M15A4 CQB-R - ASR Airsoft Reviews

Author

TehLlama
MacGyver

Registered: May 2004
Location: Albuquerque, NM, USA
Posts: 9759

Review Date: Fri February 24, 2006

Would you recommend the product? Yes | Price you paid?: None indicated | Rating: 9

Positive aspects of the product (pros):	Fantastic Value, Upgrade Potential, Solid Design and Build
Cons:	Poor plastic parts, magwell, quality control.

Review by: <a href="http://www.airsoftretreat.com/forums/index.php?action=profile;u=13">TehLlama</a>

Classic Army M15A4 CQB

US SOCOM Mk18Mod0 CQB-R

Officially type classified by the US military as the Mk18Mod0, the CQB-R was originally part of the SPR program, then was later intended as a drop-on upper receiver kit for the M4 SOPMOD kit. It started development in 2000, but quickly gained a following as its own weapon, though TACOM did purchase a few thousand CQB-R uppers, and the M4 DEVGRU is either based on or closely resembles the CQB-R. The gun basically consists of three major components:
The foreend, which consists of a modified/shortened 10.3” barrel, and KAC QD silencer compatible flash hider, and KAC M4 RAS system,
the receiver, which is simply an M4A1 flattop receiver, with gas port opened up to accommodate the shorter barrel, and the detachable rear sight manufactured by LMT (Lewis Machine & Tools)
the retractable Crane type buttstock, or newer models made by LMT. Featuring angled cheekwelds, and ‘storage compartments’, this should be a big hit in the airsoft version.

While I could give you a litany of historical anecdotes and specifications such as the change in ejector lugs from 4 to 5, or precise alterations is gas port specs, I won’t. This is a review of the CA M15A4, and that’s what I’ll get on with.

This is Classic Army's latest addition to their outstanding M15A4 Line. Sporting full metal construction, die cast receivers, realistic barrel and gas tube, laser engraved markings, and stock upgraded gearboxes, what more could you ask for? How about a 7mm bearing gearbox with reinforced gears and cylinder components, optimized piston head, mated to an improved, metal hopup, boxed up with an amazine new stock, shortened M4 CQBR upper, metal, detachable fully adjustable rear sight, and boxed up with a 300rd hicap. If this doesn't sound appealing, maybe an afternoon on the couch with your grandmother does.

Classic army replicated this in airsoft form, using their now well-known full metal construction, and ArmaLite M15 trademarks. While ArmaLite produces no such rifle, the presence of US-importable well executed trademarks is still rather nice. I must also say, even the CA trademarks are very well executed, being above the mag release, and neatly, subtly, but not inconspicuously placed on the lower receiver.

Appearance:

http://www.airsoftretreat.com/gallery/data/505/medium/IMG_0690.JPG

This is, in fact, only the third gun I’ve ever purchased new, and the first AEG (spring G3A3 and WA MCSOCOM seen later are the other two).

The box is well-emblazoned with the glory inside, excellent artwork for an AEG. I am one of the true freaks who enjoys the stark bleakness of the brown cardboard boxes containing expensive items, but there is no ambiguity that there is a hot airsoft gun inside. I couldn’t contain myself, I’m amazed the camera doesn’t convey the trembling anticipation.

http://www.airsoftretreat.com/gallery/data/505/medium/IMG_0689.JPG

At first glance, this thing is positivly cute. My primary guns have been an M16/M203, an SR-47 w/ an SR15 kit, and an M700. For a brief second, I though it might have been a BOYS AEG, but reaching out to it, my hand referenced the fact that it was still a very imposing weapon.

Yick Fung packed a lot of features into this tiny package, though every little piece has its function. (Classic Army, aka Yick Fung Industries, CA really is a SM).
These include the SR-16 type flash hider, M4 RAS Replica with laser markings, 300rd hicap magazine, LMT adjustable, detachable rear sight replica, and of course, the NSWC-Crane buttstock replica/battery compartment.

CA receivers are still rather nice to look at. Black, flat, and just plain attractive. Though G&P, Guarder, and Systema (that I’ve had) produce slightly more solid feeling, heavier, more realistic receivers, I cannot complain that the CA is just about on par and for a lot less money. On appearance, these blow Maruis out of the water, though the TM SR-16 finally got the color scheme right. The upper rail is as stout as can be, accessories are going to stay put better than on a plastic body for sure.

