M4 Decision, Airsoft Team out of Las Vegas

[SLArcice]

Welp, here's the dealio, I'm out of vegas and the local airsoft shop was shut down and really no where to go other then paintball specific locations out here so I'm forced to look online all over the place for a new project and advice. I need a full set for my team before we start competitions this summer.

I'm trying to find a cheap solid metal M4 through Atlanta Airsoft. Have them do as many upgrades as I can get them to before they ship em out. Just trying to decide on the best base model due to the fact that I'm going to swap out most the internals anyways so the idea of spending $400 just to rip out it's guts and replace it with another $300 in internals... kinda stupid ($700)... I mean, you pay for the reliability and internals and a reliable 320+/- fps but if that's going to be swapped for a crapload of new internals what's the point, you might as well buy a 280 SRC SR4 and swap in $300 in internals ($500) and end up with basically the same end result. The details of the project are below:

Model: A set of 6 AEG M4 Carbine Models, Crane Stocks (Bigger Bat)
Goals: 4 Models in which 400 fps is ideal with a CQB loadout. 2 Models with SPR Conversions (longer barels, scopes)

The idea is to get 6 Heavily modified metal bodied for less then $500, any less then $400 is ideal as I will be buying 6 of them so even a $1 less is going to be a $1 x 6 and save me a lot in the long run. Keep in mind their stock reliabilty isn't a factor as they will be heavily modified and never used in their stock form. Also I'm getting tired of playing Dr. Fix it all out in the feild. Anyways, any opinions on a base to start the project on please help, I need to buy a set of 6 within the next week or so.

[Mantelope]

This question gets asked at least once a week. Read back a bit, and you'll find more answers than you need. Also, we're probably not going to be able to help you on the pricing as our prices are wildly different from yours.

From the context, it sounds like you're using "SPR" to refer to all long-barrelled AR15s, when in fact the SPR is a very specific model.

[SLArcice]

Yeah, I know the stock SRC internals blow, I've watched 5 of them go out. But the idea is it will never be used as stock, it will be loaded with a crapload of replacement upgrades. and I am planning on paying out the ass, after all I'm buying 6 of the damn things, but I don't want to spend $400 for a gun that will be used as a shell. Kinda like buying a new $30k car knowing you're going to swap out the engine anyways whereas you can buy a $10K car and swap the same engine.

The pricing will be different, yeah, but the general idea should be about the same. The best way to describe it would be the car thing.

From the context, it sounds like you're using "SPR" to refer to all long-barrelled AR15s, when in fact the SPR is a very specific model.

As for the SPR, it's a special purpose rifle our military uses based off of the M16's. It's basically a modified M16 used for special forces sniping.

[UKAirsoftNick]

The short answer is the ICS M4 is a good starting unit. If its upgraded by the shop you will have no problems. It has as much metal as the real M4 and is a rugged reliable newcomer to the AEG Assualt Carbine Market. It wouldnt need much upgrade. One point though, In the UK for example over 328 fps (100ms) is illegal. Are you sure with 400 FPS your weapons will be legal? and even if they are legal alot of sites have rules prohibiting over 350 FPS?

Personally, for that price i would buy 4 L85's and 2 L86 Light support weapons. The brilliance of this is you'd have 2 LSW's with massive barrels, they'd be properly made with no need for upgrade AND all the parts for your L85's would be interchangable with your L86's. Again they have as much metal as the real steel versions. You could even go for more variety and get 2 x L85 A2 standards, 2 x L85 A2 Carbines (for intense CQB) and 2 x L86 A2's for Light support.

They'd be what you want out the box for the same price and be bullpup to. People talk bullpup down but its not a matter of opinion - bullpup designs are mechanically and technologically superior to standard magazine pistol grip arrangements, the Colt M4 is an obselete design. For the same barrel length as an M4 your L85A2 would be about 6" shorter. Your LSW's would be proper light support guns capable of both High rate of fire for supression and sniper roles. A nice multipurpose AEG.

G&P or G&G

[mcguyver]

Smart money is on G&P. It takes very little (ie spring and different tappet) to make the gun 450 FPS. And they make an SPR. You should be able to get them for about $450 U.S. each or better in volume. And you don't really need to change any internal.

Upgraded guns are WAY over-rated anyways. All you seem to do with them is spend money fixing them. There is no such thing as a reliable upgraded gun.

And stay away from ICS if you want 400 FPS or better upgrades. It's not the best gun for that.

And I have ICS and G&P currently with upgrades, so I can tell you from personal experience.