This a replica firearm IT IS NON-LETHAL
Reviews | Table of contents: Introduction/History Specs Pictures The Review Accessories Final Thoughts Scoring History: The Heckler & Koch XM8 was a prototype rifle in development for the US army in the early 1990's up till late 2005. The original intent was to find a cheaper rifle, and at the same time replace the aging M16 (and it's variants). However, the Army has now officially canceled the XM8 as a replacement rifle. (http://www.wikipedia.org/) Specs: Manufacturer: DE (Double Eagle) AGM (new name, same company) FPS (Feet Per Second): 280-320 (w/ 0.20g BB) Weight: 6lb 6oz (fully loaded) Scale: 1:1 Magazine Capacity: 45 rounds Type: AEG v3 MGB (Auto Electric Gun) (Metal Gear Box) Charge cycle: 4hrs Price: $90-$125 USD
The review: Well it's finally here, the DE/AGM XM8 with METAL GEARBOX! Unlike the JLS Spring rifle this XM8 is powered by a battery operated, motor and gearbox. Like H&K prototype XM8 the airsoft gun's body is plastic. Hefting it around one would think such a cheap (price) AEG would be of low quality. AGM did an excellent job on this AEG. This XM8 feels rock solid, no creaks, groans, or moans. Unlike my JLS XM8 the hop-up is hidden behind the ejection door for spent shells and can be accessed by pulling back the fake cocking lever/metal ejection port. Performance wise even on normal "mode" the gun has plenty of range, add in the hop-up and it can easily hang with the best (I.E. stock Tokyo Marui and Classic Army) though I have yet to test it in actual combat.
The "scope" mounted above the carrying handle is the same type found on the BE (Both Elephant) XM8. Basically it's two pieces of plastic in a metal tube. This is nothing like the red dot scope found on the real XM8, nor does it have a 3x zoom like the SRC XM8. While it's not the greatest sight, as long as you know how to use it, it can be quite accurate. There are really two ways to aim the gun: 1. Spray and pray (for you trigger happy people) 2. When using a normal scope one closes an eye and aims. DO NOT DO THIS, I've been unable to point and shoot (it'll hit about 4-5 inches below my sight) what works is keeping both eyes open (while still looking through the sight). This creates a sort of ghost ring, concentrate on that and you'll never miss! Accessories: As with any rifle the standard equipment is included. This includes; a speed loader, battery, charger, 200 6mm 0.2g BB's, a rubber cover for the battery compartment, carrying strap, cleaning rod (for some reason mine was missing it from the factory),and a low-capacity 45 round magazine. The included 200 BB's are of decent quality, I found a few poor quality ones but for the most part they matched those of even the best companys. Unlike some AEG's this set comes with a 8.4v mini battery and charger. DO NOT over charge this battery, you could damage both the charger and battery if you do. A full charge takes about four hours. The magazine is unimpressive to say the least. On full auto the gun can waste the stock 45 round clip in no time. The magazine fed well, but did tend to leave 3 rounds between the magazine and feeding tube on the gun. If you get this gun make sure to order a Matrix 470 round Hi-cap magazine or two, they will come in handy for those heavy fire fights. Final thoughts: Overall the set is great. The gun is solid and feels like it can hold its own against the big boys. However, the scope and magazine are big let downs. Also the quick loader isn't as reliable as my JLS loader, but still works well enough. I do need to find out how long the battery lasts, but that has to wait as test shots don't show the wear and tear of a real skirmish. Scoring: Overall score: 9/10 Gun score: 9/10 Magazine score: 5/10 BB score: 9/10 Accessories Score: 8/10 Accuracy Score: (preliminary testing) 9/10 |
