| Online exclusive content published by The NAM: National Airsoft Magazine Q1 2010. The NAM: National Airsoft Magazine Copyright © 2010 All Rights Reserved. |
Specs:
Product Brand: Echo1
Built Material: Aluminum alloys and
Poly-carb plastic
Shooting Modes: semi and full auto
Magazine Capacity: 470 BBs
Length: 800mm
Barrel Length: 363mm
Weight: 3,400g
Power Source: Battery,
Hop-up: yes, adjustable
Blow-back: N/A
Power: 390-410fps w/0.20g BBs
Product Brand: Echo1
Built Material: Aluminum alloys and
Poly-carb plastic
Shooting Modes: semi and full auto
Magazine Capacity: 470 BBs
Length: 800mm
Barrel Length: 363mm
Weight: 3,400g
Power Source: Battery,
Hop-up: yes, adjustable
Blow-back: N/A
Power: 390-410fps w/0.20g BBs
Package & MSRP:
Starting with the nice cut-out
foam-filled cardboard box, you get
the ER-25K, hi-cap mag, high cap
winding lever, detachable sound
suppressor, birdcage flash hider,
smooth bore adaptor, custom 9.6v
1500mah Crane stock battery, wall
charger, vertical fore-grip, and
instruction manual all for the
outstanding price of $295.00 MSRP.
Starting with the nice cut-out
foam-filled cardboard box, you get
the ER-25K, hi-cap mag, high cap
winding lever, detachable sound
suppressor, birdcage flash hider,
smooth bore adaptor, custom 9.6v
1500mah Crane stock battery, wall
charger, vertical fore-grip, and
instruction manual all for the
outstanding price of $295.00 MSRP.
Pros:
Starting out with the pluses, first thing on the list is the metal receivers standard on the gun, giving the
overall weapon a lot of durability while providing a very strong base to hold the whole gun together. Next is
its compact-able Size (given the 16” barrel and collapsible butt-stock) which allows the weapon to be configured
for the shooters preference and/or any environmental situation (moving from open field to buildings/vice
versa). Next on the hit parade of Pros is the pre-upgraded internals in the ER-25K. Being a sniper rifle,
range and power is considerably important, and the upgrade performance out of the box puts this gun on par with
most sniper rifles. Stronger springs are possible if you want some more, but for a bargain weapon, this will do
nicely as is. A very nice plus about this package is the amenity of accessories available to configure the
rifle, allowing for a wide variety of different configurations, depending on mission and shooter’s preference
and/or creativity, which leads into our final pro, Value. The sheer amount of accessories provided in the
package makes this a very good choice if you’re either just starting to play the role of sniper or SDM (Squad
Designated Marksman) and don’t want to spend much or you’re just wanting to get as much bang for your buck as
humanly possible.
Starting out with the pluses, first thing on the list is the metal receivers standard on the gun, giving the
overall weapon a lot of durability while providing a very strong base to hold the whole gun together. Next is
its compact-able Size (given the 16” barrel and collapsible butt-stock) which allows the weapon to be configured
for the shooters preference and/or any environmental situation (moving from open field to buildings/vice
versa). Next on the hit parade of Pros is the pre-upgraded internals in the ER-25K. Being a sniper rifle,
range and power is considerably important, and the upgrade performance out of the box puts this gun on par with
most sniper rifles. Stronger springs are possible if you want some more, but for a bargain weapon, this will do
nicely as is. A very nice plus about this package is the amenity of accessories available to configure the
rifle, allowing for a wide variety of different configurations, depending on mission and shooter’s preference
and/or creativity, which leads into our final pro, Value. The sheer amount of accessories provided in the
package makes this a very good choice if you’re either just starting to play the role of sniper or SDM (Squad
Designated Marksman) and don’t want to spend much or you’re just wanting to get as much bang for your buck as
humanly possible.
