VFC Airsoft M16A1 Review: Return to Tradition

[@ExplosiveEnterprises]

4/23/24 update: After closer comparison, we've found that the VFC receiver extension tube (buffer tube) is slightly shorter internally than a real one, by about 4mm. Because real buffers cannot compress as much as the spring-loaded VFC one, this gives very little overtravel beyond the bolt catch position, which may reduce the reliability of lockback on empty. So, if you run into issues with the gun failing to reliably lock back when using a real buffer in the VFC buffer tube, we suggest you do ONE of the following: 1. Shorten the spacer by a few millimeters 2. Use a stack of quarters in lieu of the spacer, or otherwise fabricate your own, slightly shorter than stock 3. Carefully slice a millimeter or two off of the rubber tip of the buffer 4. Switch to a real buffer tube To be clear, this is /only/ a potential problem with the combination of real buffer and VFC tube. With a real tube, the few extra millimeters of travel give the bolt catch ample time to rise. Fortunately, if you do run into this issue, it's an easy fix.

[@Leo-gl4lb]

11:22 is absolutely wild 😭😭😭

[@chasered]

I fucking howled out one of the ugliest laughs I've ever heard my throat produce when I got to that part

[@dedsec6072]

Bro investigated the opps to the base 💀💀💀

[@dewmm9038]

absolutely destroyed that "w" commenter

[@minkshaming]

The Nazi Furry picture just about floored me. What a time to be alive.

[@unclebourbon9943]

"This is the worst thing I've ever tasted." Proceeds to take another drink. Absolute legend.

[@muwuny]

2:27 Important to note, the vast majority of British army-issue M16s, including the ones in that photo, were USAF model Colt 604 M16s, not M16A1s. Colt 602s were also used by SAS and other British army troops earlier in the 1960s.

[@paleoph6168]

Machine Gun Rei

[@ArenBerberian]

Looks like the XM16 with that flash hider.

[@muwuny]

@@ArenBerberian XM16E1s and USAF M16s use the same three-prong flash hider, very late model USAF M16s switched to A1 birdcage flash hiders, but all British ones were procured before that change so all have three-prongs.

[@captainyoyos7912]

i will NEVER be leaving a mean comment on this channel for my own safety

[@cillblinton8181]

Hopefully you guys do some reviews that play into the wider dialogues of gbbs. Like how your vfc m249 vid was about the first lmg, saiga first semi shotgun etc. Like for example, kwa is known to have gone downhill over the years, so a review of the new pmx or f90 would be really interesting to contextualize in that regard Or some more WE tech reviews under the context that they are often dogshit guns. We’d love to see you rip on terrible design, or even be surprised when they do something right. You’re literally the gordon ramsay of airsoft, and that kind of content is fun. a review of the we ak would also be super useful in preparation for the vfc ak

[@codemy666]

WE is about to release their updated M4s with new mags so might be a good choice there... Or the more obscure guns like the WE SVD, L85 or M14

[@cillblinton8181]

@@codemy666 honestly WE does have some Ws. Like the ak is pretty good, and those obscure models dont have any competitions

[@adiamond563]

VFC FN FNC

[@stereotypicalemousername9507]

@@cillblinton8181i do really like the samurai edge they did it’s not amazing but i’m more than happy to work on it and make it my own

[@Zenturion7]

war thunder player 💀

[@Captain_Coleslaw]

Oh hai derr!

[@TacticalmailmanII]

Yeah dont tell anyone you’re a war thunder player unless they ask

[@VickyHong1879]

I have the sudden urge to leak secret documents

[@mucke7907]

I also love using retro and older rifles. They give you a totally different feel. Got a VFC G3 and besides it having pretty hefty "recoil". You will learn really fast, how much better the AR15 platform is, espacially for its time. No boltcatch on the G3 means you are shooting and suddenly just hear a click, instead of feeling your bolt getting held open. The reload is an entierly diffrent story. After playing only SAEGs for 20 years, finally going over to GBBs has really renewed my intrest in the "playing part" of airsoft. Love it.

[@M240Brian]

Dang who’s the good looking dude at 13:49 he seems like a chill dude.

