Tokyo Marui Next Generation Electric Gun URG-I SOPMOD BLOCK3 14.5 inch Review

This time, I'll be reviewing the Tokyo Marui Next Generation Electric Gun URG-I SOPMOD BLOCL3 14.5 inch.

The internal mechanism of the next-generation electric airsoft gun is the model just before the latest MP5 series, and the latest model in the M4 series. The URG-I is available in 14.5-inch and 11.5-inch barrel lengths.

As of April 2025, next-generation electric guns are seeing the introduction of FCUs and FETs in the MP5, and FETs in the Plus series of conventional standard electric guns. However, the M4 series is the latest model in the next-generation electric gun series, so let's take a look at what it's actually like.

About URG-I SOPMOD BLOCK3

Here's a brief explanation of the actual URG-I SOPMOD BLOCK3.

The initiative originated in the 2010s when US SOCOM (Special Operations Command) became dissatisfied with the performance of the conventional M4 carbine, the SOPMOD BLOCK 2.

This was particularly pressing for the 1st Special Command, also known as the Green Berets, and the Army Special Operations Command (USASOC), which possesses a large force of Ranger units.

The URG-I (Upper Receiver Group Improve) project was created to address the above-mentioned dissatisfactions.

Ideally, they would have wanted to develop a completely new model, but due to urgency, budget constraints, congressional considerations, and the fact that the M7 developed under the NGSW program was about to be deployed, I suspect they were limited to improving the upper receiver.

The main improvements are as follows:

The main units to which it is deployed are a special forces unit of the U.S. Army Special Operations Command (USASOF), commonly known as the Green Berets, and the 75th Ranger Regiment, and it also appears to be used by some units of the Air Force Special Operations Command.

・First Special Forces, Army Special Operations CommandCommandCommonly known as the Green Beret, 14.5-inch and 11.5-inch models.

・Army Special Operations Command, 75th Ranger Regiment, 14.5-inch and 11.5-inch models

・Air Force Special Operations Command PJ (Pararescue Jumper)　10.3 inch model

While there are rumors that other famous special forces units such as Delta Force, Navy SEALs, and MARSOC have also been deployed with it, there are no official records, and it is more likely that it was a test deployment (it's unclear).

The soldiers who are actually using the URG-I have given it very high marks, and it seems to have largely addressed the shortcomings of the M4 SOPMOD BLOCK2, with many saying they "really like it."

The issue with suppressor use has been significantly improved, but it doesn't seem to be perfect. AR-15 series rifles, including the URG-I, have direct injection (DI) where gas returns to the receiver, making it quite difficult to use (you'd have to use rifles with different operating systems like the HK416 or MCX, but that introduces other problems).

The URG-I, developed through the NGSW program, is unlikely to become the mainstay equipment for special forces or conventional troops due to considerations such as large-scale deployment, and it is unlikely to undergo major future updates. Therefore, it can be said that the URG-I represents one of the finest achievements of the AR-15 platform, which has been in use for over 70 years.

There's a detailed article about the URG-I SOPMOD BLOCK3, so please check it out if you're interested.

With this in mind, let's take a look at the Tokyo Marui Next Generation Electric Gun URG-I SOPMOD BLOCK3.

Opened

Let's start by looking at the outer box.

The outer box has a fairly simple design. The main design features the words "New Carbine for the Green Berets (1st Special Command of the Army)" and the unit's insignia.

Let's open it.

Like the outer box, the interior also features a simple design, with sponge padding in various places to prevent scratches on the device, demonstrating a very careful construction. Furthermore, the cover of the included documents features an illustration of the handguard that overlaps with the device, showing attention to detail in the design.

Let's take out the contents and take a look.

At first glance, it seems like there aren't many included items for a Tokyo Marui product, but there are accessories inside the boxes for M-LOK, accessories, and accompanying documents, so let's take a look.

The M-LOK box contains three different lengths of rails and an Allen wrench, as shown in the photo below.

The accessories included in the box are a SOPMOD battery charging adapter, a muzzle cap, a front sight height adjustment tool, and ammunition.

Finally, let's look at the accompanying documents.

