Post by 2nd Bat on Sept 13, 2016 22:33:59 GMT -5
We at long last have choices beyond the AEG Thompsons that used to be US WW2 airsofters only skirmishable / affordable choice. Now we have many new offerings and at long last we have lots of potential weapons choices.
I own virtually all of the Allied Airsoft weapons and plan to do a series of side by side comparisons. For today's comparison I observed carefully how my S&T Springfield performed relative to a group of my CYMA M2 carbines. Both rifles are spring powered and all were issued to relatively inexperienced airsofters. All the players received a quick orientation on operation, reloading, care and handling and all were able to fire about 100 rounds at silhouette targets prior to skirmish play.
The S&T is a better replica with real wood, fairly precise dimensions and a very smooth and crisp action. It shoots 365 FPS with .20 gram and holds 23 rounds in each magazine. (Feeds 23) The hop up is okay. It features peep and post US Military sites. Typically I like to see a bolt action rifle shoot at 400+ fps with .28 gram BBs for range hitting power and consistency. The rifle as it arrives out of the box does not have hop-up capability above .23 gram so that's what I shoot out of it. I issued three spare magazines which are long thin, clips that slide somewhat awkwardly into the rifle by means of a hinged trap door cleverly hidden in the magazine base plate in front of the trigger guard. The cost with three spare magazines is around $240.00
The CYMA carbines are inexpensive spring powered replicas with a lot of fairly trivial design flaws that detract from it visually. Instead of a WW2 variant M1 replica it is a Korean War or later M2 replica (although even in this regard it's slightly off). The most noticeable infidelities are the post war banana magazines, bayonet lug and incorrect rear sight. These are fairly easy to modify into a reasonable facsimile M1 Carbine if you're willing and able to devote some time and effort. The furniture is plastic but looks pretty good (especially with some cosmetic TLC) The normal magazine capacity is 40 rounds but once modified typically load 23 to 25 rounds. The hop up is very basic and like the S&T can not manage BB weights above .23s. These little carbines shoot a little softer out of the box than the S&T (some variation here from gun to gun but typically around 325 to 330 FPS). Accuracy and range ironically is better than the Springfield.
In gameplay the carbines noticeably out performed the S&T Springfield. They are easier to cock producing a higher rate of fire and with practice can be cocked and fired with the muzzle kept on target. A taller/ stronger rifleman can do so with the S&T but with more difficulty. Reloads with the carbines was MUCH easier and is far more intuitive and with less drama. The carbine length has advantages over the full length rifle in the forest. Greater range, power and accuracy should be the trade-off for this extra length but it is not! I issued them with three magazines and a speed loader (be sure it has the attached muzzle hood). Three or four magazines was more than adequate for either gun. Depending on sale prices three or four Carbines can be acquired for the price of the Springfield so they are a phenomenal value.
I really enjoy airsoft events where lots of spring powered guns are in use and where mag changes and limited ammo rules are in effect. It makes the sub machine guns and especially the crew served weapons far more crucial to team success. Both rifle types performed flawlessly with no stoppages or breakdowns. Neither would be adequate for a typical modern type airsoft game but for a well managed WW2 event they are absolutely skirmish worthy. Great choices for our Armories!
I own virtually all of the Allied Airsoft weapons and plan to do a series of side by side comparisons. For today's comparison I observed carefully how my S&T Springfield performed relative to a group of my CYMA M2 carbines. Both rifles are spring powered and all were issued to relatively inexperienced airsofters. All the players received a quick orientation on operation, reloading, care and handling and all were able to fire about 100 rounds at silhouette targets prior to skirmish play.
The S&T is a better replica with real wood, fairly precise dimensions and a very smooth and crisp action. It shoots 365 FPS with .20 gram and holds 23 rounds in each magazine. (Feeds 23) The hop up is okay. It features peep and post US Military sites. Typically I like to see a bolt action rifle shoot at 400+ fps with .28 gram BBs for range hitting power and consistency. The rifle as it arrives out of the box does not have hop-up capability above .23 gram so that's what I shoot out of it. I issued three spare magazines which are long thin, clips that slide somewhat awkwardly into the rifle by means of a hinged trap door cleverly hidden in the magazine base plate in front of the trigger guard. The cost with three spare magazines is around $240.00
The CYMA carbines are inexpensive spring powered replicas with a lot of fairly trivial design flaws that detract from it visually. Instead of a WW2 variant M1 replica it is a Korean War or later M2 replica (although even in this regard it's slightly off). The most noticeable infidelities are the post war banana magazines, bayonet lug and incorrect rear sight. These are fairly easy to modify into a reasonable facsimile M1 Carbine if you're willing and able to devote some time and effort. The furniture is plastic but looks pretty good (especially with some cosmetic TLC) The normal magazine capacity is 40 rounds but once modified typically load 23 to 25 rounds. The hop up is very basic and like the S&T can not manage BB weights above .23s. These little carbines shoot a little softer out of the box than the S&T (some variation here from gun to gun but typically around 325 to 330 FPS). Accuracy and range ironically is better than the Springfield.
In gameplay the carbines noticeably out performed the S&T Springfield. They are easier to cock producing a higher rate of fire and with practice can be cocked and fired with the muzzle kept on target. A taller/ stronger rifleman can do so with the S&T but with more difficulty. Reloads with the carbines was MUCH easier and is far more intuitive and with less drama. The carbine length has advantages over the full length rifle in the forest. Greater range, power and accuracy should be the trade-off for this extra length but it is not! I issued them with three magazines and a speed loader (be sure it has the attached muzzle hood). Three or four magazines was more than adequate for either gun. Depending on sale prices three or four Carbines can be acquired for the price of the Springfield so they are a phenomenal value.
I really enjoy airsoft events where lots of spring powered guns are in use and where mag changes and limited ammo rules are in effect. It makes the sub machine guns and especially the crew served weapons far more crucial to team success. Both rifle types performed flawlessly with no stoppages or breakdowns. Neither would be adequate for a typical modern type airsoft game but for a well managed WW2 event they are absolutely skirmish worthy. Great choices for our Armories!