This time, as of September 2021, I will be reviewing the KSC M9 HW system7, which was re-released last month after a long hiatus and is now back on the market.
The M9 HW I own isn't one I got from this re-release (in 2021), but rather one I bought brand new shortly after the HW version was released (in 2008), and I've been using it for about 12 years (it's been used quite a lot).
So, I'm writing this in the hope that it will be helpful to anyone considering purchasing it. Also, since I've been using it for a long time, I hope it will be helpful to those who want to use it for a long time as well.
The only maintenance I've performed is injecting the KSC genuine silicone oil into the designated locations as described in the instruction manual.
That's enough of an introduction; let's get to the main unit.
Box and accessories
I tried to recreate the state of the box when it's opened.
This is how the main unit is packaged. I think the magazine was also inside the main unit.
Next, regarding the accessories, it comes with some extra BBs, a mysterious hex wrench, and a hop-up adjustment tool (not pictured).
An instruction manual and catalog are also included.
The real history described in the latter half of this instruction manual is fascinating and one of the great joys of purchasing KSC products.
Furthermore, the catalog itself is a nostalgic item that evokes a sense of the era, featuring KSC's first electric airsoft gun, the HK series.
Furthermore, KSC released their second long-barreled GBB (Gas Blowback) model, the M4.
As you can see, it's a pretty fun accessory.
Next, let's take a look at the exterior of the device.
appearance
As usual, this is a side view.
It's on the opposite side.
It's understandable that it shows some wear and tear after 12 years of use, but it's only this bad.
Let's take a closer look at the details.
One of the distinctive features of the M9 is the shape of its muzzle tip.
The molding is quite beautiful. The rifling is also well-rendered.
Next is the markings on the slide.
It's on the opposite side.
The markings are engraved quite accurately, but the manufacturer's name is listed as PP instead of PB. This is unavoidable due to past legal issues. Also, there were almost no molding marks, which are often seen on KSC's HW slides.
Finally, the exterior perfectly replicates KSC's meticulous attention to detail in the M9's prop-up rig.
Decocking
Next, let's look at the hammer and decocking mechanism.
The ring hammer features a distinctive decocking system.
The decocking mechanism works properly, as shown in the following video.
Furthermore, it features an elaborate design where the firing pin changes direction when the gun is decocked.
Incidentally, it's commonly said that the slide opens when you decock the gun, but that never happened with my particular unit.
Frame shaping
Next, let's look at the frame.
This is the complete frame.
It's on the opposite side.
The controls such as the magazine catch, slide release lever, and decocking mechanism are not particularly close together, and I can just barely reach them with one hand (I have an average-sized hand for a Japanese person).
I'm sure it would fit a big American soldier perfectly.
Let's take a closer look.
It's under the barrel.
The parting lines are also neatly finished, making it look very clean.
Apparently, the frame is also molded from HW resin and shaped using machining, resulting in a very clean and well-finished design.
trigger pull
Next is the trigger's movement.
First, the hammer is fully raised.
The hammer is in the downed position.
Finally, here's the position just before launch.
The trigger feel is excellent, but since it's a military-grade gun, there's a lot of play in both double-action and single-action modes.
Conversely, because there's more play in the mechanism, it's much easier to tell when the shear is engaged.
Grip
Next, let's look at the grip.
The genuine grip is KSC's original design type, as shown below.
This one isn't bad either, but I decided to replace it because I preferred the original design. I'll mention it at the end, but it's sold at a very reasonable price.
Unfortunately, the grip isn't too thick, but it's not thin either.
Since its basic design is based on a double-column magazine model from the 80s, it doesn't have the same comfortable grip as the latest polymer automatic pistols.
Site
Next, I will introduce the sightline.
It's a standard white 3-dot type and quite easy to aim with. By the way, my aim was correct.
Hold open
Next is the hold-open state.
In this state, you can adjust the hop-up by looking into the outer barrel.
You can adjust the hop-up amount by turning the serrated part. While many KSC products require a special hop-up adjustment wrench for adjustment, the M9 series can be easily adjusted by reaching it with your fingers.
This is the weight with the magazine removed.
While typical ABS products weigh around 500g or less, this product, including the frame, is made of heavy-weight material, giving it a substantial weight of 666.5g, which feels great.
By the way, this is the weight of the slide assembly.
