EMG KS-1 AEG Sneak Peak: The Hype is Real!
EMG KS-1 - Your questions answered!
How much will the KS-1 cost?
The polymer version will be £189.99 at release.
Is the KS-1 Good?
Yes. We've had great results in testing, both on our range and at events. The maximum range is impressive, and the rate of fire is extremely high for an out-of-the-box Airsoft gun.
When is the KS-1 available?
It's available now! Get yours here: EMG x KAC KS-1/L403A1 AEG.
Will there be a metal version?
Yes, a metal version will be available in the future. We don't know when, but stay tuned!
Will there be a gas blowback version?
Yes, EMG has already released a GBBR KS-1, and it will be available with us soon.
Will the scope and suppressor be available?
The QDC suppressor is already out there, and the KS-1 optical sight combo will follow soon after. We don't have an expected date yet, but keep an eye on our social media for intel.
Externals
In terms of quality, the polymer version of the EMG KS-1 is fantastic, made from strong, nylon-reinforced polymer with a high-quality textured finish. Even with extensive use, this polymer won't turn shiny and toy-like, and its nylon fibre reinforcement means it's more than a match for any mid-skirmish bumps or scrapes.
At the front, we have a detailed replica of the real KAC QDC flash eliminator, designed for compatibility with EMG's eHub QD suppressor system. The flash eliminator features a KAC logo stamp on the collar to complete the realistic look.
The eHub system allows the EMG KAC QDC or CGS Group SCI-SIX Suppressor to be mounted, though if you're going for realism, we recommend the KAC QDC Suppressor or the QDC Tracer.
The handguard is a fantastic replica of the real steel KAC URX6, the unique M-LOK rail design developed for the KS-1 and KS-3 rifles. Functional M-LOK slots are present at the 3, 6 and 9 o'clock positions, with additional mock M-LOK slots at the offset angles to match the real thing perfectly.
As the handguard meets the receiver, we can take note of the realistic Knights Armament Company markings on either side, a perfect match for the real deal. The handguard also features the correct gas block vent port, and beneath, we can find a realistic KS-1 gas block, gas tube, and the iconic KAC dimpled outer barrel to complete the realistic look.
The polymer handguard is held firm by a stabilising insert at the front of the rail, a small realism compromise to maintain overall structural strength. If you want a more realistic look, you can remove the insert, though this may cause the handguard to flex slightly when squeezed hard.
Moving back to the receiver, we have an all-you-can-eat buffet of licensed Knights Armament trademarks on practically every surface, flawlessly applied with recessed details and perfectly matching the real steel L403A1 in its British Army-issued form.
On the left side of the receiver, in the usual AR-15 rollmark location, we have a prominent KAC logo, with "STONER RIFLE" above and "L403A1" below. Just above on the upper receiver, we have "5.56mm KS-1" in recessed text. On the right side, we have yet more realistic markings, reading "SR-16 5.56mm" with "KNIGHT'S ARMAMENT CO. TITUSVILLE, FL USA" below. A bang-on match for the real L403A1, this will definitely please realism fans!
On the upper 20mm Picatinny rail, we even have a Knights logo at the rear, with the real-world-accurate Knights Armament SR-15 Ambi Charging Handle just behind. The charging handle works from either side, as do the ambidextrous bolt catches, allowing you to adjust the HOP-up with ease, whether you're left or right-handed.
In terms of the controls, the KS-1 will be instantly familiar to anyone who has handled an M4 AEG, though its modernised receiver design adds lots of functionality a basic M4 can only dream of. The fire selector is ambidextrous and reprofiled for optimal comfort, allowing left- or right-handed shooters to operate the KS-1 with ease.
The magazine release is also ambidextrous, present on either side of the magazine well and similarly positioned to the previous KAC SR-16 rifle. The newly designed KS series ambidextrous bolt catch is also correctly represented, with a standard "ping pong paddle" on the left side and a mirrored catch on the right, replacing the asymmetric design of the previous SR-16 receiver. The stitch counters can look as closely as they want; EMG hasn't missed a single detail in this build!
The pre-installed pistol grip is a unique EMG design styled after the real Magpul MIAD pistol grip offered with the KS-1, complete with an ergonomic shape and crackle-textured panels to enhance wet-weather handling. The grip features interchangeable backstraps like the real MIAD, allowing you to alter the size and shape of the grip to perfectly suit your hands. KS-1 aficionados will take note of the flawlessly replicated KS-1-style enlarged trigger guard, ensuring even the finer details match the real KS-1.
Between the receiver and buffer tube, we're equipped with a QD sling plate, providing QD sling sockets on either side and, of course, matching the real KS-1 to a T. This sling plate is also the correct weight-reduced "drilled through" design for the KS-1, as opposed to the previous SR-16 sling plate, which is not drilled through. Another authentic detail ticked off!
