TSD/SRC Gen 2 G36C

TSD Tactical/SRC Gen 2 G36C

By Booligan

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Table of Contents:
Introduction
Rapid Rundown
Real Steel History
Ordering
Basic Gun Information
First impressions
Included
Gun Specifications
Externals
Trademarks
Magazines
Performance
Internals
Modifications
Pros/Cons
Overall
Introduction:
Well, I’ve tweaked my review format due to some requests. Apparently, some of my reviews are a little long winded and offer more info than the average user would want. Instead of cutting out content from my reviews, I’ve decided to add a new section, “The Rapid Rundown.” Now, the Rapid Rundown will be all the important parts about the gun that the average user would want to know, but without having to dig through and read the full review (because god forbid they have to read something!)
This is the trial version, so let me know what you think, and if it should be a part of all my future reviews! Enjoy!
The Rapid Rundown:
Model: TSD Tactical/SRC Gen-2 G36C
MSRP: $200
Info: Gen-2 unit, ultra-high torque motor, steel bushings and gears, metal hop-up unit, 60 day warranty.
Externals: Polymer body, metal rails, individual serial number, metal charging handle, tactical mag release, 14mm- muzzle, larger handguard for more battery space.
Performance:
FPS:
-0.20g TSD BB/Madbull Chrono: 354.7 FPS
-0.23g TSD BB/Madbull Chrono: 338.5 FPS
-0.25g TSD BB/Madbull Chrono: 321.4 FPS
ROF:
-9.6v 1600 mAh Intellect Battery/Audacity: 16 RPS
Range:
Overall: Great buy for the price. Reasonable FPS, good ROF, great build, and overall great value.
Real Steel History:
The G36 is a German 5.56 mm assault rifle, designed in the early 1990s by Heckler & Koch GmbH (HK) and accepted into service with the German Armed Forces in 1997, replacing the 7.62 mm G3 automatic rifle. It is made in several variants, with differences in barrel length, stock length, handguard length, choice of optics, etc…
This variant, the G36C, has a short barrel and a shorter (than the G36K), 4-prong open-type flash suppressor. The use of a reduced length 228 mm barrel forced designers to move the gas block closer to the muzzle end and a shortened gas piston was used. The handguard and stock were also reduced in length and the fixed carry handle (with optical sights) was replaced with a carry handle with an integrated MIL-STD-1913 Picatinny rail. In place of the dual optical sight found on the regular G36 and G36K, the G36C was equipped with rail-mounted iron sights that consist of a hooded front post and a flip rear aperture sight.

Real G36C, albeit a low quality picture
(Taken from www.wikipedia.org and www.hkpro.com)
Ordering:
I was sent this gun by TSD in order to review it here at Airsoft Retreat. It is currently available at several retailers such as www.airsoftgi.com priced at $199.00, including battery and charger. As is with all TSD Tactical products, this gun features a warranty, with 60 days coverage in this instance.
Basic Gun Information
It is one of several G36 variants currently available in Gen-2 configuration, and will soon be available in Gen-3 status, with revamped internals rivaling even the highest end guns. Currently, the Gen-2 price point puts them higher than the ACM versions but lower than CA, TM, KWA, and STAR, even though the quality is higher than some of those high end guns. There is no word on pricing of the Gen-3 guns yet, but when they come out I’m sure there will be a lot of hoopla!
First impressions:
The G36C arrived in a very large box, which caught me off guard when it first arrived. Once I opened the shipping box, I was staring at a very large TSD tactical box with the image of a standard G36E on it. Bewildered, I opened the box and was relieved to find the G36C I was expecting inside. Turns out that TSD has one box for the entire G36 series, and possibly the XM8 series as well, given the XM8 illustrations on the side of the box, in order to have standardized box size and to save costs I’m sure.
Anywho, the box is the normal “Tactical” type; mostly in black and brown with a few splashes of color to accent important details. I like the “Tactical” boxes because they are less like a toy box and more like a box that a real gun might come in.

Box art
[img width=510 height=768]http://i514.photobucket.com/albums/t344/booligan1985/SRC%20G36C/DSC_3474.jpg[/img]
Box specs
Included:
Included with the G36C were two polymer hi-cap magazines, an unjamming rod, and a manual highlighting some of the important functions of the G36 series. My package also came with a 9.6v 1600 mAh Intellect “nun chuck” type battery, but I’m not sure if this is the standard battery that these will come with. The manual is only one big piece of paper folded in half, so it doesn’t have too much info, but it covers the basics pretty well.

