MWS Gas Blowback Rifle Buying Guide (UK)

MWS gas blowback rifles are one of the most popular ways into gas airsoft, and there are now more makers building to the MWS pattern than ever. That’s good news for choice, but it can make picking one confusing. This guide explains what MWS means, what to look for, and which rifles we’d point you towards at different budgets.

Want to try before you buy? Most of the rifles below can be seen in person at our Thetford shop, 20 Castle Street, and you can shoot gas rifles on our indoor range before you decide. Call us on 01842 683567.

What is MWS?

MWS is Tokyo Marui’s M4 gas blowback system. When Marui released it, it set a pattern for how an M4 gas rifle, its magazines and its internal parts fit together. Many other manufacturers now build rifles and magazines to the same pattern, which is why you’ll see “MWS” or “MWS compatible” in so many product names.

The big advantage is the ecosystem: spare magazines, hop-up parts, inner barrels, valves and bolt parts are widely available, and many are interchangeable between brands.

The catch is that “compatible” doesn’t always mean “identical”. Tolerances vary between makers, so a magazine or part from one brand may need a little fitting in another. If you’re mixing brands, ask us and we’ll check before you order.

What to look for

• Licensing and model: do you want a specific real-world rifle (a Colt XM177, a Daniel Defense MK18, an L119A2) or just a good M4?
• Body material: full-metal rifles feel more realistic; polymer rifles are lighter and cheaper.
• Bolt: a steel bolt (or steel-reinforced parts) generally stands up better to long-term use than an all-alloy one.
• Magazines: budget for at least two or three spares. Gas rifles cool down as you shoot, and swapping magazines keeps performance consistent.
• Weather: all gas rifles work best in mild conditions. In the UK winter, keep spare magazines in an inside pocket and avoid long bursts.

Our picks by budget

Under £350: getting started

• Well PRO MCX SBR Lightweight Polymer MWS GBB Rifle (WG10-7P): £249.95. The lowest-cost way into an MWS-style gas rifle, with a light polymer build.
• Double Eagle MWS Gas Blowback M4 Tan (G106B) and G106D: £334.95. Solid MWS-pattern M4s from Double Eagle, the maker behind EMG’s licensed Daniel Defense rifles.

£350 to £450: the sweet spot

• Well M4 L119A2 Gas Blowback Rifle (Black) or Tan: £350.95. Full metal, styled on the L119A2 carbine used by British forces, and listed as MWS compatible.
• Secutor Arms Centurion III and Centurion IV: £389.95. Secutor’s MWS rifles in different lengths and configurations.
• The EMG/CYMA CGS Lightning Series Colts: XM177E2, XM177E1 and GAU-5A at £436.95. Officially licensed classic Colt carbines for anyone who wants a retro look on a modern MWS-pattern system.

£450 and up: premium

• Colt CAR-15 607 Lightning Series: £467.95.
• Secutor Arms Centurion V MWS: £506.95.
• Salvo Precision MCX SURG MWS GBBR: £592.95, also available as S005B-01.
• Well PRO XM5/XM7 MCX Spear (Single Steel Bolt, WG68-10): £857.95. A full-size replica of the rifle chosen for the US Army’s Next Generation Squad Weapon programme.

Prices and stock change regularly, so check each product page for the latest.

Spare magazines

• Ace 1 Arms M16 MWS Gas Magazine CNC-D (£58.95), CNC-C (£63.95) and CNC-B (£65.95).
• For the XM5/XM7 Spear: Well PRO WG68 magazine, metal casing or polymer casing, both £61.95.

Not sure which magazine fits your rifle? Ask us before you order.

Upgrades worth knowing about

Because the MWS platform is so widespread, there’s a deep range of upgrade parts. A few popular ones for the Tokyo Marui MWS:

• Laylax Nine Ball 6.00mm Power Inner Barrel (370mm): £37.95
• Laylax First Factory Lightweight Bolt Carrier End: £30.95
• Laylax First Factory CNC Aluminium Strike Hop Arm: £14.95
• Laylax First Factory High Bullet Floating Valve: £13.95
• Laylax First Factory Gas Route Seal Gasket: £5.95

These are designed for the Tokyo Marui MWS. Fit on other MWS-pattern rifles can vary, so check with us first.

Looking after your MWS

• Use the gas the manufacturer recommends, usually green gas or top gas.
• Keep magazine seals lightly lubricated with silicone oil.
• Store magazines with a little gas in them to keep the seals healthy.
• Shoot in semi-auto or short bursts on cold days.

Buying a gas rifle from us

You must be 18 or over to buy an airsoft replica. You don’t need a UKARA registration to buy from us: just confirm at checkout that you’re buying it for airsoft, and we may give you a quick call. We’ll also two-tone the rifle for free, which adds around 24 hours.

Questions? Call us on 01842 683567 or visit us at 20 Castle Street, Thetford, IP24 2DW.