Archwick USW-G17 - a Review of AN airsoft conversion KIT for Glock comptible replicas A licensed replica of a Swiss product.
The Glock pistol platform has gained a large amount of users around the world, both among individual ones and law enforcement and armed forces. The entire design, despite its refinement and simplicity, is not a perfect solution. This was changed by various types of conversion kits, a perfect example of which is the Universal Service Weapon conversion system made by Brügger & Thhomet. USW B&T sets are designs focused mainly on improving the user's shooting capabilities by increasing the number of support points, enabling the installation of more accessories, or any type of optics. Additionally, the weight or dimensions are not increased significantly, which is a big advantage. This entire philosophy is also true in the case of the licensed USW G17 conversion kit replica made by Archwick, a manufacturer of airsoft replicas of B&T products.
At the beginning, it is worth mentioning that airsoft conversion kits from Archwick are available in two variants: a CNC version made of aluminum and a polymer version, which we will be reviewing.</p >
Contents of the set
The whole thing is packed in a simple box with subdued colors. On each side, you will find graphics and markings suggesting what kind of product we are dealing with, and there are only slight suggestions that it is intended for airsoft. There are the logos of a both the firearm and airsoft manufacturers present.
The set includes a frame made of fiberglass-reinforced polymer, a stock, a modified rear sight that acts as a socket for the charging handle, an underbarrel rail adapter, a rail for optics, a set of screws, a charging handle, a screwdriver, and a manual. As befits a licensed product, in many places there are markings of the original firearm. In this case, they are in the form of prints on the right side of the front and on the top of the conversion.
Proces instalacji
We start the installation process by removing the slide from the replica and unscrewing the screw that mounts the nozzle and rear sight. Then we replace the classic rear sight with a modified version that has a mount for the charging handle.
This part is made of steel (like the charging handle pin) and slides in without any problems. In case of problems with fitting, it is advisable to use an additional washer from the set. The whole thing is screwed together using the included screw (it is longer than the factory one, which is required by the entire structure).
In the meantime, we place the frame in the conversion and install the underbarrel rail adapter. It is responsible for locking the replica into the conversion kit. It is easy to insert it under the replica and not on the rail. The most difficult part of the installation process is placing the spring and inserting the locking pin. It is done by pressing the spring and turning the pin, but it takes a while. Finally, screw in the locking screw at the front.
(The locking pin and the front locking screw)
One must remember about these parts when disassembling the kit, so as not to lose the spring that tends to pop out. After that, we can install the slide, the charging handle, tighten the locking screw, and the whole thing is ready. When charging the replica, the most convenient technique is to rest your thumb at the end of the conversion and pull the handle with two fingers. This guarantees trouble-free operation. The entire installation may take about 10 minutes the first time, but after leaving the charging handle parts in place, it should not take longer than 1-2 minutes with a lot of practice.
User impressions
The additional weight of 340 grams of the conversion kit does not significantly change the position of the replica in the shooter's hand. The slide stop is now closer to the edge of the conversion and is less convenient to use.
The charging handle is also double-sided and can be easily moved. It is a foldable part, so when using it we can get a firm grip (30 mm wide), and the rest of the time it will stick out slightly.
On top of the conversion, we have a factory mount intended for replicas of red dit sights made in the Acro mounting standard, but the user is not limited to using just this standard.
Two threads have been molded into the housing, enabling the use of a standard rail (supplied with the conversion kit).
While using the reflex sight, we still retain the ability to use iron sights, even despite replacing the rear sight. In this case, you have to place the eye quite low, close to the stock.
The stock itself may not be the pinnacle of ergonomics, but its low weight and simple mechanism are big advantages. Unfolding it is done by moving the lever with the index finger, which is almost instinctive. The stock, which is unlocked by a spring mechanism, extends smoothly, but does not lock in the most rearward position. With a practiced movement of the wrist, it is not a problem to lock the stock in the unfolded position.
(The folded stock locking button)
(Part of the spring mechanism)
The stock itself is 260 mm long. Some people may be bothered by its rather small foot, 60 mm long and 10 mm wide, but considering the base and the accessories, it will not make a big difference.
The stock locking button is made of the same polymer and operates smoothly. The only problem we encountered was that the whole thing occasionally locked up, which resulted from a slight looseness and misalignment of the lock. Surprisingly, when using the right hand, the problem did not occur.
( The stock locking button)
It may seem that such thin parts, to which additional force will be applied, should undergo some deformations. However, the fiber-glass-reinforced polymer used does not give in in any way, which makes all the elements stiff. As you can see in the photos, the underbarrel accessory rail is placed quite low, almost in line with the trigger guard. It should easily accommodate most of the desired attachments.
In the case of the Glock 19 replica used (which we had at our disposal), there may be problems with sound suppressors or tracers, but with the most frequently chosen variant of the replica (Glock 17), the slide and the end of the barrel will match with the front end of the conversion kit.
Summary
The entire conversion offers the opportunity to easily expand the capabilities of a replica. The product is not very heavy (only 340 grams), and at the same time, it is made of fiber-glass-reinforced polymer, which makes it durable. On the other hand, using a carrying sling may be difficult, as the manufacturer only provided a thin loop next to the stock locking button, but we can also see the possibility of running a loop through a hole in the rear left side, which may solve this problem. Occasionally, it may be necessary to tighten the screws at the rear of the conversion. Simple installation without major interference and ease of disassembly can be a convincing argument. The replaced rear sight slightly changes its appearance, but it still works well with a classic front sight.
Among the replicas available on the market, there are some changes in the dimensions between individual brands, which was taken into account in the airsoft conversion kit, and according to the manufacturer, it is intended to work with replicas of the Tokyo Marui, Vega Force Company,WE,Elite Force/Umarex,KWAandKSC standards. The P80, RWA Agency Arms EXA and other replicas with extended grip parts will not fit into the conversion kit.
At the time of writing this review, the conversion is available from the official distributor for approximately 120 euro, which can be considered an attractive price. Additionally, it is worth mentioning that just as theB&T company has conversion versions for other pistol models, e.g., the SIG P320,Archwick has created the PCC for HiCapa variant, intended for popular replicas of the HiCapa platform.