[@kelzar631]

Yeah he hot asf

[@madzane8218]

I love old toy gun commercials that teach kids that guns are toys

[@tylerblalack6684]

That's all I had as a kid. Gi joes and toy guns. Almost impossible to find decent toy guns these days.

[@madzane8218]

@@tylerblalack6684 I had Nerf blasters all growing up. allot of the new nerf rival and gel blasters are really good I wish I had those as a kid. It would've made neighborhood nerf wars so much more fun

[@samuelleal6149]

The first gun safety rule is to have fun

[@Gameprojordan]

I played with toy guns 24-7 as a kid and have never accidently shot anyone with a real one

[@therideneverends1697]

@@tylerblalack6684 i dont know when i was a kid like 10 years ago there where battery operated belt fed nerf guns where you could get creative and link the belts with tape if you spaced them right, from there it was only a matter of how many kids you could get to bear the immense 6 -8 foot belt that was the culmination of the last 45 mins work before raining terror upon whatever your inner destructive toddler felt like coating in foam darts from like 80 feet away while unintentionally discovering crew served MG tactics in childhood

[@macgriggs9350]

I would totally be down for gear and kit reviews as well as retro AR history videos. Black Hawk Down delta and Ranger kits have been done to death but I feel like you would be able to dispel myths about them. I feel like your taste is more niche though so I think it would be interesting to see what you bring to the table. Maybe you’ll popularize a kit we’ve never seen before.

[@healthytrade]

Been loving the videos! It would be really interesting to see more reviews of retro gear setup on the channel! (P.S. Would it be possible to film the slowmo segments like in other videos either outside or under an anti-flicker lightbulb to avoid triggering light sensitivity? I always have to minimize the window when they come on.)

[@ExplosiveEnterprises]

Hey there- we've invested in a flicker-free lighting setup for future slow-mo sequences, so hopefully that shouldn't be an issue going forward.

[@froginthewaves8450]

11:30 INFINITE BURN lmao

[@simplyheck]

Damn, that commenter just got eviscerated

[@stewbacca117]

Nice job as always gents. It's so light, pointable and accurate I don't think they're getting this one back after I finish reviewing it either... Expensive few months coming up. 😂 Wish I had access to RS guns for comparison like you do. 😮‍💨

[@azzamat001]

I love to see retro guns being reviewed. They are more my era (well ok 90s is my era), and after years of collecting all the latest and greatest stuff I started to divest of all the modern guns and start to collect retro ones instead. I just find them more comfortable and fun to use ... even if you encounter the odd thing thas has since been improved on. VFC G3 VFC FAL WE M14 WE M16A1/M203 WE XM177E2 WE XM177 converted to a Colt 653 GHK AKMS GHK/Hepaestus AMD-65 Now that VFC have released their retro ARs I might slowly starting to replace the WE ones.

[@KeystoneCarcajou]

the A1 lowers were mated to new accurized uppers and made into the first generation SAMR's in the Marine Corps during the GWOT.

[@georgewhitworth9742]

Isn't that the Mk12? I thought SAMR's were on top of FN marked A2 lowers?

[@samuraiguy3173]

"Lay off VFC reviews for a while"

[@ExplosiveEnterprises]

Oops- we're going to gently blame a sponsor whose delay in release date pushed back the video that was meant to come before this one. The next VFC product we review will be the FNC, but we've got other content planned before that.

[@rfirtfan2809]

@@ExplosiveEnterprises Oh crap not the FNC I haven't even bought the FAL yet, now I will be even more broke

[@dankmemewalker7738]

This is the most convenient video because I was looking into this M16 and wanted to get it once I get the money. Shame they don't have the M203 iconic handguard or a full auto M16 airgun.

[@mucke7907]

Eh... if VFC brings something cool to the table, why not? Pal of mine just bought a WE M16A1, same configuration seen here. Very nice to shoot. Don't if it could hold a candle to the VFC tho.

