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Random Products - Classic Army
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Classic Army M24 Millitary Fluted V2
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Classic Army Armalite M15A4
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Reviews
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Views
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Date of last review
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1
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20956
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Sat February 17, 2007
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Recommended By
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Average Price
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Average Rating
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100% of reviewers
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$100.00
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3.0
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supersize
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Description:
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First off, a big thanks goes out to kornfreakiam, the fellow AS-R member who sold me this weapon, with a spare magazine and KSC .2g ammo all for $84. That guy is alright in my book. Now, without further ado...
Classic Army Armalite M15A4 spring assault rifle carbine
Purchased from kornfreakiam
Price: $84 (from the above listed person, from AirsoftAtlanta it'll be $84.98 after shipping for just the rifle)
Caliber: 6x22mm
Ammunition weight: .2g
Ammunition capacity: 33rds
Weight: 4.25lbs
Length: 30in (33in with stock extended)
Maximum effective range/muzzle velocity (as stated by ShortyUSA.com): 80-100ft @ 265fps
History:
Another quick and dirty job here. The M4A1 Carbine was born from the need in the late 1970s and early 1980s for a better weapon for vehicle crews and special operators who required something with more punch than a sidearm or the M3A1 Grease Gun. The result was the shortened down XM-177E1 and E2, which would become the M4 and M4A1. Fast forward to today, with the US Army attempting to make the M4A1 the standard main battle rifle for its soldiers, the special forces of all services making this weapon their first choice for its maneuverability and versitility, but universally disliked for its upkeep, lack of accuracy, range, and stopping power. Of course "built-by-the-lowest-bidder" equipment won't be the best in the world, but when you buy straight from the manufacturer as a civilian or LEO, you expect quality. Armalite, the mother of the original AR-15, fathered by Eugene Stoner, is the mother of the M15A4 carbine, which one would expect to be a superior piece of equipment compared to an issue weapon in the service. After all, most everyone here in this forum calls the AR-15 series of rifles "Armalites."
Classic Army has been producing spring powered rifles for some time, just they have been the bolt action snipers in the $300 range. This is CA's first "springer," borrowing heavilly from the Tokyo Mauri design for the XM-177E2. Don't count out this bargain rifle just yet boys and girls, because I trust this review will change some minds.
First Impressions:
The process of getting this rifle was a little strenuous, as I had to wait a few weeks after sending kornfreakiam the payment for the rifle via PayPal. After finally getting ahold of him and finding out what the hold up was, it was then only a matter of waiting about 5 days for the shipment to arrive. When it finally did, I was amused by how the mailman juggled the large box. I quickly set to work cutting it open with my talon knife and took a gander inside. An interesting clamshell package held the rifle, while the magazine and KSC ammo were separate. The first thing I wanted to get my hands on though was the weapon, so I dug into the clamshell and pulled the rifle out. Impressive weight, balance, and feel. Despite the lack of a true A2 pistol grip, the grip is comfortable and solid. No creaks or bends at all at first glance, although there are obvious seam lines, especially at the stock tube. The carry handle being fixed despite the retaining screws is another annoyance, but I can live with it, especially since the carry handle is just like my KWC UG M-16A2's with a uninterrupted channel for rail and scope mounting. The finish is great, and the trades are a nice sight. The only CA trade is a tiny "CLASSIC ARMY" on the right side of the receiver beneath the brass deflector (another plus in my book).
The stock is actually pretty solid as well, despite being made of plastic. I should probably address that now: there is a definite shortage of metal on this rifle. Where metal would be on my UG M-16A2, there isn't on this rifle. What metal there is, it's mostly internal, from what I would guess. The only external piece of metal is the locking bolt on the stock (not the lever). This part is important to be metal I suppose, but it would have been nicer for there to be more metal to make up for the lack of a detachable carry handle. However, the ABS seems and feels pretty solid, but a skirmish will be needed to determine that.
