ACM
From Airsoft Community Wiki
ACM or A. C. M. See also Cheapsofting
Abbreviation meaning “Any Chinese Make.”
Previously Chinese manufactured airsoft weapons have been of sub-par quality to those manufactured within Japan. However, within the last 18 months or so quality and variety have been exceeding expectations whilst costs for a typical unit have remained low.
This appears to be a general trend for China, in becoming more and more, the workshop of the world in recent years. Cheap labour, abundant natural resource and a willingness to develop and change to accommodate world customers have led to significant improvements in AEG production.
Whilst many still lack the finish of the more up-market marks such as Classic Army, ICS or G&G they are often now equal or exceed Toyko Mauri units in many factors.
It is also evident that the Chinese manufacturers are aiming at markets previously untapped to any great extent by the main stream manufacturers – namely Re-enactment.
Whilst such models as the M14 and Thompsom machine gun have been available from Tokyo Mauri for a good while now, much dissent has been forthcoming from the greater Airsoft Community regarding TM’s pre-occupation with the domestic market and a seemingly unending stream of subtly different versions of either the H&K MP5 or the M16 Armalites.
Into this discontented and bored market such Chinese manufacturers such as AGM, Jing Gong, CYMA and ARMY have started producing original, high quality but still cheap designs of AEG.
In the early months of 2007 we see the introduction of AEG versions of the WWII German MP40, a version of the TM M14 that is better in quality and performance to the TM version and there is also news that versions of the WWII support weapon the MG34 will be available soon as well as an alternative version of the Thompson.
It would be a small leap in imagination to assume that such WWII weapons such as the Bren gun will have a similar treatment shortly.
Not only have the ACM manufacturers aimed at cornering the re-enactment market they are also developing new designs based on modern armaments such as the XM8 (previously only available as a conversion kit) and FN SCAR (which entered the retail zone before G&G’s own version).
Prices are often more than HALF those of similar models from the main stream manufacturers, for example an AK47 from Toyko Mauri retails at 175GBP plus carriage costs in the UK whilst reputable Chinese based retailers, such as RSOV.com, can sell an ARMY manufactured AK47 for 72GBP including carriage to the United Kingdom.
Not only is the price more than 100GBP cheaper, but the quality is equal to the TM version and the internal motor is pre-upgraded to fire at 328fps.
Such prices are aided by a robust pound verses dollar performance, and it has not been easier to purchase and import from the Chinese based manufacturers (Hong Kong now being part of the PRC), prices are often quoted in GBP or USD and customer service is of a high standard. Not only this but the abundance of safe, remote, internet purchasing using such services as PayPal, payment protected credit cards, Western Union International Money Transfer and other instant transfers all mean that a purchase from so far away is no longer either complex or a gamble.
As with all AEG purchases, however, it is still important to consider not only model but manufacturer, to read as many reviews and updates on the model you are interested in. There are still “suspect” manufacturers and models, some even aimed directly at back garden plinking rather than serious skirmishing or as display units only.
Hence it is still important to research before you buy. Saying that however, the extensive community is helpful and informative and more than willing to aid you in your choice.