[@cillblinton8181]

@@mucke7907the m16 isnt new tho

[@Zynophage]

You should do a review on the WE Ak47. It has a full travel bolt system, which It would be nice to see it covered

[@FAULTSQUADIUM]

I was wondering if the WE AK rifles were any good. GHK is a graveyard for quality AK rifles but I haven't seen any good reviews about WE tech. I personally find the XE style of reviewing to be way more digestible and informative instead of a guy sitting with a wall of guns running his mouth while not showing off any of the stuff he is talking about.

[@Zynophage]

@FAULTSQUADIUM I like the WE AK just for the sheer look and feel of it. With the full travel bolt, the recoil is nothing to scoff at. It fires a bit hot like most WE GBBRs, but I swear it's the most gratifying gbbr to fire because of the kick. I installed an NPAS, but it seemed like that butchered my joule, and fps count too much. So I gotta figure out what to do next. Although most people hate WE tech, I genuinely love WE tech even with their rough edges. I would love if XE would review and test the WE AK because they are really good at reviewing it.

[@maX0229567]

@@FAULTSQUADIUM from what I heard the receiver rusts easily if you live in a humid climate

[@Zynophage]

@@maX0229567 I've played in the rain, and as long you oil and wipe it down, you should be fine

[@ExplosiveEnterprises]

Hopefully we'll have some content on the WE AK system to compare against the upcoming VFC AK-74M later this year. As a minor point of clarification, the WE isn't /quite/ full-travel, as it has the same limitations on bolt travel as other gas AKs due to the need to accommodate a nozzle, but it's the longest travel out of the box. As with most other WEs it has a lot of pot metal parts but can be made reliable by throwing enough money at it, so we're curious about how it will stack up.

[@BallewBlade86]

Great review, I’m not a GBBR guy what’s so ever but this was very well done and informative. Almost has me wanting to try one out. Keep up the good work brother

[@RoachDoggJr2112]

Man I'm glad I got my ALICE gear a while ago. Got literally an entire 83-03 US impression put together for literally less than 700 dollars all told with both an M16A1 and M1612 a few years ago.

[@KevlarKev]

Don't you dare roast my boomer juice....

[@sotarastas7274]

I mean he did just slurp it again right after

[@jessemiles1441]

When I was in the Marines, I fired all three M 16 M16A1 and the M16A2 I qualified with the M 16.

[@therideneverends1697]

any particular favorite?

[@jessemiles1441]

@@therideneverends1697 the M16A2 no jams a brass deflector durable hand guards.

[@bigredinthewild]

Explosive delivers once again. Personally, every vid from here could be a VFC overview, I'll still keep coming back.

[@Thegunn21ss]

The m1956 web set up works pretty well for m16a1 too.

[@yusheng386]

Can't wait VFC M16A2 coming out.

[@tankoftheday7679]

Same, I'm gonna be building out an A4 with it

[@Diles46]

Great overview and also, that CVV helmet absolutely slaps!

[@BrianWISCO]

One thing that wasn't mentioned that I think is important to note is the VFC barrel nut is slightly longer than a RS or aftermarket one to accommodate the longer upper receiver threads. This gives the impression that the barrel isn't screwed on as far as it should be. It's especially noticeable with a grenade launcher. Once you see it it will bother you every day like it does to me 🥲

[@LtStopid]

More retro content? Yes and yes!

[@CharlieBaker4470]

I quite literally JUST got an ALICE kit at a local surplus store for only 50-ish dollars. I'm not saying this is the case everywhere (its not, especially online), but cheap ALICE kits are out there, if you can find them that is.

[@geckk]

Honestly, if you guys ever decide to make a real gun channel, I would definitely subscribe. I honestly love your channel, it’s pretty much what makes me and my friends want to get back into airsoft again.

[@jontribs5275]

i’m currently working on a retro cqb kit rn (early 90’s gulf war, i love dnc) seeing more and more on this stuff makes me feel less bad about all the surplus i have bought lol.

[@AirsoftGasBlowback]

Love the comparison of real steel vs replica. Thanks for the appreciation of minute detail of replicas ❤

[@banjobill8420]

Definitely more on the boat of selling my we tech now and getting the vfc. Just hate to have to start over with acquiring mags now that I've 8 mags.