I really love the markings on the foreend —accurate, and the laser engraving is positively wonderful. The lack of manufacturer marking on them puzzled me a bit, but I’d prefer none over the Yick Fung ones mocking the true KAC markings. The CA M4 RAS units seems about as good as the Marui, and the rail markings put it over the top. I've owned a couple more solid-feeling RAS's, but they were free-floated, and cost me half as much as this gun.

I must say, the Crane stock looks positively excellent from far away, the sheen on it is perfect, it’s almost a shame I’m going to paint over it. I can detect really faint seam lines, but the stock overall is very solidly built, and doesn’t make any unwanted creaking or squeaking. The rubber plugs take a bit of getting used to for removal/re-adding, but the manual does, in fact, tell you the correct way to install them.

The RAS panels are very attractive, though they have Classic Army markings. Surprisingly, there are no markings on the vertical foregrip, which is odd. LMT rear sight replica lacks distinguishing marks, as does the Crane stock, but I think that is true to form.

http://www.airsoftretreat.com/gallery/data/505/medium/IMG_0692.JPG

Handling

The thing all but hopped out of the box, or so it seemed. The gun feels like it might have been made from lead at first, one just doesn’t expect an airsoft gun this size to feel so, substantial, to put it accurately. Despite it’s 3kg weight, this is the airsoft equivalent of a Lotus Elise—it maneuvers brilliantly, almost becoming an extension of one’s shoulder, albeit a very attractive one.

I could fill up a whole paragraph, but this will sum it up pretty well, since I've abused it plenty: Absolutely, Positively, Precisely NO BARREL WOBBLE. Metal helps a ton, but CA have this right, period.

The stock lazily slides back and forth, locking into position quite positively, no such issues as on the original RS fiberglass Crane stock (they had to use rubber bands over the release lever). The charging handle glides easily, under more realistic resistance than the TM’s, which must accommodate the sometimes frustrating hop-up adjust procedure. The dust cover clanks down if you unseat the magnet on top, revealing the most appealing looking fake bolt I’ve seen, ever. The metal hopup is also visible—kudos to CA for throwing in that nice little unit.

The pistol grip and vertical foregrip are all laissez-faire, working just how you’d expect them to without a squeak, complaint, or misgivings under harsh use. The M4 RAS unit is remarkably sturdy, though detachment is remarkable easy. The CA RAS panels aren’t the easiest in the world to use, in fact mine were useless: I've owned exatly 6 of them, the first four fere too small for true MIL-Spec rails, and got stuck. These slide on one end and off the next, the retainer never quite engagin. Verdict: trade w/ somebody for the ToyStar ones. Once in your hands, the gun is just a delight to hold, period.

Yick Fung decided to throw in a 300rd silver hicap mag, which really makes this an out-of-the-box beast. Despite having over 15 M4 mags already, I decided to test the CA as fully as I could. The unit looks great, and it is the correct contrast color for the black receiver. Not differing much from the Marui, I expect this, like the gun, to behave very well when treated properly. The mag well is a bit tighter than the Marui, and isn't so flexible on magazines: the CA one fits tight, but securely, TOP mags go in with effort, and out with conflagration. Marui mags work fine, but ironically STAR mags are best: go in smooth, lock most securely, and gravity drop out. Might be just my unit, but they're great fun anyway.

The only thing about this gun that still strikes me as uncomfortable, and this is just me, is that if feels too short. If this is an issue, there is a very excellent remedy: a silencer. I chose to go with the G&P M4QD that in RS would actually go with the CQB-R kit, since it’s a great replica. I considered the CA silencers, but decided only a true QD (not just 14mmCCW) would do this excellent airsoft platform justice. I got this picture in my head off internet pictures, but something tells me that’s how a silencer should look, and look it does good. (Sorry, Yoda speak will be avoided throughout the remainder of this review).

Firing

Well, the first battery I got for it SUCKED. It arrived in two peices already, with the wiring in tatters, upon loading it the first time, all the wires gave out. Break out the solder, and git-r-done. The 3300mAh hour are best, it seems.