Included stuff
Gun Specifications:
Weight: About 6 lbs
Length:
-Stock Extended: 28.5”
-Stock Folded: 20.25”
Width:
-Stock Extended: 2.15”
-Stock Folded: 3.5”
Height (Sight to mag): 11”
LOP: 13”
Sight Radius: 11”
Externals:
One of the big upgrades to the TSD/SRC G36 line is the change over to nylon fiber polymer bodies, a substantial upgrade over the normal ABS plastic used in most airsoft gun bodies. The feel is amazing and really helps to separate this series from some of the other G36 options out there.
Starting with the rear of the gun, this, like all G36 models, features a folding polymer stock that locks onto the right side of the receiver. It locks into the extended position via a metal pushbutton latch that locks onto a thick polymer and metal catch. It is secure enough that you can hold the gun out by the stock and shake it without any wobble, creaking, or fear of the catch breaking. The stock also has a removable rubber butt pad which makes it very comfortable to shoulder. In the folded position it locks fairly well; not so tight that you can hold the gun by the folded stock, but tight enough that it won’t unfold on its own during normal use. To unfold it from the folded and locked position, simply give it a good solid tug and it’ll pop off of the locking lug on the receiver. There are seam lines on the stock but I’ve seen worse. There are, however, some casting marks on the inside seam lines of the stock that are noticeable, but they could be sanded down if it’s a major issue.

Stock

Close-up of casting marks

Stock latch and locking button

Stock folded
The receiver is a multi-piece affair, comprised of the main receiver piece, the pistol grip and selector area, and the magwell. The receiver itself houses the stock locking lug and catch, the stock attachment hinge, the rear sling mount, and the trademark area. The build on this piece is excellent, with no ill-fitting parts or casting marks.

Receiver

Rear sling mount

Stock attachment hinge
The pistol grip and selector area is made of the same polymer as the rest of the gun and is attached to the lower portion of the receiver. It has an integrated trigger guard as well as an ambidextrous selector switch assembly. The fire selector markings are the “bullet” type, and are colored white for safety and red for semi and full auto. There is a mild seam line running the length of the grip unfortunately, but it isn’t too noticeable when holding the gun. This assembly is attached very securely to the main receiver piece without any wobble or creaking. There is a button inside the trigger guard that, on the real gun, would function as the bolt release, but unfortunately it serves no purpose on the airsoft version.

Pistol grip


Ambidextrous selector switch

Bottom of grip

Mock bolt release, unfortunately not functional
The magwell is attached via two molded in lugs at the front and a pin at the rear. It is removable for installation of different magwell conversions, such as the Private Parts Airsoft AR magazine conversion. Unlike some other G36s on the market, the rear pin on this one is only pushed out; there is no screw to remove. The magazine release is metal and is a tactical type, allowing you to release the magazine with your trigger finger.

Magwell

Magazine release (pushed down)
One unique feature about this gun is the metal cocking handle. Usually, if you wanted a metal cocking handle you had to purchase one separately. Now, a metal cocking handle isn’t mandatory or anything of that sort, but it’s a nice touch to have it included from the factory. The handle has the proper spring loaded swivel to make it ambidextrous, and it pulls back, pulling back the metal mock bolt exposing the hop-up adjuster. If you pull it back and release it, it returns with a nice metallic “thwack”.

Cocking handle

Bolt pulled back, exposing hop-up adjuster
The foregrip is designed to easily hold a larger battery than most G36Cs, but not as large as the CA large handguard. It easily houses a 9.6v 1600mAh small “nun chuck” type with room to spare. It is attached at the receiver via a pin with a spring/ball bearing retention system. The handguard houses three 20mm rails with numbers painted on them, as well as the front sling mount assembly. The rails appear to be slightly smaller than normal specs, as some of my accessories have a hard time securing tightly to them. You can put a bit of electrical tape on the actual rail to thicken it up, which should help if you have any mounting issues. In order to install the battery, you need to push the upper pin out and then slide the handguard forwards off of the lower mounting lugs.

Handguard

Upper handguard pin

The pin itself

Shot inside the handguard
I’m able to fit the 9.6v 1600 mAh Intellect “nun chuck” style battery just fine, but clearing the wires and mini Tamiya style connecter takes a little finesse at first.

Battery installation

Shot of the battery installed
The front assembly that holds the handguard is plastic, but is attached securely to the polymer body without any free play. The muzzle end is metal and is threaded 14mm-, allowing you to mount most of the available flashhiders and silencers. The plastic support pieces inside house the fuse as well as the rest of the wiring for the battery. The included muzzle was an orange painted metal birdcage type, which is incorrect for the gun, but it looks ok on the gun. TSD tossed in another type of flashhider which is the black one pictured on the gun.

Inner assembly

Included flashhider

Optional flashhider
The sight rail is made of the same polymer as the body and houses the front and rear iron sights, which are themselves, made of metal. The rail is 20mm, and doesn’t seem to have the same under sizing issue as the handguard rails. The rail assembly is secured by three allen head screws and special nuts and can be replaced with a normal G36 carry handle with built in optics. The iron sights are fully adjustable for windage and elevation, and the rear even features two differently sized holes for different ranges. They even marked them for the intended real steel ranges; the first for 100-200m, and the second for 300m. The rear is adjusted for windage and elevation via allen head screws, which unfortunately there is no included tool for.

