LMG Choice

[McCrea]

Hey there,

I'm looking at the 2 available Stoner models : The G&P MK23 and the Ares Stoner LGM. Both have pros and cons but I still can't make up my mind.

Any of you here got one or the other and can give feedback on those?

Thanks

[Moonschlagen]

Go G&P and never look back. Ares has a history of limited replacement parts availability if something breaks.

[SF_Chewy]

Originally Posted by Moonschlagen

Go G&P and never look back. Ares has a history of limited replacement parts availability if something breaks.

+1 to this. Buddy has a M60 and broke parts in the box mag. Been outta commission for about 6 months because he can't source the parts.

Good guns, but its hell if you break any proprietary parts.

[ThunderCactus]

G&P

[McCrea]

Any of you guys got either of those? I know a lot of people hate Ares but they seem to have taken care of the problems with the new box mag. As for the G&P they seem to have problem with the axle of the bevel gear.

So anybody here with some after action report of their stoner?

[frackz]

i like the G&P...

semi + full
very light ...makes it handle like a regular m4.
all the parts are pretty much already flooded the market.
V2 gearbox etc. so future upgrades are easy.

sorry i don't have much information on after action but those were some of the points i really liked when i bought a G&P Tac Rail Version. It should arrive next week, its currently with customs.

[wildcard]

I have both the Ares require resoldering on the switch and other finicky QC issues, my G&P Stoner require the usual G&P shimming and spur gear replacement. Both have their pros and cons but I like the finish and the overall reliability of the G&P besides if anything wrong I can always swapped a standard V2 box on my G&P.

When compared side by side between the Ares and the G&P they both weigh almost the same but the only thing that the Ares would win over the G&P is the modern design, the G&P even though is a tad bit light compared to their other LMG it is a much more robust metal than the Ares. the tight spaces in the Ares are meant for tiny fingers not for a grown man stubby fingers and since their connectors are poorly soldered YOU WILL spend a lot of your precious playing time cursing

[ThunderCactus]

I've never heard "G&P" and "light" in the same sentence before lol
But yeah, the MK23 is a cheater LMG, super light, and about the same size as a 16" carbine. Reloading is incredibly easy, whether it's by box or into the mounted box. And all the pro's of a standard V2 mechbox

[5kull]

Available soon, Classic Army Stoner:

http://www.airsoft2day.com/news/656-...er-96-lmg.html

[coach]

Originally Posted by McCrea

I know a lot of people hate Ares but they seem to have taken care of the problems with the new box mag. As for the G&P they seem to have problem with the axle of the bevel gear.

You seem a tad fixated on the Ares.

Originally Posted by wildcard

I have both the Ares require resoldering on the switch and other finicky QC issues, my G&P Stoner require the usual G&P shimming and spur gear replacement. Both have their pros and cons but I lik eth efinish and the overall reliability of the G&P besides if anything wrong I can always swapped a standard V2 box on my G&P

^this!

Wildcard has owned, gamed and broken more airsoft guns than most people could even imagine/dream owning. Take his word on this! (and Frank's too )

[McCrea]

I'm not fixated on the Ares but I can have it cheaper than the G&P

A friend of mine has a G&P and he will let me try it tonight so that will probably help my choice

[Curo]

Money isn't everything and the G&P would be a much better option.

[wildcard]

Originally Posted by McCrea

I'm not fixated on the Ares but I can have it cheaper than the G&P

A friend of mine has a G&P and he will let me try it tonight so that will probably help my choice

Wait till you try a Inokatsu LMG, it will make the G&P feels like a kids toy

[m102404]

This is a sweeping generalization...and I'm not one to make them often. But on this topic I will.

If you are looking for a quick one-game fix (i.e. a one-off OP or mission with a SAW/LMG) or are on a limited budget....
- an A&K or an non-plastic Ares will do....just be prepared for it to maybe/maybe-not die, for performance to be so-so and to potentially unload it vs. put time/money into it

If you're looking for a solid "keeper" for the arsenal...and are looking to put some TLC into it...
- aim for a good G&P and CA...the bang for buck is good, the fit/finish/externals are good...the internals can be fixed up

If you must have the most solid "never look back wanting" type...
- aim for a good G&P or Inokatsu...give it some TLC and it'll be there through thick and thin

The G&P Stoner is very solidly built...the Ino M60/Mk43's are tanks...the G&P's are excellent in general...the CA 249's are very solid too.

In general, the Ares SAW's/LMG's are "light". They're bendy and soft. The parts/components/fit & finish is so-so at best. On some models parts are factory built crooked (MK43 front sight is an example) or sloppy/wonky. Are they good enough though?...absolutely if you've got your expectations set right.

The A&K 249's/etc are similarly so-so. Soft metal, "m'eh" fit & finish, shitty internals. Good enough?...same as above.

More than anything...do a gut check and decide why and how long you want it for...then set a budget...then set or adjust your budget accordingly.

[Swattiger]

G&P MK23. Performs well right out of the box. Good range and rate of fire.

It's a rare Vietnam War airsoft gun.