The manufacturers probably want us to review everything, but the sheer volume of paperwork is quite overwhelming.

Among these, the booklet "URG-I: SOPMOD BLOCK 3 of the US Special Forces" contains a detailed report on the actual URG-I and is quite interesting.

The accessories are quite comprehensive overall, and basically everything you need to use this product is included, but the battery and charger are sold separately, so you'll need to prepare those yourself (and the ammunition runs out quickly).

Appearance of URG-I SOPMOD BLOCK3

Here, we'll take a look at the overall exterior.

We'll look at the detailed exterior features in the next section, so here, let's just get a general sense of the overall appearance, including its characteristics and size.

Let's start by looking at the whole thing from the side.

Other side

When viewed from the side, the most noticeable feature is probably the handguard, the Geissele MK16 M-LOK system.

This is the top view.

Looking at it from above, you can clearly see that the top Picatinny rail runs perfectly straight from the receiver to the tip of the handguard. This is an important point because when attaching larger accessories like scopes, they are often mounted in a position that straddles the receiver and handguard.

Another notable improvement in the URG-I compared to conventional M4-type rifles is the Geissele Airborne Charging Handle.

This is the bottom view.

Looking at it from below, the base of the handguard appears to be a very robust and sturdy attachment. The overall design is slim, with the widest point being the stock.

This is the front side.

Looking at it from the front, you can clearly see that the handguard is very slim. The flash hider is a four-pronged type.

This is the back side.

The stock is a crane-type, commonly used on next-generation M4-style rifles, and is finished in tan. The buttplate, which rests against the shoulder, is made of rubber and has a comfortable level of firmness.

サイズ感です。

For comparison, I compared it to a Dyson handheld vacuum cleaner specifically designed for indoor use. It's shorter than when the long attachment is attached, and longer than when the short attachment is attached.

The URG-I's overall length is about the same as a handheld vacuum cleaner, so I think it's just as easy to maneuver indoors as a vacuum cleaner.

Detailed dimensions.

With the stock shortened to its shortest length, the overall length is 820mm. Originally, it was a 14.5-inch carbine, which is considered compact, but recently, compact models like the MK18 mod.1, which are around 10.5 to 11.5 inches, have become more common, so it looks long in comparison.

参考までにフルサイズのライフルであるM14、M16は20インチ以上、民間のAR-15は16インチ以上、M4のようなカービンが14.5インチ、短いMk18 mod.1などは10～11.5インチが多いようです。

According to the catalog, the weight is approximately 3.2 kg (including magazine and battery). This is a standard weight for a full-metal 14.5-inch AR-15.

Tokyo Marui's next-generation M4 SOPMOD weighs 3.3kg under the same conditions, and the HK416 Delta Custom also weighs 3.3kg, so they are almost identical. However, in the case of the URG-I, the handguard is about 100g lighter, which shifts the center of gravity closer to the grip, so you can feel the benefits of the weight reduction quite a bit.

Magazine

Let's take a look at the side of the magazine.

This is a very ordinary STANAG-standard magazine made of stamped steel. The exterior is a very well-made replica of real stamped steel.

This is the magazine's feeding port.

A key feature is the auto-stop lever that detects when the magazine runs out of ammunition. Also, this magazine has a shape unique to next-generation models, so it is not compatible with overseas-made electric airsoft guns, standard electric airsoft guns, or M4 series Plus models.

Loading is done using the included pipe and rod, but it's quite cumbersome, so I think it's better to just buy a loader from Tokyo Marui and load the ammunition that way.

Tokyo Marui BB Loader XL
While smaller models are available, considering price, capacity, and ease of use, the XL is overwhelmingly the recommended choice.

This is the bottom of the magazine.

The Colt logo is engraved with the model name and ammunition type, "Colt AR-15 CAL 5.56mm," showing that even the smallest details of the design have been carefully considered.

A well-known hidden feature is that by removing the hexagonal screw at the bottom of the magazine and taking out the internal components, you can change to a magazine with a realistic 30-round count (the standard is 82 rounds).

In airsoft games, 30 rounds in one magazine might seem insufficient, but surprisingly, it's enough to hold your own (assuming you have multiple spare magazines). In my case, it really makes me realize how much I waste in my regular gameplay.

