A&K SR-25 inquiry
 

Hello all,

I've become quite displeased with my G&G G96 lately, and so, I've decided instead of pouring oodles of cash into it just to make it FUNCTION, I'm going to spend a little less money on a WORKING gun: the SR-25. Originally I was going to get the G&G GR-25, but it's low velocity rating, lack of rear sight and high price kind of turned me off. Until I saw the A&K version. By all that I can see, it's nearly identical. All metal body, full stock, etc... Sure it's got a longer gearbox, but it's got a higher FPS rating out of the box. Considering that I've got a game coming up on the 18th of this month, I want something I can use straight away and not muck around with various after market parts... *cough* G96 *cough*

As much as I love the look and feel of the G96, I'm extremely disappointed in it. Having a bent inner barrel straight from the supplier is just lacking in terms of quality control, and a nuisance for replacement as a new barrel would have cost close to $200 for me. I'd rather spend the extra bit to get a SEMI AUTOMATIC DMR that works.... assuming I don't end up with a lemon. /end rant/

Anyway, my question: (long winded as it is lol) I'm thinking of replacing the stock hop-up unit with a Madbull Ultimate Hop-Up unit (put one in a G&G CM-16 Raider and LOVED it) as well as some kind of tight-bore steel barrel, likely a 6.02 or MAYBE a 6.01. Not sure what brand just yet. Maybe Prometheus or something. Would the hop up unit be compatible with the gearbox system? Externally it looks SIMILAR (not the same...) as any M4/M16, and internally as well, but since it ISN'T... I'm not sure if it's possible. As i'm going for a DMR role, I'm hoping for max range/accuracy with it. Battery will likely need an upgrade too, apparently the stock one isn't all that great, but hey, what do I know.

Anyone with an A&K SR-25 who reads my long winded and likely repetitive 'inquiry' would be much appreciated to respond with any tips, suggestions, and other information they've gleaned from their experience with said rifle.

In retrospect I suppose that should be in the 'upgrades and modifications' section, so I'll continue with other questions:

When stock, the gearbox apparently has a bad shim job. Is this true? If so, what did you do to fix it?

The mock suppressor does not have any foam in it. Also true?

What, on average, was your range/accuracy like when stock?

What upgrades did you do to your DMR to make it 'yours'?

Thanks.

~Reaver

I have a G&P SR25 which looks no different than a G&G or AK. I also have a VFC SSR H which gets the most use because it also looks the best.

Little pricey, that brand. I'm personally not fond of SCAR variant rifles. They are neat rifles to be sure, but I don't like the design of it.

In regards to the SR-25, do you use a bipod often or foregrip? What kind of ranges do you usually target the other other players?

fps doesn't equal range
first upgrades to any gun should be 6.03 or 6.05 tightbore and either Rhop, firefly or PDI-W hop rubber. the 6.01 and 6.02 barrels are gimmicks and I don't know of anyone that makes a decent 6.04
If you want a DMR, first step is to use the highest quality ammo
You also need the proper weight of ammo, either .28s or .30s in the 380-400fps range
And for the mechbox, really you just need to make sure it's compressing as well as it can

Not uncommon for most DMRs to be in the 200-240ft range, depending what the base rifle is.

I understand that FPS does not equate to better or worse range, but the reason I wanted the higher fps was that it shot a little harder, and coupled with .28 or .3's (which is what I intended to use with the SR-25 anyway, no reason to skimp on low weight ammo) would give ideal performance. The barrel was going to be one of the first things I upgraded, although I had forgotten about the bucking as well. Thanks for that. Firefly is a common one I hear. Concerning the barrel, 6.02 would be the smallest I'd go.The hop up itself is basically just icing on the cake, if it needs it. If i find the hop up is lacking, I'm going to replace it as quickly as I can.
It's going to be a purely outdoor rifle, so I didn't want to be spending money on a more powerful spring, and any other parts to beef up the gear box just to handle it, to make it outdoor ready. I know range is primarily affected by the ammo weight, quality, hop up adjustment, and barrel. the fps is just the power that drives it home. But why use a lower power that costs more when I can buy a cheaper rifle that is outdoor ready? It seems to have great reviews, so I can't see it having a ton of problems.

