MP008 M14

Origin: China
Manufacturer: AGM
Price: $130
Purchased from: Kapowwe
Stated FPS: 330
Stated Range: 50 – 60 yards
Weight: 8.3lbs
Length: 44”
Battery: 8.4v 1200maH
Accessories included: Sling, rail mount

Intro

The M14 is a close cousin of the M1 Garand rifle used in WWII. Issued during the Korean War, the M14 was well known for its accuracy and power, but lacked in firepower because its recoil made it nearly useless on full automatic.

Tokyo Marui and G&G have had M14s for the Airsoft community for two to three years now. Although the guns were high quality, they were priced over $350 for the cheapest one. They remained at standard FPS of 280 and 330 respectively, and each had their own benefits and disadvantages that made you decide between both.

Recently, a new Chinese invasion of cheap AEGs has swept through the Airsoft community. Offering high quality automatics at a very affordable price, these guns have proven to be an Airsoft player’s dream come true. One of those happened to be the M14, offered in Olive Drab, Black and Wood Stock. Unable to resist the thought of a high quality M14 at a cheap price, I jumped for it before it ran out of stock.

First Impressions



Receiving the package from Kapowwe in a crumpled cardboard box, I was first annoyed by the treatment of the weapon, but assumed it was just UPS’ handiwork. Bringing the large box inside, I opened it to first take out the invoice, UHC Colt .45 Gov issue sidearm and the free pistol which also wasn’t that bad. Finally, under all the foam peanuts, I found my hands on a large box in very good condition. Pulling it out, I was met with a Tokyo Marui style box with a photo of the gun on the front. Underneath was the title “MP008 M14.”

Too eager to resist, I instantly pulled out my knife and opened the box. I was ecstatic as I stared at the gun for the first time, and two thoughts immediately rushed to my head; the gun is very large and looks very convincing. The wood stock I ordered was very, very convincing. Looked very much like the wood stock on my Tokyo Marui AK47. There was a small seam running down the length of the wood stock, which displeased me, but was very hard to notice.

Further Examination



Next thing I notice, is when picking it up, it weighs quite a bit. The sling it comes with will prove very handy. The next thing I decide to check is how much metal is on the gun. To my astonishment, everything except the faux wood stock and the heat shield are metal; and a very high quality metal too. The plastic is also high quality, and the gun feels overall like it is an actual Tokyo Marui. Deciding to try racking the bolt, I was completely stunned at the realistic sound of the bolt racking. It sounds completely metallic and gives a nice feeling that you’re holding in your hands an amazing weapon.

Checking the sites, I find the scope rail that attaches to the M14 blocks the sight lines. The scope rail is removed by turning a large nut on the side of the gun that holds it in place. This can be removed by hand and once removed, the scope rail slides right off. Checking sight adjustments, the gun’s rear sight is completely adjustable for wind and elevation. At the rear of the rear sight, where there is usually the serial number for the gun, is a blank space of metal. It would have been nice for them to have a serial number on the gun, but at $130, I’m not complaining.

The two sling mounts that come with the gun are metal and appear to be able to hold up quite well. Checking around the gun for the hop up, since it wasn’t under the bolt, I found it right where the Tokyo Marui hop up is located on their M14. In front of the magazine, is a small wheel that turns to adjust the hop up. Deciding not to fiddle with it now, I left it alone. The battery attached to the gun in the stock, as with the other M14 replicas. You have to flip up the rear part of the butt plate to access another hatch just large enough to fit a large battery and a wire through it. The selector switch is located on the right of the rear sight. Turning it 180 degrees will switch it between semi automatic and full automatic. The safety is located right on the trigger guard, and pushing it forward deactivates it while pulling it back reactivates it.

Firing Test #1



Everyone knows that just because a gun looks good, doesn’t mean it’ll perform as well. So, for the moment of truth, I decided to test the range and accuracy of this beauty. Praying to /THOU SHALT NOT USE MY NAME IN VAIN/ it would work, I decided to plug in one of my 8.4v 3000mah batteries in the stock. Flipping up the metal latch, I manage to slide the battery in easily, with no space for rattling. A snug fit. The high cap magazine it comes with - also metal – holds 400 rounds according to Kapowwe. Only loading about 40 BBs into the magazine, I loaded it, winded it, and got ready to fire.

Squeezing the trigger, I was shocked to find the gun won’t fire.I squeeze again, and still nothing. I was shocked and horrified. After all this, I didn’t want to end up with a lemon. After freaking out, I decided to charge their battery, wait the 11 hours, and try again. But just to check a theory, I placed their battery in the gun. I had a slight feeling that it was charged. I squeezed the trigger with their battery, and to my happiness, the gun fires. I didn’t receive a lemon, and the shot flew about twenty yards and then fell to the ground. I adjusted the hop up, and fired a second shot. This time, to my complete amazement, it flies a very linear path towards a tree I’ve targeted over 70+ yards. Passing the fifty yard mark I placed after measuring it out, it still kept going. It stopped at around 60 yards where it finally began to fall. It kept a straight path all the way through.

Although I doubted I’d ever sue it, I switched to full automatic to test the spread. I held the trigger and watched as the BBs followed the same path as they flew towards the target tree. Dropping where the other BB did, I was completely happy with what I had received. Although I did not do a complete accuracy test, I’ll estimate the gun to have a 12” diameter spread at around 50+ yards. For an automatic at this price, that’s very good, and that’s still only using .20 gram. But after the test, I decided to examine why my other battery would not work.

After comparing the two batteries, I’ve noticed that the AGM battery has its wiring reversed. The two wires connect in two different ways on the two batteries. The switched wires force the user to only use their batteries, or to change a battery’s wiring. Although more complex, you could also rewire the gun. Although this is a slight disadvantage, I can’t say I’ve found any other huge disadvantage with my new M14. A while alter, I decided to clean the barrel. As my first Chinese gun, the MP001, I guessed that the barrel needed cleaning. I was correct. The Barrel needs a lot of cleaning as the cloth that comes back is dark or black. After cleaned and lubed, I’m sure this will improve the gun’s accuracy, even if by a small amount.

Advantages:
+ Low cost; only $130
+ Very high quality plastic
+ Metal is used extensively throughout the gun
+ The bolt racking sounds very realistic and satisfying
+ Iron sights and scope rail for scope option
+ Comes with a 400 round high cap magazine
+ Comes with the battery, sling, cleaning rod and other tools.
+ Faux wood stock is very convincing
+ Plenty of range and accuracy (to be tested again in Firing Test #2)
+ 330 FPS Stock (Will be verified soon)

Disadvantages:
- 8.3lbs can be heavy after a while
- At 44” long, the gun is not too useful in close quarters
- Might be only mine, but the reversed wiring only allows their battery unless rewired
- Durability of the gearbox
- The barrel needs cleaning once you receive it

Final Verdict: This gun is a very good deal. I highly recommend it to anyone who wants an M14, but doesn’t have the money for the other versions. If you have the money though, I’d go for the Tokyo Marui or G&G one, as the durability on this M14 version is still a mystery. After having worked with plenty of high quality guns, this one receives a 9 out of 10. It’s everything a designated marksman (not sniper) or any other basic soldier desires.

Final Comments: I will make a chronograph and accuracy test soon enough. Pictures will also come to this review with time.

This post has been edited by Naval Ace: Mar 14 2007, 05:06 PM