Next up, we reach the good old M4/AR-15 buffer tube, made from aluminium with a fantastic gunmetal grey finish applied. Like the real KS-1, this is a 6-position buffer tube and features the Royal Marines dagger logo discreetly laser-engraved in it, sealing the deal for this incredibly authentic replica.
The pre-installed stock deviates from the real KS-1 for licensing reasons, though EMG's Sigma stock is a close match for the real steel CTR stock issued with the KS-1. The Sigma stock boasts a snag-reducing "A-frame" shape, QD sling sockets on either side and a quick-access battery compartment ideal for Crane/nun-chuck batteries. While you can swap the Sigma out for a real steel Magpul stock, you'll be limited to buffer tube-style stick batteries.
All in all, this build is a banger, as rock-solid as it is authentic. Next, onto the internals and performance, which will have you as surprised as we were!
Internals & Performance
Internal Specs - What's inside the KS-1?
Inside, we're in for a real treat with the EMG KS-1! The version 2 gearbox is equipped with an alloy shell and high-speed internals, resulting in a ripping rate of fire of up to 30 rounds per second!
The inner barrel is a 6.03mm brass tightbore and is paired with a polymer rotary HOP-up unit. In our tests, this combination was very effective, consistently able to land hits on our 50-meter man-sized target. Check out our YouTube Video: EMG KS-1 to see the proof!
The pre-installed electronic trigger unit (ETU) provides programmable fire modes and cranks trigger response up to a peak, allowing for rapid double taps without the worry that the trigger will lock up.
All in all, this is a very generous feature set for the money, and on the field, the KS-1 will be a match for platforms twice its price!
Chronograph Results - FPS, Consistency and Rate of Fire
Naturally, we'll need to put the KS-1 to the test on our Acetech Chronograph to find out if its impressive internal features translate to performance.
Check out our FPS results from a 10-shot string below:
| EMG KAC KS-1 AEG Polymer Version | FPS with 0.20g Delta Armory EAGLE BBs |
|---|---|
| Shot 1 | 301.6 FPS |
| Shot 2 | 299.4 FPS |
| Shot 3 | 300.1 FPS |
| Shot 4 | 301.8 FPS |
| Shot 5 | 300.6 FPS |
| Shot 6 | 302.3 FPS |
| Shot 7 | 300.7 FPS |
| Shot 8 | 301.3 FPS |
| Shot 9 | 301.7 FPS |
| Shot 10 | 300.6 FPS |
AVERAGE FPS using 0.20g BBs: 301 FPS
Surprising consistency, which will translate to excellent accuracy and tight groupings downrange. Obviously, there is room for a little more if you like to tune your platforms right to the FPS limits, though the quick-change spring system will make getting that last bit of velocity out of the KS-1 a piece of cake.
Next up, we'll clock the rate of fire of the KS-1. With the manufacturer claiming up to 30 rounds per second, we expect big things!
RoF with 7.4V 20C 1200mAh LiPo: 17.8 RPS | AVG FPS on 0.20g BBs in Full Auto: 289
RoF with 11.1V 25C 1500mAh LiPo: 27.3 RPS | AVG FPS on 0.20g BBs in Full Auto: 310
Very impressive indeed, especially for a stock AEG which is less than £200. A rate of fire like this will give you great hit probability when shooting at moving targets and will definitely keep the enemy team's heads down!
Conclusion
Veteran skirmishers with high-end platforms will have a hard time against the KS-1! Way above average in performance terms, this lightweight beast can duke it out with Specna PRIME and CYMA Platinum any day, a very impressive feat for a platform in its price range.
Realism-wise, this is as close to the real KS-1 as an AEG can get, bristling with officially licensed KS-1 trademarks which are deeply recessed into the design and will never wear off. While the upcoming metal version brings the realistic heft, the polymer KS-1 is the player-friendly option, giving you flawless looks without the burden of a full-alloy build.
Whether you're all about the British Forces and want the latest addition to its arsenal on your own wall, this KS-1 is the best choice, giving you the elite look for a bargain price. If you're hitting the field in your Royal Marines loadout, it goes without question: the KS-1 should be your primary!
If you're comparing the KS-1 to other M4s, it has many advantages, including, of course, its incredible performance. With plenty of M-LOK slots, ambidextrous controls, unique furniture with the elite look and stylish trademarks to top it off, other M4 AEGs have some catching up to do!
Now you have the intel you need to take the shot. Will you be one of the first in the country to rock the EMG KS-1? If you're already decided, grab yours via the button below!