Incidentally, the number of rounds carried by a professional American soldier is 7 + 1 (1 is already equipped in the gun), totaling 210 rounds.

This is the weight when the gun is unloaded.

While it may seem heavy when empty compared to a real gun (approximately 140g), a fully loaded real gun magazine weighs over 500g (an airsoft gun magazine weighs over 240g even with 82 rounds fully loaded, so it's less than half the weight).

As mentioned above, if a soldier carries eight magazines, that alone weighs over 8 kg, so it's a tough job.

Exterior details

Here, let's take a closer look at the exterior, divided into sections as shown in the photo below.

We will also focus on the improvements made to the M4 SOPMOD BLOCK II configuration in the URG-I.

Improved parts	Improvement content
barrel	Daniel Defense 14.5-inch Mid-Length Gas System
gas block	Daniel Defense Low Profile Gas Block
ハンドガード	Geissele MK16 M-LOK Handguard System
マズル	SureFire SF4P Flash Hider
Charging handle	Geissele Airborne Charging Handle

1. Muzzle section

Let's take a look at flash hiders.

The flash hider is a replica of SureFire's SF4P, a four-pronged type. While it doesn't affect the airsoft gun's performance, this hider is said to suppress muzzle flash by over 99%.

This flash hider is one of the major upgrades to the URG-I, but it seems that some users are opting for SureFire's WAR COMP instead.

If you look at the underside of the flash hider, you'll find a set screw that prevents it from rotating.

After removing the grub screw, turn the flash hider to the right to remove it, revealing an M14 reverse thread, which allows you to attach accessories such as a suppressor.

In the actual product, a SOCOM556-RC3 suppressor can be attached with a single touch to the recessed area of ​​the flash hider shown in the photo below.

Unfortunately, Tokyo Marui does not currently sell a suppressor that can be attached and detached with a single touch. While third-party manufacturers do sell the SOCOM556-RC3, it is unclear whether it can be attached to this flash hider with a single touch (it seems unlikely, and most are sold as a set with the flash hider).

Next is the front site.

This sight is modeled after a folding front sight made by Knight's Armament.

The height of the front sight can be adjusted with the included tool, but since the main focus is on the optics and the rear sight is adjustable, you probably won't need to touch it very often.

2. Handguard section

Let's take a look at the handguard and the entire Geissele MK16.

Since the barrel length is 14.5 inches, the handguard system is also longer, at 13.5 inches. There are 7 M-LOK slots.

Let's take a look at the top.

The top of the handguard has a Picatinny rail instead of an M-LOK rail (the rail number is marked).

What's noteworthy here is how neatly and straightly the receiver and handguard are assembled, with minimal gaps—typical of Tokyo Marui's craftsmanship. I've only seen it in photos, but it seems to have higher precision than the real thing (the real thing is surprisingly rough, but sturdy).

Let's take a look at the mounting area.

The mounting area is extremely sturdy and shows no sign of moving even when pushed by hand. This is one area where you can really feel the improvement from the RIS and RIS II handguard systems (the RIS moves, at least, unlike the RIS II).

There are QD holes on both the left and right sides, allowing you to attach QD sling swivels to either side.

Tokyo Marui QD Sling Swivel
Since the hole and the shaft that fits into it are likely designed by the same company, I think you can use the genuine part with peace of mind, as there is less worry about it breaking.

Rumor has it that the QD holes in the real thing have been reinforced, so they should have similar properties when used in airsoft guns. You might want to be careful not to damage the holes. It's probably safest to choose the genuine parts that are designed as a set.

The left side is marked with the MSN (Military Stock Number) 1005-01-675-4797. The number is interpreted as follows: 1005 indicates a small arms (caliber less than 30mm), 01 is the national number for the United States, and 675-4797 indicates a specific item.

I think the number itself is fictional, but since there are similar MSNs like the SureFire SOCOM556-RC2 suppressor and SureFire WARCOMP flash hider, it's possible the number was chosen with deployment to special forces in mind.

Next, let's actually try holding it.