Design:
Since the ER-25K is basically a SR-25 shrunk down to an M4 size, the designs are virtually identical. Starting
from the front, we already have an amenity of options, as the first inch of the barrel is threaded, allowing
for it to be removed to accommodate either a 05’ Knights flash hider for general engagements or a smooth barrel
extension to accept the long custom sound suppressor that is a hallmark of the SR-25 series. The suppressor
itself is quite long and has a pressure spring installed along the bore to help remove the suppressor in an
instant. Curiously enough, the front sight post is replaced with a top/bottom Picatinny rail to allow either a
removable sight or any compatible accessories. This is also true for the custom RAS wrapped about the long
(and very thick) one piece barrel. The RAS can accommodate any accessories you feel like attaching to it, be
it a vertical fore-grip, bi-pod or LAM unit. There is more than enough room to deck out this piece with an
overload of parts. Also included is the patented built-in flip-up front sight should you choose to use the
rifle without a scope. Working back to the receiver, the whole body is slightly larger and longer than the
traditional M16 assault rifle, mainly to mimic the “larger” 7.62x51mm bullet of the real weapon. The upper
half has the usual Picatinny rail to accept whatever sight assisting devices/scopes you like, but also has a
removable back-up flip-up sight installed to provide iron sights if so desired. Right behind that is the
working charging handle, used mainly to pull back the faux bolt to grant access to the hop-up wheel. Sadly,
the ejection port cover is the magnetic type, using small magnet to keep the port cover in place. The lower
receiver contains a majority of the features needed to operate the weapon, namely the mag well for the
magazine, with the trigger located directly behind it. On the right side just behind the mag well is the mag
release button sans “safety ridges”, giving easy access to it when you need to eject a spent mag and insert a
fresh one. Directly opposite is it the bolt release lever, which is an aesthetic prop, not an actual
functioning part. The pistol grip itself is an interesting choice as it is an ergonomic G27 type designed to
fit the shooters hand far better than the standard M16 grip. Directly above the grip is the fire select lever,
easily within thumbs reach to switch between firing modes. Back at the rear we have one of the main key
features of this weapon, the adjustable collapsing CRANE stock. Unlike the usual CRANE stocks most airsofters
have to work with, this one has a removable butt-plate, making it very easy and quick to install the battery
(provided in the package) and/or replace it in the field. Given the usual hassled associated with CRANE stocks
in airsoft guns (we’ve all had out share of ill-fitting battery mishaps or cut wiring while adjusting the butt-
stock position), this feature is a much needed sigh of relieve, making it easier for the shooter to bring their
dead gun back online even in the field. The build in cheek rests are felt covered, making it comfortable for
the shooter when using it to zero in on a target.
Since the ER-25K is basically a SR-25 shrunk down to an M4 size, the designs are virtually identical. Starting
from the front, we already have an amenity of options, as the first inch of the barrel is threaded, allowing
for it to be removed to accommodate either a 05’ Knights flash hider for general engagements or a smooth barrel
extension to accept the long custom sound suppressor that is a hallmark of the SR-25 series. The suppressor
itself is quite long and has a pressure spring installed along the bore to help remove the suppressor in an
instant. Curiously enough, the front sight post is replaced with a top/bottom Picatinny rail to allow either a
removable sight or any compatible accessories. This is also true for the custom RAS wrapped about the long
(and very thick) one piece barrel. The RAS can accommodate any accessories you feel like attaching to it, be
it a vertical fore-grip, bi-pod or LAM unit. There is more than enough room to deck out this piece with an
overload of parts. Also included is the patented built-in flip-up front sight should you choose to use the
rifle without a scope. Working back to the receiver, the whole body is slightly larger and longer than the
traditional M16 assault rifle, mainly to mimic the “larger” 7.62x51mm bullet of the real weapon. The upper
half has the usual Picatinny rail to accept whatever sight assisting devices/scopes you like, but also has a
