M60 Options
Well, I don't have any updated to share so I thought I'd share the mystery package that is currently en route. As you know, I've been working on the weapon platform for this Goat. I've been spending more time than I probably should researching what I was going to get. As you know, the Gama Goat passenger side mount was designed for the M60 GPMG. So my research was into which option to go in. I was looking at a Springfield SA-1 (semi-auto M60), M60 replica from USGI parts, Airsoft M60's (A&K, LCT, Inokatsu, Top), and finally Resin M60's. Though these all have their own set of Pros/Con's, I had to think about what was a priority for my project.
My first option was a real firing Springfield SA-1 semi-auto M60. However, the $7,000+ price tag and liability for having a real firing weapon quickly put this option out.
Next I pondered a M60 replica made from USGI parts. I was only able to find one complete replica and that was north of $2200. Though a viable option, I was looking for something a bit less expensive.
I then shifted attention to resin type M60's. Though the price point was OK, this was quickly dismissed for two main reasons. The main reason was it is a 30ft gun in my opinion (passable as real at 30 ft only). I was also concerned with material failure with it being mounted on a driving vehicle.
The last option was the highly available and popular airsoft M60's. In the past, there was have great airsoft replicas. Manufacturers such as Top and Inokatsu were outstanding in their craftsmanship and attention to detail. However, those M60's are long gone to collectors and die hard airsofters. Those type of highly detailed airsofts are typically done in small batches only. Once their gone their gone. They do trickle in onto eBay from time to time. Now enter present day airsofts. After researching all the main sellers of airsofts, I saw there were about three different manufacturers available for the M60. The highly popular A&K M60 seemed to be offered by most sellers. These A&K are highly available and is at a great price point of around $400 for a new unit. To me the A&K lacked some key features I was after. It had the incorrect rear pistol grip, made of aluminum/plastic, flimsy bipod, flimsy carrying handle, flimsy rear sights, flimsy charging handle, incorrect coloration, and just didn't feel solid. To go with the A&K, I personally would need to make it right by replacing parts and stripping/repainting the entire weapon. I figured I would have about $800 into it once I got it to where I wanted it. Sure I could run the thing out of the box, but those "little" details would drive me nuts and bother me. Now enters the LCT.
The next airsoft option was the LCT M60VN. This was a very limited production M60. In fact, this M60 was only made between 2013-2015. They only offered 200 units worldwide. Everything about this airsoft looks correct on the outside. It is made of steel/rubber just like the real thing. In fact they went to painstaking detail by having the steel coated in manganese phosphate. They have the correct rubber rear pistol group, sturdy steel carrying handle, steel bipod, correct Saco Defense markings, and weighs in close to the real thing but a little heavier. It weighs a whopping 25 lbs!!! However, as one would have it, you pay for the attention to detail and scarcity of this system. This thing retails in at $1800!!!!! This puts this particular airsoft $1400 over the other airsoft M60. Is the attention to detail worth the extra greenbacks? It all depends on what you want in your platform. To me, this is like buying a $100,000 car and putting cheap rims/tires on it. Your once outstanding looking car is now not noticeable due to the cheap looking wheels on your car. Though it may be a subtle difference, the "builder" of a house knows where all the small flaws are.
So with all these options to consider, you can probably figure out which option I went with. I ended up with the LCT M60. I found a seller who had this system priced at $50 less and offered a 25% off. So, I ended up getting this thing for $1300. However, after selling some things from my M925A1 Gun truck project, I'm only out $200 total for this $1300 airsoft. I told my wife all that green stuff is not junk, it's an investment
She actually got it this time and agreed
. So I ordered the LCT M60VN and it is currently en route. Here are some pics of an LCT M60VN. I'll take some pics of mine once it gets here.
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(I know it sounds ridiculous but I've got to keep this rolling until it's complete). So after hours and hours of research and pondering I finally made my decision on the said friend to complete this project. I hate to keep you hanging but I've got to keep you hanging. I will say it is made NOT of cheap aluminum/plastic. It is made of manganese phosphate coated steel and rubber and weighs in at 25 lbs. However, it will never go boom, boom, boom. But it can go psst psst psst.
. Also here are a couple pics from The Stand. This is the only pic of an M60 w/Goat I have found on the internet.