In terms of how it feels to hold, it's overwhelmingly slimmer and much easier to use compared to the previous RIS and RIS II models. Also, thanks to the M-LOK system, my hands don't hurt even when I grip it tightly, which is a big plus (sometimes the corners of the rails can be painful).

Another advantage is that while Picatinny rail handguards can occasionally get crushed if they hit something hard, M-LOK rails are less prone to damage due to their shape, so you don't have to be as careful with them.

Let's actually attach the included rail. Make sure the plate on the back of the rail is facing sideways, and then insert it into the M-LOK slot.

To install the rail, insert it into the M-LOK slot, then loosen the screw and tighten it again (there are various ways to do this).

I'll try attaching the remaining two rails to suitable positions.

It can be installed very easily and securely (a testament to Magpul's invention). Also, unlike the Picatinny rail handguard system, rails can be attached to angled sections, increasing the flexibility of accessory placement.

Next, let's look at the gas block. The gas block has absolutely no bearing on the performance of the airsoft gun, but it is one of the important upgrades in real firearms.

The gas system, including the gas block of the URG-I, is called a mid-length gas system and is positioned closer to the muzzle compared to the gas block of a conventional M4.

This difference in configuration reduces the energy of the gas flowing into the receiver, as explained in the diagram. This means that the gas velocity, pressure, and temperature decrease, resulting in numerous advantages such as a lower rate of fire, improved component lifespan, reduced recoil, and decreased gas backflow.

This appears to address the issues with the new M855A1 EPR ammunition and the gas blowback when using a suppressor, which were drawbacks of the conventional M4 SOPMOD BLOCK II.

Initially, it seems they used a gas block from Geissele, but because the Geissele MK16 handguard is very compact, a problem arose where the gas block interfered with the handguard (I wonder how problems arise when using parts from the same company).

The solution adopted was Daniel Defense's low-profile gas block. When you actually look inside the gas block of the next-generation electric gun URG-I, you can clearly see that it is a very low-profile gas block, just as the name suggests (it's very well reproduced).

Another notable feature of this gas block is that it is securely attached with thick pins.

The way this gas block is secured is said to be quite robust and "bombardable."

The above explanation of the gas block has absolutely nothing to do with the performance of the airsoft gun, but the fact that it is realistically reproduced in a product with a strong model-like element is one of the major points that I personally like.

3. Upper receiver

Here we'll take a look at the upper receiver, but since the URG-I's upper receiver itself is the same as existing M4-type receivers, let's focus on the upgraded charging handle and rear sight.

First up, one of the highlights is the Geissele Airborne Charging Handle.

The biggest difference from existing systems is probably that it's not ambient.

The most distinctive feature of the real thing is the large rib designed to prevent gas backflow (which has absolutely nothing to do with the airsoft gun's performance).

In addition to the mid-length gas block system, the charging handle also incorporates measures to prevent gas backflow when using a suppressor, resulting in an exceptionally well-designed product.

This charging handle is a highly functional component, as it was specifically requested for use along with the MK16 handguard from the start of the URG-I project.

Next, let's look at the rear sight. The rear sight is a replica made by Matec.

When the sight is raised, it will look like the picture below and can be used as an iron sight.

Let's take a look from directly behind.

It features full adjustability in both vertical and horizontal directions.

This is Tokyo Marui's first model of this Matec-type sight, and it's actually a rear sight widely used by regular units as well as special forces in the US military. In fact, the KAC-type sight found on Tokyo Marui's HK416 Delta, Degbull, and MK18 mod.1 is probably rarer.

The rear sight on this URG-I is so well-made that I'd almost want to buy it separately for my other M4-type electric and gas blowback guns (they sell LMT and KAC type sights as official options, but unfortunately they don't have this Matec type at the moment).

Next is the left side of the entire upper receiver.

It's a standard M4-style flat-top receiver.

This is the right side of the entire upper receiver.

This side also features a standard receiver with the typical M4 and M16-style bolt forward assist knob (dummy on airsoft guns), case reflector, and ejection port.

Let's take a look at the cover that mimics a bolt inside the ejection port.

