Tokyo Marui Glock 17 Vs KSC Glock 17

KSC Glock 17 (metal slide)

Marui Glock 17

Statistics

Price: £130

Length: 202mm

Weight: 740g

Magazine Capacity: 23

Adjustable Hop: Yes

Materials: Metal Slide and Outer Barrel, ABS and some other metal parts.

Price: £95

Length: 186mm

Weight: 703g

Magazine Capacity: 25

Adjustable Hop: Yes

Materials: Mainly ABS, some metal parts.

Presentation

The KSC Glock 17 comes in a white polystyrene box, with printed lid marked ‘Glock 17 Railed Frame’ on the top with a picture of the model in question. The box also details this is ‘gas blowback system’, with ‘adjustable hop-up’ along with some further small pictures of the Glock, fitted with a tactical flashlight.

Inside the box you are presented with the pistol itself, a 31 page manual which is mostly in Japanese with the occasional English translation, a small bag of around 100 rounds (we presume 0.2g, they are not marked), the hop-up adjustment tool and a BB loading tool.

The box lid has a target which can be used for adjusting the pistol’s hop-up, this is pressed into the cardboard and can be removed. We felt that the presentation is fairly basic, and it’s obvious that the box has been moulded in such a way it can be used for other models. Certainly not to the standard of Marui’s offerings, but then, is presentation everything?

The Marui Glock 17 is presented in a black polystyrene box of slightly higher density than the KSC version. The wording on the box reads ‘Glock 17 – Model: 3rd generation’, it also advertises ‘Hi-Kick, Hi Grouping and Gas Blowback’. Further pictures detail the ‘night sights’ which are also included in the package.

Opening the box you are presented with a nice layout. The design is purely for that model, with a separate moulding for the magazine to be stored outside of the gun.

Included are the ‘night sights’ contained in their own plastic box, a bag of 100 or so rounds (again, we presume 0.2g), a cleaning rod/un-jamming tool and a set of instructions which also include targets (5 of ) and a Marui catalogue. As per the KSC version, the Marui instruction leaflet is almost entirely Japanese, and includes some information on the real steel pistol on the back page. There is also a separate instruction sheet detailing how to install the ‘night sights’.

The Marui model also comes with a red ‘barrel plug’. This is used to identify the pistol as safe, and also to avoid the accidental discharge of the weapon. A feature the KSC version does not have.

Key

Features

The main selling points on this version of the Glock 17 pistol are the metal slide and outer barrel which add to the weight and realism of the gun, especially the sound when firing.

The safety catch on this model is built into the trigger. The smaller ‘inner’ trigger found on all of the Glock range, on the KSC, hinges forward. When in this position, it stops the trigger from being pulled. We found it difficult to activate this, and with a strong trigger pull the safety disengaged. Not particularly brilliant.

On the Marui version of the Glock 17, they’ bundled a set of ‘night sights’ in with the package. These are simply replacement front and rear sights with ‘glow in the dark’ markers, in place of where you’d find the white dots. Whilst a good idea, the main problem is they need light to charge them initially. How long they would last in a night game is yet to be proved, but in lower light conditions they make pointing the pistol at the target a little easier.

The safety feature on this model is hidden in the metal bar on the underside of the barrel which has the serial number stamped into it. This catch slides forwards to activate the safety, and backwards to deactivate. We found this easier to use than the KSC’s safety catch, plus there is no chance it could fail.

Quality & Markings

The KSC Glock 17 displays all of the Glock trade marks apart from on the grip panel. The slide which is of metal construction reads ‘Austria’ along with ‘9×19’ and on the reverse side a serial number stamped into both slide and ejection port cover. As the slide and outer barrel are both metal, I found the KSC version to make more of a rattle than the Marui Glock 17, which would give the impression that there is a certain amount of play in the parts. This is only caused by the free floating outer barrel making contact with the slide. The actual tolerance between the outer barrel and slide is the same on both models. The sights are identical to the Marui model, and are made of plastic, they also have high visibility white markings to aid in quick target acquisition.

The ABS parts of this pistol form the lower frame, and is constructed of good quality with a very low ‘plastic shine’. The grip panels and finger groves are very comfortable and the ergonomics of the pistol mean that features such as the magazine release, and slide lock back lever are all easily accessible. The trigger and magazine catch, like on all Glock models are made of plastic, whereas the slide lock back lever, and take-down lever are both metal. Metal parts are also found on the recoil spring guide, and metal rails for the slide to move along.

