Airsoft Article by: www.OnTargetAirsoft.com

Anyone that is familiar with the sport of airsoft has heard the airsoft tech terms Version 2 and Version 3 Gearbox. While there are around eight different gearbox styles, Ver 2 and Ver 3 are the most widely used airsoft gearbox versions. An Airsoft gearbox is the internal case that holds the Gears, piston, and spring used to propel the BB downrange. What is the difference between Ver 2 and Ver 3 mechboxes? Glad you asked, let's dive in.

The biggest myth to overcome is that Ver 3 is better than Ver 2. Actually the Version number is just the design of the gearbox; both have their pros and cons. Some of the differences are thickness, location of the safety lever and motor attachment; however, both use the same technology to propel BBs, springs and gears. Neither version provides better performance over the other. It's more a matter of the type of gun they are suited to fit into.

Originally designed by Tokyo Marui. The most common of the gearboxes available in airsoft guns today.  The Version 2 mechbox main features are:

• Free floating motor
• Easy to upgrade
• Easy to disassemble
• Thick body design (used in most M4/M16/MP5 Style AEG)

It is also worth noting that in non-reinforced version 2 gearboxes the use of higher strength springs can result in cracking of the gearbox case.

Originally designed by Tokyo Marui, many manufacturers have created Ver 3 compatible gearboxes. Ver 3 mechboxes are used in the narrow body airsoft guns (SIG, AK, G36). Features on the Version 3 Gearbox include:

• Slimmer design
• Fixed motor (easier to install and remove)
• Used commonly with G36, SIG, Ak style airsoft guns
• Known to handle higher strength springs better than version 2 gearboxes
• Retainer plate on top of gearbox  (replaces screws)

While it is important to understand that gearbox version denotes design, different guns take different shapes of gearbox versions. To complicate matters some manufacturers have their own designs (Based on the standard Ver 2 or 3 mechbox) that only work in their guns.  ICS is one example.  Some manufactures, like Systema, have designed their very own gearbox independent of the Ver 2 and 3 Designs.