The VFC G3 model is the proof that the manufacturer can achieve greatness if they actually try and they can be more than ’VeryFlustratingCompany’.

The biggest strength of the VFC G3 is the external body that is designed to be perfectly matching the real steel version. On top of that, the hop up is simple and yet effective. For those who like dressing up a classic rifle with real steel parts, this is a mandatory buy.

The usual perfect machining is found everywhere. Nice painting, clean surfaces, high-end and detailed work. All of this is only interrupted by the lackluster Umarex engraving. As expected from a classic, steel is abundant, although my replica contained a little bit more pot metal than I expected based on the 2019 version. Plastic is only found in 3 places and even those are pretty good quality.

The operational buttons, control elements are a little rough, they give me the feeling of a battle rifle. The fire selector needs quite a lot of force during switches. The charging handle and the bolt carrier moves smoothly, the HK slap is sure to make everyone smile. Although the insertion of the magazine needs a little practice, and the bolt carrier is also in the way, you get used to it quickly. Disassembly is done in a
matter of seconds, practically without any tool. Installing or taking off a real steel stock needs some hammering, though, which further increases the feeling of real steel. The heavy weight is the sign of reliability, but at the same time it is still not as heavy as a concrete block. The length needs some time to get used to, even if the rifle is slim.

The operation is wonderful. Not only the hop up is great (which is so good, it should serve as an example) but the recoil is a very special feeling on this replica. The hop up itself is made of about 6 parts, servicing it is easy. There is no separate nub anywhere, the machining of the inner barrel is perfect. It is insane how good it performs in terms of range out of the box. Even sniper rifle users get surprised witnessing what the G3 can do when used with proper heavy BB. Range and accuracy are both great. During shooting, you get an incredible feeling. The number of replicas that kick as much as this one, is very little. Of course, there are some that kick more, but still, it is extra-ordinary. Surprisingly, swapping to a real steel stock not only increased the recoil impulse, but it also improved the cyclic rate.

The large, lightweight aluminum alloy magazine only takes 20 BBs. Fortunately, many of the EU versions have no fully automatic fire mode, which would eat up these painfully expensive (over 70 EUR) low capacity magazines. Sadly, the mags inherited the sealing approach from the VFC MP5/UMP series, which tend to leak very fast. Also, the valves themselves are prone to failure. Upon emptying the magazine, the replica drops the hammer without a dry fire bang, making the simulation complete and giving way to the infamous HK slap. 

The trigger is a massive, oversized mechanism, in which I do not see any potential issues. After removing the fire selector, it can be lifted out of the lower receiver like a cube. The bolt carrier is also massive and heavy. VFC chose an assembly similar to their SCAR model, which they managed to update and fix. The charging handle rod was wobbly, though, almost fell out during the first shots.

Technical support from VFC is horrible, hence the aforementioned nickname of the manufacturer. After exchanging e-mails and praying for a reply, I was informed that the broken nozzle can only be fixed by buying a complete bolt carrier set. This is borderline robbery, especially considering the price of the base gun and magazines. 120-140 USD for a replacement bolt carrier was almost unacceptable. But then again, as the saying goes: ‘If you want to buy a monkey, prepare to pay for bananas, too’. The cost of other replacement parts was rather okay, though.
It is very good for skirmishing, I see great potential in this. After shedding a tear for the price of the replica and magazines, you will enjoy every minute of skirmishing or cleaning it. The VFC G3 is a classic, I think it makes it to the Top 10 list of best GBBR models.

Phtoos: Batmause
Text: Batmause
Translation: Yssomru