Debating between M4 Variant or HK family (mainly G36) and others

[MultipleParadox]

Hi all,

I'm in the process of deciding which gun I'm going to buy as my first AEG, and I can't quite make up my mind between M4/G36 and the likes.

Most importantly, I'm having a hard time to figure out which brand would offer a good bang per bucks ratio depending on the model chosen...

As my first AEG I'd like a good all rounder for indoor/outdoor, and that can be easily customized (read: have a great compatibility with after market parts). I assume the later would also allows for easier/cheaper fixes in case of problems?

One thing is sure, I'd like the AEG to be as close as possible to the RS version, but I don't care about the markings. A plus if they're there, but I wouldn't pay extra for those for instance. So, full metal where relevant.

I've read pretty good reviews of the KWA G36c as a rock solid AEG with good internals, but I noticed it looks quite shorter than the CA version. What gives? I remember having noticed the same for some M4s in a few Youtube Videos, where the M4 was looking much smaller than it should have been, and I'm not talking about CQB versions and the like. If I'm correct and my memory serves me well, it was an M4A1 or similar. Wouldn't a smaller rifle cause issues in term or ergonomy and such?

I must say I'm really not decided between these two rifles types (and I'm totally open to others, it's just they seem to be more versatile and common so easier to get parts and accessories), so any input that will help me choose will be greatly appreciated.

I'm (trying to) budgeting around 5-600 to have something good, ideally including mags and/or some accessories (I plan on diggin the classified)

Many thanks to you all, I've found a great community here and please to see this so far!

MP

[Conker]

M4: VFC. They are readily available. Working bolt catch and all. Same goes for King Arms, but much less common... Both have great quality and finish.

V3 gearboxes (as in the G36) are sturdier than V2 gearboxes (M4) but honestly as long as long as you're not running it at high FPS, shoudln't be much of an issue.
M4 have more customisation options, but G36 still have quite some.

I don't have much experiences with G36 series but all I can say is that the KWA's have a wide handguard, which isn't the same as you'd usually see on the real gun.

[Ninja_En_Short]

Also remember on thing outfit related : the G36 has the biggest mags of all 5.56 assault rifles and so does the replica.
A M4 mag is about 2/3 of a G36. You can work around it by buying double M4 pouches (or like me 7.62 pouches) or universal ones. Pantac makes some in OD, BD, Black and Multicam

[ap27]

I think the Gen3 KWA G36c got rid of the fat handguard. Everyone is right about the big mags though. A double M4 mag pouch will only hold a single G36 Mag.

The classifieds would indeed be your best bet!

[Coresair]

Originally Posted by Ninja_En_Short

Also remember on thing outfit related : the G36 has the biggest mags of all 5.56 assault rifles and so does the replica.
A M4 mag is about 2/3 of a G36. You can work around it by buying double M4 pouches (or like me 7.62 pouches) or universal ones. Pantac makes some in OD, BD, Black and Multicam

Always, ALWAYS consider the type/availability of gear that surrounds the weapon system you are purchasing.

[phloudernow]

M4/M16 variant, they are very common but common in a good way, you can do up your gun anyway you want as there are many aftermarket parts for it, and might i say the most after market parts, v2. gearboxes are easy to disassemble and fix and replace parts and parts are super easy to find, you are very limited with the aftermarket parts for the g36 in terms of exterior parts not too much you can change on it to make it unique, there are thousands of combinations for the m4 and only a limited amount for the g36

[Eeyore]

Watch this:

YouTube - Redwolf Airsoft - Redwolf Tactical Episode 01 - "9 Things You Should Know About Grunts"

The info in there might be useful for choosing a gun.

[AS92-RD]

Why not both? Get an HK416!

Seriously though, much better than any other stock M4 builds. The front-end eliminates barrel wobble.

JG, SRC (GEN III pro), VFC, Hurricane < those are the prices you'll find lowest to highest. I believe the SRC is the most readily available brand new since an AV retailer carries them.

[Aegiis]

@Eyeore : nice vid, simple and to the point. They do have a sense of humor at RW. Good for newbies.

@OP : Don't go the exotic way on your first AEG. Stick with the more common platforms, be it the Honda Civic of the airsoft world (M4), the AK or MP5. Parts and gear varied and easily available for those.

I will not favor one brand over another. Read the reviews (tons here, at Arnie's, or just Google the model), scan the classifieds, you will find good deals from time to time.

Things to think of :
-Battery in front or back ? Mini, large or special (crane type) ?
-A longer weapon can be a hindrance in CQB or thick bushes, too short a barrel and you loose accuracy over mid-long range engagement distances (not that much in my opinion, but some will debate this.)
-What type of sling ? Does the chosen AEG have the needed attachement points ?
-Optics ? It needs rails (which a stock "standard" AK lacks, and an MP5 requires a claw mount, you need to buy it)
-And etc. all the funny shit you will peruse the classifieds and the web for countless hours...happy shopping !

Looking forward to see you on the field.

[Ninja_En_Short]

Was about to say HK416 but got here too late.

But SRC is no go, prefer the Jing Gong Gen 2 rear wired, I say rear wired because most people prefer it that way and the front wired either me to spend hours modifying stock parts or a new tube and backplate.

[ThunderCactus]

M4!
There's no such thing as tactical, efficient, or ergonomic when your talking about G36 mags.
Besides, V2 mechboxes are way easier to work on

[DEATH2000]

I have alwys been a fan of the Armalite platform and I probably always will be. I had an ICS M4A1 for a long time and it was great. The adaptability if an M4 is amazing. Their are thousands of aftermarket parts for your gun, and just as many for your gear. I've played with the G36 and I found it was a very nice gun but what discouraged me was the mag issue. A double G36 pouch will fit 3 M4 mags. The added bonus is mag swapping. Like in the Redwolf video above being able to share mags with your teammates is a huge plus. Get the M4. Theirs enough brands out their that making choosing hard enough as it is.

[MultipleParadox]

Hi guys, thanks for your advices
I'm now leaning toward the M4 for the above reasons, however I've seen that in the classifieds: ASC Link

How come the price is so low, is there a catch or what? O_o Looks like a good deal to me but I'm not quite sure...

On another note, I love the HK416 too, will it offer the same advantages as the M4? If you were to decide between M4 and HK416, what would push you toward one more than the other?

Thanks Again

MP

[DEATH2000]

The 416 is more popular with HK fans. Their are difference in the two obviously, but if your an HK fan but want an M4 variant then go for that one. The mags are pretty much the same. Most parts are compatible with other M4 variants (RIS, slock, etc)

[Styrak]

The only real differences between an AR and an HK416 are in real steel.