Advice on a starter m4 purchase.

[chuckus]

Hi,

I'm new to the airsoftcanada community although I've lurked here off and on for a long time. I've decided to get an airsoft gun for target plinking and general amusement.

I want an all metal gun for aesthetic reasons and as I may progress to milsim events in the future.

I found a good local montreal retailer who has good stock and good prices (although he's sold out of chargers). I've narrowed my choices down to a Kings Arms m4 or an ICS m4 both wit standard handguard (although he had a realllllly awesome metal ak wit wooden forgrip but i digress)

I've done some reading on the ka and ics m4s and they seem comparable both in price and function.

I've read some cons for the ICs as in the non standard handguard ring and some other components. Does the kings arms m4 accept after market parts more readily? Was the info I dug up on ICS guns accurate? I'd like to eventually swap out the hand guard for a quad ris setup.

What would you guys suggest if it's a choice between those two? (apologies for any typos I'm on my phone at a Tim hortons)

[Rusty Lugnuts]

My friend it's a personal preference thing, my personal opinion is that the ICS is better- that the problems caused by ICS not fitting other manufacturers rails, etc is more than made up for by their ingenious split gearbox design. I'm sure there are members out there who think the other way.

[coach]

Don't buy a first gun with the intentions to upgrade and change parts to suit a different look than what is currently sold. Build your own from the ground up. My first M4 went through a lot of changes and ended up with not a single part remaining of the original gun. Had I started with a scratch build like my current project, it would have saved me over half the cost!

[Stealthee]

Originally Posted by coach

Don't buy a first gun with the intentions to upgrade and change parts to suit a different look than what is currently sold. Build your own from the ground up. My first M4 went through a lot of changes and ended up with not a single part remaining of the original gun. Had I started with a scratch build like my current project, it would have saved me over half the cost!

+1. I did exactly that with my first M4 AEG and I'm super glad. Saved me lots of money.

[MaybeStopCalling]

Originally Posted by Stealthee

+1. I did exactly that with my first M4 AEG and I'm super glad. Saved me lots of money.

Same... I have about 50%-75% of the parts required to build another GBBR just from one project rifle.

[L473ncy]

My first gun (used) is still the same way I got it. The only thing I've changed was the spring (worn out), hop up bucking, and barrel, anything else was never touched.

My next rifle however was built from the ground up after researching and figuring out what my end goal was going to be.

[=Walas=]

go for King arms, its easier to upgrade than ICS, also the split gearbox of ICS can go wrong

[RaisinBran]

I have an ICS M4 sitting in my room collecting dust, all it needs is a new switch and a upper mechbox shell...sadly I do not want to spend over $50 for a upper mechbox, I just need the shell.

[Rooster]

I had an ICS, now have a King arms. The ICS mechbox was genius, but the proprietary parts on the ICS made it tough to upgrade.

The King Arms can handle most any upgrade out there but the mechbox is tough to work with if you are new to it.

Operationally, they both work very well, but KA are much tougher gearboxes. The ICS will strip the piston fairly quickly

[Kozzie]

Doing a custom scratch build makes a lot of sense if you're experienced with airsoft but this being his first ever gun IMO it's poor advice. That being said don't buy a gun that you would plan on changing most of the parts as was previously stated it can be a waste of money. You may be best off finding something thats 90% you want stock from the manufacturer. This will be cheapest and easiest. Almost every company makes an AR (M4) and they come in hundreds, if not thousands of different colours and configurations to suit just about any taste you may have.

It's been my experience that a lot of players use their first gun for only a short time before they want something different or perhaps more suited for their discovered playing style. If you want a gun mostly for plinking just get a simple M4A1 configuration, there's no reason in spending money for rails and junk if you don't need. No shame in gaming one either. If you then get into playing a lot and discover you want something more, perhaps then it's time for that scratch build perfect AR, then this gun will make a great back-up/loaner/rental just in case.

ICS vs. KA: IMO KA is the better buy. I admittedly have no experience with one but I've heard too many bad stories about the split gearbox to ever want one myself. I generally try to stay away from proprietary parts in my guns as they can become issues when something breaks or you want to make an upgrade.

[chuckus]

Thanks for all the advice guys! So I've decided to go with the KA based on the posts here. I've seen a lot of positive reviews for both brands but the proprietary parts for the ICS is a sticking point for me. Also, a lot of the m4 questions on these boards seem to refer to the KA which makes it easier for me to find useful info as a newb.

ONe thing I'm a little worried about is batteries. I've done a lot of reading on batteries and have found some good advice as to what to get. I've decided to stay away from LiPo batteries for now as the risks associated with them are a bit daunting for me.

Any personal tips or advice on batteries would be appreciated.

[ceazer]

Originally Posted by chuckus

Thanks for all the advice guys! So I've decided to go with the KA based on the posts here. I've seen a lot of positive reviews for both brands but the proprietary parts for the ICS is a sticking point for me. Also, a lot of the m4 questions on these boards seem to refer to the KA which makes it easier for me to find useful info as a newb.

ONe thing I'm a little worried about is batteries. I've done a lot of reading on batteries and have found some good advice as to what to get. I've decided to stay away from LiPo batteries for now as the risks associated with them are a bit daunting for me.

Any personal tips or advice on batteries would be appreciated.

ka m4 comes with a 8.4 v 1600 mah small battery, i would suggest getting a 9.6 1600 mah nun-chuk( fits perfect in handguard)
and buy yourself a descent smart charger

[Kozzie]

I recommend a 9.6v if you're going with NiMH, Intelect makes good batteries.

Not very sexy but a smart purchase of a good charger now and you'll be thanking yourself for years to come. Get a programable smart charger. The Onyx 220 is good if you only plan to use nickel batteries, get the 235 if you think you'll ever use LiFe or LiPo's.

[chuckus]

Thanks for the info,

Well I bought the intellect batteries but was unaware that the store I purchased the gun from modified the KA standard connector to Dean's connectors so I have a useless battery (until I can get someone more experienced to switch out the connector on the battery). I got a recommendation to get a Turnigy accucell 6 charger but the charger doesn't come with an assortment of connectors as it used to (apparently as it's being shipped from HK and will probably take another couple weeks to get here) so... boner. I don't know why but anything worth getting at airsoft sites are 0 stock and the local shops around me are picked clean or only have cheapo Chinese clone stuff in stock. I picked up a lipo (7.4V 1300mah 15C) that has the proper charger connector but I still haven't received my charger yet.

I want to get AVed so I can meet up with a Gun Doc near me and maybe get a mosfet installed and get at least a battery alarm. This hobby is difficult to get into but I always learn best when I just jump into things and learn from my mistakes. It's an expensive way to learn but it speeds the whole process up imho. I'm awaiting the next event so I can meet up and ask questions in person. Thanks for all the help! You've all been awesome and extremely helpful.

[suzenonest]

Unless your ordering restricted parts (receivers etc) and aren't in a huge rush, order stuff from overseas. It'll work out to be much cheaper and more selection.

Airsoft gets expensive and can be frustrating sometimes! But if youre a gun junkie like most of the members here, it'll quickly get addicting