Evike.com Blog & Articles

With so many airsoft brands on the market, it’s easy to become quickly overwhelmed at the vast list of options. You might check out one gun from a given brand then go on to check out another and wonder to yourself, “What really is the difference?” Both guns might advertise “reinforced construction” or “MOSFET systems,” but don’t elaborate further on what these features are. Sometimes airsoft guns really can be so similar that picking apart differences begins to feel like splitting hairs. However, there are a few brands iconic and distinguished enough to know exactly what you’re looking at right at a glance. In the case of KWA, once you’ve had a feel for their rifles, you’d be able to tell you’re holding one even if you were blindfolded. KWA is one of the oldest brands in the airsoft industry, and ever since their debut they’ve been intensely committed to raising the standards of airsoft guns to meet the demands of professional military/LE training needs. Exceeding the average airsofter’s demands for what an airsoft gun should feel and perform like, it’s become rare to not see at least a few being used by players at an airsoft field. Today, we’ll investigate KWA’s rifles to pick apart what has made them the airsoft community’s first choice for realism and feel. Then, with the conclusions that we draw, help you decide if a KWA has a place in your airsoft arsenal.




An iconic AEG rifle with a long history of realism and reliability...



No gun from KWA's catalog better encapsulates everything they stand for better than their legendary SR7. Now in 2023, I often hear stories from players with a decade of airsoft history that the ol' KWA SR7 they 10 or so years ago still holds up and shoots great as the day they bought it. KWA's rifles use a uniquely durable metal alloy receiver that vastly set their feel apart from other "full metal" options on the airsoft market. Their M4s aren't made out of any cheap-to-mold metal. Rather, KWA fully considered the rough-and-tough airsofters might get into in the heat of battle. Many of the old KWA SR7s I see are impressively battle weathered with a good amount of scratches to prove the intense play they've been through. Despite all the stress, they remain primed and ready to keep shooting BBs down range.


The SR10 is the longer barreled variant of the SR7. In this article, I'm referring to both of them when I say "SR7."

It's not just KWA's rigid externals that keep their system bulletproof. Their internal gearbox design is so incredibly reinforced that it's laughable when put side by side most ordinary AEG gearboxes. I'm not entirely sure what metal they use for their gearbox and gears, but it's a deep tempered black and feels absolutely overkill for the sort of stress airsoft internals typically go through. KWA really took the extra step to make sure their guns wouldn't break down even if a car was ran over them.


An absolute tank of a gearbox!

Their indestructability and extraordinarily realistic feel for a rifle that shoots plastic BBs quickly won over the hearts of early airsofters. The KWA SR7 remains as a pillar of KWA's flagship design choices that earned them the reputation they deserve. Though, as of 2023, there are new and improved models with additional features to allow KWA keep up in airsoft's golden age of rapid technological advancement. When you're in a market against rapidly advancing brands like Specna Arms and G&G, you're going to have to innovate quickly.

And that's exactly what KWA did.

KWA's Era of Modernization

Despite all the SR7's merits, many players were beginning to grow critical of its lack of compatibility with upgrade parts. Certain aspects of the SR7 were beginning to grow outdated in the tech-savvy modern airsoft world, and thus their favorability took a slight fall. Then, after an extended period of quiet from KWA, they suddenly released their new VM4 Ronin series M4s. The VM4s were the direct answer to all the complaints KWA had been receiving over their aging SR7s, having changed every part necessary to make it a competitive option in the rapidly advancing airsoft market.

Be warned, we're about to dive deep into the nitty-gritty details behind their advancements. The most notable change was that the VM4 featured an adjustable velocity system, allowing you to quickly tune your rifles FPS to bring it within field limitations. Quick-change spring systems were quickly becoming the norm, making easily adjustable a velocity a must have for any premium airsoft brand. Additionally, the VM4s feature a more standard hop-up unit design and made minor adjustments to the shape of their gearbox to allow for easier fitment of aftermarket electronic trigger units. The icing on the cake was the cut-off feature that stops the AEG from firing upon emptying the magazine, simulating the experience of a real rifle.

Speaking of simulating the real experience...



Alongside the VM4, KWA released their fantastic RM4 system. The RM4 is identical to the VM4 spare for one major detail: Simulated Recoil. Every shot fired through an RM4 sends a kinetic pulse to the rear of the rifle, simulating the feel of a real firearms recoil. Although it's not nearly as impactful as a real AR-15s recoil impulse, it adds a nice touch of immersion as you feel every shot push the rifle deeper into your shoulder. Firing one of these recoil AEGs on full auto is an absolute blast, as their high rate of fire might require to you hold on to the rifle a bit tighter to keep your sights on the target. Though there are a few other options for electric recoil M4s on the market, KWA's dedication to reliability and durable construction ensures that your gun can not only handle the rigors of intense play, but stay tightly put together as each shot rocks the whole rifle.

Everyone deserves reliability!



For a time, KWA's products were mostly geared towards those with an above average airsoft budget. After all, quality doesn't come cheap.

Well... At least it didn't until KWA released their KO Series AEGs.

KWA took their first step into the budget market without delivering a "budget" product. The EVE-9 stands out as their flagship model in the KO series, featuring the exact same internal construction that made the VM4s so reliable and popular while trimming down the expensive metal exterior to a highly robust textured polymer. That's right! There is no internal/performance difference between the $260-ish KO series rifles and their $330+ VM4s! Even with a polymer body, the KO still embraces KWA's devotion to a solid build construction. Right out of the box, nothing wobbles or creaks. It truly feels like a ready-to-roll solid brick of airsoft domination. For players who want the reliability of a KWA without the weight/price of their higher end models, I couldn't recommend the KO series more!

If the standard M4 magazine configuration is a little too boring for you, they come in a wide range of compact SMG-style magazine profile configurations exclusively at Evike.com!







As Realistic as it Gets! GBB Galore!



For those serious about their training, electric airsoft rifles might not hit the spot quite right. Though some models offer an additional feature here or there to add to some aspect of realism, they still don't have the exact same control suite that sets apart a true firearm experience. A gas powered gun would though! KWA brings their ultimate training offering through their LM4 line, which mimic the operation and feel of a real AR down to the very core. With realistic magazine capacities, impressive recoil, and a fully cycling bolt system, KWA essentially just made their own AR-15 calibered-down to a non-lethal 6mm BB. AR style GBBs aren't all KWA has to offer though! Find the perfect model for your training needs with KWA's large selection of GBB offerings!







Exploring the world of KWA's rifles, it's easy to see how enthusiasts have picked this brand as a favorite. KWA's commitment to quality and realism sets their products apart, catering not just to the average airsofter but also to the stringent requirements of professional military and law enforcement training. Whether you're a seasoned player or a newcomer to the sport, incorporating a KWA rifle into your arsenal guarantees a level of reliability and quality that few other brands can match. Pick out the one that speaks to you best and join the crew of KWA fans today!