WE G39C GBBR review by Booligan
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Introduction
Ordering
Basic Gun Information
First impressions/Packaging
Included
Gun Specifications
Externals
Trademarks
Magazines
Performance
Internals
Modifications
Pros/Cons
Overall
Introduction
In the last few years, WE has been making advances in the development of Gas BlowBack Rifles (GBBRs), and the G39C is one of the latest to come out of their factory. It features their new open bolt system, which does not use the brass tube in the firing chamber like their older GBBR models. I will discuss all of the positive and negative aspects of this gun that I've observed in this review, so read on for more information!
Ordering:
I was able to obtain this GBBR from Airsplat, who recently started carrying all of WE's various GBBRs, including this, the SCAR, various M4s and 416s, the PDW, and another new model, the M14. Their prices are very competitive on this gun, with it coming in at $219.99, making it one of the least expensive GBBRs from WE on the market. It is currently available HERE, with spare magazines available HERE, priced at $39.99. It was sent out one day after ordering, arriving a few days later using UPS ground, which is Airsplat's free shipping option. Many thanks to Airsplat for providing this gun for review!
Basic Gun Information
As mentioned before, The WE G39C is a gas blowback rifle, which is fed from a magazine that holds both gas and BBs, much like GBB pistols. It offers a very realistic training platform, as the operating techniques, controls, magazine capacity, and even recoil are very close to the real gun. Obviously, without the use of gunpowder and real bullets, the recoil is lighter than a real gun, but it is still very snappy, feeling similar to a .22LR rifle.
First impressions/Packaging:
The WE G39C arrived in a brown cardboard box, with a sticker indicating the model held within. The gun is held securely in the cardboard lower, locked in to prevent excess movement while shipping. It arrived safe and sound, so it accomplished its mission. My first impression on feeling the gun was how realistic the polymer felt. I've felt several real G36 models, and this feels very similar in construction.
Included:
WE didn't throw in too many accessories with the G39C, only including a manual and a 15 round speedloader. You will need to provide gas and ammo before using the gun.
Gun Specifications:
Weight: 6.2 lbs
Length: 28.25"
Width: 2.75"
Height: 11.75" (Sight to mag)
Sight Radius: 10.8"
LOP: 12.75"
Externals:
Like the real gun it replicates, the G39C is constructed almost entirely out of high strength polymers, with metal being used sparingly and strategically in the construction of the gun. It features some very useful features, including a side folding stock, a QD handguard with multiple rails, and a flat top rail for mounting optics.
From here on, click all pics to enlarge
External overview, right side
Overview, left side
As mentioned before, the gun has a side folding stock, which locks onto the right side of the gun when folded. It is comfortable to shoulder, and has a short enough LOP to make it accessible to younger/smaller users. The stock features four holes in the bottom of the stock, which allow you to store the various body pins when disassembling the gun. The butt pad is made of soft rubber, making it more comfortable to shoulder.
Stock
Stock folded
Locking latch
Moving forward, you will find the polymer receiver, which is exceptionally modular on the G39. It is comprised of a few parts, including the main body, pistol grip/selector group, magwell, and handguard, with a removable top rail allowing for aiming. The main body is relatively simple, only housing the bolt assembly, stock latch/hinge, and a sling mount, but it is the part which everything else attaches to, making its sturdy construction absolutely critical.
Main body
The pistol grip houses the hammer assembly, as well as the ambidextrous selector switch. It is easily removable from the gun for service or upgrades, by only removing the two main body pins. The trigger pull is a little bit heavy but is quite short, making firing the gun a breeze. The selector clicks into the three selections (safe, semi, full auto) very easily, however, you cannot click it into safe unless the gun is cocked.
Pistol grip
Shot into the hollow grip
In front of the trigger, inside of the trigger guard, you can find the bolt catch release button, which is used to release the bolt after it locks back on empty. In front of the trigger guard, you will find the magazine release lever, which can be activated either by your trigger finger, or the the thumb of your non-firing hand.
Bolt catch
Magazine release lever
The magwell is removable, like on the real gun. With AEG G36 models, there are STANAG magwell adapters, however, there's no word on whether that is something WE is working on for this gun.
Moving forward still, you will notice the short handguard, which comes complete with three rails for mounting accessories, as well as a front sling mount point. The handguard is comfortable, and the rails are cut to spec, however, I tend to run my G36 replicas without the rails, to provide an even more comfortable grip. It is easily removed to allow for mounting different handguards by taking out the upper pin, and sliding the handguard off towards the front of the gun.
