Reviews

The Take On The GBLS DAS GDR-15 AEG

Nicholas Skamballis

GBLS DAS GDR-15 AEG

Being a former Royal Marines Commando, I have had extensive firearms experience. I have used various weapon systems and various platforms; I am also a keen airsoft player and strive to make my kit and weapons as realistic as possible. This is why I was particularly excited to get my hands on a GBLS DAS GDR15. One of the most pertinent reasons for me, is the realism that the GBLS DAS boasts.

(A first impressions review was done by Master Chief of the same review unit, which you can read here.)

I am the owner of various Tokyo Marui rifles, both NGRS and GBBR, I love the realism and fun of the shock recoil, whilst the bolt stop function makes magazine changing feel real with the weapon failing to fire after the last round has been spent.

GBLS DAS GDR-15 AEG

With regards to the GBBR, I love the cycle of the working parts, the realistic take down and stripping of the receivers. But most of all when it comes to Tokyo Marui, it’s their performance which has always been in my opinion, flawless.

And this is where the DAS really shines, the DAS takes the functionality of a GBBR and combines it with the consistency of an AEG.

GBLS DAS GDR-15 AEG

On taking down the DAS, which is based on the famous AR/M4 platform, its take down is just like the real rifle, two pins separate the receiver into two parts. The upper resembles closely to the open bolt GBBR and the Real Steel whilst still being totally unique, whereas the lower resembles a PTW.

GBLS DAS GDR-15 AEG

 

GBLS DAS GDR-15 AEG

 

GBLS DAS GDR-15 AEG

The build quality is some of the most superior I have come across. The GBLS DAS has been dressed up with PTS parts which complements the rifle and also makes it extremely practical. There is no wobble in the receiver and no excess play in the stock. The charging handle has some resistance when pulling back the working parts to the rear; and when sending the bolt home it clangs into place giving you the feeling you have chambered in a real round.

GBLS DAS GDR-15 AEG

 

GBLS DAS GDR-15 AEG

 

GBLS DAS GDR-15 AEG

 

GBLS DAS GDR-15 AEG

The fire selector is crisp and almost feels mechanical as it clicks into place. The rifle is fully customisable and will accept standard AEG rail systems. This rifle will also take standard AEG pistol grips and standard stocks like any other V2 AEG M4.

When I fired my first round the first thing I noticed was the trigger pull, which has been set to the exact weight spec of the U.S Army issue M4 rifles, the pull is weighty and realistic and the reset is incredibly crisp.

All the controls feel incredibly realistic and in my opinion, possibly are as close as they can be to the real thing.

GBLS DAS GDR-15 AEG

 

GBLS DAS GDR-15 AEG

 

GBLS DAS GDR-15 AEG

This is when I realised this is not just an airsoft gun but a training weapon which incorporates airsoft technology. It’s great for immersion, perfect for military training, security training as well as training for law enforcement.

I recently took the GBLS out on my local skirmish field, the accuracy of the GBLS is fantastic. The trigger, despite what some might consider as heavy is extremely snappy with a prominent reset.

GBLS DAS GDR-15 AEG

The GBLS did not disappoint me on a skirmish field, even using the iron sights I was able to pick out targets and engage them accurately. With the DAS’ realistic bolt cycle, follow up shots allowed me to put plenty of rounds down range to ensure that my target was taken out.

I decided I wanted to compare the GBLS to some of my own airsoft guns, on a 40-50m range using 0.30g BBs, I found there was not really much difference, I must stress my TM Recoil is heavily upgraded.

I also compared the GBLS to my TM MTR GBBR, once again there was little variation between the two in terms of accuracy.

Comparing my TM M4 NGRS, the GBLS DAS and the TM MTR GBBR, the recoil is more prominent on the TM MTR closely followed by the DAS GBLS and the TM NGRS.

GBLS DAS GDR-15 AEG

Overall the DAS GBLS is in my opinion the next step in airsoft technology, its functionality from an electric platform is by far the most realistic I have seen.

However, compared to a GBB rifle the recoil is not quite there yet, although it is more prominent than in the Tokyo Marui recoil shock. I’m sure however in future models from GBLS if this recoil has the potential to be heavier.

GBLS DAS GDR-15 AEG

I would recommend the GBLS DAS to any EXPERIENCED airsoft/MILSIM player. If you are relatively new to the sport with little weapons or airsoft experience, the GBLS can be somewhat overwhelming so I would learn about how airsoft guns work before taking the plunge.

I would like to thank Master Chief Airsoft for loaning me his DAS GBLS for the purpose of this review, and I look forward to the future to see what other products GBLS release.

 

Nicholas Skamballis can be found on Instagram.

Nicholas Skamballis

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