I've got an odd battery problem. I picked up an Intellect 9.6v stick battery for my Echo1 CPW. It doesn't seem to fit. It's almost like the battery diameter is too large to slide into the hole at the front of the upper receiver. It doesn't look much different from the stock battery.

Thoughts, suggestions?

I've been using an Echo1 AK ... pretty much the lowest model. It's totally reliable ... but I'd like some nicer furniture, a metal body, a bit more velocity (so I can use .28 BBs). I suppose I could upgrade it, but I think it might be cheaper to go with something new that already has all that (and then sell the Echo1).

So tell me - what's a reliable, good-shooting AK that would be a nice step up? I'd prefer under $350. But I'll flop a few bucks upward for the right rig. And this will be strictly for field play.

I've only been in the forum a short time - but it's pretty clear there's not many places to play in the Valley. I've put a bit of thought and Google map browsing into this. I have no idea what sort of history local players have with governments and property owners, so bear with me. I have some ideas for possible locations - some are fairly central, with the others more to the east. Any thoughts on these, whether about suitability or where to start in getting permission?

Near Reach 11 Sports Complex (Phoenix) - Some options east. Government bureaucracy an obvious concern.
National Cemetery of Arizona (Phoenix) - Maybe southeast of the cemetery?
Evergreen Golf Course (Salt River Maricopa Indian Community) - One McDowell, between Country Club and Alma School. Abandoned, in disrepair, easy access.
Scottsdale 6 drive-in (SRMIC) - Closed for now. Maybe not much cover, awesome location. Completely walled in.
Gila River Memorial Airport (Chandler) - No flight operations, easy access. Owned by Gila River Airport Authority (ie, tribal government). Huge space, good ground cover but also lots of bare space.