A full metal AEG replica by Action Sports Games/G&P from the PROline series: Defender 2000 with the Lewis Machine & Tool Co. markings.
INTRODUCTION
Lewis Machine & Tool Co. with headquarters in Milan / Illinois was founded in 1980. Their products are sold to the US military forces and federal agencies. LMT produces high quality firearms and parts and specializes in modular systems. The company deals also with export and sales to the civilian market.
In 2005 the company was classified as an official supplier of the US federal agencies and its products became available to over 300 000 US federal employees around the world.
Weapon systems produced by LMT are based on M16 and AR15 designs. One of the lines of weapons offered is a family of carbines based on the M16 called the Defender.
PACKAGE
The replica is packed in a cardboard box, with the front and the back made out of thick cardboard. Inside is a filling made out of several layers of foam stacked one atop another, with the shape of the replica cut inside them. The top is covered with a 10 mm (0.39 in) thick foam rectangle. The packing performs its function well, protecting the replica and accessories from damage.
The box itself is not very visually attractive. The information-marketing function is performed by a large sticker placed in the center of the cover, which, aside from the picture and the name of the replica, includes the basic information about the manufacturer, the product and also includes companies’ trademarks.
Inside the packing, aside from the replica with the magazine inserted into the magwell, one will find the manual and additional accessories: two QD type sling attachments, 3 rubber guards for RIS rails and a vertical grip. Sling attachments are made of steel. Accessories are packed in plastic bags and are places in the rectangular cutout in the foam.
The manual is clear and includes the basic information and guides on using the replica. Handling and construction of the replica are shown on detailed photos and drawings.
FIRST IMPRESSION
The first impression upon picking up the replica is very positive. Defender 2000 , offered by Danish ASG AS company, was made by G&P, which is known for its high quality finish. The replica is a flat top model, meaning that the top RIS rail runs along the whole length of the replica.
It is an MRP (Monolith Rail Platform) modular system – the upper receiver and the front of the replica are a single part, a uniform base for the RIS rail. External finish is very esthetic and we have no remarks about it.
Despites its rather compact size the weight of the replica is noticeable and you do not have the feeling of handling a toy. Individual parts fit each other very well, nothing is loose and does not produce unnecessary sounds. It can be said that in some cases the parts fit “to well”. For example the collapsible stock has no slack, moves with a little difficulty and is quite difficult to take off the tube. The carbine if very handy, aiming position is good and it is comfortable to hold.
EXTERNAL APPEARANCE
Basic replica parameters: length - 710/790 mm (27.95/31.10 in), weight - 3100g (6.61 lb).
Metal receivers’ parts are matt black.
The dummy bolt carrier and the dust cover are properly made. The dust cover is made from a steel sheet. Unfortunately, as in all new G&P models, the exact replication of the dust cover means that it cannot be closed. The latch on the cover is too big – its construction is proper for the real firearm but does not fit with a replica filled in with a gearbox.
The fire selector switch movement is fluid and you can hear a slight click while switching the fire modes. The selector markings are nor colored. The charging handle moves with a slight difficulty; it returns to is original position by itself only when released rapidly. It does not lock in the rear position.
The flash suppressor is screwed on a 14mm (0.55 in) counterclockwise thread. Its made of steal. It is screwed on with a lot of force and unscrewing it can be difficult.
Parts made of synthetic materials are the pistol grip, the vertical grip and the stock, all in black. They are esthetic and made for a very high quality material. The stock pad is made of rubber. The pistol grip pad has a large motor adjustment screw.
The stock has two containers sealed with plugs. The plugs have rubber o-rings.
The stock has two points for attaching the QD sling attachment, one on each side.
Subsequent stock positions are marked on the tube.
The vertical grip, which has internal space to house a small battery for e.g. a tactical flashlight, has an ergonomic, slightly oval shape – perpendicular to the RIS rail. It is contradictory to traditional grips with a round shape. This allows to attach the grip to fit the shape of the hand - depending if the user is left or right handed. Unfortunately the grip has some slack when attached to the rail which can be irritating for the user.
The front of the replica also has two points for attaching the QD sling attachment, one on each side.
The iron sights of QD type are mounted on the RIS rail and are black. They are esthetic and well finished. Large screw knobs help in quickly detach and attach the sights. The foresight is adjusted vertically.
The rear sight is adjusted vertically and horizontally. Its quality is impressive. The adjustments knobs move with considerable difficulty. Switching between apertures is also quite difficult because of the use of a stiff spring. All this contributes to the fact that one does not need to worry about loosening or accidental change of settings.
Long RIS rail and QD iron sight enable one to personalize and choose sights according to one’s preferences.
MARKINGS
The replica has an individual serial number. Marking placed on it were made available under a license from the company that manufactures the real steel version: Lewis Machine & Tool Co. from USA. The owner of the markings in the airsoft market is Action Sport Games. The serial number, markings and manufacturer logo, model name and real steel caliber are placed on the left side if the lower receiver. The markings are not colored.
The upper, monolithic part of the replica has the patent pending and real steal manufacturer name markings placed on the right side. These are white. The right side of the lower receiver has the ASG company logo and “Cal. 6mm BB” markings which are printed in white.
