MAGPUL MASADA ACR FS AEG (Black)

Before I start, here are a few credentials. I have been playing airsoft for about 5 years now, this replaced my previous hobby of hardcore downhill mountain bike racing. With airsoft, I get a better adrenalin rush without the fear of serious injury and immanent death!

I admit that I always want the best from my airsoft rifles, previously I was a hardcore Systema owner (M16A3 PTW) but became disillusioned with the fragility of that system. I wanted a gun that would perform day in day out, rain or snow (I live in England) without the drama of a Systema. The problem with Systema is that the magazines are a weak point, you have to take time to bed the magazines in, then keep them clean of all dirt and dust. Too much maintenance in my opinion.

So I sold my Systema and had cash burning a hole in my pocket, what to buy? I saw the Magpul Masada ACR on the eHobby Asia channel (YouTube) and quite liked the look of it. I did some research and decided to buy the Magpul ACR FS from eHobby.

You can buy this AEG from a UK retailer for £400, but I wanted something different so I went for the ACR FS with the multi-position stock (a £70 option in the UK). After I ordered it (taking into account customs charges) with 6 Magpul eMag mid-caps, it actually worked out cheaper than ordering it from a UK supplier, bonus! (though you will have to wait a bit longer for your rifle to arrive).

Quick word on the Magpul eMag mid-caps: I usually play with mid-caps, preferring the silence of magazines that don't rattle with bb's! Having owned a Systema, the mags are a total pain, fragile, prone to jamming and very sensitive to dirt. The Magpul eMag's load easily, feed reliably and have caps to protect them from dirt. Systema mid-caps are £40, Magpul ACR mid-caps are £10 but are infinitely more reliable...which would you rather have?

Having owned Systema, I was completely blown away by the ACR's trigger response. The big selling point for Systema is the single shot response and I feel the Magpul ACR is equal to the task. With an 11.1v Lipo battery fitted, the trigger response is crisp, almost like a switch. This negates the use of full auto fire as semi-auto fire is immediate and the ability to put accurate, sustained fire down on your opponents is very satisfying.

The gun has very good build quality and is well supported with a range of accessories ( I would definitely recommend the MS2 mulit-mission sling). So, in summary:

Pros: Incredible trigger response, good build quality, excellent mid-caps, solid and reliable.
Cons: The QD sling mounts on the multi-position stock are virtually useless

Al in all, a gun that can hold it's own against equivalent Systema rifles at a 3rd of the cost. Snap one up now as they are the bargain of the century.