Airsoft Review: Classic Army M15A4 Airsoft Rifle

This Classic Army rifle is an exact replica of the M-16 machine gun.

History of M-16:

The M-16 was designed in the mid-50s by designer Eugene Stoner.

It became the official issue weapon for the infantry in the United States military in 1967 just in time for the Vietnam era.

The gun is manufactured by ArmaLite, a firm based out of Illinois.

Features:

The CA 15A4 rifle closely resembeles the M16. It has an all-metal receiver. The only parts there are plastic on this gun, are the pieces that are also plastic on the real M-16, namely: the stock, the handgrip and the fore grip. The material is a very durable fiber reinforced plastic.

Classic Army is the only Airsoft manufacturer licensed to use Armalite's logo on their products. The markings appear on the M15A4 in the same way as they appear on the real M-16.

The fire selector switch has three positions: safety, semiautomatic and full automatic. The gun is shipped with a 300 around high-cap magazine. It is equipped with a detachable metal handle (unlike M15A2 that has the handle joined to it permanently). The latch that is employed to cock the M-16 and the button that is used to fix ammunition jams are for show only. The fire selection indicator on the opposite side of the fire selection switch is also for looks.

Operation:

The operation of this airsoft gun is fairly straightforward. Put the fire selector switch on semi or auto mode then pull the trigger.

To load the high-cap magazine, remove it from the gun by pressing the magazine release button then open the small sliding door on top of the magazine. After loading the BBs, the sliding door must be pulled shut. Next, the loading mechanism inside the magazine, must be wound up in order for it to feed the rounds into the feeding tube of the magazine. The wind up wheel is found on the bottom of the magazine. It is okay to turn the wheel as many times as you wish, since has functionality built in to prevent it from being over-wound.

The hop-up mechanism is located under the dustcover on the right-hand side of the gun right beneath the carry handle. It is held shut by a small magnet, and it is also spring-loaded. In order to get to the hop-up mechanism, the cover must be flipped open. This mechanism is used to adjust the flight of the BB exiting the barrel. It puts a spin on the round, thus increasing accuracy and range. The product is shipped with the tool to adjust the hop-up, but it can be just as easily adjusted by sticking a finger into the opening. If you need the BBs to fly higher, turn the larger wheel counter clockwise. To induce the opposite effect, turn it clockwise.

The battery is located in the stock. To get to it, the door must be opened on the butte plate of the gun. Sometimes, it takes a little convincing before the battery comes out. It is a tight fit, however, the gun will also take the much larger 9.4-volt battery. One must be careful though, not to let the battery just slide out by it self. Doing so may result in the connections being torn off.

Reliability:

Classic Army products have had a new design since 2003. A great number of things have been fixed in the newer versions. The gearbox is sturdier than before, and it is also said to be quite a bit quieter. They all metal construction also eliminates the squeakiness usually associated with guns made are plastic.

Performance:

These stock rate of fire is between 280 and 315 fps. Velocity moves in this range in semi automatic mode. It will alternate on every shot fired. There does not seem to be a fluctuation on full the automatic setting. The velocity is consistently at its highest in this mode.

The rate all fire is about 15 rounds per second.

The velocity can be easily increased by installing a stronger spring in the gearbox. Your local airsoft store will be able to do that for you. A higher rate all fire is achieved by installing a larger, stronger battery.

Maintenance:

The battery must be fully charged, in order to prevent jamming of the gearbox. Once the battery gets weak. It is less likely to complete a full cycle of the gearbox hence the tendency to jam. In order to help the battery to hold a full charge, it must be fully discharged periodically. It is wise to invest in a smart charger.

And finally a word about safety: while airsoft products are ultimately toys, they are grown-up toys. Eye protection must be worn at all times. While not in the middle of a game, it is prudent to put the gun on safe. Once done with a gun for the time being, the magazine should be removed.

Airsoft products in the United States of America are required to be sold with a bright orange tip. Removal of those is not recommended.

In the event that you get pulled over by the police and you have an air soft gun in your possession at the time, it is advisable to inform the policeman of the fact.

Conclusion:

Classic Army products in general are of great quality and the M15A4 rifle is no exception. The gun looks great, and handles and feels like the real thing. If you are in the market for something with long range and great accuracy, then this gun definitely has your name on it.

Watch a video review of this product on our website at http://airsoftguns411.com/classic-army-m15a4-rifle/airsoft-review-classic-army-m15a4-airsoft-rifle/

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