G&G M14 Version 4 Review

            By Jason Hills

            The M14 like many G&G airsoft guns in the past was prone to malfunctions of a varying nature.  For example, it had a tendency to strip gears sets and burnt out wire sets.  These malfunctions were caused by numerous manufacturing errors such as improperly shimmed gears, poorly cast gears, cheap wire; the G&G M14 never functioned quite right.  G&G released several versions to try a correct these issues but it only seemed to get worse.  After G&G was dropped by many retailers they pulled themselves together and took the gearbox back to the drawing board.  If all the latest Version 4 M14s are an indication, they have fixed the problem.

            For a short period of time I owned a G&G SOC 16; except for a shorter barrel it is basically the same design as the M14.  I bought mine right after Airsoft GI received their first shipment.  Although my SOC 16 did not manifest the same problems that the G&G M14 later became known for, it had its own issues; no matter what I had done the muzzle velocity would not reach 400 fps.  Even with its shortened barrel the SOC 16 was basically useless for CQB, so I immediately set about upgrading it for outdoors.  When I picked up my rifle after the upgrade I was told the velocity topped out at about 370 fps and that there was nothing that could be done, perhaps that should have been a sign about the future of G&G.  I was able to use it for some time without any other issues and eventually sold it off with an M14 RAS when G&G just began to earn its reputation.  My issue was addressed with the first test fire of the version 4; the muzzle velocity was over 370 fps stock.

            After we received our sample we went about the task of breaking down the Version 4 to find out what if anything had changed internally.  What we found were numerous small improvements including a redesigned trigger spring, an improved re-casted gearbox frame, a longer track for the tappet plate, improved metal gears, an upgraded piston head, and for some odd reason 8mm bearings on only the sector gear.  Although this may complicate replacing the bushings, it should make the sector gear more stable.  They have also included a fuse, perhaps to protect the wire set, but most often I find that a fuse is unnecessary.  However, the addition of a fuse will not hinder the performance.  Like many of the latest G&G AEG the version 4 M14 has a 6.04 tight bore inner barrel; coupled with an inner barrel length of 520mm the G&G M14 should be extremely accurate.  By fixing the problems of the past and incorporating some new features the internals of the version 4 M14 perform better than I would have expected given the track record of G&G.

            Externally the G&G version 4 M14 is not all that different from those of previous G&G M14s.  The sights of the M14 are precisely reproduced; the front sight sits a top the muzzle brake and the fully adjustable rear sight sits behind the bolt.  The bolt itself is also functional.  As you pull back the bolt handle on the right side you receive a crisp racking sound as the bolt cover moves to the rear.  Depress the bolt release/stop on the left side and the bolt cover locks into place.  This leads me to one of my few criticisms of this new version; on previous versions the bolt cover locked all the way back, but on the version 4 it locks half way.  However, it locks back more than far enough to reveal the hop-up adjustment within the bolt; this can be a little troublesome with a scope mount.  The externals of the version 4 m14 are not entirely like those of the past.  The latest model consolidates a number of minor external modifications to improve its operation.  The hatch of the battery compartment has been widened for large battery packs, so you no longer have to spend an exorbitant amount of time tucking wires out of the way.   The operation of the selector lever has been improved; it seemingly no longer becomes stuck after you press it in and try to turn it.  It will come as a great relief to those that have had an M14 in the past; the magazines lock in more easily.  Although the same hand motion is required it is less tricky to line up the front notch.  All these features come together to provide a simpler and much improved operation.

            Along with the release of the version 4 M14 G&G has also released the version 4 SOC 16.  Basically the SOC 16, as stated above, is just a shortened version of the M14 designed to handle easier and more effectively maneuver than its longer predecessor.  At the end of the shortened barrel is a redesigned muzzle brake / flash hider.  However, the primary feature of the SOC 16 is the forward mounted scope rail, which is securely fastened to the outer barrel.  This scope mount provides excellent eye relief when using an optics system like a red dot; you have a wider field of view than if the scope was mounted over the bolt.  Since it is mounted ahead of the bolt a scope would not interfere with the operation of the bolt.  Although still to long for CQB this model would be an excellent choice for those who like the M14 design but find its length cumbersome.

            Overall I feel that if G&G can continue with this level of quality I am more than comfortable recommending this as a high end choice for an M14.  The G&G M14 Version 4 is hard to beat with a competitive price and models including the SOC 16 and a full wood stock M14.  The test of time will reveal if the improvements made to this airsoft gun have come in time to save its reputation.