I have both foregrip and bipod. I use the bipod whenever terrain allows it.

I was thinking of installing an AFG foregrip on mine with a bipod. Vertical foregrips are fine, but I don't really like them. I tend to get shot in the hand whenever I use one -_- <-- Bad luck with vertical grips lol I find the AFG is actually pretty comfortable, although my buddy hates them with a passion lmao. I've got a bipod similar to what would be I believe is called a 'Harris' bipod, however it was initially a paintball BT barrel mount that I machined an aluminum block that would slide into the metal RIS and the bipod would screw into it from below. Not sure, but does the RIS on the SR-25 have circular holes in the rails on the RIS?

I have a bipod and a AFG2 on it

SR25
 

The Sr25 is pretty long and heavy to be using the AFG in my oppinion. The vertical grip is much better for heavier weight. I too have a bipod on it and that makes it even heavier.

I don't mind the weight, I owned a M14 and handled the M14 EBR for a couple games and that thing is stupid front heavy lol. M249 SAW is also not bad, so I'm confidant i can handle the SR25. And good point, the AFG isn't really a weight-friendly attachment... might just put the rubber RIS covers on it and be done with it. lol

No problem using the AFG2. I have it on all my SR25 . Just mount it where your hand is when your arm fully extended.

Really? I hate having it that far. On my M4 it's positioned where it's most comfortable for balance, a little more than halfway from the receiver. I figured placing it about four to six inches away from the receiver on the SR-25 would be more than sufficient. I suppose I could just test it out, but I need to order the rifle first..... -_- I hate waiting lol

It depends, I was using an AFG (first version) plus a two piece VLTOR Bipod. The gun front weight is not a problem in my opinion because it is still a pretty well balanced and light rifle. Also the AFG is not as low as most foregrip and I tend to find it useful when prone in messy environments (trunk, hard twigs, etc).
If you had an M14 EBR then I would go for a foregrip without a second thought because ALL the weight is in that massive front RIS... and I think the one who designed that must have been either high, drunk, incredibly stupid or all of the above to design something with center of mass right next to reaction hand.

I completely agree about the M14 EBR lol although it wasn't mine, but another player's who was 'kind' enough to let me use it for two rounds before my arm was so sore from carrying it I had to give it back lmao. And yes, that was my reasoning behind using the AFG, because it's so much lower profile than the standard vertical grips. Can't wait to get it and load my scope onto it and take it out the field for use.... Gah I want to order it like NOW but the place I want to buy it from (canadian store) doesn't show on their site whether it's in stock or not -_- I emailed the owner who I'm sure I should keep anonymous being non AV'ed (thanks to a particular person being irresponsible as far as I'm concerned...) so I'm HOPING he has it or I'm going to be pretty upset as it's the only company I've seen that has the A&K version. If I wanted the G&G, there's LOADS of places, hell I can get one in London, not 30 minutes from where I am now... But I don't wanna spend all that money on it when the A&K is so much cheaper.

I shoot real steel the same way. My control hand grips the rail as far as I can reach. The AFG2 aids in better control. For the airsoft side, same handling technique.

PTS RM4 ERG (Electric Recoil Gun) - YouTube

It's not about how much hop you can apply to a BB, it's about how consistently you can add the same spin in the same direction.
The hop rubber is actually significantly more important than the barrel, and it's a much more noticeable performance change than just upgrading to a barrel.
And how tight the barrel is has NOTHING to do with how accurate the gun is. You can get the same super accurate results from a 6.13 as a 6.02, the difference is you'll be able to do it for a few games with the 6.13, but you'll notice accuracy loss after a few mags in the 6.02

I see.... well it doesn't matter now, anyway, since I got an email saying it's out of stock anyway. So I don't know where to go for one now. Wish I was AV'd then I'm sure someone would be willing to point me to where they got theirs but I know that's not gonna happen. Thanks for the information guys. I'll be looking forward to getting it in September when it comes back in stock.

