Tokyo Marui M14 SOCOM
Posted on Monday 25th June 2007 at 13:16
[image='http://i172.photobucket.com/albums/w24/jamesmaycock/M14socom.jpg']
Introduction
Part of the M14 range of Tokyo Marui Weapons, the SOCOM is designed with a mutiple function in mind. SOCOM is an acronym referring to the United States Special Operations COMmand, and as such dictates a "special forces" role for this weapon. Therefore, as Tokyo Marui states, it is as at home in the woods as it is in CQB environments. The airsoft weapon is based on the SOCOM II version by Springfield Armory which to all intents and purposes is a shortened M14.
Rifle Furniture and Quality
Unlike the other M14's in the Tokyo Marui series, the SOCOM is neither a "wood" stock nor an olive drab plastic. It is stocked with a matt black "Sandstone" finish which is chequered in the appropriate handling areas. The grips work nicely and I have found that they provide confortable support no matter what nature throws at you.
The Rifle comes complete with a fore and rear sling attachment, which for some people may be a real requirement due to the weapon's weight. The rifle weighs in at 4.0 kg including a loaded mid-cap magazine. I however, found the sling to be a nuisance, and not really needed on a rifle of such a short length.
The rear sight is fully adjustable and effective for puritans who do not wish to fit a scope. Did someone say scope? Yes. The SOCOM is fitted out of the box with a scope rail halfway down the rifle in the "Scout" position. This is so called due to the ability to fit a low powered red dot scope to help aquire targets quickly whilst providing eye relief for peripheral vision; as would be required from a scout. I have not gone for that method and opt for iron sights. I see the SOCOM, like the M14, as a beautiful rifle and like to keep it so. In addition to this the iron sights work perfectly well at airsoft engagement ranges.
The entire rifle is metal (excepting the stock) and the casting of the metal is to a very high standard. It adds to the structural integrity and gives you satisfaction that it can shrug off minor knocks. Naturally this is what helps the rifle weigh down the scales, but once the battery is installed the SOCOM rests naturally in the shoulder.
Performance
As I do in my reviews, I base the ability of the weapon to skirmish as priority as opposed to punching paper. As most Airsofters will intend to skirmish with this weapon, I have to say that the sturdiness of the gun gives you confidence to actually "use" it.
The rifle has two firing rates; semi-automatic and fully automatic. This in my opinion is heresey. Where has this harsh critcism come from? Well, let me explain. The Real Steel version of the M14 range intially started life in Vietnam as a company / squad support weapon. Firing 7.62mm (originally .30-06) rounds this proved to be too unstable for soldiers on fully automatic and subsequently meant that its intended use as a "covering fire" weapon was redundant. Now, this is not to say that it wasn't a fantastic rifle, and it's accuracy was second to none. Thus this led to a change in its field role and is still in use today in various guises as a Designated Marksman Rifle. As a result I would have felt happier if Tokyo Marui has left it as a semi-automatic only version.....but then, the market dictates and the mob rules!
On Semi-automatic firing the rifle is consistent and accurate. It's stock performance out of the box is under 1J at around 290fps (0.20g bb) and the hop up unit provides enough lift to keep your rounds airborne over distances upto 50 yards (approx 45m). This level of accuracy and distance may not be on par with the higher powered sniper rifles about today, but it certainly can out range most other standard AEG's. This therefore provides players with a *spit* fully automatic option which will out range standard M16's and the like. Handy, if you like that sort of thing.
The gearbox is Tokyo Marui's new version 7 and I am reliabley informed it is the easiest box to work on. I cannot vouch for this since I haven't taken "her" apart and frankly am not likely to need to. The gearbox sounds tight and smooth. Even "double taps" feel pre-empted by the gearbox!
Outside Modifications
In theory it is possible to have all the bells and whistles hanging from this rifle. Thanks to the 20mm mount for the "scout" positioned sight, the more inventive of you could purchase Guarder "ris-style" rings and hang lasers, teapots and breadmakers from the sides. However, it isn't needed. The addition of a small red dot scope may suit some players, but that and possibly a sling is all the add-ons this rifle really needs. The intimidating sight of a "naked" rifle in the hands of a decent marksman, with a weapon that can and WILL deliver is really all the help you will need!
Summing Up
To put it mildly this rifle is excellent. It does so much in a relatively simple looking package. The weight of the rifle is closer to the Real Steel due to the sturdy metal construction, and gives the user piece of mind. It is reliable, consistent and quiet. It is true to say that the Chinese are bringing out decent quality copies, but to be honest I feel that the SOCOM was worth every penny of my money. It is certainly a rifle that is for keeps.