removable back-up flip-up sight installed to provide iron sights if so desired. Right behind that is the
working charging handle, used mainly to pull back the faux bolt to grant access to the hop-up wheel. Sadly,
the ejection port cover is the magnetic type, using small magnet to keep the port cover in place. The lower
receiver contains a majority of the features needed to operate the weapon, namely the mag well for the
magazine, with the trigger located directly behind it. On the right side just behind the mag well is the mag
release button sans “safety ridges”, giving easy access to it when you need to eject a spent mag and insert a
fresh one. Directly opposite is it the bolt release lever, which is an aesthetic prop, not an actual
functioning part. The pistol grip itself is an interesting choice as it is an ergonomic G27 type designed to
fit the shooters hand far better than the standard M16 grip. Directly above the grip is the fire select lever,
easily within thumbs reach to switch between firing modes. Back at the rear we have one of the main key
features of this weapon, the adjustable collapsing CRANE stock. Unlike the usual CRANE stocks most airsofters
have to work with, this one has a removable butt-plate, making it very easy and quick to install the battery
(provided in the package) and/or replace it in the field. Given the usual hassled associated with CRANE stocks
in airsoft guns (we’ve all had out share of ill-fitting battery mishaps or cut wiring while adjusting the butt-
stock position), this feature is a much needed sigh of relieve, making it easier for the shooter to bring their
dead gun back online even in the field. The build in cheek rests are felt covered, making it comfortable for
the shooter when using it to zero in on a target.
Efficiency:
Getting this mini-beast operational is a snap if you’ve ever handled any M4 rifle. The weapon itself is nearly
identical to an M4, with the exception that the body and mag are slightly larger to accommodate the bigger
“round”. Like all M16 series rifles, the mag well is large and deep and makes certain that the mag stays
securely in place once inserted. The primary features of the weapon are all just a finger touch away from the
pistol grip, with the mag release button being easily accessible by stretching out your trigger finger to dump
the mag, while the fire select lever can be switched between modes with just an extension of the thumb.
Adjusting the collapsible butt-stock can easily be done with your free off hand to whatever length you desire
without taking your hand off the pistol grip. Additionally, the G27 style pistol grip gives a very ergonomic
feel that goes quite a ways toward keeping your precision when sighting in on a target.
Getting this mini-beast operational is a snap if you’ve ever handled any M4 rifle. The weapon itself is nearly
identical to an M4, with the exception that the body and mag are slightly larger to accommodate the bigger
“round”. Like all M16 series rifles, the mag well is large and deep and makes certain that the mag stays
securely in place once inserted. The primary features of the weapon are all just a finger touch away from the
pistol grip, with the mag release button being easily accessible by stretching out your trigger finger to dump
the mag, while the fire select lever can be switched between modes with just an extension of the thumb.
Adjusting the collapsible butt-stock can easily be done with your free off hand to whatever length you desire
without taking your hand off the pistol grip. Additionally, the G27 style pistol grip gives a very ergonomic
feel that goes quite a ways toward keeping your precision when sighting in on a target.
Durability:
With a majority of the gun being aluminum alloy,
there is a lot of strength build into the
weapon. The custom RAS fore-grip is secured to
the barrel nut. This in turn is where 4 set
screws are torqued in to secure the one-piece
barrel in to the receiver. Both upper and lower
receivers are held together by the usual cross
bolt pins. But an interesting twist, is the use
of double ended screws rather than just a
pressure lock pin. This ensures that the
receiver halves stay together and there is no
unexpected “breaking open” of the gun in the
field during combat (a MAJOR inconvenience when
you’re getting shot at or lining up for a
kill). The CRANE stock and pistol grip are the
few parts of the gun that are made of ABS
plastic, but both are thick enough to ensure
they will last most general levels of abuse and
stress.
