Colt XM177E2 Gas Blowback Rifle (by VFC)

XM177E2 by VFC and Cybergun

 Specifications

• Brand: VFC and Cybergun
• Type : Gas Blowback 
• Length : 760mm - 830mm (Retractable)
• Weight : 2770g
• Velocity(Fps) : Approx 348 with .20g BBs and Abbey 144a Gas
• Inner Barrel Length : 290mm
• Inner Barrel Diameter : 6.03±0.01
• Material : Steel, Zinc Alloy, Aluminium Alloy, Nylon Polymer
• Fire Mode : Safe/Semi/Full Auto
• Magazines: VFC GBB AR/M4/VMAG/VN/416
• Magazine : 20 Rounds (Real Cap Magazine)
• Hop-Up : Adjustable Under Handguards
• Barrel Thread Type : 14mm CCW

Features

The VFC XM177E2 is an excellent replica of the real Colt Model 629 rifle, designated by the US Military, the XM177E2 (eXperimental Model 177 Experimental modification 2 - Long winded right!) The rifle was used predominantly during the Vietnam War as the first widely issued carbine length variant of the Colt M16. It is essentially the Grandfather of the M4A1 Rifle still in service globally today. 

Going from tip to butt, the VFC rifle features a  steel 4.25" muzzle moderator/flash hider device that was interestingly enough used to try to change the sound of the rifle from that of the M16 more closely to an AK47, so that Special Forces squads were less likely to give away their positions behind enemy lines. This is attached with a standard 14mm CCW thread on the 11.5'' outer barrel. The barrel has a production marking imitating the earlier type configuration, located on the fore bottom. It has an A1 correct zinc alloy triangular front sight, with the bayonet lug removed, also “clone correct”. The front sight also features a front sling swivel. Moving rearward we find the classic black CAR (Carbine Armalite Rifle) nylon round handguards, slimmer than M4 ones, housing single panel heat shields, and concealing the hop-up adjustment dial at the base of the barrel. The handguards are secured using the end cap and delta ring, so can be replaced easily with any other handguards or rail systems which utilize that same attachment method. Back further and we find the iconic M16A1 style fixed carry handle receiver with excellent Colt licensed receiver roll markings from Cybergun and ED coating processing similar to the real color of the early style Colt rifles. That retro Colt finish. Optics can be mounded using a carry handle rail attached to the hole through the carry handle, the old school way though actually more in line with modern “heads up” shooting stance practice now done with the use of optics risers. It has a comfortable classic A1 type pistol grip without the finger separator. Then at the back of the rifle you will find a period correct 2-position buffer tube, secured with a locking nut, not a castle nut and a lovely CAR-15 type 2 aluminum alloy, glue paint black coated adjustable stock. The gun comes with a 20 round short VN style magazine with Colt licensed markings on the magazine base plate. It will function with all styles of the VFC M4 GBB magazines, including previous V1 and 2. However, some of them might be quite stiff inside the magwell and require some wearing in, inserting and removing, repeat for smoother operation. The rifle also uses the latest VFC M4 GBB system and steel internal parts and with their V3 valve Knocker (Same as VFC BCM GBB series), which is far more simplified and reliable than previous versions for increased longevity. These do shoot a little hot on green gas. We recommend using Abbey 144a to keep the velocity below the UK limits. Adjustable FPS and power down nozzles are available from VFC, but just switching to a softer gas like 144a is far easier and still performs fantastically, shooting crisp and snappy until the last shot.

Please note that just like the real rifle, you cannot manipulate the safety fire selector unless the rifle is cocked.

Note* When filling the magazine with gas, there's a few things you can do to help keep it working properly and ensure they last as long as they should. 

• Hold the magazine with the fill valve facing up. (usually on the bottom of the magazine, sometimes on the back)
• Insert the nozzle of the gas canister and push straight down. Gas shouldn't spurt out of and around the valve, it should go straight into the magazine.
• Listen for the hiss inside the magazine as it fills. It's usually quick and then stops. When it stops, stop.
• With a pistol mag fill 3-5 seconds worth of gas. With an extended or rifle mag around 7-10 seconds. This gives you enough while preventing you from over filling it. When you over fill, usually the first shot releases too much if not all of the gas, which cools down quickly and prevents the gun from working properly.
• Never ever ever release the gas from the magazine via the knocker valve with the mag out of the gun, the only thing that should press that button is the firing pin.
• And Finally, always store a bit of gas in the magazine. Maintenance gas (Abbey 144a) or green gas that contains silicone lubricant (most do) This will keep the seals tight and stop them from drying out and failing. 

So to recap that... Gas in, fill downwards, just a few seconds, only release it by firing it out (dry firing with no BBs is fine) and always leave some or put some in for storage. Gassed mags are happy mags.