[@Taseden]

The M16 is the GOAT because of that 20" barrel. Not sure why the 20" is not as popular as it should be since you get the best ballistics from a 5.56 round (3200 fps, yes daddy) while dealing with less gas to the face and recoil. Also it looks cool asf.

[@therideneverends1697]

also like, if your not literally room clearing 20 inches is more an advantage than disadvantage in my book, longer sight radius, more natural "point ability"

[@WaLdgeiSt_]

Great video! Also yes to both retro ar and retro gear videos.

[@jacobcline8925]

i would absolutely love a retro gear setup video!!!

[@cztv558]

Vietman era/ Cold war brought tons of awesome guns that wish we had more Airsoft versions of them

[@Effdddgr]

Bro roasted the shit out of that furry lmao

[@AkiraBenjiro]

i own the WE M16 before and it should be the time to get a new

[@fluffls]

you should really do a review of the ghk sig 552, pleeeeeease

[@austinboston5643]

that guy who named his 1911's after mlp characters browses /k/, I just know it.

[@Furko08]

They don't sell these "classic" looking M16 GBBs from VFC in Germany for some reason so I had to buy a WE M16A3 recently. I never had problems with my WE AKS-74u so I hope this one will run well too

[@calebsomera2080]

Leaving furry accounts linked to your gun account truly shows the duality of man tbh

[@Krag-Jorgensen30-40]

I’ve noticed a lot of furries in the gun community tbh. Not judging, just something I noticed

[@xXxDaN00bxXx]

I know you said in a previous video you're going to cover VFC's AK once it releases. But are you also going to review their PPSH-41 as well?

[@ExplosiveEnterprises]

We're definitely interested in the PPSh.

[@Never2Yung4aVietnamFlashback]

What gopro mount are you using for your helmet?

[@minkshaming]

I know it was actually 2 days ago, but I'm going to count this video as an 18th birthday gift (to me).

[@321Immanuel]

Happy birthday stranger

[@minkshaming]

@@321Immanuel Thanks Immanuel!

[@nickgikasvo]

Happy birthday!

[@minkshaming]

@@nickgikasvo Thanks, Nick!

[@ArenBerberian]

Im sorry but i had to ignore your advice on the 30-round mags, webbing, and sling, to instead rock up to the field in full Vietnam kit, with the 20mags and M1956 webbing! That said I did get the XM16 variant over the A1 to really cement this look haha.

[@frankparker245]

Hey man, great video, would you reckon the VFC M16A2 coming out soon will be largely similar in terms performance and recommended upgrades?

[@ExplosiveEnterprises]

By the looks of things it ought to be identical in general build quality and performance. Though lately we've been having great results with stock blue VFC buckings that may warrant a video of its own, so definitely test the stock hop before replacing parts.

[@frankparker245]

@@ExplosiveEnterprises Amazing, thanks for replying so fast, it’ll be my first GBBR and I love A2’s so I wanna make sure I do it right. FYI I’m amazed your channel isn’t bigger, your production quality is great.

[@Thegunn21ss]

Great vid man!

[@Model1928]

Will you ever review the “Rare Arms” AR-I5 shell ejecting rifle? It would be nice to see a full english review/maintenance video on it, since most of the videos ive seen are in Japanese/korean

[@lalopalomalo9987]

Hey man I wanted to say good video and I wanted to ask where did you get that magazine shown in the thumbnail because I've been trhing ti find myself one bevuase it looks nice and has more of a capacity thank you! 😁

[@theracer1117]

You should come and play at my local field, with the saw that would be awesome.

[@romulosantos7829]

The vfc m16a2 gbbr is coming , I hope we get to see an explosive review soon. With a lot of burst fire 😂😂

[@Boeing727223]

Great video! I'm thinking you can use a real A1 handguard cap? I have a DNA A1 barrel and front sight base on the way for my VFC M16A1 and of course I have real steel rifles and parts. I can probably remove the VFC front sight base to get the handguard cap but would like to avoid that if possible. Receivers on this rifle should be a medium grey anodized finish so probably apply the Colt Grayish-Black Colt Flat Norrell's finish on mine. This replicates a 69-71 M16A1 as A1's produced from 72 on had the CM or CH forging codes on the upper receiver recess on the rear part of the carrying handle. Thanks

[@JackMartison]

Hey, will you make review for upcoming VFC Ak-74m gbb? It should be one of the most detailed Ak replicas on the market.

