Echo 1 M249 PARA vs A&K MK43

[Switchback]

I am seriously looking into getting a support weapon for the field, and want honest opinions.

I already used the search bar and noticed that the MK43 has noticeable hop up and magazine issues, and the M249 is a more standard and consistent workhorse. I like the look of the MK43 better, and think it would be far more unique, but I have had experience with the M249 (real steel) and instantly fell in love.
That being said, I am on the fence!

I would appreciate if only owners of the actual replicas would comment and tell me any problems they have had with the weapon, and which one they would get given a second chance.

Thank You!

[Coot_Prichards]

Switchback, I think there has already been a bit of discussion re: the A+K m249 on this board. And the Echo 1 is basically the same gun from my understanding.

http://airsoftpacific.com/viewtopic.php ... light=m249

There is a very comprehensive M249 review on the Arnies Forum:
http://arniesairsoft.co.uk/news2/2119

I purchased a new version A+K m249 about a month ago from airsplat and have fielded it once. The overall construction is pretty solid and the takedown is very easy. The grip on mine immediately came loose but that's an easy fix and I think it's safe to say that on most clones something tends to come loose the first time you field it!

The hop-up actually appears to be better than previous versions in terms of nub and bucking and turned all the way up it did have some effect. So far I've put 4500 rounds or so through her and she seems to be holding up!

Good luck, hope that helps.

[Chefzilla]

I'm not sure what magazine issues you've read about on the Mk.43 but I never had any. I loved my Pig until I dropped in a spring that was a bit too strong for her.

I'd say since I've carried both that there's a pretty significant weight and length difference between the two. The Para will be lighter and shorter but for me it's all about the Pig.

I'm a huge M60 whore. It's what I trained on when I was in the Army.

[Switchback]

MrBrooklyn: I was talking about an A&K MK43 (M60 Chopped), not an A&K M249. Thank you though, this gives me an idea of the overall company.

Chefzilla: Does your M60 still work, or did you leave her dead?

[league 4]

MrBrooklyn: I was talking about an A&K MK43 (M60 Chopped), not an A&K M249. Thank you though, this gives me an idea of the overall company.

Chefzilla: Does your M60 still work, or did you leave her dead?

What? Your original post clearly states that you're interested in the A&K M249 as well... But, the biggest difference between the two IMO is the box mag placement. The M60 one makes it hard to hold and is annoyingly uncomfortable but the M249 one is directly underneath so it's a bit easier to carry.

[renotheturk02]

MrBrooklyn: I was talking about an A&K MK43 (M60 Chopped), not an A&K M249. Thank you though, this gives me an idea of the overall company.

Chefzilla: Does your M60 still work, or did you leave her dead?

What? Your original post clearly states that you're interested in the A&K M249 as well... But, the biggest difference between the two IMO is the box mag placement. The M60 one makes it hard to hold and is annoyingly uncomfortable but the M249 one is directly underneath so it's a bit easier to carry.

In the title it says Echo 1 M249, although, as mentioned, the Echo 1 is a rebrand of the A&K.

[Catch22]

[league 4]

MrBrooklyn: I was talking about an A&K MK43 (M60 Chopped), not an A&K M249. Thank you though, this gives me an idea of the overall company.

Chefzilla: Does your M60 still work, or did you leave her dead?

What? Your original post clearly states that you're interested in the A&K M249 as well... But, the biggest difference between the two IMO is the box mag placement. The M60 one makes it hard to hold and is annoyingly uncomfortable but the M249 one is directly underneath so it's a bit easier to carry.

In the title it says Echo 1 M249, although, as mentioned, the Echo 1 is a rebrand of the A&K.

Oh I see. Yeah, Echo1 M249's are A&K M249's with dumber trademarks, and are more expensive. Just so you know.

[Switchback]

I apologize for my ignorance; I was unaware that Echo1 rebranded A&K...

Moving on, I like the fact that M249's have the centered box magazine as opposed to the awkwardness of the M60's staggered magazine.

Does the MK43 also have a Version 2 Gearbox? I have seen in reviews that they have a quick change system, and this worries me; isn't a V2 with a quick change unusual (and a weakening factor) in a support weapon?

[Limpy]

SAWs are incredibly unreliable, and will break hundreds of times, externally or internally.

Don't get either, honestly. Ask anyone who's ever owned an A&K SAW. They're absolutely terrible.

[Switchback]

SAWs are incredibly unreliable, and will break hundreds of times, externally or internally.

Don't get either, honestly. Ask anyone who's ever owned an A&K SAW. They're absolutely terrible.

How about an M60? I'm leaning more towards those just because I was with MrPuppy and Billdo at LoW II and they used them to great effect.

[-Shifty-]

The only support weapon I would consider buyin would be the G&P MK46. Jewish Ninja has one and it's f***ing sweet. But even then. Support weapons are super high maintenance and you need to be willing to put the time and money into it. If you left it stock and didn't fine tune it and upgrade it, you would just have a shitty, overweight and overpriced AEG.

[league 4]

SAWs are incredibly unreliable, and will break hundreds of times, externally or internally.

Don't get either, honestly. Ask anyone who's ever owned an A&K SAW. They're absolutely terrible.

After owning two A&K's, I completely agree with that.

Neither use V2 gearboxes, only G&P M249's do. I prefer G&P M249's over all other's for what it's worth. After the two A&K's, a STAR MK46, a TOP M249 w/PGC gearbox, TOP M60, and using a couple CA M249's, I still really miss my G&P... The others, not so much. Don't have a lot of experience with their M60's but according to a teammate of mine, they are really bad.

[Switchback]

So stay away from support weapons unless you want to spend $500 to $900 on a CA or G&P?

Thank you all for dissuading my passion for LMG's/MMG's.

This can be locked now.
Thank you!

[league 4]

Not necessarily. That's just my opinion, there are people happy with their A&K's out there.