Going from numerous reviews I have read about it, the version 4 is probably the best out-of-the-box M14 available on the current market. The TM is really better in build quality, but it wont perform nearly as well as the G&G until after you dump some serious money into it first. The G&G already has better gears, a tight bore, pretty much better everything. The heat shield is cheap, but thats an issue with every M14 out there. I'd say its a buy if you can afford it. Its next on my list to get as soon as I can afford it.