Echo 1 M14 RIS [EBR] The Birdman's Review

[kurow]

Echo 1 R.I.S. [E.B.R.] review
Kurow/ Team Strikers


This review will consist of (7) seven sections. Rifle specifications, Introduction, External review, Internal review, Field Test, Pro’s and Con’s, and finally the Conclusion.

Rifle Specifications:

Echo 1 M14 [EBR]

Action: Electric Powered
Fire Selector: Semi and Full Auto
Magazine Capacity: Detachable box magazine
Max Effective Range: 330 fps (stock)
Gearbox Type: Ver. 7
Battery Pack Size: Mini or Custom


Introduction:

Before removing the rifle from the box, you will immediately feel the gravitational pull, from the merciless weight the rifle displays. It has already been stated in other reviews that I have read, so I will say this here once, “This is all metal boys.” Now, since that is out of our systems, back on mission. Once I got it home, all I could do is stand there with my cup of coffee, nodding, as if the rifle was holding a conversation with me. Visually, the rifle is awesome, but there are some “differences”. We will get to that later. For those who are not familiar with the M14 RIS [EBR], it’s a modified M14/21 with the picattiny rail system on the hand-guards, a vertical elevating cheek-rest, and a horizontal retracting butt-stock. Think of this as when the M4 first received its rails, removable carry handle, and all the other bells and whistles that come along.


External Review:
When the M14 RIS [EBR] was removed from the box, I had to find some lubricant to fix several rusted screws on the rifle. Also I implored the Allen wrenches because many of the screws were loose and needed tightened, especially the screws at the front (the RIS). All six screws on top. I had to tighten the other screws as well. The four screws that stop or hold it in place, the butt-stock, and the three that secures the hand-guards. Flipping the rifle so that the pistol grip is pointed toward the ceiling, I tightened the five screws that held the butt-stock to the retracting bar.

Butt-stock
Now, here is where I find it necessary to talk about the operation of the butt-stock and cheek-rest. There are two mechanisms that control the horizontal and vertical operation of the butt-stock. A lever, for the vertical elevation of the cheek-rest, and a button, for the horizontal retraction of the butt-stock. First, the location of the lever is on the right side of the rifle. (We determine the right and left side of a weapon by holding it in a firing stance.) It’s located at the end of the butt-stock on the right side as stated before. Raise the lever up and pull the cheek-rest as high as you can. Then, push the lever back down to its original position. You may notice some resistance, that’s okay. It will insure that the cheek-rest will stay locked. If you look where that rear sling ring is located, you will also notice railing along the end of the rifle. Just beyond that is the button that controls the horizontal contraction, associated with the butt-stock. Press and hold it down, since the rifle is metal and new, you may not be able to extend the butt-stock. There are six notches that allow the clamps to rest in. At first it will show resistance, but after a while it won’t show any stiffness. Notice that there are two Allen wrench screws at the front of the tactical butt-stock bar and where the main clamps rest, there are two circular slots. This is to temporarily, hold the butt-stock in it's longest position. Just remove the four screws (two on each side), and replace them once the holes are aligned with the circular slots. *Be extremely careful when opening or closing the butt-stock. It will bite you!

Pistol Grip
The pistol grip is made of plastic, although solid, I am not as confident in it, due to the rifle being “All metal boys”. Guess I went back on my word. That will be 50 push-ups for me. Now recover! Aye sir! Anyway, included in the box is a piece of plastic that fits inside the space located at the bottom of the pistol-grip. Just allign the two rods with the two holes and snap it into place. I imagine this would be for prevention of dirt and mud entering the bottom of the pistol-grip. Any other reason is far beyond me, As you may notice the motor is not located in the pistol grip as with most AEG’s. The motor is is located directly above the pistol grip. Laying in a horizontal PT position. (For those who are not familiar with this abbreviation, it stands for Physical Training (push-ups)) While we are at it, lets examine the Hop-Up, Mag-well, and battery location.

Hop-Up
Located within the chassis of the mag-well, forward of the hop-up feed, lies the hop-up dial. The dial will click with the slightest turn. Be aware that turning the dial left, increases the hop-up. Turning the dial right, decreases the hop-up.

Magazines and Mag-well
Magazines are placed in the mag-well at an angle, going forward first , then back, catching the magazine release lever. Just think about the bb’s going in first. It may take some time getting use to. The magazines are 260 round, high cap(pacity) mags. Classic Army magazines were tested to see if they could fit with success. So keep that in mind when you are shopping around for standard magazines.

Battery Storage
Located in front of the Mag-well are the hand-guards that are made of plastic. You will notice three Allen wrench screws. Removing those screws will reveal the washers under them. Taking the hand-guards off will unveil the area in which your battery of choice can fit. With the current 9.6v 1500mAh battery that comes along to boot, it’s a tight fit, but can be done. I had to unscrew the the bar that separates the batteries so that the connecting cord on the battery can go under it. Once seated, the battery in place, replace the hand-guards, washers, and Allen wrench screws. You have just added 1 pound to the already heavy rifle.
*Note: Once battery is in place, be aware that it hinders the full range of action of the bolt!

RIS
As said before the rifle is equipped with a rail system, four to be exact. Three small rails and one large. The large rail is the main rail, located on the top. There are two smaller rails on the left and right sides, which can be used for the mounting of a tactical flashlight and/or the AN/PEQ-2 IR/Illuminator battery holder. The bottom rail can fit a vertical grip or a bi-pod. It’s a tight fit trying to fit both a bi-pod and vertical grip. There is an extra rail that can be attached to a slot just forward the rear sight aperture. Match the slots up and deploy the smallest Allen wrench. Make it tight as possible, so that it doesn’t move when a scope is mounted on the rifle. I was disappointed that a regular bipod, along with its accessories is not enough to mount it to the M14. Unless a bipod adaptor is purchased, No deal. An adaptor can be purchased at harrisbipods.com for $39.74 S&H. Also Echo 1 has there own bi-pod for $55.00. It comes equipped with both the bipod and the adaptor.
*Note: There is a hole that will accept a based mount rail. An additional rear rail mount would have to be purchased to support the second screw. The extra rear rail piece that comes in the box, does not accept the second screw.

Front and Rear Sight
The front and rear sight work as they both should. Although I use a scope, I am not satisfied with the functions of the rear sight aperture (Iron sights). Where I am use to hard clicks when I turn the dials, it seems to slide in to position, with some resistance (the elevation dial).

Fire selector switch
The selector switch is the same as the standard M14/21 rifle.
*Note: Use the smallest Allen wrench to tighten the screw in the switch. My screw was loose and came off.
*Note2: This could be an alternative to disabling the full auto switch - vs - other methods. Simply remove the switch while on semi auto.

Internal Review: TBA
Field Test: TBA- due to inclement weather.

Pros:
1. Low cost. $220.00
2. Comes with extra accessories ex. 2 magazines, battery charger, etc.
3. Can use most M14 magazines.

Cons:
1. Heavy!
2. Rear butt-stock is not the original design.
3. Can’t fit any bi-pod on the RIS. Must purchase extra adaptor.
4. Screws come rusted in box, easily stripped.
5. Short version barrel.

Conclusion:
Beside the numerous negatives that come along with the purchase of this rifle, the only real drawback to the M14 RIS [EBR] is the weight that this thing has. There will be a few players during the 2008 season that will purchase this rifle and will look pretty cool. Decked out in their gear that they saved their funds for and will literally have their back-sides dragged through the mud by this rifle. You won’t be carrying this rifle; this rifle will be carrying YOU! But there is hope. Start doing push ups now and there may be hope for you yet. No seriously, think hard if you really want to purchase this thing. It is no joke when it comes to your health and risking your own back-side out on the field due to fatigue. I have waited a while for this rifle; I may have to wait again. . . . . . for a light weight version. Even though the real world rifle’s shortened barrel gives the M14 EBR/RIS CQB (Close Quarters Battle) capabilities, I do not recommend ECHO 1’s M14 RIS the same. I know, I know. You’re asking, “Who does this guy think he is?” Well, I’ll tell you who I’m not. I’m not the Master Sergeant (Ret. MSG Mullen). You see that guys arms? He’s what, 50, with arms the size of tree trunks. I’m the birdman, which equivocates to bird arms. No seriously, this rifle will be one of those rifles that the user will spend the majority of the time, in a fixed, concealed position. In a prone position. Possibly sleeping. And if it just so happens that they are instructed to move, someone is going to receive an earful.

But if you are a M14 fan such as me, and you want a upgraded look to your kit, getting Echo 1 M14 [EBR] is a necessity.

This is Kurow, punching out.
*NOTE: Internal and Field Test review-TBA 2008 Spring season.

[Cut Throat]

Do you have any pictures of yours?

[kurow]

Nope, I apologize that I am unable to quench the viewing pleasures of the public. I plan on having some up by the next time I post the Second part of my review. (Some time next quarter) Stay tuned.

[kurow]

Originally Posted by bravo 20

Wow nice words. Did you use a thesaurus to write that review?

You have GOT to be kidding me.

[Veritas]

Awesome review, very well written. Can't wait to see the rest.

[Mr. Black]

Nice Review Kurow. Here are some pics of a very excited Birdman after picking up his new EBR.

[Iron Maiden]

Omg!!! He Was Caught On Film?????

[kurow]

Dude that box was so heavy. I looked like that because my arms were about to fall off.

[kurow]

Pics, of my M14 EBR will be posted 21MAR2008. Stay tuned

http://i420.photobucket.com/albums/p...w/DSC01345.jpg

[amortech]

Hey great review there was alot of good information regarding this model =D. I really like how similar this model is to the actual m14 mod 0 ebr there are very few differences. It's a shame though that this model was not based off of some of the other m14 mod 0 ebrs' that have a smaller grip so as to allow for a longer ris rail on the bottom making it easier to attach a foreward vertical grip and a bipod at the same time. Anyways I eagerly await the performance part of this review. I have heard that this model was chronoing higher than the recorded stock fps. I hope this airsoft gun can hold its own compared to others out there and the other echo 1s'.

[Ribijk122]

Good review enjoyed reading it.

[kurow]

Once the weather gets up to speed, I will do a performance and overall evaluation.