WE-Tech Gas Blowback M14 Airsoft Battle Rifle w/ Imitation Wood (Package: 400 FPS / Rifle Only)

"I snagged a refurbished WE-Tech M14 at Evike's red tag sale. It's a close match to my Springfield M1A, but with the bonus of a select fire switch, a rarity even in Class 3 versions. The bayonet lug fits my M6 bayonet perfectly, a feature absent in M1As. Its operation mirrors its real steel counterparts, and it shoots straight, delivering tight groups at 30 yards. No need for scopes here; if you can't hit targets at airsoft distances with iron sights, maybe it's not your sport. This is the airsoft rifle for discerning collectors, especially "senior" ones who value authenticity over add-ons or those restricted to demilitarized M1As. Holding it while watching 'Full Metal Jacket' is an experience in itself.

"Initial Thoughts Review:

It’s currently winter here in Michigan so the following testing/review is based on a week that mild weather was introduced: 45*F, windchill at 35*F with slight wind.

To start off, this gun is about as heavy as its M14/M1A counterpart. Compared to other battle rifles in its GBBR class, this one takes the cake in weight. Keep that in mind. After having used an M14 that was turned into a DMR in the military, I’m pretty used to the platform. What I found interesting is the amount of steel that WE put into this rifle. After watching many YouTube video reviews (which show the complete opposite of the 5-star average reviews on here), I was apprehensive on getting this. I’ve owned many WE guns and the out of box accuracy consistency has always been trash. However, this model from WE is a different beast.

Before taking this out to your range to test it, take it apart and clean off the grease WE used and use your own. I have great results with Super Lube grease, but normal CLP works as well (just don’t get it on o-rings or other rubber parts). Watch disassembly videos on YouTube. Watch Brownell’s YouTube channel on how to properly lube a M1A and adjust the instructions to apply to the airsoft M14. Clean the barrel thoroughly until the patch isn’t coming out black and also make sure to completely clean off the bucking. WE’s factories seem to be rather bad at cleaning these parts after manufacturing. ***cleaning the barrel AND bucking prior to testing is important!***

Adjusting the hop up is a pain. You have to field strip the gun and use a small Allen wrench (which wasn’t provided by WE) to adjust. The placement is on the right side of the gun, under the charging handle and tappet plate. When adjusting, you will feel very small clicks which makes it feel like it’s adjusting slightly. Don’t be fooled, each small click is more than it feels. However, you’ll still be able to get the perfect spot for your hop without issue. Bucking break in period is about 100-200 rounds. Try to shoot that much before changing the bucking because once a bucking is broken in, it has better performance. This gun without hop was barely dropping .4g BBs. I didn’t try anything lighter than that. When I put .45g Madbull BBs through it, the range, accuracy and consistency out of the box was absolutely mind blowing to me since it’s a WE and that’s not usual for me.

My readings:
1.45 - 1.55J with .45g Madbull BBs
(This does not have the “500FPS” nozzle installed)

I tried blue can propane from Bernzomatic…it seems to run cleaner than the camping green cans…not sure why. I have done testing between the two and I clean the barrel less often with the blue tall cans. Using MAPP gas (yellow tall cans), it shoots far less consistent on the chrono, but accuracy/range didn’t seem impacted between the two gas types. However, recoil is much harder with MAPP.

My trigger unit hasn’t broke so far with 500 rounds through it, but I’m sure I’ll need to go with RA Tech sooner or later.

This rifle comes with a 4-prong orange tip and DOES NOT come with a flash hider. Ridiculous. So if you get this, make sure to buy a flash hider as well. It also didn’t come with a manual. It came with a card with a QR code to get to the manual, but it’s trash and only tells you what to and what not to shoot at along with a parts diagram. I like the parts diagram, but I think it should show operation of it for people not familiar with the M14 manual of arms. If you buy extra mags, none of mine came with the extra spring. The current spring in the mag holds about 25 rounds.

Conclusion:
If you’re looking to get a GBBR and like the M14, keep in mind that hop adjustment can’t be done on the fly, but it holds position well. It’s heavy, but that’s expected. The range and accuracy is phenomenal.
Do I recommend it? I couldn’t recommend it any more than I already am.

"Rough around the edges, but WE brute forces their way to something good with this.
You must buy the RA-Tech full-steel trigger unit, toss the original in the trash and you have yourself a reliable weapon that will perform for years to come.