As expected of an HW (heavyweight) model, it weighs 236.5g, which is considerably heavier than the bolt on Tokyo Marui's gas blowback M4, which weighs 220g.
Magazine
Next up is the magazine.
The magazine is made of zinc alloy casting. Before the S7, it was made of stamped steel, but it is thought that this was changed in the S7 for the sake of improved operability.
First, the front view.
KSC's magazines have a common feature that allows you to lock onto the bullet follower, which is very convenient.
This is the back.
The real thing is made of stamped steel and has welding marks and bullet window holes, but this one is die-cast zinc alloy, so it can't be helped.
Next is the magazine lip.
The magazine lip is made of metal, which can sometimes cause the bullets to get scratched, but so far, this hasn't resulted in any problems.
I own about six of these magazines, including this one, and in 12 years I've never had any problems like gas leaks; they're truly excellent.
Finally, here's the weight of an empty magazine.
Live-fire performance verification
We will now check the actual firing performance.
As usual, the magazine is filled to the brim with HFC-134a gas, the surface temperature is 31°C (a little on the high side), and the room temperature is approximately 20°C.
The BBs used are G&G Bio BBs, 0.2g, with the hop-up set to the weakest setting.
The initial velocity is quite good. Many KSC handguns have an initial velocity exceeding 80 m/s and a great trajectory.
The initial velocity variation is also excellent, staying above 80 m/s even after firing a full 24 rounds.
If you're interested, please also check out my review of the chronograph.
Fuel efficiency
Next is fuel efficiency.
This is the weight of the magazine when it is full of gas.
This is the weight of a magazine after firing all 24 rounds.
With 24 shots, the gas consumption is 7.5g, which works out to 0.32g per shot, so the gas efficiency isn't particularly good. Based on this calculation, one magazine holds 17.5g of gas, so you could fire about two magazines plus a little extra.
Finally, here's a video of it in operation.
While it's not particularly quick to operate, the slide is heavier than the bolt on a long gun, so there's a noticeable recoil, making it a satisfying shooting experience.
I have just the slide from the ABS slide version that was only sold briefly by KSC, and I will compare its operation later.
Regarding the ballistics, KSC's packing is now a two-pronged type compared to this model, resulting in significantly improved ballistic performance.
Personally, I think it's better than Tokyo Marui's.
I can easily hit a target about 30cm in diameter from 40m away (however, since it's a handgun, aiming is difficult).
Summary
In summary, while the Beretta M9 is sold out by various manufacturers, I believe KSC's version is the best in terms of appearance and shooting performance.
In terms of appearance, KSC's work is of a very high standard, which is understandable considering they started as a subcontractor for MGC.
Actual shooting performance has been greatly improved with the System 7 blowback system featuring a 15mm piston diameter, and ballistic performance has also improved considerably since the introduction of the bifurcated packing.
Regarding the wear on the slide stop notch, which is often cited as a drawback of KSC products, this does not occur with the M9 due to its design, and I have used mine for about 12 years without any problems.
Although the actual M9 is a model that has already been retired from frontline service, it was a service pistol that supported the US military for over 30 years, and its popularity remains strong thanks to its appearances in Hollywood movies and elsewhere. Personally, I highly recommend KSC's definitive version.
The only drawback is the availability of magazines, but KSC has been re-releasing them frequently lately, so I think the supply issue has improved significantly.
Also, although it's not very well-known, KSC's after-sales service is quite good. Parts are available for purchase online, and if there's a problem, you can send it to KSC and their engineers will analyze and fix it (for a fee).
Moreover, they also accept simple overhauls (I've used their service for a different model before).
I highly recommend it as a manufacturer.
That concludes my review.
Next time, I'll use something I've been using for 12 years.I'll refresh it while I'm replacing the gaskets.
・KSC M9 HW System 7
This is the definitive M9.
・Le Pair Magazine
I used to be a magazine refugee and would buy it whenever I found it. Lately, it seems to be fairly readily available.
- Officially engraved grips for KSC M9
It's a knockoff. It's cheap.
Incidentally, the grip screw positions on KSC grips are almost identical to those on the genuine article, and most genuine grips will fit without modification. However, please note that the screw positions are different from those on a certain WA model.
KSC genuine silicone spray
With proper maintenance according to the instructions, it can last for over 10 years.
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