WE 4168 Open Bolt GBBR; V3 System

If a 416 replica will be your next primary and you need a healthy dose of realism in your life, the WE 4168 Open Bolt GBBR; V3 System will give you what you need! This full metal GBBR replicates the original 416 rifle in "carbine length" configuration, boasting a steel outer barrel and gas tube to provide realistic weight distribution along with WE's latest V3 internal system to improve long-term reliability and rapid fire performance.

Improvements in the V3 include a redesigned bolt catch with a steel contact surface which locks on a large cutout in the redesigned bolt carrier, solving the previous version's issues with locking back reliably in the long term. The rubber parts have been upgraded with a cold-resistant formula, resulting in better gas efficiency and cold-weather performance. All the trigger components have been redesigned and reinforced, and the valve knocker is now steel, solving another common long-term weakness in the original WE M4 Open Bolt GBBR.

These changes, unfortunately, mean aftermarket upgrades from the previous version are not compatible with the V3, though we expect RA Tech, Dynamic Precision and other Taiwanese upgrade manufacturers will soon start catering to this new system. The inner barrel and HOP-up unit are still VSR/GBB compatible, meaning you have access to the best of the best when it comes to accuracy and range enhancements, and the stock barrel is a 6.04mm tightbore, giving you the edge straight out of the box!

Starting at the tip of the 14.5-inch "carbine length" outer barrel, we find an M4/AR-15 birdcage flash hider mounted to 14mm CCW male threading. The outer barrel is constructed from steel to provide realistic weight distribution and a strong backbone to keep the tightbore inner barrel nice and straight for perfect accuracy. The barrel profile also perfectly matches the real steel 14.5" 416; full marks for realism so far! If you want to mount a tracer unit, suppressor or alternative muzzle device, all you need to do is unscrew the flash hider and mount your preferred device, thanks to the common 14mm CCW threading at the tip of the barrel.

The front iron sight is a fixed front post with "wings" on either side of it to keep it protected from accidental bumps. The sight is constructed from alloy, and the sight blade insert from steel, just like the real thing. This sight design is taken straight from the legendary G3 and MP5 platforms, offering the option to aim quickly using one of the wider apertures on the rear sight while offering 3 additional apertures for different engagement ranges. These sights are excellent but are also rail-mounted and removable, giving you the option to replace them with flip-up sights or remove them entirely.

Surrounding the outer barrel, we have a CNC aluminium quad 20mm Picatinny rail, a perfect match for the original, iconic 416 rifle. At the 3, 6, 9 and 12 o'clock positions, we have full length 20mm Picatinny rails, ready for any 20mm accessories you choose to add to complete your mission. All this rail space is excellent for people trying out new loadouts; the freedom of being able to mount common 20mm Picatinny attachments on any side of your handguard allows you to find the perfect setup. The major perk of the 416 style handguard interface is its keyed engagement with the upper receiver, ensuring the handguard will never loosen up and rotate.

The receiver should be a familiar sight to anyone who has handled an M4/AR-15 platform before, constructed from alloy and matching the 416 receiver style perfectly. This includes the more vertical magwell angle, mil-spec flat trigger guard, magazine release fence and raised upper receiver rail. The magazine release is on the right side of the magazine well, with a push-through design just like a standard M4/AR-15 with a textured surface for optimal traction.

The fire selector switch is just above the pistol grip on the right side, offering 3 modes of fire with a 90-degree throw between each. The default fire modes are safe, semi-auto and full auto, indicated with colour-coded pictograms, just like the real 416. The charging handle can be found at the top rear of the receiver, and being a GBBR, you'll need to rack it before you shoot unless you're loading from an open chamber. This charging handle design is the standard "milspec" low-profile charging handle, but can be swapped out for any real steel aftermarket AR-15 charging handle.

Over on the left side of the receiver, we can find the bolt hold open/release catch, a "ping pong paddle" style button in the centre. This allows you to release the bolt after it locks back when your mag runs dry, and also allows it to be locked open to confirm whether or not the platform is loaded. To lock the bolt back, simply pull back the charging handle and press the lower section down. To release the bolt, hit the textured section at the top and the bolt carrier will return to battery with a satisfying metal-on-metal "clank". One of the main improvements of the V3 system is its redesigned steel bolt catch contact surface, providing a more reliable lock-back when your mag is empty, especially in the long term

Up top, we have a 20mm Picatinny receiver rail with a preinstalled rear iron sight. The rear sight offers the choice of 4 different aiming apertures, designed for engagements at different ranges and in different ambient lighting conditions. If you prefer to run an optical sight you can loosen the screws with an Allen key on the left side of the iron sights and remove them to access the full length of your receiver rail.

Following the receiver, we reach the AR buffer tube, which is a common part found on the vast majority of M4/AR-15 AEGs and GBBRs. This buffer tube is constructed from alloy and provides 6 positions of adjustment for the pre-installed L.E. style stock, enough to suit any body type or loadout. The buffer tube system allows you to swap your stock out for any aftermarket M4/AR-15 stock simply and quickly, so if you get tired of the looks of the 4168 in the future, swapping out the stock can style it up!