The correct way to load up a battery is wiring towards your shoulder: i REALLY wish they had just done this with contact points, since it's not exactly easy. In any case, once installed, The weight distribution of the gun seems a tad back-heavy, but is easly fix-able with moving in the stock (it's adjustable, duh) or adding an M4QD Silencer (looks really, really cool).

The selector switch neatly pops into semi, and auto, and the stock fits comfortably. For a guy my size, I put my head a bit far forward, but a correct cheekweld is remarkably easy to maintain (go USA NSWC). It feels awkward at first, but it works quite well for steady aim. More on the stock later.

I then ditched my barrel plug, and dry fired a few times indoors. ROF is impressive, about on par with my AK Spetz (which is tweaked a bit). I then loaded up the gun, with the 300rd mag. Smooth as can be, so I walked outside.

I did the exact same regimen as firing my Spetz for an earlier review, firing at a 2"x5" horizontal target from 15, 25, 40, 75, and 100ft away. In the outline of a bunny, and made of metal, I can tell 100% of the time if it was hit. Beyond 40ft, I could detect that these BBs were going a little faster than a stock Marui, which was a delight, but for my CQB gun I considered this only something 'nice'. If you're planning on using this in woodland as a primary, you will appreciate the upgraded spring a lot, but the overall accuracy may disappoint.

I did each of those distances: 5 shots on semi, using .2g BBs, then again using .25g. The hopup adjust is a bit more secure feeling than Marui, though not quite as spiffy as high-dollar units. The difference in grouping between .2g and .25g was less than I expected, certainly not the night-and-day difference with longer upgraded guns at long range. I think this is a credit to the rubber materials in the hopup, so again, massive kudos to CA.

At 15ft, I was 5/5, which only mildy surprised me for a gun this size.
At 25ft, I was again 5/5, though with noticably more spread.
At 40ft, I was 3/5 using .2g, 4/5 using .25g. Not sure how much of this is marksmanship, but the .25g still provide better accuracy, with slight, but noticable drop in muzzle velocity
At 75ft, I was 2/5 w/ both. This leads me to suspect my marksmanship previously, but I was still pleased with the performance of the gun. Groups were still in the 80% range for headshots by my estimation, and there were no obvious trends in BB drift, which leads me to further credit the precision of the barrel and hopup.
At 100ft, I got one nice hit using a .25g BB, and that was about it. I would still say chest sized targets were easily attainable using a burst of fire, or at least 2/3 of the time. the .2g BBs that missed seemed to deveate more side-to-side than the .25g, not sure if this is an inherent trait of the BBs or the barrel's preference between weights.

Impressions

Through all this, I was quite impressed with the value of the entire gun. By the time I was done firing, my only gripes rested with the stock and the RAS panels, but the rest of the gun was pretty much phenomenal. Accuracy was right on par with a TM AK Spetznas, which to some extent is a testament to the AK Ver3 Hopup design. The power of the gun is great, easily punturing a soda can using .2g BBs, and able to break the neck off a beer bottle. I'll beleive whatever CA tells me on stats, and I'm willing to beleive that they've really tried to match up an economic gearbox with a very reliable and powerful one.

Since I have a ridiculous arsenal to compare to, I will. The gun feels better, performs better, and just feel all around better than my stock Marui AK Spetz, FAMAS, M4A1, though it did cost more; it feels right on par with my upgraded M16A2/M203 and M4A1/M203, which cost a bit less, but had less feautures; and compared quite favorably with my very expensive KAC replica skirmishing rifles, with very comparable features, superior feel indoors, and for being a stock weapon, did very nicely.

 Gripes 

My first, and definitely biggest gripe was the battery I decided to buy it with: BUY THE GOOD ONE PEOPLE. Cell performance was fine, and the size makes it really a fantastic all-day skirmishing rifle. If you can afford to, it never hurts to have a spare, but this will take you all day on a charge.

The CA Crane stock is a very nice unit, although I suspect it's an exact copy of the PRIME or G&P version. The compartments are roomy, but not quite as nice as the G&P units in that regard. Still, there was no wobbling or movement of the battery, so as I get some practice installing the battery, I'm pretty sure that tightness is going to become a strongpoint. The stock tube is nice, but here's why my only gripe comes in: the fitment of the stock on the tube isn't as exact as I had hoped. Perhaps my expectations are unreasonable, but it wobbles up and down about 20MOA. When using proper technique, it's fine, but for precision long-range shooting, can be bothersome. My verdict: the CA stock is fantastic, and great for everything except use on an upgraded SPR rifle.