While it's merely a cover in the context of airsoft guns, the key feature is its realistic replica of a real bolt, complete with gas vents, a characteristic of the direct-injection (DI) system.

This cover mimics the movement of a real bolt and moves in conjunction with firing.

4. Lower receiver section

Here we will look at the lower receiver.

The official name of URG-I is Upper Receiver Group Improve, and as the name suggests, it's an improvement to the upper receiver, so the lower receiver remains the same as the conventional M4. We'll take a quick look at it (URG-I is an upper receiver replacement program).

This is the left side of the entire lower receiver.

The design and placement of this bolt release lever, trigger, and selector are standard not only on the M4 (AR-15) but also in the Western world (e.g., SCAR, Type 20 rifle).

In electric airsoft guns, the bolt release lever is often a dummy, but in next-generation M4-type electric airsoft guns, the operation stops and the bolt release lever moves when the magazine is empty (auto-stop function).

The realistic reproduction of these features is a welcome feature. However, it only works with the included standard 82-round magazine and does not function with the optional spring-wound high-capacity magazine.

Let's take a look at the grip.

The grip is what's known as the M16A2 type, characterized by a protrusion for the index finger (similar to the grips on standard M4 and M16 models).

Let's take a look from below.

In real gas blowback guns, the grip is hollow, but this is an electric gun, so it has a motor inside. The markings say EG700 and EG1000, which are representative motors of Tokyo Marui, but I wonder if the EG700 was used in M4 and M16 series guns?

Let's actually try holding it.

Electric airsoft guns are slightly thicker than real firearms or gas blowback guns due to the size of the motor, but I don't think it's a significant issue (they are still significantly thinner than most handguns with magazines in the grip). Especially with airsoft guns, there's almost no recoil, so you don't need to grip them that tightly. As long as you can hold them comfortably and reach the trigger, it should be fine (you wouldn't grip a real firearm that tightly either).

However, personally, I don't like the protrusion on the M16A2 type grip, and my fingers start to hurt when I get tired during airsoft games, so it's one of the parts I'm considering replacing as a custom modification.

Next, let's look at the right side of the entire lower receiver.

One of the distinguishing features of the right-side lower receiver is the rib surrounding the magazine catch lever.

As far as I remember, this rib was an improvement made when the M16 was upgraded to the M16A1. Apparently, without it, if you placed the rifle on the ground with its right side down, the magazine catch lever would be pressed automatically and the magazine would detach. Personally, I find this kind of analog design interesting from a designer's perspective.

5. Stock Section

Let's take a closer look at the stock here.

First, let's take a look at the stock from directly to the side.

This is the standard tan-colored Crane Stock for next-generation electric airsoft M4s. It's a standard stock used by the actual US military and I believe it became standard when the M4 SOPMOD BLOCK II was introduced (before that, Bushmaster-type stocks were more common; in next-generation electric airsoft guns, it's used on the M4 SOCOM).

Special forces personnel have a wide range of rifle customization options, and many change the stocks. A fair number of soldiers also use crane stocks, so they seem to be well-regarded (the most common is the standard Magpul CTR type).

Let's start from the top.

Its wide design makes it easy to rest your cheek against when aiming, which is a major feature. However, personally, I use a full-face mask from Tokyo Marui for airsoft games, so I can't rest my cheek against it, which is a shame because I don't get to enjoy it as much.

The stretch can be selected from a total of 4 positions.

Next, we'll remove the stock's buttplate.

The stock's interior contains a dedicated SOPMOD battery compartment, battery connectors, and a fuse. (Battery-related details will be covered in the features section).

One of the biggest improvements in the URG-I as an electric airsoft gun is the change from the previous high-resistance tube type fuse to a lower-resistance blade type. This seems to have significantly improved the response, highlighting the importance of reducing electrical resistance.

To give you a little background, the first stock to incorporate this battery was the M4 SOPMOD, a next-generation electric airsoft gun released in 2008.

At the time of its release, nickel-metal hydride batteries were the main type, and their shape offered little flexibility, so electric airsoft guns with rails on the handguard were practically impossible to design due to battery space limitations (standard electric M4 airsoft guns with rails used a PEQ as a battery case).　

