I'm not new to airsoft, been playing 10+ years, but recently I've changed fields and gone from mostly close quarters to almost entirely long range. I want to get an AEG, or possibly even a gas rifle that is capable of long range shots (200+ft). I'm trying not to spend more than $300, I've been looking at the A&K/JG SR25 (haven't found a comparison review?) and the Kart JAE-100 M14. I want to get something that's great out of the box or with little more upgrades than a new bucking. I don't care for RPM AT ALL, even in CQB I practically never use auto, so it really doesn't matter to me at all what shoots fast, just what shoots hard and far reliably. If someone can shed some light on the three guns I mentioned or give me some more ideas and what upgrades will get me the extra range I need without breaking the bank, that'd be awesome. BTW, field limits have no bearing in this, this gun will be used purely among friends (some of whom have suggested resorting to shooting METAL bb guns at each other!) so please spare me the "you'll shoot your eye out" or "that's dangerous!" speeches... Thanks!

Well for $300, I'm not sure you'll get a quality gun capable of consistent shots over 200ft. I'd say of the things you're considering, the M14 is the best bet if you can find a decent hop up bucking for it. In addition, you may want a better piston head and air nozzle as well as a stronger spring. If you can also fit it in your budget, a tightbore would complement the system well. The SR25 series really isn't anything special, especially without spending a ton of money on upgrades. The hop up system isn't great, the gearbox design isn't great, and its only real advantage is the fact it looks badass. I'd definitely go with the M14, but I wouldn't be expecting to consistently hit targets at 200+ ft without putting quite a bit of money into it (especially since it's not a TM M14).

Good luck with your pick, and welcome to ASC.

200ft accurately doesn't require a ridiculous amount of fps, you could reach it with 415-450, depending on how fast you want it to get there and if you want any extra, less accurate range on top of that. The fields I play at allow that if you have a full auto blocker on.

To get that kind of range accurately and consistently, you'll have to either spend a lot on upgrades or buy a Tokyo Marui M14 and put a spring in it. A tight bore barrel and nice bucking are all but essential to a ranged build as well.

I'd reconsider your ROF thoughts, it seems unnecessary but it affects your trigger lag. The faster the ROF, the less time it takes to cycle after you pull the trigger. Believe me when I say that trigger lag in semi can cost you a lot of good shots, I've been there many times. A MOSFET is a DMR's best friend, it not only takes out the trigger lag but saves your internal contacts from the extra strain of a stronger spring. If you go with one of the guns you listed, a new motor might be a good idea though I'm not very familiar with either of them.

The Marui and G&G M14s will almost do that kind of range out of the box, if you put a cheap spring upgrade in either of them they would. I know it's out of your price range but....it would be a lot less trouble especially in the long run to go ahead and spend the extra cash.