The mag well is picky. I'm not sure why, I've taken some extenxive measuerments with my calipers, which say it's dimensionally correct, but it just is picky. It hates TOP magazines, yet it works best with STAR mags. The CA worked, but not much better than my G&P, and not as well as my Marui mags. I guess the use of plastic receivers grants this flexibility to Marui AEGs, but if forced to choose, I'll take the CA metal body anyday.

The CA SR-16 Flash hider isnt' compatible with G&P M4QD silencers. Once CA starts making an M4QD silencer, this will be an awesome little package. Still works using the G&P Flash hider, so 14mmCCW is awesome!

The RAS panels lack consistency. The build quality, materials, and appearance are great, but how they fit on the rails is less than optimum. I would highly reccomend buying replacements, or spray painting them on both sides. Still, for any proper CQB action, you'll want a flashlight, possibly a laser or othe unit on it anyway, so pretty much a non-issue. The foregrip is really great, which just amplifies variations in the CA panels.

http://www.airsoftretreat.com/gallery/data/505/medium/IMG_0652.JPG

Overall

The CA M15A4 CQB replica of the Mk18Mod0 CQB-R is a positvely wonderful, for any close-quarters, or VIP defense application, is the premier airsoft tool out there. I sincerely hope CA continues to come out with further refined airsoft guns for thier M15A4 line, and at the very least uses their Crane stock on other models.

While this package isn't perfect, you won't find it improved upon for any less than $600 in CQB games... for now.

 Ratings

Package: ++++++++++ 10/10
Appearance: +++++++++- 9/10
Build Quality: +++++++++- 9/10 -- Quality control OK, NO BARREL WOBBLE
Performance: ++++++++/- 8.5/10 -- Too short for llama's taste
Handling: ++++++++++! 10.5/10
Value: +++++++++/ 9.5/10 -- Needs to be bundled with an M4QD Silencer, AP Mount, and AP replica
Potential: ++++++++++ 10/10

Cons:

Short -not so accurate
CA -95% Perfect Quality Control
Trademarks -If Armalite made one... would like some KAC M4RAS Trades
Plastic Parts -QC again, but CA is best accentuated using metal
Picky Magwell -odd, possibly just my unit

Pros:

Short -Manouverable, compact, fantastic in close quarters
Performance -Great power and ROF out of the box, very accurate for a sub-compact carbine
Accessories!!! -Loaded with parts that would cost twice as much aftermarket
Build Quality -Fantastic M4RAS unit, solid receiver, rigid barrel, solid stock tube
Versatility -This gun can do it all in CQB, and will still hold it's own outdoors
Markings -Excellently executed trademarks, M4RAS spot markings, and on the rear sight -- delightful
Crane Stock -this deserves it's own, this unit is a tremendous plus for airsoft skirmishing
Compatibility -works with all RAS, 14mmCCW, and other M4 accessories.
Appearance -Unique, subtle, but stands out. Tied for the best looking stock AEG -- and I HATE short guns.

Questions, complaints, corrections, hate-mail, and fart jokes can be sent to:
TehLlama
dcappel@gmail.com

<a href="http://www.airsoftretreat.com/forums/index.php?topic=2508.0">Discuss This Review In The Forums.</a>

Review Date: Thu January 4, 2007

Would you recommend the product? Yes | Price you paid?: $420.00 | Rating: 9

Positive aspects of the product (pros):	small, easy to handle; High ROF; Nice power; beautifully balanced, esp. w/ battery; Looks GREAT
Cons:	Accuracy might leave some disappointed; A little on the heavy side; battery is a PAIN;

The M15A4 CQB is a great weapon- for CQB. It's very easy to handle and easy to shoot. The ROF is awesome, consistently 15 rnds/sec, and I chrono'd mine at 350 FPS, much higher than the manufacturer suggests. It can't be beat in urban scenarios. That is, 50 yards and under. But this gun is not as accurate as its longer variants for obvious reasons, and this can be a problem in larger, more open environments. In short, Great performance, great looks, decent accuracy, all around great weapon. Also looks great w/ a silencer, and an extended tightbore boosts accuracy considerably.