Thanks for your replies.
Regardless of the manufacturer, I believe I am going to purchase some kind of AK-47 model; I've always liked AK-47's and I have been using them since I started airsofting years ago. Specifically though, I am looking for an AK-47 that is modernized, if you will; the features that I desire the most are the crane stock and the RIS/Rail system.
Along with the G&P AK-47, I also found the following:
This is a CYMA AK-47 with a crane stock and RIS/Rail system which extends to the stock of the gun which is a big plus:
http://www.airsoftstation.com/cm039c-full-metal-ak-tactical-airsoft-gun.htmlThis is an SRC AK-47 with a crane stock (this one looks a little different, am I getting my terminology mixed up?) and an RIS/Rail system:
http://www.airsoftmegastore.com/SRC_FULL_METAL_Airsoft_AK47_Tactical_RAS_AEG_Rifle_p/src-ge-0610tm-aktac.htmMy concerns are the following:
-With an RIS/Rail that does not extend to the stock of the gun, will I have issues looking through a red dot that is mounted above the hand grip?
-With a crane stock, what kinds of batteries am I limited too? I am considering LiPo, but I am not sure if it would be beneficial for me. Right now I am leaning towards a 9.6v NiMH; would this fit ok in a crane stock?
I have heard good things about CYMA and SRC but I was wondering what you all thought.
Lastly, with all of the ranting and raving about G&P... I can't lie when I say I have developed some doubts:
Reason #1 - I must have checked 15 different airsoft websites and I found only
TWO that had a decent G&P listing; and I have only found the previously mentioned G&P AK-47 model at Evike, and nowhere else (perhaps because it is new? I checked G&P's main website and I could not find the same model being offered either). If G&P is a great brand, why the lack of listings?
Reason #2 - I have heard of G&P having gear and piston issues; anyone have any details on this? I don't mind if they have had issues... as long as they have been corrected in newer models. I've been lead to believe that this is not the case as plenty of G&P owners have been running their guns for years without even cracking open the gear box.
Couple more things about the final choice. I've decided to run with a Madbull TBB and I'll be looking into higher quality hop-up units. Also, some of my requests may be irrelevant due to the fact that I want to replace some of the external parts with their Desert Tan counterparts (never-the-less the information is important to me, so I appreciate your responses). Should I be looking at entirely new pieces or should I save some money and paint my externals (is this easy to do on my own or should I be paying someone to do it)?
Again, I know these topics can be a bit redundant... but thanks for all of your input.
Aaron