APS UAR 501X
The UAR is a replica model designed by APS from scratch. What does that mean? Well, it doesn’t match or try to replicate any existing firearm. It’s not a completely new model, the old ones will surely remember the first generation that was released in 2012. It was wired at the front, with stick batteries and it wasn’t compatible with mid-cap magazines. This is why they released the second generation in 2013, which is wired at the back, with space for bigger batteries and now compatible with all types of magazines. Today in 2023, 10 years later, they’ve released this third generation which they’ve called UAR 501X. There aren’t many differences on the outside, except for the range of colours that we can choose from: black with tan grips, completely tan or dual tone.
Ambidextrous controls
The fire selector reminds us of the positions of an AK, with the highest position being safety, followed by auto and semi-automatic positions. Although its design is more similar to a G36 or an MP5. This is undoubtedly because the control is ambidextrous, just like that of the magazine release (which still has a third control behind the pistol).
Silencer
It comes with a dummy 75 mm Guardian silencer, which means that it will not silence our shots and will only serve as something aesthetic. On the positive side, as well as being unique and adding the tacticool level, the inner barrel actually reaches the end of the silencer, making the most of the length of the replica.
Picatinny Rail
The top rail is quite short (23 cm) and there is not as much space left, even with the Athena sights installed (just 10 cm). But we can detach the sights if we need to. Having said that, we really like the design for a number of reasons. Firstly, the front sight is made of optical fibre to improve its performance, even in scenes which are not so bright. And secondly, they are foldable and even when folded, we can use them to aim thanks to their pistol-style three-point design.
01. Gearbox
Gearbox Edge III, the new generation of APS gearboxes in version 3 (AK type).
02. Quick change spring
M100 type spring and steel and polymer spring guide, with bearings.
03. Piston
Piston with full metal teeth made of steel.
04. Piston head
Metal piston head, with tightly sealed O-ring and bearings that make it easier for the spring to twist.
05. Cylinder
Stainless steel frame with opening and extremely smooth inside area.
06. Cylinder head
Aluminium cylinder head with double O-ring and an oversized rubber inside.
07. Nozzle
Chrome steel nozzle which is tightly sealed thanks to its O-ring.
08. Inner barrel
Barrel which is 410 mm long made of steel.
09. Hop up
AK-type metal hop-up chamber with graduated pin for more convenient adjustment.
10. Trigger
New Rapid Trigger System, mechanical trigger that makes it possible to adjust movement, meaning it feels like an electronic trigger.
11. Gears
Steel gears, without markings, which revolve around 8 mm bearings.
12. Mosfet
The IC chip of this Micro FET is imported and has undergone demanding stress tests.
CONCLUSIONS
Replica manufacturers also know how to design an assault rifle. This UAR 501X is really interesting because of its bullpup design, which makes it really easy to use as the weight is concentrated in the part that is in contact with the body. What’s more, its ambidextrous controls demonstrate a gaming experience behind the design. Not to touch on the inner parts, which round off a very competitive offer for Airsoft players. The only question we’ve got is: what colour do we like best?