Author: Cisco

There’s been a bit of a buzz about the new rifles from Arcturus, specifically the AK models. But what exactly are you getting for your money? Let’s break it down.

Internal Build

The Arcturus will house a V3 gearbox that uses a microswitch trigger. This means that drop-in mosfets are unfortunately not able to be installed. However, the gears and piston are incredibly solid. It will take A LOT of stress to strip them down. The Quick-Change Spring System is definitely a plus. Being able to change the FPS without taking apart the gearbox is a great feature. Another positive is the 6.02 tight bore inner barrel that is installed out of the box. The compression is near perfect with a o-ring air nozzle and a full metal rack piston. The gearbox is excellently shimmed out of the box! Which is something rare from most manufacturers and should be acknowledged. This will increase the longevity and performance of the gun.

How do the externals hold up?

In one word; absolutely solid. The Arcturus bodies are on par with the durability of Classic Army or LCT bodies. If for whatever reason you wanted to replace the entire gearbox with another V3 it is possible. Each model has something different to offer. The M-LOK Rail included on a few models is very slim and feels comfortable in the hands. Out of the box, these guns come with a high cap magazine, mid cap magazine, and some include a nice accessory for the gun. Varying from a hand stop to a vertical grip. The pistol grip is very ergonomic. Unlike a traditional style or a Bravo style grip. The Arcturus pistol grip is a good in between. Being larger than a standard grip, but slimmer than the Bravo grip.

Is it worth it?

With both rugged exterior and beefy internals, the Arcturus AKs are definitely a contender and solid choice for anyone looking to get into the AK game. Especially when considering the price. All the Arcturus AK variants are set at a very affordable cost with great performance! With the plethora of different models available. You can choose the one that is perfect for you!

The 1911 is one of if not the most widely used pistol designs in the airsoft market. So many models from different manufacturers exist. One, however, would stand tall with a reputation of reliability, simplicity, and affordability. The Elite Force CO2 1911 has been around for several years now and is still one of the top selling items in airsoft and for good reason. Today, we’re going to be taking a look at what you’re really getting, and whether or not it’s a 1911 you want.

What you get our of the box!

Out of the box you get a solid, full metal 1911. Depending on which variation you buy, you will either receive a 1911 styled after the original 1911A1 design used since the World Wars and even into the Cold War or the Tactical or “Tac” version which sports a lower picatinny rail, upgraded white dot sights, and different textured grips. Both versions will feature 14mm ccw threads on the ends of the outer barrel. The magazine included is a 14 round magazine that is powered by a 12g CO2 cartridge. In addition, an individual allen key required to install the CO2 cartridge in place (don’t worry if you lose it, any HEX key set in mm will have the correct size needed)

To be, or not to be?

Due to the proprietary CO2 design, there isn’t much potential for future internal upgrades. This might not phase too many people starting out as reliability seems to be a deciding factor in purchasing their first set of airsoft equipment. However, a sizable percentage of the airsoft community prefer buying fully upgradable guns as tinkering is something many love to do. The fact that the Elite Force 1911 does not follow the standard Tokyo Marui design may off put some.

Quality and Affordability!

There is something to be said about it’s durability, reliable performance, and price. The CO2 blowback system is much snappier and kicks harder harder compared to standard green gas TM spec 1911s. The metal construction is actually quite sturdy and tough, being able to withstand a few accidental drops or blows and get back to kicking. The standard 1911A1 retails for $99.99 while the Tac retails for $119.95. At these prices, owning a sturdily built sidearm that already outperforms many TM spec green gas pistols in its stock form seems like a good deal. The choice however is completely yours to make.

There are a ton of airsoft guns in this industry. So many models, variations of those models, and variations of variations of those same models. With this kind of variety of it’s easy to understand why many newcomers feel overwhelmed and unsure of what to buy. Hopefully this list of the Top 3 Airsoft AEGs under $150 will clear things up and make shopping a little easier.

3. G&G Combat Machine GC16 Raider-S M4 Carbine

Ask anyone who’s been playing airsoft for a while and they’ll tell you that you can’t go wrong with a combat machine from G&G. Standard Version 2 gearbox design and compatible with an incredibly large variety of aftermarket parts, upgrading these M4s should be a piece of cake for any half-decent tech. We chose the Raider-S variant of the Combat Machine line because of its FPS, and external features. The FPS is low enough to be used for both indoor and outdoor fields, allowing players to participate at any fields they so choose. The externals are lightweight, making it easy to run and manipulate for longer periods of time, and features a picatinny rail set for customizing.

2. Lancer Tactical Enforcer Hybrid Gen 2 Battle Hawk 4” PDW (low fps version)

The Gen 2 series from Lancer Tactical was much needed and felt like a breath of fresh air upon review. Much like the Combat Machines these M4’s will be featuring a version 2 gearbox that can be fully upgraded as expected. However, the gen 2 sits apart due to many of the upgrades you’d normally install aftermarket come preinstalled; 6.03 tight bore barrel, mosfet, and a quick-change spring system. All of this for under $150 is a deal no matter how you look at it. The Enforcer Hybrid Battle Hawk was our specific pick due to how popular PDW style rifles have become in recent years. Streamlined metal m-lok rail, lightweight polymer receiver, and a pdw retractable stock make this a CQB monster. The FPS is under 350 to allow for usage in indoor fields however the QC spring system makes upgrading the FPS a breeze.

