VFC has proven to be the better brand. There isn't a lot of VFC guns, if any, that are not well regarded as high quality. Also, your source is reputable.

by the same token the vfc self shimming gears (if they are still in the gun) are also a gimmick, but they work to a certain extent, better than the g&g blowback, also the gearbox is standard, the g&g gearbox shell is not standard, and you need to order the special one if you need to replace it.

There's no comparison between that VFC and the G&g you were looking at. The VFC wins hands down. It's good value if there is nothing wrong with it.

I think I'll go for the VFC...the only downside to the gun is the fact that the owner painted it...I would really like to have it in it's original black color...

Any safe way to strip paint and restore the stock finish?

You can use paint stripper, but you'll want it really watered down, and keep it off of plastic parts. I'd dissasemble the gun slightly before beginning. If you use it too strong it can melt plastic and also take the finish of off the black metal.

Okay, so I think I'll pretty much go for the VFC, not only because of the external quality, but because the owner put a prometheus 6.03mm barrel, tenley high torque motor and r-hop in it. Now, my only real question is, if I use paint stripper, will the laser engravings still be present in the gun? I'm half hoping once I strip off the paint, that the trademarks will still be in presentable condition...

Additionally, due to the uprated motor, I need to find an 11.1V lipo battery. Would this one fit? https://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/...dProduct=44075

no guarantees you will restore the factory finish. It might make it worse.

Why don't you buy a new VFC and have the peace of mind. That VFC could be been tinker with heavily. You may not like some of the mods if any was done to it in the future.

Stripping paint off of an airsoft gun is always risky. Laser engravings won't be lost, but you may lose some of the contrast between them and the receiver. It's a gambit no matter how you slice it. Just remember, start with your stripper very watered down, and do not leave it on the parts for long. Have a way to rinse them off quickly.

I don't think that will fit in the stock crane stock of the 416. I'm assuming it's the same stock as my M27 IAR and I'm pretty sure that won't fit. You don't NEED a 11.1v lipo regardless of the motor. It may shoot lower ROF without one but you don't need one to use it.

If you really want a 11.1v lipo then think of these.

https://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/...SOFT_Pack.html
https://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/...SOFT_Pack.html
https://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/...SOFT_Pack.html

Keep in mind a 11.1 will increase wear in the gearbox so if you don't need the ROF that the 11.1 gives then I'd stick to 9.6 or 7.4.

The reason is, I'm getting the gun at a highly discounted price from a member of the forums that I personally know.

In terms of paint stripping, i'll try my best, and if anything goes wrong, i'll just paint it black. Lol

If it was laser engraved, repainting will cover up the nice silver engraving and won't look factory any more.