KJW Mk2 Sniper Carbine- Too hot for DRAEX?

[Andrew Patti]

Hi everyone. I just handed my old M4 down to my brother, so my arsenal has an open slot for a long gun. I've found a really interesting little gun, the KJW MkII carbine. It's a semi-automatic non-blowback gas gun, a long-barreled version of the Ruger MkII .22 pistol, with a simple stock and top-mounted rail for optics.

http://www.airsoftgi.com/product_info.php?products_id=774

If Airsoft GI isn't lying, this little gun will shoot accurately out to 150ft in semi-automatic at around 500 fps out of the box, depending on how much gas is left in the mag. I know that that's waaaay over the DRAEX limit, but still, for only $116, it's a good-looking deal for an affordable gas sniper rifle. I would like some additional perspective on this gun. Is is too hot for DRAEX? Semi-auto at 500fps is a serious amount of firepower. I know I wouldn't want to be shot by this thing myself...

And, as an alternative, what about KJW's other gas sniper rifle, the M700? It's more expensive, and a bit lower fps, but it is also a good option. Does anyone have any advice about it? Would I be more likely to be allowed to use it at DRAEX?

[Komissar]

Mr. Patti,

Let me start by saying I have a strong aversion to the Airsoft market which feels it necessary to label everything as 'sniper' just to appeal to the misinformed youth of our Hollywood generation. (My irritation is with the seller and not you).

A sniper is someone who uses a particular skill set (rarely if never seen on in Airsoft), and the tools of his trade are those that strengthen that skill set.

It is my opinion that operators should choose weapons which compliment their play-style. Rant complete.

Back to your question:

The Mk2 is a pistol with a longer barrel, and a stock. The cons of gas weapons is that they are effected by temperature. On cold days they have considerably less compression. The fact that it can fire at 500 fps is a considerable threat to operator safety not to mention comfort. I am sure it will shoot a man sized target at 150 feet, but almost any carbine can do that. So the Mk2 makers are attempting to appeal to those who want to spend less at the expense of safety. This is not a reasonable trade, and I do not consider it good for our sport. (I can purchase a .22 Ruger rifle for about $100, and it will hit the target at 150 feet).

Let me close with this; it isn't about high fps. Kattiana has a CA25, (SR25), which fires near 385 fps. It has a 651mm tight-bore barrel and she can hit a man-sized target at 250 feet. Build the correct weapon correctly and it will do what you need to complement your play-style. Don't compromise on cost or safety.

I apologize if this is not the answer you were looking for, but I do hope to see you on the field!

[Andrew Patti]

Can you suggest a safe, accurate, long-range rifle platform for $200 or less? I'm totally open to any ideas, and I agree that safety is the first consideration. I'm just too lazy to crawl to close range under fire. I'd prefer to keep the battle at arm's length.

[StierCo Industries]

If I were you I would look in to fielding a sniper rifle before you buy. you might find its not even something you like. but like Komissar said these guns are dangerous and temperature is a HUGE factor in these guns making its fps very unstable. I remember when I started out I had a Super 9 sniper rifle (that's what I thought I was gonna be) Turns out I did fairly well with it but, it just was not my style of playing. (if you are familiar with who I am you understand this statement.) With congruence to Komissar's statement of compromising safety for cost and the same time and other factor is play style. If you must have a sniper rifle consider  The JG BAR 10 G-SPEC it has an shorted barrel and and still has incredible distance and accuracy. I have see one of these and the are great pieces of equipment for the right player.

[Michael Balaguy]

You can start with any quality AEG or springer as a good platform, but by the time you are done with all the necessary upgrades to get a proper 'sniper', you will be well over $200. there is no way to go cheap on a good shooting DMR.

I would look at starting with a used TM VSR-10 (new ones are about $220), get a 6.01, a good upgrade hop-up and bucking, and a spring for about 400 fps (that is really all you need). But those upgrades alone will cost you at least $150 on top of the gun.

[Edric]

As an added note though, our field limit is 400 fps for all weapons. A person, who has operated on our field with honor and is well known as a quality operator, may ask for special permission to use a bolt action, single shot rifle that shoots over 400 fps.

[SCRAMBLE]

I used to run with a single action 550fps "Box Cannon" riffle before the formation of the DC. This was an awesome rifle but it honestly is a thing of the past as any AEG can now out do it in all categories. The Hop-Up in these rifles is not that impressive (mine was a set screw - ya, just that) which prevents that "sniper rifle" accuracy that you wish. If you really wish long range precision I have found few weapons that outstrip a full size M16. I bought a PSG1 "sniper rifle" which was the most "bad ass" rifle we had ever seen......until we tested it against a CA m16 that outstripped it by over 50 feet. So, if you wish to have a rifle that will "reach out and touch someone" I would turn you to the standard M16 rifle.

Classic Army M16:http://www.airsplat.com/Items/ERA-CA-M15.htm ~$280.00

KWA M16: http://kwausa.com/products/aeg/km16br/ ~$315.00

Both of these are a bit over your $200.00 range but with either of these you will not regret it nor ever find its performance wanting.

Best of luck,

[Blazed]

I want that m16!!!

[Spartan]

I bought that M16.

[Bluewolf]

I assume you want the KWA M16 Blazed

[Spartan]

of course he does...