Reviews - Carbines

Tokyo Marui - Colt M4a1 (Automatic Electric Gun)

DolphiN#1
 

Eh? whats an M4? wasn't that a rifle in the 1940's? You will probably thinking if you haven't been following Airsoft over the past few years. Well the M4 is a special version of the M16, rebuilt for SWAT, close quarter battle, Special ops use. As such it is shorter then a standard M16 and has a sliding stock as seen first on the Xm177.

So what? I want a REAL M16. Oh. really? sure about that? You want to miss out on the part metal construction? the EG1000, pull-the-trigger-and-spit-out-your-magazine, motor? The sheer classiness and superior detail and quality of this AEG? Okay then.

Erm.. Well, It does sound a lot like a CAR-15, The're good aren't they? Point taken. But the CAR-15 AEG is a generation behind the M4, It doesn't have the "Bits" that the M4 has.(eg1000 motor) I mean Its nowhere near as sturdy. The CAR, Is based on special forces varients that were around in the 1960's The M4 is current, As an AEG and as a real weapon. It shares the pop open top body, just like the TM airsoft M16a2, the older M16's have horrible clamshell bodies, which mean you need to take the entire rifle apart to look at the gearbox.. Now, You can just pop a few pins and have a butchers..

Alright then I'm sold gimme one now! Hold your horses mate, The M4 still suffers from some of the M16's inherent faults. These are that the hand grip can easily break or smash. The butt is also not as secure as it could be and could break after time, A worrying problem pointed out to me by Pedro was the fact that the front barrel housing and barrel itself wobbles from side to side by about 10 degrees! on most 16 varients. This was not too apparent on the M4 or though there may have been 2 or so degrees play. But don't worry! This are INHERENT faults M16, people have lived with this for ages. Its generally alright. But If you fall over with an M4 its general sturdiness would negate most of these problems. Its also really nicely balanced and handles excellently
 

Cool, so whats your verdict The M4 is the top of the line stock Marui AEG. Its a reputation well deserved. It looks good, Its chunky as hell, Its just great! A little bit heavy and therefore more realistic, but if you've got strong arms and/or a sling its really nice. 

Long Term Test

Well the M4a1 has been around for a good few years now, and Its probably the most popular AEG out there. several varients have appeared, the SR-16, the M4a1 RIS.. Problem is, Its as common as muck. A bit like an Audi TT....