Maker: Classic Army
Model: AR003M
Release year: ?
Model name: M15A4 Rifle
Model type: Automatic Electric Gun, w/ Hop-Up system
Motor type: high torque motor (long type)
Gearbox: 6mm oily steel bushing (version 2)
Battery: 8.4v large
Model length: ?mm (estimate: 1000mm)
Barrel length: 510mm
Bore diameter: 6.08mm
Model weight: 3143g
Calibre: 6mm BBs
Magazine capacity:
- standard: 68 rounds
- hi-cap: 190 round short or 300 round long
Muzzle velocity: 85-95 m/s
Rate of fire: ? rpm
Price: ? yen
Manufacturer: ?
Model number: M15A4
Gun type: assault rifle
Gun length: ?mm
Barrel length: ?mm
Gun weight: ?g
Calibre: 5.56x45mm
Magazine capacity: 20 or 30 rounds
Muzzle velocity: ? m/s
Rate of fire: ? rpm
I recently bought a Classic Army M15A4 as my second M16-type AEG. With my very short Commando (the upgraded Tokyo Marui M733) being my primary model, I wanted something longer to provide a long range and accurate platform as opposed to the BB hose that is the Commando. I was considering waiting for the Classic Army M15A4 CQB to be released, but since that's basically what I built out of my old M733, it didn't make sense to own two of the same thing. So I decided to go with something just a bit longer, a full-size rifle. I bought the M15A4 rifle locally (thanks to A&A Airsoft) and for a fantastic price of $315 shipped. It's very affordable considering what you're getting.
The build quality of this model is really outstanding. Everything that should be metal is made of metal. And the plastic parts (buttstock, pistol grip, handguards) seem solid (nylon or glass-filled fiber plastic?) and feel great. The handguards are a little hollow due to the lack of heat shields, but they are easily replaced with the real thing if it bothers you. The weight and balance is accurate of the real M16A2 or A4. The serial number printed on the side is unique, so memorize it and you'll always recognize your rifle from everyone else's (mine's SER.003509). This is as good a M16 as you're going to get in toy form.
Speaking of the build quality, this rifle is tough. Really tough. Like baseball bat tough, and I mean that literally. You can swing the rifle around by the barrel (and I mean the barrel, not the handguards) like a baseball bat and you won't break it. You won't even get any wobble in the barrel. Walking casually around in dense woodland, I let the barrel smack into trees, I don't even bother to reposition the rifle. I'm not concerned about damaging the rifle, it's that strong. Obviously, I don't recommend beating up trees with your M15; if you break it, don't blame me. What I am saying is you don't need to take the extra care to protect the barrel, and you can use a two or three point sling without worrying how much stress you're placing on the middle of the rifle. Any of the above would spell doom for a Tokyo Marui plastic M16.
There are a few differences between the Tokyo Marui and Cliassic Army M16-type models. The dust cover on the CA is held closed by a magnet--and the metal is thinner than the TM one--and will not open by pulling back on the charging handle. The bolt does not move either, and it can be slightly sharp, so be careful with those fingers. Less realistic than Tokyo Marui, but then again, yanking on the CA metal charging handle does produce a more realistic sound. The buttstock is 9.6v large battery ready, no modification necessary. There's no gas tube running the length of the handguards, I don't know if the Marui M16s have this or not, but it was there on my TM M733. Oh yes, you'll be glad to know Classic Army AEGs come with high-capacity magazines and not standard ones. One less hi-cap to buy.
Classic Army AEGs are slightly upgraded right out of the box. The spring is a Systema M100 equivalent (max. 330 FPS with 0.20 gram BBs), so it complies with the 1 Joule law in some countries, the gearbox is reinforced, the bushings are metal, the gears are steel, and I believe it comes with a metal spring guide. That should save you some cash on the internals. There are some recommended replacement parts you may want to buy for your Classic Army AEG however. Apparently, CA wiring and insulation is crud. The inner barrel isn't as accurate as it should be, and the hop-up is too hard. The wiring can stay if you're not good with soldering, it should be able to handle the power you're putting through it. An 'accuracy' inner barrel is a common upgrade anyway, and a new hop-up unit isn't too expensive either.
It's been said of Classic Army that it's not a company for beginners. This is partially true, less so as Classic Army improves their quality control and refinement of their manufacturing process. While it helps to have knowledge of the internal workings of your AEG, it's not required. A Tokyo Marui AEG will run longer and with less issues than a Classic Army AEG, and therefore recommended for a new player. However, a TM model will eventually break, the plastic will crack, and the internals will fail. The end cost will be greater than that of a Classic Army. I would know, I dumped nearly $1000 into aftermarket parts for my TM M733, and the internals were fine! It was the external issues that caused me to spend that much. If you already own one or two AEGs, then there's little reason to buy a Tokyo Marui unless you want a model that Classic Army doesn't yet produce. Classic Army is expanding their product line, you can expect some more varied releases in the future. My conclusion is, you will have less end cost in the long run with a Classic Army AEG than a Tokyo Marui AEG.
I don't think I'd ever buy Tokyo Marui again. I'm that convinced Classic Army is a better deal, solidly built, and far less to upgrade. You save so much on aftermarket parts, as long as you don't mind the stock look of the rifle. Metal receivers and one-piece barrels are common upgrades, but it's already there with Classic Army. Unless you want a really special receiver (something in OD or tan, or specific markings), there's no reason to replace the Classic Army receiver already installed. Same with the front end, it's tough as a tree trunk. A lot of players like RIS front ends, and Classic Army manufactures one specifically for their M15 rifle. Overall, I can highly recommend a Classic Army AEG now that I own one. My M15A4 is fun to use, and it feels very natural to hold a full-length rifle again. If you're experienced with gearbox work, you can't go wrong with this one.