1. Apex Fast Attack CQBR M4 Carbine AEG (polymer)

If you’re a new player or a tech looking to work on a new project, odds are you have a budget and want to save as much as possible on the base gun. Luckily the Apex Fast Attack CQBR costs less than most Gen2 Lancers and Combat Machines and offers almost as much. At max retail cost the gun’s $110, but its not the price that secured the number one spot, it’s what you’re getting for that price. Non-proprietary lipo-ready gearbox, 6.03 tight bore barrel, quad rail handguard, QC spring system, and a MK18 length barrel. The gun has a surprisingly fast ROF and according to our techs features a very sturdy gearbox that can hold their own performance-wise against the brands such as Krytac. It’s no wonder why we at GI consider this the best AEG for under $150

Gas Blowback Pistols and Gas Blowback Rifles are some of the most realistic and fun guns you will play with in airsoft. The simulated recoil and having to manipulate the gun as a real firearm. There is nothing like the feeling of having to speed reload when you run out of BBs and enemies are about to breach the room you are in! However, the cost of getting into gas blowback guns can get expensive. I am going to list off three gas blowback airsoft guns you can get started with for under $150!

KWA M11A1 NS2 Gas Blowback Airsoft SMG

First on the list is going to be an SMG. The KWA M11A1 is a very under rated gun with range, accuracy, and a high rate of fire. Shooting around 350 FPS, this gun is perfect to take both indoors and outdoors. Small enough to be a sidearm, this gun has the capability of keeping up with the rifles. The included collapsible stock folds flush into the gun, it can be extended to shoulder and get a more accurate shot. If you find yourself in a pinch, this gun shoots +20 BBs per second! This will keep heads down and give you the time you need to get to cover! The KWA M11A1 is retailing for $139.95! You are getting a high quality airsoft gun without breaking the bank!

Lancer Tactical M4A1 Gas Blowback Airsoft Rifle

Now I have to start off by saying that this gun is over $150. However, you are getting a great value for the cost of this gun. The Lancer Tactical M4A1 GBBR is a great way to get started in running a dedicated gas blowback rifle. The receivers are made of a very durable polymer and can take a beating. You can replace the standard hand guard with a variety of after market rails. So you can build this gun however you like. Normally gas blowback rifle magazines carry 30-40 rounds. This included magazine carries 55 rounds! Giving you more of a competitive edge! With adjustable hop up and the FPS shooting between 360-390 FPS. This gun is perfect for outdoor game play! The Lancer Tactical M4A1 GBBR retails for $190.00. For a full size gas blowback rifle, you are getting a great value!

Elite Force 1911 CO2 Gas Blowback Airsoft Pistol

You have probably seen this pistol floating around the airsoft field more than once. The reason is because the Elite Force CO2 1911 is one of the most durable and reliable pistols on the airsoft market! Powered by CO2, you have the convenience of getting CO2 cartridges at sporting good stores. However, this is somewhat of a draw back. You will have to lubricate the gun more frequently to make sure the o-rings and gaskets don’t dry out. Maintenance is just like any other gas blowback pistol. You do get more consistent shots and a heavier kick with CO2 compared to green gas. There are also rebuild kits available for this gun and magazine. If you ever find there is an issue, you can repair it with ease. With Elite Force being on their third generation of this pistol. They have worked out all of the small problems that players have reported. I own both the first and second generation models of this pistol.

The first generation was shooting over 350 FPS. Which meant you couldn’t use this gun indoors. They fixed this problem in the second generations. The third generations include different colored versions, including all black and a stainless model. So you can choose the pistol that is right for you. The Elite Force 1911 CO2 Pistol retail price start at $99.95-$119.95! I will say that this is one of the best airsoft pistols out of the box!

BONUS GUN: KLI Baba Yaga 1911 Hi-Capa CO2 Blowback Airsoft Pistol

Because my number two pick was over $150, I wanted to make up for it. This bonus pick goes to the KLI Baba Yaga 1911 Hi-Capa. Now the title does say this gun is CO2 powered, but you can use green gas magazines in this pistol. Meaning you can choose what you want to run! There is an FPS increase with CO2, but both gases will be shooting under 350 FPS. Being perfect for both indoor and outdoor use. The kick with CO2 is the most power I have felt out of any gas blowback airsoft pistol, both CO2 and green gas. That is including the Elite Force 1911 I mentioned earlier. KLI has gone through loops to provide the best performing and reliable pistol that they could. The hard work and time that went into this airsoft pistol shows! Having a dual powered pistol gives you options to what you have available. The awesome look and great performance is worth every penny! This gun normally retails for $179.99. However, you can pre-order this gun before 10/20/2019 for $139.99 and get an extra magazine for free! Mind blown!

Let me know if there is gas blowback airsoft gun under $150 that you would have listed! There might be a part two if there are some good submissions!