VFC SCAR-L - mechbox removal?
 

Need to tap the hivemind. I've dug around the web and here trying to find a recent teardown of the SCAR-L so I could pull the mechbox.

The best I've found so far were video teardowns from 2007/2008 of the lower receiver which didn't look right compared to the placement of some screw access points on my receiver. Possibly a redesign sometime in the last 2-3 years...?

On this board I found http://www.airsoftcanada.com/showthread.php?t=98323 which talked about the fit/finish of the internals, but didn't provide any real insight into HOW to get the gearbox out (though they did like what they saw in the box, which is a good sign).

Can anyone point towards a decent set of disassembly/assembly instructions to get this sucker out?

(At worst, I'll engage the services of a gun-doc, but I would like the chance to watch him/her work so I can learn. :))

This is probably the best guide I've seen.

http://airsoftpacific.com/viewtopic.php?t=19230

That's your best option I tried to open up my vfc scar-l about 3 days ago and realized before I did something really stupid that it really wasn't a good idea. Paying a gun doc to do something to a mech box is the best money you'll spend in airsoft.

That and you can easily ruin your shiny new $500+ gun.

Thanks, Danke - The guide appears to be what I'm looking for. All the referenced screws appears on my rifle, and I can now see what they were talking about re: the inner component.

I don't have a problem with opening things up and putting them back together - I'm very much a "learn by reading & doing" kind of person. But I usually start with some form of guide or manual to help me along. Pretty much all my hobbies start that way (motorcycle engine repair, book binding, miniature sculpting, computer builds/repairs, etc.). However, if I REALLY screw the pooch, yeah, gun-doc here I come! :D

The guide Danke posted should help you out a lot. As time goes by they release newer version of gearboxes (I think its version 3 in the VFC SCAR-L). If you dont mind me asking what is it that you are trying to do/accomplish? Do you want to open your gearbox or just remove it from the receiver? Its not very hard at all the real trick is making sure the ambexturous selctor is seated properly on both side when putting the gearbox back in the lower receiver. You will need a 1.5MM, 2MM alan key and a screw driver. I think it even goes into tearing down the gearbox itself. I am still to new to feel comfortable opening a gearbox. But I have removed the gearbox a couple times already (selector issues, so be forwarned you will probably have selector issues), and its not very hard at all. So if you want to remove the gearbox go for it. If you want to open the gearbox then go to a gun doc (you can tap their mind while your at it). Advice to offer would be watch for the ball bearings when removing the selector switch (both sides), you dont want to lose one or spend an hour crawling around on the ground. And the selector gear when inserting it back in. Hope this helps but if you have any questions feel free to post or PM me

just to let you know the VFC scar L is a version 2 gearbox. and its accually quite easy to remove the gearbox and open it up. Phil is right with the selector gears on the inside of the lower but if you follow the guide you will have no issues reinstalling the selector switch group. I have a VFC scar H and have opened it and about 10 other scars in my time working as a part time gun doc here in london. again its not too hard to do if you are in any way shape or form a handy guy. again follow the guide and dont worry about messing something up. everything can be repaired or replaced if you break something.

Well, got the gearbox out (not as hard as it looked, but was being rather careful about it), and then was blindsided by the outer selector gears on the gearbox itself - to remove them, it looks like I need a 0.035" allen key. Hunting through the usual suspects, I haven't found anyone who carries anything that small - Canadian Tire, Home Depot, Rona, local RC hobby shop and automotive stores.

Anyone know where I could possibly purchase these keys? Google indicates that they're rather hard to come by, and the postal strike effectively means I have to look relatively local (like a 1-2 hr drive)... :(

Go to Walmart where i got mine the set is like 15 bucks, you get everything, it comes in a yellow case,

Only place i could fine this small allen key.

GAH! Walmart was the only place I didn't bother to check! I just thought such an odd size would be too "pedestrian" for them to carry.

Sure enough, the set was sitting on the shelf and it contained the required key.

Sir, I salute you. You saved me a lot of aggravation. :salute:

And so, I return to downgrading the spring... :)

Yes i found it odd that walmart carries such a precise allen key where Canadian Tire, and other major tool suppliers did not

glad to be of service, your in the home stretch now, just remember when putting the gear box back int he lower the rear wires are in the correct position before placing the cover on if your looking at it from the rear the red goes to the left. also the spring and circle part of the contact get compressed in the little chamber (hard to discribe) but the contacts should move when pressed

Are you saying this from experience?

But yes make sure your connectors (that connect the battery from the stock) are seated in the enclosure properly (push the spring up a little and you should be able to seat it in the enclosure).

I understand your reluctance I was the same. I dont want to break anything else. But once you learn it you can do it blindfolded when you done. It can be a little finiky at times (but what gun isnt) but I think its a great gun though (wish I bought mine new).

I know VFC scar L and H like the back of my hand, i have fixed many and also own a scar H, i also have lots of VFC Scar proprietary parts on hand for repairs

Now to get us a little of topic. What are the differences in the L and the H and which would you recommend? I wouldnt mind selling mine off and spending the extra $$ to get one brand new.

Off the top of my head there are 3 or 4 differences between the two,

the nozzle is Longer, which requires a aluminum block to go in front of the mech box and screws in to the lower receiver, the lower receiver has a wider mag well to allow the bigger mags, which are proprietary and only VFC mags will work. (my roommate and I have successfully put a Magpul 20LR mag modded of course in the VFC H and working) the spring loaded battery terminals in the lower require a metal spacer between the gear box and plastic cover, other then that, the gear box, hopup, and upper receiver are the same as well as the stock.

It really comes down to personal preference, the L is more versatile as it will take any m4 mag, where with the H your limited to VFC mags. In airsoft there is no real difference besides the mag for performance, In real steal u have your L which is 5.56 or your H which is a best firing 7.62 rounds.

How long is tappet plate in the H version?

For L vs. H +/-
Mk 16:
Plus; STANAG magazines are easy to find and if you run a second AEG like a M4 you can keep the same pouches on your gear and share mags with your team.
Minus; no one is using them since SOCOM pulled the plug. If you want a hyper realistic loadout that may be an issue.

MK 17:
Plus; in service now so if you're setting up like a Ranger or some of the other US SOF units it's a OK choice.
Minus; Magazines will only fit that one AEG (re VFC, some of the other brands are cross compatible with other AEGs) so the hunt to get mags, and no sharing when the chips are down.