We’ve talked a lot about the KS-1 rifle in recent months, and indeed both Bill and Stewbacca have been having a great time so far with their VFC KS-1 GBBRs with nothing untoward to report after their continuing range and gameday outings… and of course the “want” for the KS-1 is strong right now!
However, alongside the KS-1 you have the Knight’s Armament (KAC) KS-3 which is a compact 5.56mm NATO short-barreled rifle (SBR) variant designed for close-quarters combat, featuring an 11.5-inch barrel, URX6 handguard, and the E3.2 bolt with dual ejectors. As a lighter, more compact version of the KS-1 (designated L403A1 in the UK), it offers improved rigidity, full ambidextrous controls, and enhanced reliability for suppressed use.
So it’s great to see both KS-1 and the KS-3-style (pictured) variants appearing from WELL PRO who seem to be making hay right now with their BLUFOR military-themed GBBRs!
The WELL PRO M4 KS-style GBBRs are lightweight, performance-oriented replicas designed for players who prefer the realism of a gas system with the manoeuverability of a polymer build, and the features look good to us:
- Operating System: Powered by a Gas Blowback (GBB) system that provides realistic recoil and bolt cycling.
- MWS Compatibility: Built on the Tokyo Marui ZET system architecture, allowing for high compatibility with MWS-spec magazines and internal upgrade parts.
- External Construction: Features a high-density polymer receiver and rail system, significantly reducing overall weight for improved mobility.
- Ambidextrous Controls: Equipped with dual-sided fire selectors, magazine releases, and bolt catches to accommodate both left and right-handed users.
- Precision Barrel: Includes a 6.02mm tight-bore inner barrel as standard to enhance shot consistency and gas efficiency.
- Modular Handguard: Utilizes a modern M-LOK rail system for the easy attachment of lights, grips, and other tactical accessories.
- Adjustable Hop-Up: Features an externally accessible hop-up adjustment dial for quick tuning of BB trajectory.
- Muzzle Threading: Finished with a 14mm Counter-Clockwise (CCW) threaded outer barrel, compatible with most suppressors and tracer units.
- Magazine: 30 BB gas magazine with a realistic manual of arms and last-round bolt hold-open functionality.
With an extremely attractive pricepoint, a good look, and some excellent features the WELL PRO KS-style models do appear to offer a solid starting point for those looking to move from skirmish games into MilSim territory! Given that MWS-compatible mags are starting to get cheaper (hurrah for that!) this could well be an attractive option for anyone looking to try a GBBR rather than an AEG.
We’re keen to check them out, and we believe that you should be too!
