Cracked Airsoft Gearbox Repair Facts

Airsoft Gun Fact: Standard and re-inforced airsoft gun gearboxes are not engineered or designed to handle the stresses created by airsoft gun upgrade velocities over 400 FPS.

Actually I find most metal gearbox airsoft guns, If properly upgraded to 350 FPS and with proper hop up maintenance to be the longest shooting and most durable working upgrades for most airsoft OEM gearboxes. The Re-inforced gearboxes do absorb vibrations and the increased weight helps with noise dampening, but the spot that breaks on most V2 boxes was not really re-inforced by this upgrade leaving them just as susceptible to nose cracking as the non re-inforced versions.

Systema has a nice airsoft unit engineered to shoot 565 FPS and it seems to work and last....However this does not mean that all you need to do is put systema parts in your standard AEG gearbox and you can achieve this as well. Most gearboxes on the market are engineered with 400 FPS being the Maximum and 350 FPS being the recommended. Most US based airsoft gun service centers will not upgrade above 400 foot per second without voiding any warranty programs.

I prefer to upgrade my airsoft guns to the 350 FPS point and raise the rate of fire to 20 to 25 bb's a second with steel high speed gears. The Modular airsoft gears are fantastic and last a very long time when installed this way. The spring I use is one that will land my guns in the 330FPS range and the addition of a metal spring guide with a thrust bearing rounds the upgraded gun out to 345-350 FPS when using .20 gram bb's. Plenty of firepower for any airsoft game!

One final note on the subject...The new KWA 8MM V2 gearbox units seem to have incorporated what might be a solid engineered solution to mechbox nose cracking issues by modifying the actual nose of the gear box and creating an interlocking set of staggered fingers that seem to absorb the shock and vibration created by the piston. Not sure what the actual limitations are on these but one can contact KWA USA and I am sure they would be happy to provide the new gearbox specifications. Better yet just buy one of the new KWA M4's as they will keep you in the game sharing welts...Long Time!

Armsdealer...OUT!

Airsoft Gun Custom Gearbox

....Meet the Scirminator Mechbox!

While airsoft players all over the world are searching for the "perfect airsoft gun" we decided to build it one piece at a time from the inside out.

Built with all custom after market parts the Scirminator "Scrambler Series" Mechbox will send 25+ bb's a second downrange at 350 FPS. So much for needing a Squad Automatic Weapon.

For those of you looking to pack more .20 gram punch, the Scirminator "Plastic Pain Series" Gearbox features the same sizzling ROF of 25 bb's a second as the "Scrambler" but increases velocity to a blazing and painful 400 FPS.

AGR has been building, tweaking and testing, the Scirminator series gearbox designs in rental airsoft guns at the Airsoft Battle Zone field for most of 2008 and players have been impressed with each new build. All year we have been asked where do I get one?? Here is the answer:

The Scirminator gearbox rebuild kit will fit in any non reinforced Version 2 or Version 3 airsoft gearbox. Yes it will fit your Tokyo Mauri or a Classic Army Sportline, Crossman, Jing Gong, Echo1, Cyma and most other popular airsoft brands. The skirminator gearbox rebuild kit comes with all the parts and instructions needed for you to upgrade your existing gearbox to a Scirminator.

For those of you who are mechanically impaired Airsoft Gun Repair Technicians are available to install the kit in your existing gearbox if you ship it to the Wisconsin airsoft repair center.

Drop in gearbox models are available for V2 and V3 airsoft guns as well. These include a new gearbox with the Scirminator internals already installed...Just field strip your airsoft gun...remove the old mechbox and drop in your new scirminator gearbox.

For more details and specifications you will have to visit the guys over at Airsoft Gun Repair .Com, here you can purchase the scirmanator kits or mechboxes and find out all the finer details of this custom upgrade

One final note...The scirminator comes with AGR's exclusive 3 month or 30,000 bb airsoft gun guarantee on the drop in style gearboxes. This warranty also applies to airsoft guns sent in to be outfitted with the upgrade by our airsmiths. The DIY kit does not include this warranty although the individual parts are warranted from defects.

Modified Airsoft Machine Gun Gears

Just got done testing out my newly modified SR16 airsoft machine gun at the ABZ airsoft gaming field and all I can say is WOW am I impressed with the new modify modular gear set. This "drop in" modification put my rate of fire in the 20+ BB per second range...For those of you who might be mathematically challenged that's 1200+ bb's a minute. I actually think its higher than that but the chronograph seemed to be giving conflicting readings and my magazines would skip now and then as well, so I will keep testing until I have a large average test group to base my findings on. *Note to Modify company....Please make full metal airsoft gun magazines that feed consistently!!

