After overcoming various troubles in the previous installments, the customization is finally complete.
This time, I'd like to introduce the finished product, its shooting performance (simplified version), the recipe, and a summary of the lessons learned.
*This article aims to provide educational explanations from a mechanical engineering perspective regarding the safe hobby use of airsoft guns.
This does not promote acts of violence, the use of weapons, weapon modification, practical evaluation, or violation of laws and regulations.
完成形
To create the finished look, I selected some accessories I had at home and made two different outfit combinations.
Typically, CQB specifications
This is a highly versatile setup that you'll likely use frequently.
side
For the sights, I went with a Vector Optics Maverick, a VFC silencer, an FMA replica PEQ-15, and a foregrip for an M-LOK handguard.
This is a Link Curve foregrip for M-LOK. It's seriously great. Even though it's a no-name brand, it attached without any problems.
I also own several foregrips, so I'll write a comparison article later.
Finally, the classic Magpul CT-R type stock. I've bought various no-name brands, but in terms of color and construction, I felt that the product I'll introduce below was the best. It's a little more expensive than the cheapest option, but I recommend it.
I have a large stock of many different kinds, and even the same items can be bought from different manufacturers, so I'll write a comparison article sometime.
Marksman style
This is a marksman-style suit.
Other side
For the CQB setup, I attached a grip pod, a short scope, and a large suppressor.
Basically, all additional parts other than the scope are unbranded.
The scope is the popular Vector Optics Foresta. I've introduced it on this blog, so please take a look if you're interested.
By the way, when I attached the silencer and fired in semi-automatic mode, I think it became quite quiet for an electric gun.
VFC HK416 CAG Re-custom Semi-Silencer 11.1V (Video)
I plan to put it into actual combat in this manner.
The VFC HK416CAG AEG itself is a model not yet introduced in Japan, so there is no stock available here. It might still be available in Canada.
Upon investigating this model, it appears to be a limited pre-release for market research purposes (for Taiwan and Canada), and there's a possibility it might be sold in Japan in the future.
Currently, the closest in shape with upgraded internal components would be the VFC HK416A5 (apparently it's the standard FET).
If you just want to replicate the same specifications, you don't necessarily need a VFC HK416 series; any model with a VFC Ver.2 gearbox should work.
Live-fire performance verification
I covered the actual shooting performance last time, so I'll just write a brief summary here.
I'm using G&G 0.2g bio BBs with a slight hop-up. The battery is a DCI GUNS 11.1V 25~30C 1200mAh, fully charged and measured at 12.6V.
セミオート
cycle
feel well.
If you're interested, please also check out my review of the chronograph.
Please refer to the previous article for more detailed information.
Finally, let me introduce one of the features of the FCU Leviathan: its clicky trigger.
It's a video.
FCU Leviathan VER.2 Trigger Click
The trigger is quite light at first, then it gets heavier as it makes contact with the leaf spring, and as you pull it further, it feels like you can pull the trigger all at once at a certain distance.
It's quite well-made and much better than a microswitch, but it still doesn't quite match the feel of cutting the sear on a gas blowback gun.
Conversely, you can also make it like an extremely light hair trigger.
Results of deployment in actual combat
I was able to put it into actual use in mid-November 2021.
The location is Yanex's regular meeting at a forest-type field in Noda City, Chiba Prefecture.
If you're interested, please check out our field introduction page.
The conditions for the ballistic test were an ambient temperature of approximately 15°C, using VFC 0.25g bio BBs, and a field-measured muzzle velocity of 87 m/s (0.25g).
After zeroing the scope at 40m and setting up the bipod to check the trajectory, the following was observed.
What surprised me was that if there were no wind, it would definitely hit a frying pan about 30 cm in diameter at a distance of 40 meters.
With humanoid targets, I basically never missed up to 50 meters. This was the best trajectory I've ever achieved.
By the way, the microwave looks like this in the following picture.
Being able to attack from a distance gave me a significant advantage. Perhaps because of that, I got carried away and managed to capture the flag in the last game for the first time in a while, which felt great. I wonder if having good equipment makes you feel better and improves your physical performance?
Regarding durability, I used it for gaming all day long and it worked smoothly without any problems or errors. In particular, since I was using the motor brake heavily, there was no increase in grip temperature due to motor overheating.
I was using DCI GUNS' 11.1V LiPo battery, 1200mAh, 25-50c, and it took about two batteries a day to get the most power. One battery might have been enough, but since I had two, I swapped them out at lunchtime.
If you think buying two batteries is a waste of money, you can just bring a charger and recharge it during your lunch break.
The customization was a great success.
Recipe, parts used
Now, let's go over the parts we used.
I generally post product links, but more importantly, I post them to make it easier to understand what kind of part it is.
Custom parts for the inside of the gearbox
・LONEX A1 High-Speed/High-Torque Motor
This is the best motor I can handle with my current skill level. It's really good. By chance, I was able to use it with the original pinion gear.
