"I have a passion for collecting WW2 and Vietnam Era replicas ever since I started seriously collecting airsoft replicas years ago. I have owned several M16A1 and there have been some pretty decent options over the years. The hard part is finding the perfect replica with all the correct trades and minor details that closest resemble what early versions of what U.S troops would've carried in Vietnam. As you know airsoft is 80-85% dressing up and having the coolest loadout in most cases where everyone is kitted out to larp in a big period correct OP and having the right look makes you the cool guy on the field. I have owned several CYMAs, JGs, Classic Army, and even have the TM M16A1 with the Colt trades but for my money nothing comes close to the old G&P Models with the trades and Era correct externals. Not to mention they perform like an upgraded gun that shoots 400fps and can handle 11.1 lipos right out of the box. I've had mine for a couple years now and it has amazing performance with zero upgrades. 200ft or range and 22-23rps stock with the best vn style mid caps on the market. This is the best Vietnam Era M16A1 you can get hands down. They are becoming rarer by the month I'm just glad I got my hands on one and a couple other vn Era M4s/M16s because they truly are the best stock replicas on the market externally and performance wise. Wish I owned another one because they are almost too nice to use in a game and possibly scuff up the gorgeous finish and trades these older G&Ps came with. If you can find one in mint condition with the Era correct externals and Colt trades I say pay the extra cheddar to nab one up because they are becoming rarer by the day. 10/10 from me. Wish G&P would make 1 last run of these older VN style M4/M16s before they went to the i5 internals. Great Replica.
"I was looking around for a Vietnam-style M16 airsoft gun, and after thorough searching, I came across this gem, Since there doesn't appear to be many reviews for this one, I figured I'd throw in my two cents.
First, let's start off with the externals. The receiver, outer barrel and sight posts are all made of metal, while the stock, grip and handguard are made of high-strength plastic. In other words, this thing is durable, though I'm not sure how it compares to the real steel. I've fallen down and dropped it on the ground, and it still kept going. The Colt and U.S. Government trademarks are excellent touches, too. Nevertheless, there are some drawbacks: there are weird grooves on the outer barrel and "SAFE-SEMI-AUTO" markings on the right side of the receiver. Also, the dust cover stays open. However, none of these are huge issues for me except for the battery; it's impossible to fit a 9.6v NiMH battery without unscrewing the buttplate. Just be careful doing this, because the rear sling swivel can fall out when the screw is removed
Internally, this gun has been solid so far. Somebody on an airsoft forum said that G&P AEGs may need their gears replaced within 30,000 rounds, but I've experienced no gear issues yet. I highly recommend getting a 9.6v NiMH or 7.4v LiPo battery because with one of those, the gun becomes a pellet hose. That doesn't mean it's totally inaccurate, though. The stock barrel and hop-up bucking do the job just fine, but if you really believe that a tightbore barrel or aftermarket bucking will do better, then by all means get one. FPS is just about right, so there's no need to mess with the spring unless your local field has more restrictive limits. What is perhaps the cherry on the sundae is that this gun is compatible with most - if not all - TM-style parts.
To sum up:
PROS:
-Great firepower
-Great externals
-Blazing ROF
-Good accuracy and range
-Solid gearbox (so far)
-Authentic manufacturer trademarks
-Old school look
CONS:
-Slight errors in detail
-Hard to put battery in
Overall, this is a great airsoft gun. If you're looking for an old-school M16, then look no further than this one.
"I play airsoft in correct 'Nam era gear and guns and also do Vietnam reenacting. I have brought this rifle to several reenactments/living history displays. Inaccuracies aside, the only most glaring one is the laser etched "Made in Hong Kong" on the left side of the receiver. I cover it with black electrical tape so now its not visible during games, displays and most importantly, in pictures.
The flash suppressor is the correct 'birdcage' type; the ones with full slots. Unfortunately its plastic. Be aware that when replacing it, it is CLOCKWISE threaded like most if not all G&P made guns.
The barrel is also correct skinny 'pencil' barrel instead of the heavier barrel found on M16A2's.
Stock is also the correct length; A2's are slightly longer however the buttpad and trapdoor is plastic. There is a lot of room inside for a large NiMh/NiCd pack and definitely lots of room for LiPo's
The dustcover is non-functional and springs shut. I rather have it that way than have it always open and have the hop dial exposed and visible. its not good for pictures.
The hand guards feel like too plastic-y so I replaced mine with REAL COLT hand guards with heat shields. It fits in perfectly. Put a real COLT or USGI sling and it adds to an overall authentic feel.
Because its devoid of modern attachments, the G&P's weight is only several ounces from the real steel M16A1.
The G&P M16A1 comes with a G&P M120 motor and spins fast and pulls the M120 type spring easily. G&P actually recommends the use of a 7.4 LiPo to ensure reliability. Depending on the C rating (discharge rate) of an 11.1 LiPo, ROF will be in the mid to upper 20's. Powered by a 7.2, rate of fire is a sane 18-19 rounds per second.
With a fresh M120 spring, this will fire over 410 FPS with .20's. Expect the spring to settle to around 390. and because of the long barrel, range on the A1 is amaze-balls, especially using .30's.
I wouldn't change anything on this rifle as most G&P's out of box are above average performers, I would recommend to use a plug in, inline MOSFET when using LiPos and firing mostly in semi to protect the trigger switch.
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