ICS MP5
 

Hi, I know there is a way to tell whether your ics mp5 is a version 2 or 3. I remember reading it off a forum, but I can't seem to find it. Am pretty sure it was by the rear site, I believe if it had 3 holes + the V shaped cut out its a version 3, otherwise it's a version 2. I just wanted someone to confirm it. Also I've been reading about the US Version 3.5, is there a way of telling which version it is. Also there is an airsoft elite sticker, which you can see through where the magazine goes in, if that says anything. Lastly, which version is the best, US version 3.5 or the version 3. Thanks ahead of time.
Any posts will be greatly appreciated. Thanks again!

the a.e. version has extensive upgrades to the internals and is essentially a different gun than an ics straight from taiwan. they give you metal spring guide with bearing, bushings, spring and other things i can't remember but they list on their website. the a.e. versions i've seen all shoot in the 350fps area and are only available at one place in canada that i've ever seen. i would say for the money that the a.e. version is the best value as it sells for equal to less money than a tm and is full metal with upgrades. reliabilty is good as i've worked on 1 a.e. and 1 tm mp5 with similar problems (gear failure).

Thanks for the response, I was reading the website and it seems like what they do is take a ics version 3 and upgrade it.

American price doesn't really matter... it's the Canadian one that matters.

Can't order from out of Canada, best off finding that retailer mcguyver was yippin' about just now, anyway, may that be Canadian Airsoft?

ya, I guess your right, but the retailer mcguyver was talking about only has the version 3 ics. I guess I need to go to the states to get one. :-P

no, i said they have the a.e. version which they call the "3.5". it's the only place in canada that i'm aware of that sells the upgraded airsoft elite mp5's. they have had them for quite some time now. there website doesn't reflect that much to the dismay of airsoft elite, i'm sure. they put some good parts in that gun and it sells for the same money as a tm with internal upgrades and a metal body.

In case this helps I got the ICS (ae) version 3".5" from Canadian airsoft..nice piece of work...I hadn't been warned that it had been upgraded but once I read up a bit I was happy to know what they'd done. Great gun, all you have to do is remove the orange tip with a scouring pad and some mat black paint (the orange tip due to coming from the US)
And to answer your initial question as per my reserch the version 2 has 4 holes in the rear sight the version 3 has the 3 and one v-notch for poor light and tactical purposes.

SOunds like a gun gun but it IS upgraded and most people don't feel comphortable when a noobie has an upgraded gun.

Just from my past reading.

A 100m is hardly called upgraded in that respect, 320FPS. Neither is a tightbore for that matter.

'Upgrades'
Upgraded Bearing Spring Guard
Upgraded Aluminum Piston
Upgraded Metal Bushing