Classic Army XM177E2

I just recently got this in the mail from the wonderful world of eBay. It was one of my highly desired airsoft since I started playing and collecting.

This is the first model that Classic Army made before the X-Series were upgraded. Pulling back on the charging handle does nothing but make a cool sound. On the X-Series, pulling back on the charging handle will lock the fake bolt to the rear (well 1/4 to the rear) to all access to the Hop-Up.

It's a direct replica of the infamous XM177E2 carbine that was used by many Special Operation Forces during Vietnam in the late 1960s up to the Gulf War and Somalia before the M4/M4A1 replaced it.

Members of the US Army Special Forces (Green Beret) with Local Vietnamese

US Air Force Security Policeman during Operation Desert Shield

It features many of the M16A1 body such as the Upper and Lower receiver and the pistol grip. It has A1 pistol grip that doesn't feature the finger groove that is on the A2 grips. The Classic Army replica has a 10.5 inch outer barrel with the unique X177E2 muzzle break that measures 4.5 inches. The muzzle break seems to be part of the outer barrel, so there are no -14mm threads for other flash hiders.

You can attach a rail platform on the carry handle for range sights (ie red dot sights or scopes). Or you can attach the better looking older 4x20mm AR Scopes for authentic looks.

The sights on the XM177E2 seems to be just two peep holes. One shorter than the other.

The replica has the thinner plastic hand guards unlike those on the M4A1 replicas. You can fit a 9.6v nunchuck battery, which i use. The carbine that I have has a fake gas block under the upper hand guard. The old CAR-15 five position butt stock, unlike the six position LE stock featured on the M4A1.



A shorten high cap magazine that holds 190 bbs was included in the package. There are spring loaded Mid-caps available by G&P, MAG, and Tokyo Marui.

Due to it being an M16 platform, the gearbox is a version 2. I'm not a big internal expert, actually I don't know anything about internals. I like to keep my internals stock of the manufacturer's gears. The only upgrade I'll be getting is a tightbore inner barrel.

Overall I like the replica. I've desired to get one for about 3 years to do a proper Vietnam LRRP loadout or just to have one in my collection. I haven't tested this AEG out on the field. The older AR platform has gain my interest over the recent months.

Unfortunately there aren't a lot of these Classic Arms replicas being sold new in the box in major airsoft markets. Classic Army has been rather quiet nowadays, so I don't know if they officially discontinued the model or having some sort of problems with productions or being sued by major American and European companies. G&P has released news of their XM177E2 models coming out soon, one that is just the carbine and one with the M203 40mm Grenade Launcher. These are going to be off the shelves like hot cakes.

Hopefully I can keep this a little longer than my other airsoft replicas.

Surefire X200 Pistol Light

I got this Surefire X200 from a friendo from the Army Special Forces who used it on his Glock/Berreta for 2 tours in Afghanistan. It has been battle proven and weapon proven.

This is the predecessor of the X300, I don't know if it's the same design. This is a discontinued model.

My friend decided to use the X200 because he told me that he preferred to have an LED with low output and small area than to have a larger output with a large spread and expose his position or what not.

I can't seem to find specs on this, but I read somewhere on a random firearm forum, it was about 65 Lumen. It is LED bulb.

The light operates off of two (2) CR123 batteries. I only use Surefire CR123 batteries as they are cheap and effective. I don't understand why pharmacies sell Duracell ones at such as ridiculous amount. But I would be GLAD to accept free Duracell and Energizers CR123 to test them ^_^.

You can obviously use this with a real rifle and withstand the weapon shock. I haven't proven this as New York City sucks for firearm laws and I can't test it *one tear rolls down*
Again would love to get a firearm license to test it ^_^ ATF(E), NYPD, Mr. Mayor, I know you're reading this...Approve me of a rifle and handgun license and you will be pleased with my weapon tests.


When on my AEG (Airsoft Electric Gun), I used to have on the top rail in front of the front sight. You might ask "Why do you put it on top, isn't that a weird spot and wouldn't it block your iron sights?" ...Actually it's rather slim line for me. I don't have or want any accessories on the side rails as I fear I may bang it on the wall, door, etc. So I rather have a skinny weapon profile. It's also comfortable after a while once you get enough muscle memory training especially after watching the Magpul Dynamic Rifle DVDs. (Great source of training if you haven't jumped on the band wagon. Even though Airsoft doesn't really replicate real firearms, most of the portion of the training can be applied in some way to airsoft handling.)

Though there was quite a little wobble on the rail. It was secure but loose. I guess that piece that goes into the rail slot isn't wide enough.

There is no momentary on switch, there seems to be a friction lock on the switch on both side. I don't know if mine is really old or if it was the design.

The battery compartment hinges upwards rather than most pistol lights. The door lock is on the bottom of the light.

You can buy a pistol grip switch which apparently comes in two different designs. There is also a rail switch for your rifles. Check Surefire's website or other sites to buy those accessories.

There is blue marker writing on the weapon light. I didn't ask what they were meant to be.

As for the light, there is a very concentrated spot when it is on, unlike other lights like my G2 where the spread was large spread. At far distances, the X200 seems to suck.

You can still find one or two on eBay going for more than $100.

Pros:
-Small Profile. Slimmer than the other pistol lights I used to own. I can effective use iron sights and weapon optics when this is on my top rail.
-LED output. Obviously this is better as it's brighter.
-ALL Metal construction. It can probably withstand my accidentally dropping it on a hard surface. There are some plastic such as the switch and rail grabber.
-Battery/Switch cover is hinged. I love how it just stays on the light. Though, losing the cover on any of your lights will probably be extremely hard unless you drop it when you’re riding on a chopper.

-Very concentrated spot of light. At short distance, there is a spot that just makes it seem like the bullet will land right there.
-Large release button. Most release presses on weapon light are skinny for glove use or even for bare hands. This light got large buttons so you can grasp the release mechanism securely with or without gloves.

Cons:
-Expensive...When it was out, they used to cost $250-$350 if I remember. For the amount of output on the light, you would have gotten a cheaper light for half the price by purchasing the Insight M3/X or Streamlight TLR-1.
-No momentary on switch. Like I said I don't know if its only my design, but I would like the ability to quickly snap light on my target and shut it off. Or have a manual strobe effect.
-Low Output. Though, I like the low output because it won't expose my position...Most people will ask for a higher output to blind and stun the target.
-Out of production...It's a rare item nowadays since the X300 came out.
-Really hard to find a holster to fit one. I can't seem to find a website that sell Safariland holsters or other holsters that can fit an X200. You can try to contact the company to ask for one. Though Bladetech and Raven make custom holsters to fit one, there are still not a lot of internet retailers that sell them as widely available like the Safariland and Blackhawk SERPAs. For Law enforcement officers and people who go to a gun shop, they'll probably not find a Kydex holster that will fit the X200. User can always use a Nylon Holster which to some if not many are perfectly fine.