As Danke, I would take a used TM or KSC over a WE.

My order of personnal preference :

TM
KSC - WA
KJW


and far below


WE - HFC

Unless you want a wall-hanger, then only looks count, not reliability.

My brother tried the WE Meu series, he is a heavy gamer, the biggest problems were mags, hard to get proper fill, feed lips very delicate, one drop and feed lip would crack and break. He started out with about 5 mags and within 6 months had 2 that would still work.

The paint job is also not very durable, scratches easily. The performance was good, after stiffer recoil spring added.

I would really go with TM or 100% tm clone that accepts TM mags. The mags make all the difference.

To add my two cents, I own a KJWorks Hi Capa.

I had a TM Hi Capa back in england that I absolutely loved, but I had to sell it, since I couldnt bring it back to canada.

I have to say, though, the KJWorks Hi Capa is quite good.
Not quite up to TM quality but it far surpases WEs.

So, if it was me, I would take a TM it was great condition and you knew the exact upgrade parts.

Otherwise go with a KJW Hi Capa and buy a new grip (Or MEU and buy a metal frame + new grip) and upgrade as you see fit.

I dont think you would regret either purchase.

Cheers and good luck finding the pistol you want.

wow thanks for all the input, guys.

I just spent some more time reading reviews and user feedbacks on TM vs. WE vs. KJW, and the consensuse is that:

- TM/WA 's plastic bodies can be just as good, if not better (and more reliable), than WE/KJW's metal bodies

- WE's finishing and paint seem to LOOK better, but performance and reliability wise not that great, with the exception of the 1911 series which apparently is very good

- KJW's guns aren't as fancy looking and the paint doesn't look as realistic, but the performance and reliability of their pistols are much much better than the WEs, and a lot closer to TM /WA level.

Are these pretty accurate, based on you guys' experience?

Thanks again!

Ive never shot a WA, but I can say that TM and KJW were as accurate as I could ever want, and WE was close behind.

That's a reasonably accurate statement with the exception of the WE 1911 being better the the average WE, it's the exact opposite. The 1911 is probably WE's worst model. When people say WE's tear themselves apart, it's meant figuratively for most of their models but literally for the 1911. The spring guide is too long and hits the mainspring cap on every shot. Since this is cheap pot metal we're talking about here, it doesn't take long for the lips on the brushing or spring cap (or both) to snap, then on the next shot your spring goes flying across the field. And good luck finding replacement parts. Some people have had success in getting a WA brushing to fit, though those aren't easy to find either. I've also heard tell of someone modifying a real steel one to fit. But unless you trim down or replace the spring guide it's going to happen again. Do an advanced search in the doctor's corner for WE 1911's and you'll find piles of threads. Here's a couple:
http://www.airsoftcanada.com/showthread.php?t=65487

http://www.airsoftcanada.com/showthread.php?t=60413

http://www.airsoftcanada.com/showthread.php?t=63571