[@warci]

nothing to do with this video, but could you guys make one of those clickbait "top 5" lists with hardest kicking, bang for the buck, most real steel etc?

[@pizzawithbuck6982]

1:49 the ultimate gnome soldier

[@moldybrot2903]

Would you say the VFC XM177E2 is more comparable in realism to the VFC M16 or M733? Don't know if you got your hands on it but I'd like to get one. Also my knowledge of the 177E2 is not that deep, all I know is that it's a M16A1 with a 11.5 (I think) barrel. Are there any differences in details (minor things that are not obviously visible)?

[@maximilianglaus9811]

On what bases do you recommend the g&p m203? I find very little information comparing the different producers…

[@sonoio7145]

Finally someone unbiased using the unicorn bucking!!! I was thinking about trying it out as I couldn't get good information on its performance, how does it compare to maple leaf autobot or mr hop? Does it have better range and/or accuracy?

[@ExplosiveEnterprises]

We found it more consistent than the Maple Leaf buckings /for this specific gun/. We cannot over-stress that since hop designs vary, different buckings will behave differently in different guns. Unfortunately, we can't make any guarantees.

[@sonoio7145]

Thank you! And thank you for all your reviews, nobody else makes them this good and in depth, you already helped me fix countless problems in my gbbrs

[@insanehellboy6212]

Ngl i love the a1 variants of the m16 but if i managed to get one of these i want to change the externals to look like the m16a4 just one of my favourite looking rifles blame mw2 😂

[@joshboy1st]

great vid, am after a d type stock for my vfc xm16e1 inpossible to find here in the uk sadly ):

[@geckk]

Holy shit you destroyed that guy lol.

[@mrsherman5012]

i just got the vfc m16a1 but i have like 1 problem the bolt catch travels to far so it get's stuck on the houseing for the valve knocker did fix it with a oring with the spring but any idea why that cud be. and maybe another better ide then a oring

[@libb3n]

Viper Tech is not that much more once you get all upgraded parts or surplus for the vfc.

[@tankenjoyer4107]

hey mr enterprises you should do a video on converting a aeg gun to a gbb

[@Entariduz]

Might I ask of you a WE G3 review?

[@Holanduzo]

8:56 what inner barrel did you installed? I mean brand and model (510mm is clear), thanks.

[@ExplosiveEnterprises]

In the past we've used Maple Leaf Crazy Jet barrels as a cheap replacement for bad inner barrels, and that's what's in the M16, but due to ongoing QC issues (and the general snake oil of the supposed 'crazy jet' effect) nowadays we recommend Unicorn barrels instead. As a nice bonus they include the Unicorn bucking, which we quite like.

[@Deus1236]

Another good video!

[@stillchillyeas]

Would it be a bad idea to buy one of these just to swap the upper and turn it into a C7A2?

[@Lostandfoundbinwow]

What upgrades do you have on your vfc m16a1?

[@RealEyes24]

the bb trajectory on these GBB guns is just ridiculous compared to AEG, they need to do something about that, they are not accurate at all!

[@MoryiMX]

Its a shame the FNC got pushed back, but this is just as good

[@Mountain_Armory]

Tm AKX and APFG MCX video soon? 🙏

[@IamGygz]

Love that M16 as ever. Good vid bro.

[@Exerillo]

Awesome. My next airsoft gun.

[@TurkistanSeneti]

Does US version come with a orange tube?

[@crazydonuts4781]

Could yall do a video over an aim svd or we svd? I'm just curious about them.

[@ArmandD]

Anything on the M14 in the production pipeline?

[@draxusdemos8266]

Quick question I'm trying to gear up for night games, and my present rifle is an M16A1. Any advice for mounting a flashlight on it?