I remember the M4 SOPMOD being released during that era, with its idea of ​​mounting a battery in a retractable stock, being quite revolutionary.

While it now has noticeable drawbacks such as only being compatible with proprietary batteries and the difficulty of replacing stock batteries, we hope that they will overcome these challenges with another revolutionary idea and surprise us consumers once again.

Functions, how to use

The next-generation electric airsoft gun is handled the same way as a regular electric airsoft gun, so we will introduce its functions in accordance with the general handling procedures for electric airsoft guns.

First, you need to charge the battery. Since the battery is not included, you will need to purchase a battery and charger separately.

The only battery that is compatible is the dedicated Tokyo Marui 8.4V 1300mAh SOPMOD battery.

This dedicated battery is high-performance and a good product, but the downside is that it's a nickel-metal hydride battery, which makes maintenance troublesome.

Without going into detail, nickel-metal hydride batteries are "highly susceptible to over-discharge despite having a high self-discharge rate," so it is generally recommended to store them in a fully charged state (they are also sensitive to cold, so pay attention to the temperature).

Storing a battery in an empty state can lead to over-discharge due to self-discharge, damaging the battery.

Even when fully charged, storage is not always safe because of the significant self-discharge rate. If left unattended, the battery will naturally drain, so you need to recharge it to full charge every 2-3 months (leaving it unattended will cause over-discharge and damage).

Be careful, as improper handling can often ruin the product after just one use.

Tokyo Marui Nickel-Metal Hydride 8.4V 1300mAh SOPMOD Dedicated Battery
If you're going to use nickel-metal hydride batteries, I think the genuine ones are the best.
With a 1300mAh capacity, it can fire approximately 2000 rounds, so it has a fairly large capacity. In airsoft games, depending on the game content and play style, the capacity is only enough for half a day to a full day, so it's a bit insufficient to last until the end. You might want to bring another battery or mix in a gas gun or air-cocking gun (based on my experience).

Tokyo Marui NEW 8.4V Nickel-Metal Hydride Battery Charger
Since it's reasonably priced, I don't think there's much benefit to using anything other than the genuine part, so I think the genuine part is fine.

I've completely switched to LiPo batteries because storing and managing nickel-metal hydride batteries is a hassle.

Next-generation electric airsoft guns in the M4 series cannot use standard Tamiya connector LiPo batteries because the battery is housed in the stock. However, a simple custom modification will allow you to use Tamiya connector batteries, which will be explained in the shooting performance section.

Before placing a fully charged battery into the storage compartment, make sure to set the device's selector switch to the SAFTY position (to prevent accidental activation).

Place the charged battery in the storage compartment.

By the way, the included kamaboko-shaped tan sticker should be placed in the position shown in the photo below the battery.

The original battery only comes in black, so I'm applying this sticker to match the color of my tan stock battery.

Now you're ready. All that's left is to check your safety and then play, whether you prefer semi-automatic or full-automatic firing.

To adjust the hop-up, pull the charging handle, and a cover resembling a bolt inside the ejection port will slide out, revealing an adjustment dial that you can then use to adjust the hop-up.

Adjusting the hop-up requires some skill, so I'll explain it in a separate article sometime in the future.

When using the original magazine, the auto-stop will engage when the magazine runs out of ammunition. To deactivate the auto-stop, reinsert a magazine loaded with ammunition and then press the bolt release lever.

I sometimes forget about this auto-stop function and mistake the automatic stop when the gun runs out of ammo for a malfunction, which can be quite alarming, so please remember this if you're using the original magazines. For some reason, I never forget about it with gas blowback guns, but with next-generation electric guns, I sometimes forget and it's not uncommon for me to panic when the auto-stop occurs (maybe I've just gotten too used to standard electric guns).

When you're done, switch the selector to SAFTY, remove the battery, and you're finished. If you don't mind the extra effort, you can set the hop-up back to its weakest setting, or if you're using a dedicated SOPMOD battery, put on the muzzle protection cap and dry-fire to reduce the battery capacity and extend its lifespan. However, be careful not to use it until it completely stops working, as this could lead to over-discharge. It's okay to stop when you notice the rate of fire is slower than usual.