The flip-down vertical charging handle was one thing of interest, definitely one of the first things I checked out. I'll say this, it's held in the foregrip very securely, so it won't pop out on the run on you. Once down though, it's one of three parts on the weapon that are wobbly; the other two being the magazine in the magazine well, and the stock when extended (these aren't a big problem though...yet). The handle is rather small for my hands, and rough around the squared edges. Pumping the rifle while shouldered with it presents an issue. The T-charging handle is pushed out when the vertical handle is used, so I would suggest keeping that in mind while using it. I was able to rocket off 21 shots using the foregrip in 27.04 seconds, this was with the weapon shouldered and clearing my face from the T-handle when it came out with each pump and stopping briefly to engage the second stack of ammo in the magazine. Will this handle hold up with skirmish abuse? Only time will tell, as it too is made of the same ABS as the rest of the rifle. It should be metal...
The magazine is interesting, in that it is supposedly the same design as TM's double-stack magazine (also use by HFC for their HK MP-5A3). There's a built in loading funnel like on the UHC HK MP-5SD3 magazines, but this one is more securely held in the magazine, and locks into place on the loading nozzle. The magazine spring is locked into place by a pull-rod on the bottom of the magazine. Use some care with this part, as it's no doubt going to break with a sufficient yank. Here's the best part though, once the magazine is loaded, pull out the loading funnel and you'll hear a "click." This is the locking notch engaging, which keeps all 33 rounds in the magazine during transport, and keeps any more than 33 rounds out of the magazine. I shook the loaded mag upside-down to test it, and lo and behold it works. I am, sufficient to say, VERY pleased. As for feeding, it worked as expected. The magazine is a bit too shiny though, but some ultra flat black will fix this.
Now here's some aesthetics and such that I found lacking on the rifle. First off was the flash hider. While the regulation blaze orange that is required by US law, the 5 ports are all facing upwards and sideways, not a star pattern. I'm still unclear on whether or not this is accurate, but it just doesn't look right to me. The ports are also out of alignment with the weapon, which I'm guessing was from a rush job of attaching this flash hider in place of the regular black one. I'd also like this part, as well as many others, to be metal. The pistol grip houses a weight inside, and is closed off similarly to an AEG's. I opened it up with a screwdriver, and found that this small, loose piece of plastic is the retaining point from which this screw was held. Very odd indeed, I don't plan on opening it again. Looks like some rubber slip-on grips are in order, if them make them. The sights are replica of A2 sights, and only adjustable for windage on the rear sight. The dual apetures are there, which is a plus. The front sling point is sideways mounted for a tactical 3-point sling, but it's plastic, so it might or might not hold with skirmish abuse. The forward assist does not move, which is slightly disappointing. The last thing to touch on is the dust cover. Here's the funniest thing about this rifle: it doesn't pop open when charged. You have to manually open it, and once you do, you get nothing inside but a view of the sealed piston assembly (really not much to see at all).
Live-fire Exercise (first go):
Since I had plenty of ammo, it was only fitting to get this out of the way, and thankfully there was little to no wind today, as well as ample sunlight. I used the same accuracy test as I did with my M-16A2, all fired from the prone position at 33' and 15' using the appropriate sighting apetures. The first round was at 33', with 3 shots. First impact was off to the right, but the next two were a little closer to center. I adjusted the rear sight, but now realize the wrong way. However, the next three shots were done while using the vertical charging handle, and similar results were obtained, with all shots in the black and right of center. I was glad I didn't need elevation for this distance, as they were perfectly level, but 15' showed otherwise. Some shots went under the black at 15' using both the T and vertical charging handles, while arced shots were more accurate. Only one hit was dead center, but overall I must say this is a VAST improvement over the M-16A2's accuracy.
Now, here's the disappointing thing you power nuts. I did a "poor man's chronograph" on it, and it was only able to put a dent in the can which was comparable to my KWC/Cybergun HWHU Sig Sauer P226's abilities. Those numbers ShortyUSA.com gave might, MIGHT be accurate, but I would need to confirm with a real chrono.