Inside, WE has learned a lot when it comes to GBBR internal design, as evidenced in this updated V3 system. As mentioned, the bolt catch has been redesigned to lock on a wider part of the bolt carrier and the contact surface is now steel, meaning more reliable lock-back in the long term. The rubber components have also been upgraded for cold resistance, reducing the negative effects of "cool-down" under rapid fire for improved accuracy and consistency downrange. The valve knocker is also made from steel, addressing a known weak point in the previous WE M4 GBBR system, and the trigger components and bolt carrier have also been reinforced in key places to extend lifespan.

Compatibility-wise, a lot has changed in the V3 M4, meaning aftermarket upgrades for the previous versions of WE's M4 GBBR are no longer compatible, nor are the previous generation of WE M4 GBBR magazines. The new magazine still features the "dry fire" mode, which can be activated by holding the tab at the left rear of the magazine down and sliding the textured button back to lock it in place. The inner barrel and HOP-up bucking are still VSR/GBB spec, giving you plenty of options for accuracy and range upgrades, and the stock inner barrel is now a 6.04mm tightbore example, providing better accuracy with good quality ammo and a slight FPS boost compared to the previous version's standard bore 6.08mm barrel.

Whether you're working on a US Navy SEAL, SAS or practically any other special forces loadout, the WE 4168 Open Bolt GBBR; V3 System makes a fantastic primary for the realism fans. If you like working hard for each kill like the real warriors do, the 4168 will put a big smile on your face!

Features

• Full metal construction
• Gas Blowback Rifle - Heavy recoil, realistic handling, low-cap mags - A rifle for the pros!
• 6.04mm Tightbore inner barrel - Superb accuracy potential
• V3 Internal System - Steel valve knocker & bolt catch, redesigned for reliability
• 14mm CCW Male threaded outer barrel - Tracer/suppressor ready
• "Heavy" profile 416 barrel - Complete with M203 cutout and reinforced sections
• 416-Style Gas block with sling points - Steel construction, sling points on either side
• 416-Style Quad 20mm Picatinny railed handguard - Ready for 20mm grips, lasers, flashlights & more
• 20mm Picatinny railed receiver - Ready for a red dot sight or scope, raised 416-style rail
• 6-Position M4/AR-15 buffer tube - Adjust the stock to fit your body type and loadout
• Low profile "milspec" charging handle - Reduced snag points, steel latch for rigidity
• "TD" Ergonomic pistol grip - Super comfortable grip with internal storage for accessory batteries
• "LE" Sliding stock - The classic "Law Enforcement" M4A1 stock design often seen on M4A1 & early 416 rifles
• Grub Key adjustable HOP-up - Inside the upper receiver, accessible with the receiver split
• WE V3 System Improvements:
  • Steel valve knocker
  • Redesigned bolt catch with steel contact surface
  • Upgraded rubber components for cold resistance
  • Redesigned & reinforced trigger group
  • Redesigned upper & lower receiver
• Compatibility:
  • VSR/GBB Type inner barrels
  • VSR/GBB Type HOP-up bucking
  • WE 30rnd V3 Magazine for M4/AR-15 Open Bolt GBBRs
  • NOT Compatible with previous generation WE M4 GBBR internal parts
  • NOT Compatible with previous generation magazines
• Is this your first GBBR? If so, see the "Special Instructions" section below or our GBBR Guide

Package Includes

• WE 4168 Open Bolt GBBR; V3 System
  • 30rnd V3 Green Gas Magazine
  • Loading tool
  • Barrel nut wrench
  • HOP-up Allen key

Special Instructions

We recommend using NUPROL 1.0 or equivalent PSI gas during summer to stay within site FPS limits, switching to standard Green Gas or Red Gas during winter.

This is a Gas Blowback Rifle. GBBRs require maintenance and careful handling and we do not recommend them for new skirmishers. Things to watch out for if this is your first GBBR:

• The rifle cannot be put into "Safe" mode without first being cocked. Generally, the best way to store a GBBR is with the magazine removed, the rifle uncocked and the fire selector set to "semi". Do not force the selector into "Safe" when the rifle isn't cocked; this will damage the trigger group parts.
• The HOP-up adjuster for this WE V3 system GBBR is inside the upper receiver and is accessible with the rifle in "field stripped" condition.
• GBBRs need to be cocked before the first shot, just like a GBB pistol. It is important that you do not double-load a GBBR, as this can break the nozzle. We recommend clearing the chamber of BBs with a cleaning rod in the event that you finish firing mid-magazine and the bolt does not lock back and show an empty chamber.
• The faster you shoot a GBBR, the less accurate it will be. This is due to pressure variance as the gas reservoir cools down. Full auto is basically for fun, and these rifles run far better when used in semi-auto mode.
• Like a GBB pistol, GBBR magazines require maintenance. We recommend leaving a small amount of gas inside the magazine when stored and not storing the magazines in a cold or damp environment. Magazine seals and valves will need lubrication and to be kept clear of dust and debris.