[@georgewhitworth9742]

Either duct tape it, or get yourself a PVS-2 with a carry handle mount, lol

[@therideneverends1697]

Electrical tape, boom, done

[@Captain_Coleslaw]

That war thunder jab hurted

[@Furko08]

11:50 hold up... why do you open the can that way?

[@ExplosiveEnterprises]

Tragically, Catgut appears to have filled his brain with so much niche AR/GBB knowledge that it has displaced his memory of how to correctly open a can. He will be re-educated on this matter.

[@Furko08]

@@ExplosiveEnterprises don't make him lose his AR knowledge tho. How else will we learn about 50 shades of colt recievers?

[@AFOKHAOS]

11:35 A furry roleplayer that's also wearing an SS officers cap... 🤨 I'm holding out hope that VFC will do an M16A2 and 727. I had my MWS set up as an M16A3 for years waiting for someone to make an A2 body kit and then when they finally came, it was the same price as the gun itself so I never bought one. Might sell it if VFC release one though.

[@ExplosiveEnterprises]

VFC has an M16A2 in the works. Current scuttlebutt is a release in July, and with an A2 upper they will have all the parts available to build a 727, if it isn't sold as its own product.

[@AFOKHAOS]

@@ExplosiveEnterprises Sadly sold the MWS yesterday but just saw the A2's being listed. Are you guys going to be doing a review on it? Your guys word is law on these VFCs!

[@ExplosiveEnterprises]

@@AFOKHAOS Not only is the A2 now listed, but VFC is also releasing a 727! We don't have any current plans to review either, but based on the pictures and description we expect them to be identical in materials, design, and build quality to the M16A1/M733, with two exceptions. First, the magazines have been slightly changed, following the change made on T91 mags- it's a little hard to explain, but look at the mag catch slot and you'll see the difference. And second, the A2 (but not the 727) will have burst rather than full auto, which will alter the fire control mechanics a bit. We might see if we can explore that at some point, but for now we really do want to lay off the VFC reviews a bit 😅

[@AFOKHAOS]

@@ExplosiveEnterprises I saw the 727! I'll probably pick one up if the A2 goes well although I fear for the reliability and wear on the burst function. But it'll be nice to finally replace all my G&P AEGs with GBBRs!

[@Jakkudama]

Any chance at reviewing the UMP?

[@janmach1355]

Any chance of making video on VFC KAC SR16E3 CQB MOD2 GBB (V3)?

[@aminegabteni3608]

love it, but unfortunatly, cannot be bought in Europe anymore

[@jeffreybrown]

“I said, what I said” 😂

[@theAirsoftM1]

Can you make a review on the golden eagle/matrix gas shotguns or the vmp1. I want this review because I want a relatively cheap gas cqb gun and NOBODY makes better reviews than this channel. If anyone has better options in the 220$ to 250$ please reply to this comment and tag me.

[@cosmiceyness]

What is the background music at around 13:43?

[@ExplosiveEnterprises]

The music comes from this playlist- should be around three-quarters of the way through: kzbin.info/www/bejne/aJ6ndJZumbiYZ6c

[@cosmiceyness]

@@ExplosiveEnterprises you are a legend

[@BAKAAirsoft-ue1nl]

whats up with the weird camera artifacting?

[@CharlieMikeNS]

9:23 - front end of what? BCG?

[@bobybot9320]

the video transitions between rs shooting and the next second pointing the exact replica at people made me flinch 😅

[@samj.s3132]

Give me retro gear setups please!!!! 🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰

[@caelumrobocop]

all i want is an m16 with wood furniture

[@sylithics]

What about the m16a2… 🤔

[@PrivateDerpy]

What M8 rubber bladed bayonet is that?

[@cortbrailey5116]

Im really stuck between getting this or a tm mws

[@chpdip94]

I personally have had alot of trouble trying to find mags of any sort for the M4 MWS for over 2 years now, as they're much more expensive than VFC mags. I'd recommend looking into the aftermarket parts market for both guns. The TM MWS cannot take milspec parts while the VFC can. I've personally found tokyo marui mags and the aftermarket a hassle to deal with all around as compared to the magazines of other brands, but I know others don't.

[@cortbrailey5116]

Vfc gbbr or tm mws?