LMT markings are also on other parts of the replica such as the fore sight and the rear sight.
MAGAZINE
The replica comes with a mid cap with a capacity of 130 BBs. Its shell is made of steel, black with slight gloss. It has the original manufacturers marking on the bottom.
The mag fits well into the magwell, once released it is easily removed. It feeds properly despite a single jam we had during shooting.
The replica accepts (and works well) with the following mags:
mid cap 80 BB, PMAG / plastic;
mid cap 80 BB, PMAG, STAR / plastic;
hi cap 450 BB, ICS / metal;
hi cap, short 190 BB, A&K / metal;
hi cap 300 BB, ACM.
POWER SUPPLY
The replica is designed to work with batteries that can fit into the stock’s tube, which means the small LiPo batteries will be preferred, such as a short stick. Small battery space can be treated as a downside of the Defender
DISASSEMBLY
The replica is disassembled in a standard way. Removing the front pin allows to separate the replica into two parts. Defender’s pins are manufactured very well and do not have the tendency to loosen or fall out (which would result in loosing them – a common problem of the older G&P products).
INTERNALS
Internals of the replica are done very esthetically.
1. Gearbox.
The GB is reinforced. It is a standard V.2 gearbox with a quite massive frame.
It is very well assembled and one does not have to worry that some part will force their way out while disassembling. After splitting the halves of the GB, all parts say in their place.
The motor.
The wires are screwed onto the motor.
8mm ball bearings.
Steel gears with G&P markings appear to be solid. The motor gear has 2 anti-reverse latches.
Steel spring guide has no bearing.
The spring is of linear design.
The piston. (The piston head in made out of synthetic material. In has no bearings.)
The nozzle is made of aluminum. It has additional seals.
Type “0” cylinder. The cylinder head is made out of blackened aluminum. The seal of the piston / cylinder set is almost ideal – we very rarely encountered this level of seal.
2. Internal barrel and HU chamber.
The stockbarrel is 370 mm (14.57 in). The HU chamber is standard and made of metal. The HU rubber is black and basing on its softness and elasticity it appears to be made of silicone.
FIRING
The firing sound is pleasant to the ear. The mechanism works very smoothly, without unnecessary noise. The firing itself is very pleasant. The replica is very accurate despite the short stock barrel. Firing consistency is very good and the subsequent shots have very similar muzzle velocity. The HU works very well, adjustment works without any problems and does not change by itself.
TESTS
1. FPS and energy measurements.
The FPS and energy tests were done using Blaster 0.2g BBs. The muzzle velocity on those BBs is 398 FPS with 1,46 J of energy.
Average of the results.
BBs weight FPS m/s energy
0.2g 398 121 1,46 J
2. ROF.
With a 7,4V 25C battery the ROF was 14 BBs per second (840 BBs per minute).
3. Accuracy and grouping test at the distances of 30 m (32.81 yd) and 40 m (43.74 yd).
The test was carried out using an A3 size targets places on a silhouette background. The distances were measured using a measuring tape. The shots were fired in series of 10 using Blasters 0.25g BBs.
At the distance of 30 m (32.81 yd) we scored 10/10 hits in the silhouette, 10/10 hits in the A3 size target (8/10 hits in A4 size target).
At the distance of 40 m (43.74 yd) we scored 10/10 hits in the silhouette, 10/10 hits in the A3 size target (8/10 hits in A4 size target).
4. Maximum efficient and maximum total range.
The maximum range of the replica at which most shots still hit the silhouette is about 50 m (54.68 yd).
The maximum range at which some shots can still hit the silhouette is 55 m (60.13 yd).
SUMMARY
LMT Defender 2000 replica by ASG AS/G&P is very interesting. Monolithic upper receiver gives it an interesting look and compact, firm design. In our opinion this replica can satisfy most players what look for an interesting model of the M4/M16 system. The external design is attractive and the quality of the finish and good fit of individual parts leave no reasons for complaints. Licensed markings and an individual serial number add to the esthetic value of the Defender.
The replica fires very well; grouping, consistency and range – as for a stock rifle – are very good. The workings and adjustment of the HU system made a very positive impression on us as well as the quality of the internal parts.
The carbine tested was one among the more interesting models of AEG reviewed by us so far and we cab recommend it to any player who is looking for a solid replica from the M family. It is safe to say that in comparison to the older generations of G&P’sM4s, the Defender 2000 has a better design and some of the minor flaws of its predecessors removed.
The replica offered by Action Sport Games is well manufactured and sets a quality standard for the PROline products, proudly filling in the ASG LMT series (manufactured earlier by KWA).
Pros:
+ full metal
+ very good external and internal finish
+ very good fit of external parts and gearbox parts
+ reinforced gearbox
+ excellent sealing of the piston / cylinder set
+ comfortable and ergonomic
+ licensed markings
+ additional accessories
Cons:
- dust cover does not close
- placement of marking not found on the original
- little space for the battery
The replica was tested thanks to the courtesy of Action Sport Games AS:
Special thanks to Wolf for his help with the review.
Translated by SHOGUN_YAMATO