10/10
Review by BadgerOne
Introduction
Part of the M14 range of Tokyo Marui Weapons, the SOCOM is designed with a mutiple function in mind. SOCOM is an acronym referring to the United States Special Operations COMmand, and as such dictates a "special forces" role for this weapon. Therefore, as Tokyo Marui states, it is as at home in the woods as it is in CQB environments. The airsoft weapon is based on the SOCOM II version by Springfield Armory which to all intents and purposes is a shortened M14.
Rifle Furniture and Quality
Unlike the other M14's in the Tokyo Marui series, the SOCOM is neither a "wood" stock nor an olive drab plastic. It is stocked with a matt black "Sandstone" finish which is chequered in the appropriate handling areas. The grips work nicely and I have found that they provide confortable support no matter what nature throws at you.
The Rifle comes complete with a fore and rear sling attachment, which for some people may be a real requirement due to the weapon's weight. The rifle weighs in at 4.0 kg including a loaded mid-cap magazine. I however, found the sling to be a nuisance, and not really needed on a rifle of such a short length.
The rear sight is fully adjustable and effective for puritans who do not wish to fit a scope. Did someone say scope? Yes. The SOCOM is fitted out of the box with a scope rail halfway down the rifle in the "Scout" position. This is so called due to the ability to fit a low powered red dot scope to help aquire targets quickly whilst providing eye relief for peripheral vision; as would be required from a scout. I have not gone for that method and opt for iron sights. I see the SOCOM, like the M14, as a beautiful rifle and like to keep it so. In addition to this the iron sights work perfectly well at airsoft engagement ranges.
The entire rifle is metal (excepting the stock) and the casting of the metal is to a very high standard. It adds to the structural integrity and gives you satisfaction that it can shrug off minor knocks. Naturally this is what helps the rifle weigh down the scales, but once the battery is installed the SOCOM rests naturally in the shoulder.
Performance
As I do in my reviews, I base the ability of the weapon to skirmish as priority as opposed to punching paper. As most Airsofters will intend to skirmish with this weapon, I have to say that the sturdiness of the gun gives you confidence to actually "use" it.
The rifle has two firing rates; semi-automatic and fully automatic. This in my opinion is heresey. Where has this harsh critcism come from? Well, let me explain. The Real Steel version of the M14 range intially started life in Vietnam as a company / squad support weapon. Firing 7.62mm (originally .30-06) rounds this proved to be too unstable for soldiers on fully automatic and subsequently meant that its intended use as a "covering fire" weapon was redundant. Now, this is not to say that it wasn't a fantastic rifle, and it's accuracy was second to none. Thus this led to a change in its field role and is still in use today in various guises as a Designated Marksman Rifle. As a result I would have felt happier if Tokyo Marui has left it as a semi-automatic only version.....but then, the market dictates and the mob rules!
On Semi-automatic firing the rifle is consistent and accurate. It's stock performance out of the box is under 1J at around 290fps (0.20g bb) and the hop up unit provides enough lift to keep your rounds airborne over distances upto 50 yards (approx 45m). This level of accuracy and distance may not be on par with the higher powered sniper rifles about today, but it certainly can out range most other standard AEG's. This therefore provides players with a *spit* fully automatic option which will out range standard M16's and the like. Handy, if you like that sort of thing.
The gearbox is Tokyo Marui's new version 7 and I am reliabley informed it is the easiest box to work on. I cannot vouch for this since I haven't taken "her" apart and frankly am not likely to need to. The gearbox sounds tight and smooth. Even "double taps" feel pre-empted by the gearbox!
Outside Modifications
In theory it is possible to have all the bells and whistles hanging from this rifle. Thanks to the 20mm mount for the "scout" positioned sight, the more inventive of you could purchase Guarder "ris-style" rings and hang lasers, teapots and breadmakers from the sides. However, it isn't needed. The addition of a small red dot scope may suit some players, but that and possibly a sling is all the add-ons this rifle really needs. The intimidating sight of a "naked" rifle in the hands of a decent marksman, with a weapon that can and WILL deliver is really all the help you will need!
Summing Up
To put it mildly this rifle is excellent. It does so much in a relatively simple looking package. The weight of the rifle is closer to the Real Steel due to the sturdy metal construction, and gives the user piece of mind. It is reliable, consistent and quiet. It is true to say that the Chinese are bringing out decent quality copies, but to be honest I feel that the SOCOM was worth every penny of my money. It is certainly a rifle that is for keeps.
10/10
Review by BadgerOne