・Silver brush for motors
Apparently, it extends the lifespan. I'm putting up my own advertisements, but to be honest, if you look for it at a shop or if you buy it for RC cars, it's cheap, around 900 yen.
・ORGA's 8mm high-precision stainless steel metal bushings
For high-cycle setups exceeding 30 rpm, metal bearings might be the safest bet. There are other options like Oiles, but personally, I think Oiles is good. I was in a hurry this time, so I bought it based on reviews.
・SuperShooter High-Speed Gear 13:1
It's a bit pricey, but it's my favorite and I use it all the time. Personally, I like that it has ball bearings, good precision, and plenty of anti-reverse latches. Also, the tappet pull mechanism has ball bearings, so it's perfect as a substitute for a sector chip.
・DCI GUNS Side Intake Piston for POM STD
I always use it because I feel it's good. To be honest, I buy it based on its reputation. Considering sound and durability, I recommend POM.
・SHS Full Metal Tooth Piston 14T
It's a popular choice because it's inexpensive and performs well. Depending on the product, the gears may not be glued in place.
・LAYLAX I had to drill a hole in the full cylinder in an emergency, but if possible I would prefer a stainless steel cylinder Type D.(250~300mm)
If you want to drill the acceleration holes yourself, please use the full size (it's stainless steel, so it's hard).
・Firefly Dendenmushi for M4
I can't say for sure since I haven't compared them, but it seems to be feeding ammunition properly.
・GAW Spring Spacer for Piston Internal Use
I use them to adjust the initial velocity and stabilize the spring's behavior. This time I've added 3mm and 5mm springs, for a total of 8mm.
It appears that the piston internals and spring guides are now shared components in the updated version.
・Airsoft97's M100 unequal pitch springs
I simply have a lot of experience using springs from this manufacturer, so I know what kind of strength they have, and that's why I always go for them.
Custom parts for the barrel and chamber area
・MAxx CNC Aluminum Hop-Up Chamber M4A PRO (for standard M4)
I like it because the gearbox and receiver fit together very snugly and there are no air leaks. However, it's expensive.
・Maple Leaf Hop Packing Rubber for AEG, Hardness 70, 2021 Version
I'm not particularly a fan of Maple Leaf, but I chose this because Miyagawa didn't have a hardness of 70 (or maybe I didn't look hard enough?). It's made of silicone rubber.
On Amazon, you can select the hardness level on the product page, so if you want the same specifications, choose a hardness of 70.
・LAYLAX BC Bright Barrel 6.05mm 275.5mm
I find it very useful because it's inexpensive yet highly accurate and easy to work with.
Custom parts for the electrical system
・FCU Leviathan V2 OPTICAL ver.2
I don't know about the performance of other FCUs, but the fact that you can control it with your smartphone via Bluetooth is really great. Also, it's a little cheaper compared to other FCUs.
Exterior-related custom parts
PTS EPG Enhanced Polymer Grip
I personally like this and use it often. It's compatible with brushless motor endbells and can be used without any modifications. It's also available in black. The link is TAN colored.
Other tools, consumables, and greases you'll need have been introduced in previous articles, so please feel free to purchase anything you like.
This should allow you to create something almost identical if you're using a VFC electric airsoft gun with a standard gearbox ver2.
It feels like almost everything has changed in this custom build except for the gearbox casing and exterior, but I'll try not to worry about it.
Lessons Learned and Summary
This time, we encountered many problems and failures, which made things very difficult, but I'm relieved that we were finally able to complete it.
I was particularly pleased that the semi-automatic cycle time, which was my goal, became equivalent to or better than the actual lock time of around 50ms.
This summarizes the lessons learned from troubles and failures.
- Even with familiar tasks, work carefully while checking your work (motor destruction, FCU destruction incidents)
- Take a break if you are extremely tired or sleepy (FCU destruction incident)
- When dealing with problems, calmly consider the cause and check each step one by one (Lonex A1+ motor not spinning incident)
- If the cycle exceeds 30 shots per second, the original ball bearings are likely to be faulty (bearing failure incident).
- If the firing cycle exceeds 30 rounds per second, the soft hop-up packing will wear down.
- If the tappet vanes are not properly handled, the full muzzle velocity will not be stable, and the gun will not feed properly.
- By making the main spring tightly attached at the point of maximum contact, the difference in muzzle velocity between full-auto and semi-auto becomes smaller, and the muzzle velocity in full-auto becomes more stable.
Personally, I think the increased rate of fire is a side effect of seeking a crisp semi-automatic firing rate, so I don't think I'll be pursuing an even higher rate of fire than this. However, if I change my mind and decide to try something like a DSG, I'll refer back to this article. Aiming for an even higher rate of fire would change everything and bring up new problems.
This concludes the re-customization of the VFC HK416 CAG AEG.
If you've followed along this far, thank you so much.
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