Conclusions:
Once again we find ourselves here, looking for the final assessment and the thing that'll convince us, "Is this gun worth it?" Well my fellow airsofters, springer warriors, and Armalite fans, I can safely say that you are in luck with this purchase. I am quite impressed with it from just one date, and owning a KWC Ultra-grade Armalite, that means a lot. Accuracy is this rifle's forte, and with windage adjustable sights you're not in a bad way if you want to use the iron sights. Fortunately, the carry handle allows for the installation of optics, and since it's not removable, you get a defacto high-rise for all you who wear p-ball masks. Versitility is also this Armalite's name, since she sports two charging methods, an adjustable stock (only 2 way though), and a very handy magazine. The sling mounts are already optimized for a 3-point, so you can easilly go for that tactical look.
Ah the cons though, and she does have them. First, the glaring truth in her lack of metallic adornments. She wasn't too prettied up by CA, or fortified for that matter, but I don't think her ABS clothing is all that bad. Be gentle with her if it's her first time though, as when I was laying down that 27 second burst of fire, I was keeping in mind to keep the handle from wobbling back and forth too much. She lacks a lot of things that her prettier friends, the Academy/Cybergun DPMS Panther Arms A-15 Evolution and Kitty Kat have, but she packs a punch and puts her shots where they need to be. Did I mention she's fast?
CA's first "springer" brought on skepticism, as well as hype, and it delivers on both ends. It's no TM XM-177E2, but when you don't have $120 to spend, this weapon has comparable performance, but keep in mind you get what you pay for. I'm sure issues will come up down the road with long term use, but for now, I don't see much wrong with what I think is one of the best looking and performing Armalite springers on the market. She wears her name with pride.
Pictures:
Detail of the left side of the receiver.
Detail of the right side of the receiver and the dust cover open.
Detail of the barrel and flash hider.
Detail of the vertical charging handle.
Detail of the carry handle, T-charging handle, rear sight apeture, and drill tap. Note smooth channel.
Detail of the pistol grip. Note cover.
Magazine and loading funnel.
Detail of the magazine spring locking lever.
Magazine held upside-down, fully loaded.
Detail of the retractable, 2-position stock and butt plate. Rough texture works well with an assault vest's "sniper" shoulder pad.
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Author
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IRaMpAgEI
Registered: February 2007
Posts: 7
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Review Date: Sat February 17, 2007
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Would you recommend the product? Yes |
Price you paid?: $100.00
| Rating: 3
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Pros:
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Looks good, solidly built on the outside, vertical cocking grip is very durable and effective, has a good magazine.
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Cons:
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Unreliable, unimpressive accuracy and range, hop-up is fixed and under-hops, weak parts on gun broke.
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I bought this gun when it was first released along with an extra magazine. The best thing about the gun is that it looks good and for the most part is built well. However, there are several important parts of the rifle which are designed and built badly, quickly resulting in the death of the gun.
The stock, foregrip, and receiver are all very solid and give no flex or creaks. For a while the pistol-grip style handle was fine, but after holding the grip while cocking it became loose. I was going to tighten the screws holding it in place back up, but found out the reason why it was loose was because the metal screws were being held in place by small plastic recievers which had snapped completely off.
Still, some duct-tape held it secure and the gun was other still functional.
On first impression, the t-charging handle and the fold-up vertical fore-grip can both be used to cock the rifle and both felt very durable. The vertical fore-grip, especially, felt like it was in no danger of snapping or bending.
The performance of the gun, however, was abysmal. It had ok power, but it under-hopped .2's and .12's still would fly in a noticeable arc. To add on to this, the power was inconsistent, varying up to 38fps between shots. It's accuracy was poor, the power inconsistencies made it extremely difficult to shoot targets even at 10 meters. Eventually, the air-nozzle of the cylinder broke, followed by the cocking-ram, making the t-charging handle and the vertical fore-grip unable to cock the gun.
I would attempt to fix it, but the gun was definitely not made to be taken apart. I began removing screws, and many screws later I came upon more, smaller screws. I decided to give up, and the gun is still dead.
I was expecting a lot more from CA, but I also may have gotten a lemon. There were way too many inconsistencies and bad parts, it may possibly be an unrepresentative sample of the rest of the guns.
I still have 2 perfectly working magazines, though, which may be the best part of the package I received.
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