07-08-2010, 12:19 AM
Calling on AEG smiths! Who makes the best reinforced gearbox for the M4 / M16 series of rifles? I want a gearbox that I can just drop in without any worries about it breaking. I do not like working on gearboxes. 
07-08-2010, 12:50 AM
Do you mean gearbox shell, or complete drop in gearbox?
Gearbox shell, the best was probably the MTHaynes gearbox. No longer in production, expect to be asked to pay around 400 for a second hand one, possibly more.
The PGC split gearboxes were also supposed to be very strong, but had an integrated hopup, so were only usable in M4 variants, and were notoriously difficult to set up properly. Seen these go for around 200 with guts in them, no longer in production.
Then there's the CNCed aluminum china-made gearbox on ebairsoft, which I know nothing about, but you can probably find info on at arnies. Still for sale, around 150 bucks.
Lastly there are the usual reinforced gearboxes from deepfire, systema, guarder, etc. These will run you around 50-60 dollars new.
Moral of the story, best bet is to buy a standard reinforced gearbox, install it correctly, don't abuse it, and replace it for another 50-60 bucks when it breaks. Unless of course you're planning on shooting full auto at 600 fps with something like a 12 volt battery in the dead of winter, then the MTHaynes box is the right one for you.
Best drop in gearbox, systema is the standard, I personally have not had trouble with G&P or Guarder, but mileage will vary.
Gearbox shell, the best was probably the MTHaynes gearbox. No longer in production, expect to be asked to pay around 400 for a second hand one, possibly more.
The PGC split gearboxes were also supposed to be very strong, but had an integrated hopup, so were only usable in M4 variants, and were notoriously difficult to set up properly. Seen these go for around 200 with guts in them, no longer in production.
Then there's the CNCed aluminum china-made gearbox on ebairsoft, which I know nothing about, but you can probably find info on at arnies. Still for sale, around 150 bucks.
Lastly there are the usual reinforced gearboxes from deepfire, systema, guarder, etc. These will run you around 50-60 dollars new.
Moral of the story, best bet is to buy a standard reinforced gearbox, install it correctly, don't abuse it, and replace it for another 50-60 bucks when it breaks. Unless of course you're planning on shooting full auto at 600 fps with something like a 12 volt battery in the dead of winter, then the MTHaynes box is the right one for you.
Best drop in gearbox, systema is the standard, I personally have not had trouble with G&P or Guarder, but mileage will vary.
07-08-2010, 01:11 AM
Hi Birchm,
Thank you for clarifying that up. Yes, I meant a complete gearbox that is ready to be installed, not just the gearbox shell.
What do you know of the generation 2 KWA gearboxes? I don't know if they sell them as a separate accessory from their rifles, but I heard that they are made strong straight from the factory.
No, I'm not one to take my AEG to the extremes. I just want a gearbox that will give me no hassle in a rifle that will shoot between 400 to 425 fps with 10 to 20 round bursts a trigger pull.
Thank you for clarifying that up. Yes, I meant a complete gearbox that is ready to be installed, not just the gearbox shell.
What do you know of the generation 2 KWA gearboxes? I don't know if they sell them as a separate accessory from their rifles, but I heard that they are made strong straight from the factory.
No, I'm not one to take my AEG to the extremes. I just want a gearbox that will give me no hassle in a rifle that will shoot between 400 to 425 fps with 10 to 20 round bursts a trigger pull.
07-08-2010, 11:25 AM
Birchm hits the nail on the head but unless you're willing to do your own upgrades then it's sounds like a KWA will fit your needs. It's reinforced, reliable and shoots 400fps out of the box.
07-08-2010, 11:54 AM
The new 2GX gearboxes wont "drop in" to your standard AEG body anyways. Some modification is necessary. Systema complete is probably your best bet if you're dead set on a complete GB.
07-08-2010, 03:43 PM
Personally I'd just buy the shell I want, the internals I want, and either install everything myself, or have someone competent do it for me. If anything it ensures proper fitting, and it might be cheaper than buying a complete drop in box.