Airsoft Gun Repair V7 M14

The M14 presents us with the Version 7 Mechbox in two version's. The top photo is a G&G type V7 and the 2ND picture presents an AGM version M14 which is widely known as a TM clone. The mechbox parts are virtually Identical in size and shape however some clone parts are manufactured from cheaper materials. This can be both a good and bad thing for airsoft consumers as the clones are much cheaper but will need repair or part replacement sooner than the higher end AEG's.

The G&G version 7 has some bugs that need to be worked out in my opinion. The design is awesome and simple when compared to the more common V7 mechbox shown below but the selector switch lever has to be modified to obtain a proper trigger pull. On the other hand you have the more common V7 that host a whole slew of levers, springs and switches on the outside of the mechbox that need to be removed before you can even get to the internals. The M14 variants on the market today are precise, finely tuned mechboxes that the novice should not attempt to repair.

Inside the V7 you will find an in line gear train that differs from other mechbox versions. The m14 family of airsoft guns feature specialty parts that are specific to the version 7 mechbox. The tappet plate, gears and trigger switch assembly are specific to each model. All in all the v7 marui style mechbox is a solid well built long lasting design.

To upgrade or repair a V7 m14 be sure you have the right parts. You will not be able to put your M4 internals in this mechbox. Shimming is extremely important to the life of your mechbox and should be done by a qualified Airsmith or someone knowledgeable in this area. Poor shimming can get expensive quick in the cost of other repair parts. Properly maintained the V7 is an awesome design delivering as high as 400 FPS BB's at a rate of fire exceeding 900 bb's a minute. See more detailed pictures of M14 V7 repairs at Airsoft Gun Repair.

Version 6 Mechbox Repair

The version six airsoft gun mechbox has a few noticeable differences than the more common V2. The motor is encased allot like the V3 motor but mounted at a different angle in the mechbox. The internals are not the same as other gearboxes and several parts are specific for v6 models only. The tappet plate is one special part that should be kept on hand for your thompson airsoft machine gun. This mechbox is from a thompson airsoft machine gun repair that I completed for a WW II airsoft gamer who wanted his thompson shooting 375 fps. I also added a tight bore barrel and real wood grips. A reinforced tappet plate was added and a set of hardened steel gears along with a new shim job. If you need some help with your thompson repair visit our Version 6 airsoft gun repair pictures. Also if you are the proud owner of a P90 style airsoft gun you will find that this version 6 mechbox is installed in your airsoft gun as well.

Airsoft Gun Bearings VS Steel Bushings

So whats the better choice for your airsoft gun? Well my humble opinion is that steel bushings will outlast steel bearings by a year or more. Actually I have never replaced a set of steel bushings but I replace bad steel bearings on a regular basis. True bearings will gain you an extra 6-10 FPS but that small gain in velocity can cost allot in damage control.

Take a look at these 3 pictures of a version 2 gearbox that was brought in for repairs. All of this damage was caused by a high speed bearing failure. The sector gear was damaged as was the cylinder head, luckily the piston seems to have survived this crash.

This airsoft gun is only 6 months old and came with the 7mm bearings installed. A quick check for play at the gear ends after each use would reveal the problem before it causes this kind of damage. If more than 1mm of play is detected the mechbox should be serviced and the bearings should be replaced with 6 or 7mm oily steel bushings.

Save yourself the headache and switch your mechbox to oily steel hardened bushings the next time you service or have your airsoft gun serviced. If you are extremely concerned about fps then lap your gears during the installation process to break in the surface area and reduce friction. Visit our website for more DIY airsoft gun repair tips and tricks.