Gentlemen, I've heard alot of hoopla over both the Marui and the G&G version of these rifles. I too am intrigued by the general information (or mis-information) about these two. However, since I was looking for sheer durability and upgrade potential I opted for the G&G version. I own two actually. A version 1 (complete with the problematic trigger spring and switch contacts, bad hop bucking and loose barrel assembly) and version 2 (which corrected all the problems in version 1). Since I fixed the version 1 problems after getting the version 2 gun, I now have two fully functional M14's. The reason why I chose G&G over Marui was the metal body and takedown dynamics. You see, the Marui version (although very stylish and sexy with that cool looking fake wood stock) just didn't have the metal where I thought the metal needed to be (like the receiver, bolt, full length barrel, flash hider, gas cylinder, etc. etc.). The G&G gun has it's barrel attached to the receiver (the way most guns are built) and receives it's strength from the fact that metal is mated to metal (and the stock is merely the interface between user and machine). As far as takedown is concerned, it is really quite simple... with the rifle firmly on the floor with the trigger guard facing up, simply pull up on the trigger guard to release the trigger group from the lower receiver. After the trigger group has been removed, turn the rifle over (holding firmly onto the receiver and stock) and slowly separate the upper receiver assembly from the stock. Push the receiver/barrel assembly forward slightly to disengage the stock from the receiver, then lift the entire assembly (motor, receiver, gearbox and barrel - with plastic upper) off the stock. Also, G&G added a very simple and effective method to relieve the spring tension on the piston. Similar to the method used by ICS on their M4, you take hold of the firing selector on the right side of the receiver and rotate it rearward. That's all there is to it. It's alot more simple than the Marui takedown procedure I read in the review, and they never really address the spring tension release. Now I'm not poking at the Marui iteration of this venerable piece of American history, it's just that it appears as though G&G thought a bit about the marketplace they were planning on soliciting and geared their line towards satisfying this little segment of the airsoft spectrum. I have already upgraded my v2 gun with a new spring (a PDI 170), and a new Prometheus 6.03 barrel. The accuracy of this weapon is stunning. Needless to say, it will serve well either in the support role, or as an interdiction platform. As always, the opinions expressed by me, do not necessarily hold true for the management.
TheRev