With the magazine out, the pistol still retains a lot of weight thanks to the metal slide and outer barrel. My only criticism of these metal parts is that they are not anodised CNC Aluminium, they are cast metal, which has been painted. The paint had started to chip where the ejection port cover met against the slide after only a few magazines worth of ammunition. The outer barrel also displayed signs of scratching. Whilst these ‘battle scar’ looks make the pistol look a little more authentic, it’s a shame the black finish is spoilt so quickly.

Both models sport a ‘rail frame’ system which will accept standard 20mm mounted accessories such as a laser or tactical flash light.

Like the KSC version, the Marui model features all of the Glock trademarks, including the one found on the grip panel. The slide also features identical markings, although they appear to be stamped a little deeper into the plastic, making them easy to read. As the Marui version is made entirely of their usual high quality ABS plastic, the pistol weighs slightly less than the KSC counterpart. The overall construction is very sturdy, which much less noticeable rattle, thanks to the plastic components.

The only metal parts on this pistol are the slide lock back lever, the take-down lever, the manual safety (more on this later), the spring guide and the plate at the back of the slide. There also reinforced metal guide rails which the slide moves along, something missed on previous Marui pistols (such as the SIG P226) but not entirely necessary, they do however make the pistol more robust if the end user chose to upgrade it somewhat.

Again, as per the KSC version, the Marui Glock is very ergonomic and comfortable to hold, something which is testament to the real steel version, which is transferred to every replica produced.

The sights on this model are identical to the KSC version, with one major exception. Marui have included some clever ‘night sights’, which when fitted allow better acquisition of targets in lower light conditions. They glow really brightly, but unfortunately have one down side, they need light initially to charge them! How they would function in a night game scenario would be interesting to see, but not something we can test at the moment.

The Marui version also has a hole on the lower part of the grip to allow a pistol lanyard to be fitted. A useful addition as it helps to avoid losing the pistol if it falls out of your holster. The KSC version does not have this feature.

Magazine

The KSC magazine holds 23 rounds, 2 less than the Marui. On the back it shows the fake ‘markers’ which indicate how many rounds are still left in the magazine. The rubber seal on the top of the magazine is rectangular and flat, with the gas escape hole vertically aligned. The magazines are not interchangeable on either model.

Loading the KSC magazine is very easy, and uses a system which has been on their guns for some time. Pulling down the BB follower, it locks into place towards the bottom of the magazine, keeping the spring compressed and giving you a free hand. The BB’s simply fall into place and require no pressure to push them into the tube. Simply pressing the BB follower in allows it to release and decompress the spring, simple, effective, we love it.

Charging the magazine with gas is equally as simple. KSC have an ingenious system which means the base plate requires sliding off to expose the fill valve. Whilst some may feel this is a bit of a pain, it means the valve is kept dirt and dust free. To allow access, simple pull the lever upwards, which is located at the bottom of the BB tension spring, and slide the plate forwards enough to expose the valve. Caution, the plate can be removed entirely.

The magazine is also of one piece construction making it sturdy, and hopefully leak free!

The Marui magazine holds 25 rounds, two more than the KSC, which could potentially equal two more ‘kills’. Like the KSC version, it too shows the fake bullet indicators and displays the same Glock trademarks. The rubber seal on the top of this magazine is also rectangular, but has a slide rounded indentation making for a better seal with the gas expansion chamber at the top of the pistol, the gas outlet being horizontally aligned.

Loading BB’s into the Marui magazine is slightly more fiddly than the KSC. The BB follower needs to be pulled down and held in place, something which is not overly easy to do, especially if like me, you bite your fingernails. The BB’s also do not simply fall into place, there is some resistance at the opening, so they have to be pushed through.

Although the base plate is removable by pressing in a small catch, you do not need to in order to charge the magazine with gas. Although it makes this process a little quicker in the heat of battle, it does expose the charging valve to dirt and dust easily picked up whilst skirmishing. A feature which KSC cleverly avoid with their sliding base plate.

On the Marui version, the base plate is also extended slightly further than the KSC.

Barrel

Assembly

Removing the barrel assembly from the KSC Glock 17 is very easy. Simply cock the pistol after first removing the magazine. Now pull down on the two ‘take-down’ tabs located on either slide of the gun, whilst sliding the top of the pistol forwards. Once the slide is removed from the frame, take out the recoil spring and guide, and the outer barrel simply slides forward and lifts out.

As mentioned previously the outer barrel on the KSC version is metal, which adds extra weight to the gun, and also a bit more realism in operation.

The barrel itself is stainless steel in construction, whereas the Marui version appears to be brass. We measured the internal barrel tolerance, which came out at 6.05mm, which is exceptionally good, and should allow for decent accuracy.