Sight rail

Rear sight, close range

Rear sight, long range

Hooded front sight

Sight picture (never something easily pictured)
All things considered, the externals on the Gen 2 G36 series are on par with CA and KWA, hands down, even though the price is much lower. It is very well built, with no creaks, rattles, wobbles, or other noises, and only minor seam lines to deal with. I was very impressed with this latest offering from SRC.
Trademarks:
Unfortunately, this is one area where this model is lacking. There are no real steel trademarks, which is understandable given HK’s unwillingness to license their trades to anyone but Umarex, but the marks that are there aren’t a great substitute. On the spot where the trades would be, you have an engraved individual serial number which is a very nice touch, and in front of that you have an engraved “Cal. 6mm BB”. The bad part is the warning that is engraved in front of that: “WARNING REFEER (sic) TO INSTRUCTION MANUAL”
Yes, that was misspelled on the gun, which is a bit unfortunate.

Serial number

Other “trades”
Magazines:
The gun includes two plastic high capacity magazines which are pretty transparent and hold about 450 rounds each. They actually have some trademarks on them, as well as a large warning label. The mags wind up and feed most of the BBs on one full wind. Like all G36 mags, these feature locking lugs on the sides to attach several magazines together to make reloads quick and easy. These lugs are quite strong, and I don’t see them breaking anytime soon.

Mags


Mag markings

Mag top

Mag bottom

Mags clicked together
The mag fits a little bit loosely in the well, which is unusual for a G36, but I’m going to see what can be done to take out the wobble. Magazine compatibility will be checked later on this week.
Performance:
FPS:
-0.20g TSD BB/Madbull Chrono: 354.7 FPS
-0.23g TSD BB/Madbull Chrono: 338.5 FPS
-0.25g TSD BB/Madbull Chrono: 321.4 FPS
ROF:
-9.6v 1600 mAh Intellect Battery/Audacity: 16 RPS
I've been able to put 90% of my aimed rounds on a human sized target out to approximately 150' away, which is very good considering its somewhat low FPS and short inner barrel. Overall, I'm happy with the performance of this replica and would gladly take it onto the field in stock form.
Internals:
This is one of SRC's Gen2 models, meaning it comes with a metal gearbox with steel gears, bushings, metal hop-up, M110 spring, ported piston head, and their new "Ultra High Torque" motor. I had previous experience with this motor, as it was installed in the Gen3 SRC 416 that I previously reviewed on Arnies Airsoft. I'm finding myself more and more impressed with the SRC gearboxes as of late, and I'm very confident that they've moved past their reputation for "iffy" internals.
Disassembly is mostly like the TM G36C, with a few small differences, so you can follow the guide on www.mechbox.com. The main difference is that the magwell retaining pin is just that; a pin, without a hex screw holding it in. Also, the magwell itself is different in that it does not integrate the upper feed tube into its assembly, instead having the upper feed tube be part of the metal hop-up unit. This means that you need to modify a magwell conversion if you want to convert your G36 to use AR mags by cutting the upper feed tube off of the replacement magwell.
Removing the gearbox is an easy enough affair, and you are left with a very nice piece of equipment in front of you.


Gearbox

Ultra High Torque motor, note the connectors on the wires for easy motor swaps

6mm steel bushings

Blue air nozzle, brass cylinder head nozzle visible inside

Blue selector plate
As mentioned previously, the internals are very nice, blowing away most of the ACM offerings, as well as meeting or surpassing some of the higher priced models. The gearbox sounds great while firing, without excessive whining or other obnoxious noises, indicating good shimming and a powerful enough motor to let the whole thing function well. With proper care and maintenance, this gun should last a good long time.
Modifications:
The G36 platform certainly has options as far as customization goes, but let's face it, it's no M4. You can convert it to different barrel/handguard lengths, add optics or carry handles with built in optics, change the stock, add bipods, etc... It has plenty of rails, so pretty much any rail mounted accessory can be made to fit. The muzzle is 14mm- for changing the flashhider or adding a silencer or tracer unit.
Basically, the sky is the limit, and you should be able to adapt this gun to fit any role or style of play.
Pros:
Fantastic price ($200 or so)
TSD warranty - 60 days
Great body - Nylon fiber, no creaks or wobbles
Metal charging handle
Ultra high torque motor
Two magazines included
Proper metal content
Larger handguard for bigger battery
Good all around performance
Lots of rails (albeit slightly out of spec)
Cons:
Mag wobble
Some seam lines - easily fixed
Out of spec rails
Overall:
Before this gun came out, your best option for a sub $250 G36C was the JG/Echo 1 model, which is good, but still has its shortcomings. The Gen 2 TSD/SRC G36C pretty much negates every one of those shortcomings and more, and at a price that can't be beat. You literally cannot buy a better G36 variant at this price, plain and simple. Every part put on the gun was well thought out and well executed, leading to an awesome looking, performing, and long lasting airsoft weapon that you can buy with little-to-no regrets, in my opinion.
Thanks as always to TSD (www.airsoftsd.com), and of course, Airsoft Retreat!