Used high-quality pistol VS. New entry level pistol
 

So... need some input here, guys.

For the same amount of money (let's say $350), would you buy a brand new, factory spec WE/KJW/SOCOM GEAR pistol, or an used and slightly modded WA/KSC/TM pistol?

I think most people will go for the latter, but how are the newer generation WE/KJW pistols in terms of reliability and craftsmanship? The general consensus seems to be that they have improved A LOT and give you better bang-for-buck value than the JDM brands.

Any input is greatly appreciated.

well it depends on how used the used gun is, and what it comes with as far as upgrades, extra mags etc.

I would buy the TM pistol if it's available.

let's say 80% new, minor upgrades (metal slide), no extra mags.

I think most people would go for the TM/WA/KSC pistols... ?

But... are those WE/KJW pistols REALLY that bad? :confused:

I wouldn't touch WE again with a 10 foot pole.

if that is the case, then the tm is the better deal

KJW are alright. They're prone to mag issues if you don't baby the mags, but other then that they're reasonably solid. As Styrak said, stay away from WE, they tend to tear themselves to pieces quite quickly. For TM/WA vs. KJW, there are two questions you have to ask yourself: 1) do you care if the gun is full metal or not? And 2) are you going to be using the pistol as a primary or just as a sidearm? If the answer to the two questions are yes and sidearm, then go with the KJW. If the answer to the second question is primary then even if question one is yes I'd go with the TM/WA. If the answer to the first question is no then it's a no brainer, go with the TM/WA. Even a 80% worn TM is going to have better reliability and lifespan then a new KJW. If the KJW you're considering is one of the halfbreeds with the abs frame then there's definitely no question, go with the TM/WA. The only benifit KJW has over TM/WA (other then the somewhat lower price) is that KJW pistols are full metal, if you take that away then there's really nothing going for them.

Great info, guys!

What is "wrong" with WE guns? Is it the design? The materials used? Their M4 and SCAR GBB rifles seem to be doing pretty well?

For KJW pistols - can the newer versions with the re-enforced nozzle really handle CO2 mags? Almost all of their new guns are advertised as "CO2 compatible".

I'd say materials and no quality control.

Anything is CO2 compatible...whether or not it's CO2 survivable, and for how long, is another issue.

Unless it was a model that tickled my fancy...I'd lean towards a TM.

If the TM hicapa was upgraded...I'd really want to know how/what went into it. Not all parts are created equal (i.e. any old metal slide is not necessarily going to be the same as a quality metal slide). If you expect it to function well...most times you can't just drop in parts and expect it to work well. Gas systems are a pretty fine balance of parts, power, fit.

I'd rather get a stock gun and a bag full of parts...than to get it thrown together randomly.

Would this apply to SOCOM gear as well since its a rebranded WE, or is there an extra layer of quality/ quality control in your experience?

I bought a WE P14 brand new. No problems other than it's construction is a bit loose. Rattles a tad when you shack it. I guess I got lucky.
I also have bought used marui pistols with no problems either. G17 3rd gen and mk23 Socom. The Mk23 was very used but still a straight shooter with only replacing the hopup rubber.

Haven't had experience with the SOCOM Gear models, so I can't really comment.

The Socom Gear models (to my knowledge) are rebranded WE models that get a load of extra QC so that they are all top notch. I've also heard claims that the Socom Gear models are WE rebranded, and then slightly "upgraded", replacing some of the more poorly made parts in the WE. But I've never heard any solid evidence to that.

All I know is that I have a Socom Gear MEU, and it is amazing. The quality on most of the parts is very good. The mag is prone to issues though. But I would still take my TM Hicapa, even in its stock form, over the Socom Gear in terms of performance. The SG looks nice, but the TM has got the skills.

Most people you talk too about the SOCOM pistols are happy with them. It's a very inexpensive full metal pistol. They are WE built, and then re-branded and gone over to clean up any bugs.

It won't be as skirmishable as a TM though so that's one thing to keep in the back of your mind. Taking a TM MEU up to full metal takes a huge wad of cash though.

I have the Wilson version from new that I got to have a 1911 in the quiver. The biggest downer is that the slide is loose on the frame and I don't think there is any fix for that. Accuracy is great, trigger pull is amazing, and I think it would be a pertty good starter pistol for someone on a budget.

I would take a used TM out of the classifieds over a WE if the prices were even, but really the WE even new should be a lot less $.

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