The hop-up mechanism is what really lets the KSC Glock 17 down. It is the same system used on all KSC models, and is something of a sore point for me (both my Glock 19 and Glock 17 (ABS) had problems in this area). To adjust the hop-up, you need a special tool, which whilst it allows you to adjust the hop without removing the slide, lose this tool and it becomes difficult. The hop mechanism is held in place by the plastic BB ramp which feeds each round into the barrel. This is also another weak point in the KSC’s design, as on my Glock 17, a BB jam caused this ramp to break. The pistol wasn’t entirely useless, but it would jam every 5 or so shots as the rounds could not feed properly into the barrel. I would have thought KSC would have at least re-enforced this part by now, or better still construct it of metal. I found it very hard to get a replacement part.

I also feel the hop-up has too much play in it, and as it is like a ratchet mechanism, there is not enough adjustment. The assembly is very easy to take apart, but for me, a big no thank you to KSC.

Another point which wasn’t really noticed until I removed the slide from the Marui Glock. There is virtually no sign of lubricant on any of the working parts, including the gas chamber / piston assembly. It is very noticeable on the Marui, plenty of it in all the right places. If you purchase a KSC model, check yours for this, and add some grease if it’s not apparent. Apply it to the piston seals, the along the slide rails and on the recoil spring guide.

On the Marui version, disassembly is exactly the same as the KSC version.

I found it slightly more difficult to get the recoil spring and guide out of the frame to allow access to remove the barrel assembly. Not only is it tightly wedged in there, with little play to lift it out, it was also well greased making it slippery to keep hold of!

The outer barrel on the Marui is constructed of plastic, which is fairly thin in comparison to the rest of the pistol’s construction. Doesn’t appear to be a problem, as not much stress is imposed on this part. The barrel and hop-up unit don’t just slide out of the outer barrel like on the KSC, you have to lift them clear of a slot cut into the outer barrel which locks the entire unit together.

The barrel on the Marui version appears to be brass. Measuring the tolerance of the barrel, like the KSC version it too comes out as 6.05 mm.

The hop-up unit on the Marui Glock 17 is the same as appears on all of their latest pistols, and is truly an excellent piece of engineering. Although the slide has to be removed in order to adjust, which can sometimes be a pain if you don’t get it right first time, the ‘dial’ system used allows for much finer adjustment and it stays exactly where you put it. You also don’t need a special tool to adjust it, just a fingernail (I really must stop biting mine!) On the Marui, the BB ramp is made of metal and is moulded into the hop-up unit’s casing, which means it’s not likely to fail like the KSC. I’ve always found the hop-up on Marui pistols to be excellent, and if I’m honest is the number one selling point to me when buying a GBB. I’d chose Marui over KSC everyday, simply because of this.

Unlike the KSC version, the Marui had plenty of lubrication in all the places that needed it.

Power

It’s time to put the KSC Glock 17 through the Chronograph has see what it has to offer. All test shots were at about 12-15 degrees centigrade, using 0.2g Excel BB’s with Cybergun Winter Gas. We took ten shots, allowing several seconds between each one to avoid ‘cool down’ effects, at the bottom we have recorded the average.

1. 335
2. 292
3. 325
4. 317
5. 266
6. 321
7. 322
8. 319
9. 313
10. 316

Average: 312

Total number of shots from one gas fill: 60

As you can see, the KSC Glock 17 seems to have some problems with consistency, in fact, severe problems. Looking at the stats we gathered, the difference between the lowest and highest recorded velocities is a whopping 69 feet per second. What kind of impact would this have on accuracy? Read below to find out!

The Marui Glock 17 was tested in exactly the same way. Using 0.2g Excel rounds, Cybergun winter gas, at the same temperature. The results were as follows:

1. 293
2. 295
3. 294
4. 293
5. 289
6. 291
7. 289
8. 291
9. 289
10. 288

Average: 291

Total number of shots from one gas fill: 68

Whilst the difference between the KSC and Marui average figure is about 21 feet per second, the Marui has a far more consistent power output, with a gap of only 7 feet per second between the highest and lowest shots. This should indicate accuracy will be far better than it’s KSC counterpart, will it? Read on.

Accuracy & Shooting Experience

As I have said at the top of this review, the Glock 17 is not a target pistol, it is a rugged combat pistol. But what is the point of having that pistol if in combat you can’t hit a barn door? To test the accuracy we used a standard pistol target placed at 5 metres, firing 10 shots. Whilst this range is extremely close you may feel, it gives a good indication of the kind of groupings you will get at distance.

