"This gun is absolutely astounding. The fit and finish is beautiful, the bolt pull is so light and smooth that I forget that it is not a gas gun! You can tell that the money went into the details. For example, the two big allen screws that hold the upper to the lower are retained within the lower so that they don't fall out, and that they always line up with their corresponding holes on the upper. The two screws that clamp down on the cheek rest have brass bushings to keep them centered in their holes. There are no seams on the lower, everything is just perfect.
On to how it performs. Stock, the gun is great. Shoots a little soft to keep up in the US, but c'mon, it's a type 96, there is a plethora of parts available for it. The trigger is surprisingly nice. Plastic housing, but the internals are metal, and the two-stage trigger is real, you have to push in the center paddle for the trigger to unlock. (not an issue, as the trigger is very consistent and satisfying) The safety behind the bolt has a positive click into position, and the "fire" marking is a dimple with red, probably acrylic, paint inside. If you remove the cheek rest with two screws, the cylinder easily slides out, but to get it back in, I have to push down the trigger sear with an allen wrench to slide it back in. Probably error on my part, but the whole manual is in Japanese. (filled with detailed pictures though) Orange tip is threaded, and the manual shows you how to take it off, in case you ever want to replace it. (if you do, make sure it's legal in your state, and you keep the gun in a case whenever it is off a field. It will also probably void any warranty.) I have already installed a carbon fiber piston (can't link it) to get just a tad bit more out of the gun. The compression is great (before, and after the piston). I mean, if you plug the barrel and pull the trigger (with nothing loaded, of course) it takes the piston a solid 8-10 seconds to fully extend. The gun is a beast as far as accuracy is concerned. Easily reaches out to 125 feet stock. (farthest I can test it at the moment, but I feel that it could go beyond 150)
Overall, this is the finest gun I have ever used. Hands down. Everything, just, works really well. Plus, the room for upgrading is hands down one of the best.