Have a look at Airsoft Store Canada, they seem to be stocking some neat upgrades.

Thanks for the tip off for replacement parts. I'll keep them in mind.

well parts are fine, just not specifically where to get guns lol
I use ehobby for most parts, airsoftparts.ca for small stuff i need asap, and redwolf if they dont have it

Yeah, I'm aware of the rules regarding AV so I know you guys aren't supposed to link or tell me where to get the guns themselves. I know I could get a G&G GR-25 but I really didn't want to spend all that money for it when the A&K is so much cheaper and I could use the extra cash for upgrades! like wth G&G.... I seriously don't see ANY difference between the two. Externally anyway... I know the A&K is a clone though...

Then get AV'd?
There are tons of AVers close to you, then we can better help you :P

I did. Contacted the closest AV'er, went to meet him in person, then just got a snobby encounter, as well as a statement that, and I quote, "I've got like, twenty people that I was supposed to do that for and I never really got around to it." Even so, I gave him my information, and that was well over four or five months ago. I understand people are busy with jobs and personal lives and whatnot, I'm fully aware of that and I completely respect that those who do the AV are volunteers. But I think this particular individual is not really a good choice.
That aside, my only choices are London or St. Thomas for AV'ers. Unless one HAPPENS to be at Flagswipe on the 18th of this month, I'll be waiting for a while.

Regardless, I messaged another person about it, I'm hoping they will be willing to help.

This secret secret thing about being AV'd is good if you want buy from the classified and dealers here don't have a physical store.

Almost all paintball store across Canada sells airsoft guns. It is no big secret that Badlands built their business selling paintball gear and have stores across Canada, but now selling airsoft in a huge way. I play paintball also and had pick some paintball gear and ended up buying airsoft stuff from the same store. One side of the store is all paintball while the other side is all airsoft.

Any one that plays paintball knows this. Being a brick and mortar store, they can validate the buyer's age.

So ASC dealers beware that paintball stores tried airsoft years ago but fail, but this time around they may be more successful. Most paintball fields that have a pro shop also sell airsoft now.

Oh I've searched every online site I could find for the A&K Sr25, it's either out of stock, they don't carry it, or they're in the States. I've searched literally dozens of sites, called several stores, and spent the last three days trying to find ONE place in Canada that had it in stock in hopes to buy it and use it for the 18th. Nothing. And yes, I'm very aware of the classified section reserved for AV users. I appreciate the help, regardless... Contemplating just getting the GR25 but I REALLY don't want to spend $500 on it just to get the SR25. I'll wait till september I suppose. Hopefully I can schedule another game with my friends sometime afterwards... assuming I'm given any time to enjoy free time.

Because of the regulations in Canada, dealers are lucky and will charge what they can get for airsoft guns and the other reasons they a don't stock much in the way of parts.

You can shop in person at airsoftdepot .ca he sells A&K G&P and can verify your age.

Does it have to be A&K? I have both G&P and G&G which have better exterior. But the best is the VFC SSR.

I know. I know how business is. Gotta make your dollar to put food on the table. As badly as I want the SR25, I'm not interested in paying double for what I can get by waiting a few weeks instead... That aside, in terms of upgrades, the bucking is one of the first things to change out, right? How is the gearbox? Did anyone have to replace parts or upgrade it to make it function better? Or any points to bear in mind when using it?

