“The fact that the flash hider,
outer barrel, receiver, front
handguard and stock are all
polymer should instil some
confidence – not dissuade you”
– this is probably my only real criticism of
the rifle. I suppose it had to have at least
one thing to fix.
I have used just about every airsoft
system available, from a Systema PTW to
a VFC 8mm Barrett (for those of you old
enough to remember that particular bag of
nails) and the G26 is by a country mile not
the worst I’ve had. At the same time I know
what a rifle can achieve and I have probably
become a little spoiled in that respect. I
would never rain on someone’s parade
by doing a ‘my gun’s better that yours’,
especially with new players. I’m always
happy to help out and point someone in the
right rifle direction to help them achieve
eternal airsoft happiness – or as close as you
can realistically get!
Personally, and I do this with almost every
rifle now regardless of brand, I would fit a
Prometheus 6.03mm barrel and, if I felt it
necessary, new hop rubber. Once this has
been fitted I would wager my trigger finger
that this G26 would shoot as good as 95 per
cent of rifles on any skirmish site.
Now of course there is ‘that guy’ on every
site who can’t help but rip the guts out of
every gun he sees, and turns up each game
day to tell you the obscene number of
modifications he has made to his rifle. This
brings me to one of my final plus points.
These Combat Machines are ideal
for upgrades. Why spend another £100£200 on a base rifle only to rip out all the
expensive internal parts? You have got a
great looking rifle, so if you are going to
change wiring, motors, gears and pistons
without ever pulling the trigger then these
are brilliant candidates for such work.
So that’s about it. The G26 is available in
two colours to suit your personal tastes. It
looks brilliant – sure, it’s not an exact replica
of a real steel rifle, but that isn’t always
important. It is compact, lightweight and
tough, and there are more features on the
G26 than any other rifle in its price bracket.
There is scope for many upgrades and
customisation, and at this price (£220-£230)
you’ll struggle to top it. ■
SPECIFICATIONS
Weight: 2,440g
Length: 700mm
Build: Mostly plastic with some metal
parts
Inner barrel length: 233mm
Gearbox bearing: 8mm oilless
Motor: 25,000rpm Hi-Torque Short Axis
Magazine: 300-round rubberised grip
Battery: 8.4v NiMH
Velocity: 310-328fps
Price: around £220
076
Xmas 2011