Tokyo Marui SA M14 SOCOM Review

Part of the M14 range of Tokyo Marui Weapons, the S.O.C.O.M is designed with a multiple function in mind. 'SOCOM' is an acronym that refers to the United States Special Operations COMmand, and as such indicates a "special forces" role for this weapon. Tokyo Marui states it is as at home in the woods as it is in CQB environments. The airsoft weapon is based on the SOCOM II version by Springfield Armory which to all intents and purposes is a shortened M14.

Rifle Furniture and Quality

Unlike the other M14's in the Tokyo Marui series, the SOCOM is neither an imitation wood stock nor an olive drab plastic. It is stocked with a matt black 'Sandstone' finish which is chequered in the appropriate handling areas. The grips work nicely and I have found that they provide comfortable support no matter what nature throws at you.
The Rifle comes complete with a fore and rear sling attachment which for some people may be a real requirement due to the weapon's weight. The rifle weighs in at 4.0 kg including a loaded mid-cap magazine. I have found the sling to be a nuisance and not really needed on a rifle of such a short length. The rear sight is fully adjustable and effective for puritans who do not wish to fit a scope. Did someone say scope? Yes. The SOCOM is fitted out of the box with a scope rail halfway down the rifle in the "Scout" position. This is so called due to the ability to fit a low powered red dot scope to help acquire targets quickly whilst providing eye relief for peripheral vision; as would be required by a scout. I have not gone for that method and prefer the iron sights. I see the SOCOM, like the M14, as a beautiful rifle and like to keep it so. In addition to this the iron sights work perfectly well at airsoft engagement ranges. The entire rifle is metal (except the stock) and the casting of the metal is to a very high standard. It adds to the structural integrity and gives you satisfaction that it can shrug off minor knocks. Naturally this is what helps the rifle weigh down the scales, but once the battery is installed the SOCOM rests naturally in the shoulder.

Performance

In my reviews I base the ability of the weapon to skirmish as priority in preference to punching paper. As most Airsofters will intend to skirmish with this weapon, I have to say that the sturdiness of the gun gives you confidence to actually "use" it. The rifle has two firing methods, semi-automatic and fully automatic. This in my opinion is heresy. Where has this harsh criticism come from? Well let me explain. The Real Steel version of the M14 range initially started life in Vietnam as a company / squad support weapon. Firing 7.62mm (originally .30-06) rounds this proved to be too unstable for soldiers on fully automatic and subsequently meant that its intended use as a squad support weapon was redundant. This is not to say that it wasn't a fantastic rifle. It's accuracy was second to none. Thus this led to a change in its field role and is still in use today in various guises as a Designated Marksman Rifle. As a result I would have felt happier if Tokyo Marui has left it as a semi-automatic only version. but then, the market dictates and the mob rules. On Semi-automatic firing the rifle is consistent and accurate. It's stock performance out of the box is under 1J at around 290fps (0.20g bb) and the hop up unit provides enough lift to keep your rounds airborne over distances up to 50 yards (approx 45m). It has a tiny spread of 11 inches at this range, which is astounding for what is essentially a smooth bore rifle. This level of accuracy and distance may not be on par with the higher powered sniper rifles about today, but it certainly can out range most other standard AEG's. This therefore provides players with a fully automatic option which will out range standard M16's and the like. Handy, if you like that sort of thing. The gearbox is Tokyo Marui's new version 7 and I am reliably informed it is the easiest box to work on. I cannot vouch for this since I haven't taken it apart and frankly am not likely to need to. The gearbox sounds tight and smooth. Even 'double taps' feel predicted by the gearbox!

Outside Modifications

In theory it is possible to have all the bells and whistles hanging from this rifle. Thanks to the 20mm mount for the "scout" positioned sight, the more inventive of you could purchase Guarder RIS rings and hang lasers, teapots and bread makers from the sides. However, it isn't needed. The addition of a small red dot scope may suit some players, but that and possibly a sling is all the add-ons this rifle really needs. The intimidating sight of a naked rifle in the hands of a decent marksman, with a weapon that can and WILL deliver is really all the help you will need.

Summary

To put it mildly this rifle is excellent. It does so much in a relatively simple looking package. The weight of the rifle is closer to the Real Steel due to the sturdy metal construction and gives the user piece of mind. It is reliable, consistent and quiet. It is true to say that the Chinese are bringing out decent quality copies, but to be honest I feel that the SOCOM was worth every penny of my money. It is certainly a rifle that is for keeps.