Live-fire performance verification

We will now check the actual firing performance.

Ideally, I'd like to use the original dedicated battery, but my existing dedicated battery had reached the end of its lifespan and broken down, so I've replaced it with a stock battery that uses a Tamiya connector and will run it with a 7.4V 2S LiPo battery (with fuse-less Tamiya connector wiring).

The LiPo battery used is a DCI GUNS 7.4V LiPo battery, 25-50C, set to a storage voltage of 7.6V (8.2V when fully charged). You can think of it as a slightly underpowered version of the original 8.4V battery (the muzzle velocity is the same, but the response and rate of fire are inferior).

The muzzle velocity is measured with 0.2g G&G bio BBs (hop-up at minimum).

It's putting out almost 0.9J, so I think it has the best possible performance right out of the box. I fired a few more shots after that, and it stayed in the 93m/s range, which was quite impressive.

I thought that most recent next-generation electric airsoft guns would have a muzzle velocity of around 90 m/s with 0.2g BBs, so I was surprised that this one had a much higher muzzle velocity.

This is a fully automatic cycle.

The rate of fire is a decent 13.2 rounds per second. The battery used has a storage voltage of 7.6V, so if fully charged, it will probably reach around 14.5 to 16 rounds per second. Also, even the stock 8.4V battery is equivalent to or better than a fully charged 7.4V LiPo battery, so I think it will definitely reach around 15 rounds per second.

Incidentally, the actual rate of fire is 700 to 970 rounds per minute, which works out to approximately 11.6 to 16.2 rounds per second, making it almost the same as a next-generation electric airsoft gun.

Here are the results after firing several shots in full auto mode.

The rate of fire is around 13 rounds per second, and the muzzle velocity is 92.9-94.1 m/s, which is quite high performance and stable.

This is a video of it in actual operation.

Next-generation electric airsoft gun URG-I SOPMOD BLOCK3 (Normal, Semi-automatic) video

Next-generation electric airsoft gun URG-I SOPMOD BLOCK3 (normal, full auto) video.

Both the semi-automatic and fully automatic modes operate quite smoothly for a next-generation electric airsoft gun.

While the trajectory hasn't been tested, it's from the reputable Tokyo Marui, so I think it's reliable. Based on the muzzle velocity, I believe it has the capability to hit a 40m target if the hop-up is adjusted properly.

I would say that this airsoft gun has top-class performance straight out of the box, as sold by the manufacturer.

Easy LiPo battery conversion for next-generation M4-type electric airsoft guns

This time, while I was using a LiPo battery to test its shooting performance, I'll introduce a simple way to enable the use of LiPo batteries in next-generation electric airsoft guns in the M4 series.

To be precise, this isn't about converting to a LiPo battery, but rather about changing the dedicated battery connector on the stock to a more general-purpose Tamiya connector.

This method not only allows you to convert to a LiPo battery, but you can also use a general-purpose battery with a Tamiya connector that you already own by attaching it to the stock with a magic tape.

The easiest method is to use a conversion connector like the one shown in the picture below.

It's very easy to use; simply attach it to the battery terminal on the stock.

The product itself is very inexpensive, resulting in low initial costs, and the installation difficulty is also quite low, so I think it's a good option for a quick trial.

However, personally, I don't recommend this method because it increases the number of wiring connections (main unit - stock - conversion connector - battery), which worsens the efficiency of electrical transmission and significantly reduces both response and rate of fire (by about 2 rounds per second).

Additionally, the reduced responsiveness can lead to less precise control, making semi-lockup more likely.

For these reasons, this is not suitable for people who are planning to switch to LiPo batteries for the long term, but rather for people who are already using dedicated SOPMOD batteries and want to use other general-purpose batteries as a backup after running out of their dedicated SOPMOD batteries while playing (for people who don't want to buy two dedicated SOPMOD batteries).

OPTION No.1 LiPo Battery Conversion Connector for Next-Generation Electric Airsoft Guns
Structurally, this part isn't one where performance differences occur due to different manufacturers or price points, so I think a cheaper one is fine.

Another method is to remove the dedicated battery terminals from the stock and install an aftermarket Tamiya connector conversion kit.