With both guns, we fired a single ‘test’ shot, to see whereabouts the impact point landed on the target, followed by 3 three rounds shot groupings. You can see recorded on the image below the impact points of these shots.

You can see from the image that the shot pattern is pretty spread out. 4 of the rounds did go within a grouping the size of a two pence piece, which is pretty good. The remaining 6 were spread out in a diameter of about the size of a compact disc.

The shots seemed to go to the left slightly. As the sights are not adjustable, this is something the user would have to compensate for.

When testing the gun at a distance of 20m (we found this to be where the hop-up started to drop off) ‘out of the box’, e.g. not adjusting the hop-up to compensate, it was clear to see the inconsistency in the gun’s output. Several shots would hit the target (in this case a wheelie bin) fairly central. The remaining shots would either hit very low, almost to the ground, or go over the target. The windage was pretty consistent, meaning this was no problems with the barrel or hop-up, but the elevation of the shots varied, something we can only put down to the changes in velocity. How are you ever supposed to adjust your hop-up accurately, if the figures can show a massive 69 feet per second difference?

As for the shooting experience. The noise was nice and realistic, thanks to the metal slide. The blowback action was crisp with a fair kick to it. The slide locked back after each empty magazine without a problem. We only managed 60 shots from a full charge, at that point the slide would not return fully, leaving the hammer partially engaged which vented some gas. Once we removed the magazine, we manually pressed in the valve and a fair amount of gas was expelled from the magazine. Obviously not enough to cycle the slide, but had it been the ABS slide version, we felt you would of got around another 10 rounds from this.

In testing the Marui Glock 17, we set up the same sized target at a distance of 5 metres, and fired the same 10 shots. Looking at the diagram you can see where the first shot landed, slightly to the left and fairly low. Taking careful aim again at the target we proceeded to fire our 3, three round shots. The groupings we achieved on each ‘burst’ we pretty excellent. Two of these groupings being about an inch in diameter, with the largest being 1.5 – 2 inches. You can see how the groupings seemed to climb the page, this is a common problem with target shooting with any gun with some recoil. Your arm never fully returns to the position it last was, without careful concentration. In this respect, you can end up ‘climbing’ the page, with each shot going higher than the first. We may have seen this on the KSC target if the power output had been the same with each shot, instead the impact points are spread all over the page.

A similar ‘out of the box’ test at 20 metres found the Marui pistol hitting the target every time without fail.

The shooting experience was the same as with most of Marui’s pistols. Strong, crisp blowback action, much stronger than the KSC but then the Marui is using an ABS slide. We had one instance where the slide did not lock back after an empty magazine, but this only occurred once throughout our testing.

We managed 68 shots from the Marui Glock 17, with hardly any gas left in the magazine afterwards. That is not bad, considering this pistol holds 25 rounds, that is two BB refills and then a further 18 shots, certainly not something to be laughed at.

Conclusion

Some people love KSC, some people hate them. I personally fall into the latter category. If their hop-up design was a little better, and if their pistols showed greater consistency they would be fine, as the general construction quality is quite good. In my opinion, I would choose Marui every time, they tried and tested, and as a company, have been around since almost the beginning of Airsoft as we know it.

For £130 you are getting a metal slide and outer barrel, which to purchase alone would be far more than the difference between the ABS and Metal versions of this pistol.

The decision as to which one you buy, is entirely up to you, but I hope this review has been useful in helping you decide which one is best for you.

Marui have really thrown a curve ball into the path of KSC. Their new pistol is not only extremely capable of out ranking the competition, it’s made by the company we all know, love and trust. Tokyo Marui have really developed their gas pistols over the past few years. Back in 1998 I owned a Steyr GB pistol, no hop-up and non-blowback. The gun was, well, pathetic. It was an extremely poor purchase and of no use in a skirmish whatsoever. Nearly 8 years on, and after many attempts their pistol range is now up there with the best. The Hi-Capa range are being used as a basis for custom weapons in place of Western Arms infinity range, they’re cheaper and you get a lot more for your money.

The Glock 17 is no exception to this. For £95 you are getting an extremely well engineered pistol that is durable and more importantly reliable. Bundled in the package you get a set of night-sights, which appear to be a useful gimmick, only time will tell if they are of any real use.

I choose Marui every time without fail. You know what to expect, and you are hardly ever disappointed. If we look at some of their most recent models, the 1911, P226, Hi-Capa range etc… They all share that same quality and performance that is Tokyo Marui.