And I emailed Huang at Airsoft Depot, that's where I was hoping to get it but it's out of stock and won't be back in till september. And the reason I wanted A&K was because of the lower price tag. I really don't have alot of money to throw into one rifle anymore, so i'm trying to get what I want at a relatively low price (and yes, I know airsoft is expensive, I've been paintballing for 8 years before i started airsoft)

Just because the price tag is small on gun, doesn't mean it will remain inexpensive. Price really reflects quality in this sport.

Lower quality guns find their way onto the repair-bench a lot faster than you can imagine. Whether they work properly out of the box at all.

Save your money.

Have you held the different brands. In person you can see the differences.

Although the G&G Scar have trades and VFC lost the contract. The VFC is superior. The folding stock on the G&G shows exposed wiring whereas the VFC is hidden. There many other differences. My collection is mostly VFC and G&P.

In summary over a time you may upgrade the internals but you will have to live with the externals if they are garbage to begin with.

So just go G&G then?...
i've never held the SR25, but i'm trying to get into a DMR role, and the SR25 is the nicest i've seen that caught my eye.

Just because a gun is a clone, doesn't mean it's lower quality. For example, every V2, V3, V6, and V7 mechbox is a marui clone.
Most AEG's out there are marui clones, I believe G&P is an offshoot of CA. Anyway, some brands differ little from what they were based on, some are actual original designs like the PTW, marui new type and realsword.

Anyway, some A&K clones are actually BETTER than the originals, most notably the M249. So it stands a good chance that the AK SR25 may actually be better than the CA25 it's cloned from.
As much as I personally dislike A&K, they make some decent guns, and I'd honestly rather own an A&K than a CA these days.

I buy my guns in person. If you hold the gun and willing to live with then buy it. If the quality bothers you then you will hate using it later.

the G96 had HORRIBLE seams along the entire body, including inside the trigger guard. I cut a nice section of my finger off on that seam before I sanded the whole thing down. If I have time i'll swing by flagswipe and see if i can handle the G&G gr25 they have before I buy.

Yes, hold and handle it before you buy. They can make it look good in a picture. But if the quality is not there you will see it.

I was told CA was great so I ordered a M4 and a M24. Big mistake. Both junk. Each one over 70% of the screws were stripped. Also the fit and finish terrible. The M24 had touch up paint on the stock and barrel to hide the scratches by the assembler. The magazine was also broken which the dealer refused to replace.

Yeah, CA uses particularly soft aluminum screws or something, they're pretty horrible to work with

Alright. But since this means I'm only handling a G&G i'm kinda losing out on the A&K lol. but it's a good point nonetheless. Thanks

G&Gs are pretty good, I recommend them as starter guns to everyone, excellent potential in them

Alright... Really didn't want to spend the $500 bucks on it, but if that's what it's going to cost... plus a new hop up, I hated the shitty plastic hop up in the CM16 raider i bought and changed it to a madbull ultimate hop up. HUGE difference. Probably have to do the same... Tips for a new DM? lol I've always preferred long range combat, but never had a good opportunity to play 'sniper' in a game (the one time I did, my squad was setting up an ambush, and the enemy team walked down a different pathway 250 feet away from us and into the main unit lol) I know basic 'ballistic' properties, but since I don't have a lot of practice, ranging is still something I'm not used to yet. I have a mil-dot scope, and I understand how it works, but it's still a little difficult to apply theory to practice.

I suggest handle them all, then make that buy decision.

I went from G&G to G&P then VFC.

You should see the review on the VFC Glock on YouTube. Simply beautiful if you want a nice sidearm. All snipers carry a pistol just in case you get a surprise close encounter.

You will love a SR25 because the gearbox is meant for a DMR. Reaching targets out to 200ft is easy. The best part is if you miss, the next shot is another trigger pull. You don't need more than 3x on the optics. I use .30 bbs and get good range and consistency.

I have a HnK PX4 (remade trigger spring so it's actually WORKING lol) as well as a KWA MP9.... speaking of which, I bought it second hand and it didn't come with the hop up adjustment tool and haven't found anything online. Anyone know where to buy that thing?!