Handguard
Handguard rail
The outer barrel is solid, with absolutely zero wobble. The included flashhider is metal, and is entirely painted orange. Removing it is a bit tricky, as it is glued on, but it can be done, exposing the 14mm- threads underneath. Above the outer barrel, you will find a faux gas piston assembly, adding to the realism of the gun.
Outer barrel
Flashhider
This model features a full length railed carry handle, with adjustable iron sights installed at either end. The rear is made mostly out of polymer, with a metal peep sight, which can be adjusted from a round hole to a square notch. It is also adjustable for windage and elevation using a flat head screwdriver. The front sight is a fully hooded post, which makes for a very clear sight picture when aiming the gun.
Top rail
Rear sight, round hole
Alternate notch
Front sight
Overall, the externals of this gun are fantastic. It does a great job of replicating the real steel rifle, and should be durable enough to stand up to the abuse that we airsofters love to perform on our replicas.
Trademarks:
The G39C has no real steel trademarks (or even a real steel name for that matter), however, it has a label on the left side of the receiver showing the model name, faux caliber markings, and a serial number that is not unique to each gun.
Trademarks
Magazines:
The included magazine is a real-cap design, holding 30 rounds, as well as housing a large gas reservoir. The body of the magazine is made of translucent plastic, like the real gun's magazine, with metal internals. There are a few companies that make stickers to place inside the magazine to replicate the look of a fully loaded real magazine. The fill valve is located on the bottom, making refills a piece of cake.
Magazine
Feeding bits
Fill valve
Performance:
Chrono results using Airsplat .20g BBs, shot through a Madbull V1 chrono, using Propane, at approximately 45*F (Quite cold):
High FPS: 335.8 FPS
Low FPS: 324.2 FPS
Average FPS: 331.6 FPS
I was actually really surprised with how consistent it was, even in the cold temps. Now, the gun was kept inside before the shooting test, however, it was outside for about 5 minutes before I started the testing. Testing was done by shooting a single shot every 2 seconds until the magazine was empty, and the above numbers were my result. I'd expect to see 350 FPS in warmer temperatures.
For a more extensive cold weather test, I filled the gun full of propane and BBs, and then laid it out on my patio, which had about 2" of snow on it at the time. I let it sit out there for exactly 30 minutes, then proceeded to do a full auto mag dump. To my surprise, it was able to fire all of the rounds, with some noticeable loss of ROF and range, but still with enough juice to lock the bolt back on empty. That is something that most GBBRs cannot do in my experience.
ROF is quite reasonable; not M11 fast, but not too slow either. Audacity put it at 14 RPS, which is slightly faster than the real gun, but close enough for training purposes.
Accuracy and range were about what I expected from a gun of this size shooting in the mid 300 FPS range. I was able to consistently hit my torso sized target at 150', using .28g BBs. I always recommend using heavier weight ammo, if your gun can apply enough hop-up to it to keep it level. Your range and accuracy increase will more than make up for the loss in FPS.
Internals:
Disassembling the gun is a piece of cake, requiring no tools whatsoever. You can easily remove the two body pins, which will let you take the magwell and pistol grip off. You then can fold the stock, push the rear assembly in to clear the nub that keeps it locked in place, and pull it out, along with the recoil rod/spring, and bolt buffer. At that point, you can slide the bolt right out the back of the receiver.
Pins removed, parts disassmbled
Hammer assembly
Selector assembly
Rear assembly
Assembly removed, recoil rod/spring and buffer shown
Bolt
Air nozzle
Hop-up
Modifications:
For the most part, the body of the G39C is compatible with AEG parts, so you can swap out the handguard and top rail for different lengths or optics. The stock is not compatible with AEG stocks, due to the rear assembly knob. I plan on turning this thing into a K length gun eventually. For now, it's a pseudo-futuristic grenadier weapon. I like it, it looks a bit different than other G36C models out there.
Pros:
First readily available GBB G36 replica
Very solid construction, great polymers used
Incredibly easy disassembly
Folding stock and rails make it adjustable for different users
Great recoil when firing
Cons:
GBB Rifles tend to have cooldown with extended bursts, and this is no different
Expensive magazines
Low capacity magazines (comes with the GBBR design, but still, some users may want higher capacities)
GBBRs tend to be a bit fickle in cooler temperatures, this isn't TOO bad, but still, it's a warm weather gun
Overall:
I was really pleased to see that WE had improved over their older designs when they built the G39C. As an owner of several GBBRs from different manufacturers, including WE, I can easily say that the G39C is the best that I've had yet. It's been very reliable, feels great, has good gas usage characteristics, and delivers decent recoil. It excites me to see what else WE will come up with next!
Many thanks again to Airsplat, and of course, Airsoft Retreat!