This had to be one of the easiest upgrades I have ever done and only took a total of about 10 minutes to completely install in my Echo1 Gearbox I now have dubbed the SCIRMINATOR. The hi speed modular gear set retails for 89.90 and comes with stainless bushings in 6 or 7mm sizes, that just drop into your Version 2 or 3 mechbox. The whole airsoft gear system is pre-shimmed and fits perfect. The bad news is these sets will not fit the re-inforced gearbox styles but fit well in the standard V2-V3 gearboxes.
At first run the gears were a tad noisy despite motor adjustments...but after using all day Saturday I noticed they "Burnt In" nicely and much of the original whirring noise was now completely gone. Sunday morning I sorted out my best Hi-capacity magazines and charged my largest FUBAR airsoft battery and headed out for a serious day of airsoft gaming. After getting chronoed in (387 FPS :) and an hour of extreme target practice, consisting of shooting magazine after magazine on full auto in short 1 second 20 round bursts O_O...... I was ready to deal a days worth of "airsoft funswelts". I have to say these drop in airsoft gun modular gear sets could be my favorite new airsoft product of the year and ruled this day.
The instructions provided are in English and very easy to follow with illustrations included. The Modify company has included a newly designed anti reverse lever that is included in the gear kit with some synthetic grease. The Kit features one simple, helpful innovation (a slotted anti reverse shaft) that airsmiths and airsoft home mechanics alike should appreciate. These new Modify parts have now grabbed my undivided attention and I am anxious to test more modify internal airsoft gun parts as they become available.

Till next time
Armsdealer

Airsoft Gun Gear Improvements

JG 416 or 614 repairs Update after Field Test!

The new Echo1 Commando 614's that have begun showing up at airsoft fields and stores nationwide are pretty sexy looking airsoft machine guns. I recently had the opportunity to field one for the day and must say I was Pleased by the overall performance. When I first saw the odd size battery with a standard large connector (Ni-Ca 4/5sc 1500MaH 8.4V) I was a bit surprised....But a call to my local Wisconsin custom airsoft battery dealer and a new custom battery pack designed for the 614 is on its way. So this airsoft gun chronographed at 350-360 FPS and the accuracy pattern was pretty nice (70' to 100' = 12" inch average pattern) But the smooth firing and quiet operation is what was impressed on me the most as I plinked around the range.
Gotta have a look inside this baby....

SOooo about 20 minutes later, there I was with a brand new Echo1 614 in a complete state of disassembly and noticed a few unique airsoft gun design improvements in this version two mechbox. I like the smaller style automotive fuse...easy to replace.

Airsoft Gun Gear Improvements
Then there is the new gear design, featuring a thrust style bearing unit in the base of the bevel gear. Since this gear is responsible for the transfer of torque from the airsoft gun motor to the gearbox unit it will no doubt eliminate allot of stress and noise that normally exists in the motor to bevel gear transfer of energy in airsoft guns.

I see Echo1 is selling these as aftermarket airsoft gear sets and the standard size gears will fit most airsoft guns with version 2 or 3 standard gearboxes. Stay tuned for further reports on these these new Echo1 gear sets and how they hold up to my heavy trigger finger and add to the overall durability of my upgraded airsoft guns. I also have become a fan of the new black style gearboxes with the nickel plated cylinders.

This version 2 comes with a metal spring guide for added out of the box durability. The JG airsoft piston seems to be very durable and holds up to extreme full auto firing for sustained periods better than any airsoft piston we have tested to date. I also like the reinforced poly tappet plates they have been installing in the newest AEG releases.

JG 614 airsoft gun update
After extensive field testing and trials (shooting my friends) and a full bench assesment this gun ranks about a 6.5 on the BA scale. With a few mods it could easily become a 10. I did only a few simple internal durability upgrades like adding steel bushings and a NNA Power piston hub with a 110 spring and this gun was and "still is" shooting a solid 390 FPS.

Bottom line is the JG 416 614 or whatever you choose to call it is a very good airsoft gun for the money whether you are a noob, pro or just backyard airsofter looking for some trigger time. For the average 150 to 175 this airsoft gun costs it is well worth it. It has become a favorite backup weapon for airsoft games but will never replace my beloved SR-16 stoner rifle although I have been kinda google eyed over the new AGM full metal SR-16's and 416 style M4's that have just arrived....Mmmmm which one should I tear apart first! Guess I will save that for my next airsoft gun repair blog.

Till next time
Armsdealer
Airsoft Technician

Echo1 Airsoft Gun Gear Improvements

The new Echo1 Commando 614's that have begun showing up at airsoft fields and stores nationwide are pretty sexy looking airsoft machine guns.

I recently had the opportunity to field one for the day and must say I was Pleased by the overall performance. When I first saw the odd size battery with a standard large connector (Ni-Ca 4/5sc 1500MaH 8.4V) I was a bit surprised....But a call to my local Wisconsin custom airsoft battery dealer and a new custom battery pack designed for the 614 is on its way.

So this airsoft gun chronographed at 350-360 FPS and the accuracy pattern was pretty nice (70' to 100' = 12" inch average pattern) But the smooth firing and quiet operation is what was impressed on me the most as I plinked around the ABZ range.
Gotta have a look inside this baby....
SOooo about 20 minutes later, there I was with a brand new Echo1 614 in a complete state of disassembly and noticed a few unique airsoft gun design improvements in this version two mechbox. I like the smaller style automotive fuse...easy to replace. Then there is the new gear design, featuring a thrust style bearing unit in the base of the bevel gear. Since this gear is responsible for the transfer of torque from the airsoft gun motor to the mechbox unit it will no doubt eliminate allot of stress and noise that normally exists in the motor to bevel gear transfer of energy in airsoft guns. Also notable is the new style spur gear with a recessed bottom. Not sure what this does for performance and durability but I am sure it contributes to the lack of noise of this improved airsoft gun gear set.

I see Echo1 is selling these as aftermarket gear sets and the standard gears will fit most airsoft guns with version 2 or 3 standard gearboxes.

Stay tuned for further reports on these these new Echo1 gear sets and how they hold up to my heavy trigger finger and add to the overall durability of my upgraded airsoft guns.

Airsoft Gun Parts

Boy it sure has been hard lately to keep enough airsoft gun parts in stock, Can't seem to predict what repair or upgrade someone will need next. With all the new models available the parts needed by players just keeps expanding all the time. Just look for instance at the AK-47 and how many parts this airsoft gun and its version 3 Mechbox uses. Now times that by the other models and adaptations of just the AK and you begin to see the enormity of the situation.

M4 and M16 airsoft parts alone could fill up a small airsoft warehouse, now add to that the companies that make non standard guns (parts will not fit other airsoft guns) and you have many more options and parts to catalog.

Then there are the upgrade parts or "High Performance Airsoft Gun Parts" designed to increase your durability, FPS and accuracy. High torque gears, High speed gears, and hardened steel gears, don't forget the bore up cylinder sets and silent cylinder sets, spring guides with thrust bearings and tight bore barrels which brings up the importance of properly maintained hop up parts. Some guns feature a stock plastic style hop up and some have a full metal unit, but what is absolutely critical is that all parts are properly assembled and the bucking and nub are in good working order. Hop up unit rebuilding kits are available to purchase now as well.

Now if you look at both internal and External airsoft parts available the already large list turns into an encyclopedia size inventory sheet. That's why we tell our customers to call us if you are shopping for parts at our online airsoft gun parts store and do not find the part you need listed for sale. We probably have the airsoft part you are looking for...just not online yet. Many have asked about the ICS split mechbox parts and G&G L85 and other specialty parts. Yes we carry hard to find airsoft parts, and easy to find airsoft parts as well as upgrade and high performance parts. So the next time you need repair parts for your AEG swing by the Airsoft Battle Zone parts store or visit us at the airsoft gun repair website and see if "we have what you need" to get you back in the airsoft game quickly.

Airsoft AGM MP40 Repairs and Upgrades

One of the hot Chinese custom clone airsoft guns seems to be the AGM MP40. World War Two airsoft reenactor's who wish to play German roles at airsoft games are reporting these clones to be fairly reliable and I would have to agree. The MP40 features a metal body and barrel and consists of about 70% metal parts. The easy field take down makes jams and other simple field repairs easy and quick. The off and on switch located at the bottom of the pistol style grip functions as a safety switch since the selector switch has semi and full auto positions only. The fully adjustable hop up is located behind the cartridge ejection port.

AGM MP40 Internal Airsoft Parts are tucked away inside a modified Version 3 Metal Mechbox that has a pretty decent build for the low price tag on this AEG. The motor is easily accessible and adjustable once the mp40 mechbox has been removed from the airsoft gun body. A modified trigger switch assembly features a push rod trigger control that you will notice when you disassemble this airsoft gun. Care must be taken to not bend this rod. I have pics of this airsoft trigger assembly and more Airsoft AGM MP40 Repair pictures here.

Once inside this mechbox experienced airsoft technicians will notice the plastic V3 spring guide and plastic bushings. I highly recommend you change these parts or have them upgraded the first time you service this airsoft gun. A simple metal spring guide and steel bushings will add the durability needed to stand your ground at those big airsoft games. There are many more upgrades that can be added to the MP40 such as a stronger spring, metal cylinder head and steel gears but these are more expensive performance upgrades and frankly I think the AGM MP40 performs awesome with just the durability upgrades I mentioned above. OH, I almost forgot to mention that the batteries that come with these clones are short lived in most cases and will need to be replaced in 2 to 3 months.

In closing let me say that I would recommend this MP40 AEG as an awesome starter airsoft game gun. Add the upgrades mentioned and you will be ready to hold off General Pattons finest when they come marching in on Airsoft game day.

Airsoft G36 Repairs Echo 1 Quality

WOW time flies when your repairing airsoft guns, playing airsoft games and enjoying lifes finer things like...well work. Here is one of my recent pictorials and mini reviews on the Echo 1 G36. I have about 30 more pictures of the internals posted on our Version 3 Airsoft Mechbox repair pictures pages. This nice little addition to any ones airsoft collection retails for an average of $150.00 or less and has some pretty sweet airsoft clone attributes and bonuses added in by this company. As I have repaired and fired Marui's, JG and double eagle versions of this AEG I would have to say these E1's are a bang for your buck and a worthy investment.The mechbox has upgraded steel bushings factory installed and the internal build is very nice. Not sure why they have left the plastic spring guide in place and added steel bushings but this is an easy upgrade I would recommend. I have seen these plastic spring guides fail at roughly 30 to 50 thousand rounds in most applications, sooner in some, so be ready to replace this part. This G36 came in chronographing around the 365 FPS average that E1 and other airsoft clone companies are getting famous for.


The sector gear cam is another nice addition that will improve performance and help preserve the life of your tappet plate. All the internals and even the hop up are all standard parts meaning they will be interchangeable with other airsoft brands and manufacturers parts, which is another huge plus for these E1 guys. All in all I am pretty impressed...Again, by these Echo 1's and would highly recommend this G36 to any player. Keep it up E1 your making my airsoft field in Wisconsin a dangerously fun place to be with all these nice well priced clones showing up!

Airsoft Expo 2008

Good to Go! If you have not yet visited the Wisconsin airsoft expo website to vote on the location for this years airsoft festivities then do so now. The WI locations available this year are Milwaukee WI, Green Bay WI, Wausau WI and Madison WI. The voting ends on Jan 31st 08 and the promoters have scheduled the official location and date public release for February 4Th 2008. I attended last years 2007 WAE and met a ton of new players, got acquainted with several airsoft teams, watched everyone else win door prize after door prizes...None for armsdealer nope I gotta be one of those do gooder types who volunteers for stuff, so since I am on the committee that runs this event...I Can't Win...That's a dumb rule who made that up.

Anyway, back at the topic...
Last years airsoft expo was a great resource to pick up handy tips and DIY airsoft repair and tactical tricks from some of Wisconsin, Illinois and Minnesota local airsoft repair specialists. One day is hardly enough time to soak in all the information available at this event and did I mention Airsoft Shopping! We are talking about airsoft super center prices for 1 day a year only. Discounts on airsoft parts, aeg's game gear and more. Airsoft Freebies! Yes lots of door prizes and hourly prize drawings from the US Marines and US Army, Airsoft Extreme, Airsoft Guns USA, and more. Last years expo was also featured on page 14 of the U.S. Tactical Airsoft Milsim Magazine. Kudos to these guys for giving us a full page pictorial by Wisconsin Photographer Aaron Slusarek. I also renewed my Wisconsin Airsoft Association membership at their informational booth as well, and got to chat with some of the safety reps and officers of the organization, face to face instead of my usual member participation by online forum chat. So if you are a Air Soft geardo or enthusiast who will be in Wisconsin this July, Come on down and see why Wisconsin's Airsoft Expo is... Good to Go!