Once the kit is installed, as shown in the photo below, a Tamiya connector will protrude directly from the location where the dedicated battery terminals were previously located.

The assembly process isn't difficult; anyone can do it by following the instructions included with the kit (the only tool needed is a Phillips head screwdriver, and it takes about 15 minutes).

With this method, the wiring connections are the same as the original (main body - stock - battery), so there is basically no impact such as a decrease in performance. In fact, I have been using next-generation electric airsoft guns this way for many years and have never experienced any decrease in performance or malfunctions.

Personally, I recommend this method. If you don't like it, there are no modifications that cannot be reversed during installation, so you can completely revert to the original state.

LAYLAX Next Generation SOPMOD Stock Conversion Connector
This model comes with a fuse, making it safe to use. However, the fuse reduces the battery space and makes it slightly more expensive. It's available in black and tan.

・OPTION NO.1 Stock-integrated conversion connector for Tokyo Marui next-generation electric guns
It's fuse-less, so it has good power efficiency, is inexpensive, and saves battery space. It really depends on whether you accept the fuse-less design. I use this one.

I hope this will be helpful to anyone experiencing battery issues with their M4-type next-generation electric airsoft guns.

Summary

In summary, as a product that is among the top class in Tokyo Marui's lineup, I felt that it is an extremely high-level product in all aspects, including appearance, gimmicks, and performance.

The texture and accuracy of the exterior are superb, a testament to the accumulated know-how, and the newly designed parts—the Geissele Mk16 handguard, Geissele Airborne charging handle, and Mattek rear sight—are all very well done. Personally, I would love to see the Mattek rear sight sold as an optional part.

As expected from a next-generation electric airsoft gun that prioritizes realism, the gimmicks are meticulously crafted, from visible parts such as recoil shock, auto-stop, and a moving bolt cover, to finer details like the fully adjustable rear sight.

In terms of performance, it produces around 93 m/s with 0.2g BBs, which is close to 0.9J of output, and I think it's close to the limit for a product that a manufacturer would sell (considering safety margins, it's probably the limit).

In terms of responsiveness, it felt quite good for a next-generation model. Due to issues with the original battery, I couldn't test it with the improved fuse in the stock unit during this review, but I think it would likely perform even better with the original battery and stock unit.

Considering everything, I think this is a product with absolutely no flaws.

On the other hand, one point of concern is that, while not unique to the URG-I, it applies to all next-generation electric airsoft guns in the M4 series: they can only use the dedicated SOPMOD battery (the battery lacks versatility and is nickel-metal hydride, making it somewhat cumbersome to handle). The fact that the dedicated battery makes it difficult to change the stock is also a concern.

However, nowadays, aftermarket parts such as Tamiya mini connector conversion kits are available, so I think the battery problem can be solved to some extent by converting the connector.

Just as the real URG-I was the culmination of over 70 years of operation and improvement of the M16 and M4 series, I believe this product is an electric airsoft gun that incorporates 17 years of know-how since the release of the next-generation M4 series electric airsoft guns.

This concludes my review of the Tokyo Marui Next Generation Electric Gun URG-I SOPMOD BLOCK3 14.5 inch.

Next time, we'll take it apart.

Tokyo Marui Next Generation Electric Gun URG-I SOPMOD BLOCK3　14.5 inches
The next-generation electric airsoft gun used in the explanation on this page has a basic barrel length of 14.5 inches.

Tokyo Marui Next Generation Electric Gun URG-I SOPMOD BLOCK3 11.5 inch
This is the 11.5-inch model used by some members of the Army Special Operations Command, specifically the 75th Ranger Corps.

Tokyo Marui Next Generation Electric Gun M4 82-Round Magazine
Having spare magazines is recommended because it allows you to enjoy magazine changes. It's especially essential if you want to enjoy the auto-stop function of M4-type next-generation electric airsoft guns. Also, having several spares and enjoying airsoft games in 30-round realistic count mode is quite fun.

Tokyo Marui Next Generation Electric Gun M4 430-Round Magazine
It holds 430 rounds, so it's quite convenient. One can is enough for an entire airsoft game.