Replika karabinka B&T APC 556 ETU - Black [ASG]

I've already reviewed the gun, but I've played with it a bit more. There's a few new issues, though I would not deduct points from then since they are fixable, and are nowhere near as bad as the issues some other "quirky" guns have.

Main point: magazine fitment. A lot of magazines just won't seat in easily or at all, while others are easily pulled out. Adding tape does not seem to significantly change the fit. Here's the mags I've tried:

DE 220rd midcaps - These come with the gun, but funny enough, they CAN slip out when pulled on. I would avoid using these, since I lost one of mine while playing.

Cyma Platinum 220rd Strike midcaps - These are advertised as fitting on the store page, but slip out very easily when pulled on, even more so than the DE midcaps. Avoid.

G&G polymer 120rd midcaps - Oddly enough, these *sort* of fit. They do not slip out, but they have to be rocked in and they also somehow directly put pressure against the magazine release button when seated. Not optimal but they work.

G&G steel hicap - Works fine. I assume most steel style mags also will work fine.

Specna Arms 125rd S-mags - These work perfectly. This would be my preferred mag to run with the gun. Sadly, the capacity is limited. Other similar style mags may also fit, but this gun is so weird about mags in general that I wouldn't bet on it.

Additionally, the magazine release button is a bit too easily pressed down on the left side (the ambi button), which leads to magazines slipping out if you have the gun slung to your side. I lost one of the DE mags this way. It may be necessary to DIY mod it to stop it from happening.

Also, the fire selector is in a bit of an awkward place, since it sometimes digs into my thumb when pointing down on semi, and occasionally switches to auto or safe because of it. It is likely moddable by changing or filing down the selector switch somehow, but for now I've left it as it is.

It's a well build replica with the correct trademarks.
The batterycompartment is somewhat limited: a 11.1 1000Mah lipo battery with deans connector is the maximum size I could fit. An AK-type lipo does not fit.

Furthermore, the hop-up is somewhat a let down; 0.25 grams bb's is the max weight to accomplish okay distance (40 mtrs max). So, outdoor skirms are somewhat linited with this replica.

I used this replica 4 times, both in CQB and open field games.

What I really liked:

+ It's a licensed replica with markings.
+ External build is decent, the replica looks and feels awesome. No wobbles, cracks and cheap feeling.
+ It's not another M4. Quite subjective but I've found this replica to be really good looking. At least 9 other players approached me to check it out, it's really an eye-catcher.
+ Not one, but two midcaps included. The magazines are decent.

What to look out for:

- The stock hopup bucking wasn't able to hop 0.28g BBs, resulting in ~ 10 meters range. This is not a big deal, just swap it with a preferred aftermarket one. This is generally true for most of the stock replicas, so just be prepared. I've seen some stock replicas being able to hop 0.28s out of the box though.

- The hopup chamber is proprietary. So no, you can't just use your favourite 100 euro CNC M4 chamber here without some tricks. The chamber looks like an M4 one with an elongated tube at the back. I've found no issues with the stock chamber. With an aftermarket bucking, it has a decent range, accuracy and consistency.



After trying this replica out, I've changed the hopup bucking and the spring. The quick-change spring system is indeed a quick one, not just in name. I've also removed the flash hider and stuffed some fitting O-rings between the outer and inner barrel, helping barrel stability.

With these minor tweaks, I've reached ~70 meters maximum range with ~60 meters effective range, measured with Google Earth.

The internals are similar to the Double Eagle M9xx series so pros and cons apply here as well. The 3.0 ETU comes with a pre-cocking feature, which helps with the trigger response time. Because the piston teeth rack is only partially metal, I have some reservations towards this. So far, I've had no issues with it.

I recommend turning the pre-cocking feature off after the game and pull the trigger a few times in semi. With this, you won't pack your replica way with a half-cocked piston.

The included midcap magazines are decent, modern looking. After disassembly, I've found a bit more silicone oil in them than absolutely necessary. I cleaned the excessive oil out. Both magazines feed reliably. If you need more, be sure to choose from the ones in the description or ask Taiwangun directly. It wouldn't take my old Cyma/Battleaxe magazines.

I'm using the Gens Ace 25C 1500mAh 3S1P 11.1V Airsoft LiPo Battery T-Plug, which fits just right. AK style batteries are too long for the battery compartment.

To summarize, this is a unique looking licensed replica with decent externals and internals. With some minor tweaks, I got a well performing unique looking replica. Would buy again.

Solid gun overall. Have played for 1 game and it performed well during it. I've only had a few issues with it, but those have been quite easily fixed, so I did not reduce the score for them.

+ Looks very cool and unique
+ Retractable stock works great with bulkier face protection
+ Externals feel very good with no wobble or bending anywhere
+ Stock MOSFET/ETU is quite good for the price point. Precocking in a stock gun is always nice
+ Seems quite accurate, at least after changing the hop up bucking/nub (so no issues with air seal, barrel fit, hop up unit and so on)
+ All the basic features like field strip, changing the battery and changing the spring work well
- Gears are a bit loud, but can presumably be fixed by shimming or by changing the gears at the latest
- Stock hop up is made for lighter BBs
- Magazine fit is picky

Extra info:

Stock hop up chamber and hop up bucking/nub can't really hop a .32g BB. I immediately swapped the stock bucking and nub out for a ML tensioner and Super Macaron. The dial of the hop up chamber only goes 180 degrees, so some hop is always applied for me now. I assume this can be fixed by replacing the entire chamber, or just the wheel/dial. The hop up unit seems like an M4 style, so I assume it can be replaced if needed.

The gun is also a bit picky about magazines. I was not able to get any G&G or A&K M4 magazines to fit. Stick to magazines listed to work in the product description if you want to ensure fit. The stock magazines that come with the gun are decent however, though they lack a follower.

Battery space is listed as AK-style, but the space there is only about 17cm long, so not all AK batteries fit. My basic stick style Titan battery fits in fine.

Very nice replica. Plastic parts feel very sturdy and the fitment of the parts is very good, very little rattle. It is a little picky with magazines, my PTS mags need some wiggling to lock in but thats my only complaint.