Choosing an Entry-Level M4

[AnthonyG]

I'm just getting into airsoft as I have a few friends that play. I came to the forum looking for some advice and clarification.

I've narrowed my purchase to the M4 models below (also open to suggestions). Budget is $200-250

Echo 1 Stag $224
King Arms M4A1 $210
G&G CM16 MOD0 $235
G&G CM16 RAIDER $165

I like the metal exterior of the King Arms, but I'd probably want to change the front barrel for something with a rail system. I probably won't be buying another rifle for a long time, so I'm hoping for something with a bit more long-term reliability. The number of manufacturers of rifles has been somewhat overwhelming for someone new to the sport, and I was hoping I could get some help sorting my decision out. Also wondering what justifies the price difference between the two G&G models.

[GR]

I'd recommend going with CM16's, simply because they already have an RIS system, so if you choose to put some attachments on it (which I am almost certain you will in the future), you won't have to spend additional money to get an RIS on the King Arms M4A1.

Also, G&G's build quality and internals are quite good for a beginner gun, and might be able to even compete with some of the higher builds.

P.S. I would remove the link to the store, as it is not allowed to post that outside of AV section. Just link pics instead.

[RaisinBran]

Full metal King Arms for $210??

I have been gone for too long. There was a time where I would have bought that instantly.

[grantmac]

Rails don't mean crap and especially the ones on the CM16.

Get the KA.

-Grant

[AnthonyG]

Originally Posted by RaisinBran

Full metal King Arms for $210??

I have been gone for too long. There was a time where I would have bought that instantly.

Yeah, I read some older posts that said KA was pretty good. The version I'm looking at also holds the battery in the stock which I prefer after holding a few models today.

I guess the fact that its the second lowest price on my list has left me wondering (I think its regularily $260..).

[AlexGPS]

Imo id go for a metal body airsoft gun any time of the day. I played with polymer and metal and theres nothing better than a metalic m4. They both have there drawbacks but with a metal bodied m4 youll be happyer off with a metal body than without rails.

[-Shade]

+1 for the King Arms
Ultra reliable and it's at a great price!

[pestobanana]

As much as I hate g&g, they make the most reliable entry level airsoft guns. KA is mediocre all around, nothing exceptional. G&G CM series have plastic externals but they aren't totally crappy like lancer tactical. The KA would be a much better upgrade base as the gearbox shell itself is much stronger, whereas g&g shells are garbage and crack often if the gearbox is not set up properly.

There are also KA guns that come with rails, the RIS version is decently affordable.

Don't get the Echo1 Stag, their gearbox quality is pretty bad. Their most common failure isn't something simple like a stripped piston, but a broken trigger post which requires a new gearbox shell.

Keep it between G&G and KA. Go G&G for better internals, KA for better externals.

Hope this helps.

[AnthonyG]

So, if I go with the King Arms how much should I expect to spend upgrading the barrel to an RIS system?

[L473ncy]

It can be however much you want depending on the rail you want to get. If you want drop in rails like the KAC drop in's that use the Delta Ring it could be up to $100 for a used real steel set or as cheap as $30-40 for an ACM (All China Made) clone.

Hell I spent like $90 IIRC on my Airsoft SWS rail.

[Jo_Canadian]

I run a G&G cm18. Its a bit newer than the cm16 in terms of release. Has a full metal gearbox and a RIS system already on it. Should be around the same price as a 16.

I love mine. I've put probably 7000 rounds through it and have yet to have any issues. Only thing I've had done so far is downgrade the spring because it was shooting 430fps straight out of the box.

Between your two choices I'd take the G&G models, good internals and compatible with 90% of other manufacturers.

[AnthonyG]

Originally Posted by Jo_Canadian

I run a G&G cm18. Its a bit newer than the cm16 in terms of release. Has a full metal gearbox and a RIS system already on it. Should be around the same price as a 16.

I love mine. I've put probably 7000 rounds through it and have yet to have any issues. Only thing I've had done so far is downgrade the spring because it was shooting 430fps straight out of the box.

Between your two choices I'd take the G&G models, good internals and compatible with 90% of other manufacturers.

Not crazy about the two-tone colour options to be honest.

[pestobanana]

There are loads of KA M4s that come with rails pre installed.

[Mcbain500]

Go with G&G great guns easier to sell if you don't like the sport.

[AnthonyG]

How are the GR series guns by G&G, compared to the CMs?

ie) G&G GR15

Is the main different the artificial blow-back? Or are the internals upgraded in any way?