With a majority of the gun being aluminum alloy,
there is a lot of strength build into the
weapon. The custom RAS fore-grip is secured to
the barrel nut. This in turn is where 4 set
screws are torqued in to secure the one-piece
barrel in to the receiver. Both upper and lower
receivers are held together by the usual cross
bolt pins. But an interesting twist, is the use
of double ended screws rather than just a
pressure lock pin. This ensures that the
receiver halves stay together and there is no
unexpected “breaking open” of the gun in the
field during combat (a MAJOR inconvenience when
you’re getting shot at or lining up for a
kill). The CRANE stock and pistol grip are the
few parts of the gun that are made of ABS
plastic, but both are thick enough to ensure
they will last most general levels of abuse and
stress.
Upgradability:
Not necessary. Given the already impressive
performance that the ER-25K deliver, further
performance enhancements would be superfluous,
although definitely possible, as the internals
are 100% Tokyo Marui spec compatible.
Not necessary. Given the already impressive
performance that the ER-25K deliver, further
performance enhancements would be superfluous,
although definitely possible, as the internals
are 100% Tokyo Marui spec compatible.
Final Thoughts:
While sniping is not my preferred forte, I can see how this piece can provide good accurate firepower when
needed for force multiplication. The length of the weapon is small enough to fit in more CQB situations but
long enough to give descent range and accuracy, a major tenet for squad-level marksmanship. The pre-upgraded
performance definitely makes this beast a weapon to fear, as its power and range will give most receiving
player pause. The vast range of options offers a level of flexibility and versatility not often found in a
sniping system. The ability to configure the rifle to whatever length and style the shooter desires, be it a
compact AR or full sniping weapon, is a definite plus. The major metal parts give the weapon excellent heft as
well as durability to take most of the bangs that come with crawling thru the brush with your rifle drawn,
although the wobbly parts were a bit of an annoyance. Overall, if you’re looking for a sniping rifle that you
can use in room to room fighting, then you need look no further. The detractions are easily overlooked and
performance is on par with cost. This baby should do nicely for all you CQB sniping needs.
While sniping is not my preferred forte, I can see how this piece can provide good accurate firepower when
needed for force multiplication. The length of the weapon is small enough to fit in more CQB situations but
long enough to give descent range and accuracy, a major tenet for squad-level marksmanship. The pre-upgraded
performance definitely makes this beast a weapon to fear, as its power and range will give most receiving
player pause. The vast range of options offers a level of flexibility and versatility not often found in a
sniping system. The ability to configure the rifle to whatever length and style the shooter desires, be it a
compact AR or full sniping weapon, is a definite plus. The major metal parts give the weapon excellent heft as
well as durability to take most of the bangs that come with crawling thru the brush with your rifle drawn,
although the wobbly parts were a bit of an annoyance. Overall, if you’re looking for a sniping rifle that you
can use in room to room fighting, then you need look no further. The detractions are easily overlooked and
performance is on par with cost. This baby should do nicely for all you CQB sniping needs.
 |
Cons:
Given Echo-1 USA's previous products I was surprised at the looseness of this AEG. I found that there was some
wobble on the crane stock in all adjustable positions but most apparent when the stock was fully extended.
While not entirely detrimental to the aim of the weapon, it can be an annoyance when moving quickly from
position to position and firing from the shoulder. Also, a bigger disappointment was the slight wobble in the
body due to a minor gap between the upper and lower receivers. Neither are hardly detrimental to the overall
function of the gun but it can be an annoyance when moving quickly from position to position and firing from the
shoulder.
Given Echo-1 USA's previous products I was surprised at the looseness of this AEG. I found that there was some
wobble on the crane stock in all adjustable positions but most apparent when the stock was fully extended.
While not entirely detrimental to the aim of the weapon, it can be an annoyance when moving quickly from
position to position and firing from the shoulder. Also, a bigger disappointment was the slight wobble in the
body due to a minor gap between the upper and lower receivers. Neither are hardly detrimental to the overall
function of the gun but it can be an annoyance when moving quickly from position to position and firing from the
shoulder.
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |