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If there is an extra line for an alternative title, I would have name this..."Buy Echo1 M14 and get a free workout!" Why?! Read on...

Echo1 M14 RIS ... a Review by Allizard

Part I - First Impression.

I am not going to bother with History and Standard Spec, I'm going straight to the impression.

Some photo first...




User Manual and Warranty Card, Even thou it's still a short 30 days. Makes me wonder if this entirely necessary. However, it's still a good thing they are doing this. Make sure you send it in.


User Manual is written is clear simple to understand instruction. No Engrish here. But seriously who reads manual?


Inside the box you'll find the following..
- Gun
- 3 Point sling
- Battery
- Standard wall charger
- Extra mag
- Some extra parts and two small hex wrench
- Cleaning / unjamming Rod


Battery is a sausage (or is it nun-chuck) 9.6v 1500mAh Large type


3 Point Sling that comes with the package is actually half decent.


Close up of the buckle. Half decent ... but I still have some reserve it will hold up with the M14 RIS.

Flip the level up to adjust the cheek rest.

This is extra parts to mount optics on top of the original sight.



If you haven't notice already, Echo1 didn't call this gun a M14 EBR. They label it at M14 RIS and I was told they can't use the EBR name and may have something to do with trade dress issue. So for the remaining review I'll call it the M14 RIS.

Let me just say this... ever since I saw the cover of Arms Magazine in the Aug 2006 issue I got really curious about the M14 EBR... ahem... M14 RIS. I was never a M14 fan and always thought the gun is a bit "old fashion" But something about this gun seems different. It's old school but it's got new body and I like the collapsible stock. It started to grow on me. And No I'm pretty sure it's not about the girl that's holding the gun.



Anyway, I am extremely happy to hear Echo1 is bringing the M14 RIS to US and I just can't wait to get my grubby hands all over it. As I have mentioned earlier I would have name this review with an alternative title. I wasn't kidding. I knew the gun is heavy and I suspect more weight is in the front. But I wasn't prepare how heavy this gun really is. A whooping 11lbs and 13oz. That's just the gun without BB's and battery installed. With it loaded it's going to be more than 12 lbs. Maybe exceeding 13lbs with a beefier battery. We haven't even add optics or flash light / laser.



I can't say enough now heavy this gun is. I guess if you are build like Arnold, run with this gun is like a walk in the park. But if you are less physical, this gun is guarantee will give you a workout. If you shoot right hand, you left arms is going to get sore. I think a bi-pod will really help but using this gun isn't for people who like to run and gun anyway.

For all you full metal gun freaks out there will be happy to know that the gun very few plastic. You'll only notice the grip, shoulder rest, cheek rest, the foward hand guard and the tiny motor cover. Everything else is metal.

Fit and finish is nothing to brag about, It's decent over all and metal isn't shiny. On my test sample the collapsible wouldn't stay lock. I have to push the lever up underneath the rails to lock it. A bit annoying but I think the problem is fixable soon as I starting to do a take down. Will keep you guys updated.

Looks awesome! Can't wait for the full review.

Update...





The battery compartment barely enough to house a 9.6 large type. However because of the construction with a rail in the middle they are using a nun-chuck type battery with a small Tamiya plug. It is a tight fit and you have to hide the battery plug next to the bolt and outer barrel otherwise you can't put the cover (hang guard) on. This is a problem with placement as you can see the picture above. The plug is next to the sping with the bolt. After I put the cover on, Don't expect to be able to pull the bolt again.



Also, I notice when I screw the cover too tight, somehow it'll cause the mag not locking in the mag well. So becareful on this.

It looks nice, but I wonder how good the internals are. My G&P EBR kit weighs in at 12lbs 14oz, but thats the long barrel version which I'm sure adds a little weight. Now with the sniper mount, the KA M3 scope and the G&P M203 mine weighs about 18lbs... These EBRs are not plasticy toys.

Internal are base on the Kart M14. It's clone so I am not expecting too much out of it. However, I have the Scout short barrel version and I actually like it. This M14 RIS have metal bushing and metal spring guild added as well.... I won't be able to tell you good or bad it performs until I start to field this gun.

how long is this gun? is it more than 40 inches? and where did you buy that it came with all that accessories?

The gun is 39 inches long fully extended. Echo1 package their gun with all the accessories. Any Echo1 retailers like ASGI, Evike, or me can sell this gun.

I'm planning of adding this gun on my load, currently i have the vector arms mp5 full metal. I am 5'7 weighs 130 pounds, skinny, i am wondering if this gun will look too big for me?