl29th on Jun 26, 2014 10:19:19 GMT -5
Cool, that's just the kind of info I was looking for. Thanks! With the ICS m1 garand some people have good ones and others have complete crap... And I have complete crap... Lots of them have a glitch with the mosfit and it shoots full auto and smokes, my ics m1 garand set on fire lol
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Post by theoverlord on Jun 26, 2014 10:32:37 GMT -5
Lol yeah, I think I saw you're thread about that. I think for now i'm gonna get the BAR since I need to be a support role, but when I get some extra money I will consider getting the garand. Also, I've heard that the Echo 1 BAR shoots at around 410-420 fps. That's great and all, but the max at the fields I go to are both 400. I think I'll get a weaker spring to replace the current one whenever I buy that BAR, but do you guys know of any that are compatible or that still work well?
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Post by brownien on Jun 26, 2014 11:22:05 GMT -5
Basically just go on any airsoft retailer site and look up AEG springs. They refer to them as M_ _ _ number. The number after the M refers to the average mps that the spring will produce, so a M120 will most likely put out 120 meters per sec. (Roughly 360fps) find the proper strength spring for your area of play and pop it in! The gearbox in the BAR has a quick change feature. Pull out a pin in the rear of the gearbox and remove the spring, and replace. No need to split it.
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Post by theoverlord on Jun 26, 2014 12:06:39 GMT -5
Yeah, the quick change is something I've heard about in the BAR that I'm looking forward to. Thanks again for all the help.
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2nd Bat
Master sergeant
Posts: 11,813
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Post by 2nd Bat on Jun 26, 2014 12:43:22 GMT -5
Before you replace the spring, chrono it as there is variation from gun to gun. Mine does shoot slightly over 400 FPS with 20 grams. With the new chinese guns often exceeding 400 FPS right out of the box many fields have relaxed their requirements somewhat. I am not sure I am completely comfortable with this fact as there is some science about the injury factors above the Jouelles equivalent of .20 gram Bbs above 378 FPS. With that said the muzzle velocity drops off quite pronouncedly with .20 gram beyond 20 feet and this is frequently the minimum engagement range for outdoor events. (a car length away)
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stuka
Sergeant
The one and only
Posts: 1,205
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Post by stuka on Jun 26, 2014 15:17:43 GMT -5
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Post by LϟϟAH1944 on Jun 26, 2014 16:03:21 GMT -5
and enjoy poorly assembled parts...
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stuka
Sergeant
The one and only
Posts: 1,205
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Post by stuka on Jun 26, 2014 16:13:46 GMT -5
t be fair, my e1 fell apart so...
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Post by brownien on Jun 26, 2014 17:28:03 GMT -5
The only trouble I had with my matrix BAR, (echo 1 basically is the same thing, only with slr trades) is that the piece that holds the barrel to the reciever snapped. But that was in extreme cold (20oF) and the gun was basically dropped on its muzzle, with such force that I doubt most airsoft guns would withstand it. I replaced that piece with one I made of steel, and I have had no problems since!
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Post by theoverlord on Jun 26, 2014 17:35:51 GMT -5
So looking back at springs, any will work right? I know this sounds picky, but what brands do you recommend or like?
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2nd Bat
Master sergeant
Posts: 11,813
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Post by 2nd Bat on Jun 26, 2014 17:41:27 GMT -5
The price on the ICS Garand is in sync with the Matrix BAR listed on Evike IF you add the real wood furniture. For durabilities sake i recommend when skirmishing with the BAR you NOT use the bipod. It is increased weight, was commonly removed by BAR gunners during the war and will put additional stress on the contact point at the base of the barrel area mentioned by Brownian.
Good luck with whatever you ultimately choose. Great to see folks rocking guns other then Thompsons!
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Post by patrickl29th on Jun 26, 2014 18:06:49 GMT -5
I heard the carrying handle was made in the Korean war, does anyone know if that's true?
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Post by brownien on Jun 26, 2014 18:57:43 GMT -5
Carry handle was strictly Korea. None were used durring ww2.
For springs, any brand will do, they all are pretty much the same. I personally go with Matrix because it seems to be the cheapest
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Post by theoverlord on Jun 26, 2014 18:58:57 GMT -5
Alright, I was looking at a Matrix spring anyways, thanks guys!
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Post by brownien on Jun 26, 2014 19:01:09 GMT -5
Also, I wouldn't worry too much about the extra weight of the bipod. If you do decide to use it, just don't slap it down if you try to go prone quickly. I really think the only reason mine broke was the immense force imposed on that barrel joint being dropped from 6ft with around 10-15lbs. Any airsoft gun would break under those circumstances!
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2nd Bat
Master sergeant
Posts: 11,813
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Post by 2nd Bat on Jun 27, 2014 10:54:48 GMT -5
And the cold cold temperatures no doubt contributed. The carry handle is functionally awesome as it really provides a nice balance point and convenient accessory for the BAR. Sadly as stated it was NOT a WW2 item. For the sake of authenticity I removed mine and used it with a M1919A6 replica I made where a carry handle was used. (late war).
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