Tokyo Marui M4A1

Tokyo Marui M4A1

Postby Matt » Sun Feb 12, 2012 11:30 pm

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Published on: Mon 28 Feb, 2005

Introduction

Even God's country loves the M4A1. The Tokyo Marui M4A1 has got to be one of Marui's most celebrated AEGs in the history of the company, and definitely one of the most popular here in the states. We're going to take an in-depth look here to see how the Airsoft version gets the job done, but first, a little background history. In 1994 the US Army adopted the Colt Model 720 series select-fire carbine as the US M4 Carbine. It was later used by special forces and adapted to the flat-top style receiver with removable carry-handle, and it's 3-round burst changed to full auto, thus the US M4A1 Carbine was born. It's recently been issued to deployments in Afghanistan and Iraq, but has been found to have less muzzle velocity therefore less effective range than it's predecessor, the M16A2. Ironically enough, some of the same drawbacks can be found in the Airsoft M4A1 as compared to Tokyo Marui's M16A2. Still, a shorter barrel makes it a better choice for many types of combat.

The Interior

The version2 gearbox in the M4A1 definitely isn't a shining example of Tokyo Marui's best work, although it's extremely versatile and there are many upgrade options available. The version2 box goes leaps and bounds beyond the version1, with the ability to change out the motor in the pistol-grip of the replica. This model comes equipped with a high-torque EG1000 motor, replacing the weaker and louder EG700 as found in the XM177E2. This can be a good thing and a bad thing, often motor connection problems haunt users of AEGs with the version2 box. I've seen many gears or motors stripped out due to improper motor seating, any stripped screws on your grip can cause your motor to not mesh correctly with the gears. Another drawback to having a motor that's easier to access is that you put more wear and tear on your tabs and wiring, which may have to be replaced.

The grip includes an adjustment screw on the bottom that pushes a spacer against the motor which will aid you in keeping your motor seated correctly. Whenever your motor starts to get really loud or you pull the trigger and you only hear the motor, it's time to crank that adjustment screw. The hop-up unit for the M4 is accessed by pulling back the cocking lever to open the ejection port. That will expose the wheel to adjust hop-up. This hop-up system is not nearly as precise as the later model TM AEGs, you'll find it's either too much hop or too little. It's really hard to get it in just the right spot. However, aftermarket hop-up kits are available which can correct this problem.

Take-down is much like the real thing, you have to remove the large pin in the back and the receiver opens up, using the forward pin as a hinge. This is an area where the interior of the Airsoft M4A1 has bragging rights, it's very easily accessible inner barrel and hop-up unit. It slides right out of the outer barrel which makes for easy hop-up repair or inner barrel replacement. When you close the M4, be certain that the 2 tabs from the upper receiver are properly inserted into the lower receiver. These tabs can break. If both tabs are broken, you'll need a new upper receiver, but even if you have 1 tab left you'll notice BB feeding problems due to your receiver being loose. That's the price you pay with 2 piece hop-up.

It doesn't get a lot better when it comes to the battery, the version2 box can also be quite a battery hog as compared to the newer efficient boxes. Unfortunately, the stock M4A1 only carries the small type batteries in it's forward grip, specifically the 8.4v mini type. However, there are several aftermarket larger batteries that can fit, and several specialized battery kits that replace the grip. What you need to ask yourself is; Do I really want that telescoping stock? If the answer is yes, then you'll need to find an alternate way to get a big enough battery on your M4. If the answer is no, consider purchasing a solid stock or buying a Tokyo Marui SR16. Don't get ahead of yourself though, if you don't plan on any internal upgrades, small batteries may be sufficient.

The Exterior

Now, unfortunately the internal information really got the TM M4A1 off to a bad start, but here in the exterior section the M4 will redeem itself. In it's stock form, this replica has a lot of metal parts, including; the front sight assembly, the rear sight assembly, the entire outer barrel, the front sling-mount, the flash-hider, the carry-handle attachment knobs, the selector switch, the bolt catch, the magazine catch, the cocking lever, the butt-stock gas tube, the trigger and trigger-guard, the ejection port cover, and probably a couple more I haven't thought of. This is an insane amount of metal parts for a great value! It makes the TM M4A1 a weighted AEG package that feels real, only weighing in at 500g less than the real-steel counterpart!

The M4A1 was the first of Tokyo Marui AEGs to feature the removable carry-handle. The carry-handle also sports the mounting port allowing rails or scopes to be mounted directly to the handle. The handle is removed to reveal a 20mm rail underneath, you can mount anything from a flip-up sight to a full sized scope as desired. This replica also features a tactical side-mounted sling adapter. The flash-hider can be removed from the 14mm threaded barrel for the option of a CCW silencer or other accessories. The magazines look pretty much like you'd expect, hunks of folded metal made to hold rounds! What a concept. They feature trademarks printed on the bottom. M16 variant mags are some of the cheapest on the market as compared to mags for other TM models.

The telescoping stock can fully extend or stop anywhere along the way for the exact length you want, and features the same slots for tactical sling as the real version. The cocking lever can be pulled to open the ejection port and reveal the hop-up adjustment wheel. The forward assist knob can be pressed but serves no purpose to the replica. The finish on the barrel, hand-guards, and stock are a nice flat black. The receiver is actually a paler grayish-black, some folks have been known to paint their receivers with flat black to get rid of the gray look. The receiver also dons US Government and Colt trademarks engraved into the sides which add a nice touch. The front and rear sights are both fully adjustable and an adjustment tool is provided in the package, also the rear site can be flipped to go narrow or wide. The trigger guard can also be opened and closed.

Durability

You can do anything short of chopping down trees with this model. I personally have fallen full force on top of my TM M4A1 on the field during a skirmish and didn't notice any durability problems. The accessories like the sights and flash-hider seem to remain solidly attached, I've rarely heard of parts becoming loose or falling off. The plastic resin carry-handle should not have heavy optics mounted on it for any long periods of time. The 20mm rail has been known to break off of the upper receiver as a result of stress from heavy scopes and scope-mounts. The best thing to do is to use light parts if you can, and always remove mounted optics before stowing the replica.

At times, outer barrel wobble can be an issue. This usually happens if you often have a sling attached and carry your replica using the sling. The sling puts stress on the outer barrel and causes it to come loose. There's a small hex screw that can tighten this, and also aftermarket parts are available to help reinforce the barrel. This problem isn't nearly as prevalent with the M4 as compared to the M16A2, you may not even notice a wobble.

Upgrade Options

Hands down, the M16 variants are the most upgradeable versions of Tokyo Marui replicas ever made, specially the M4A1 itself. You won't find a greater number of aftermarket and replica parts for any other AEG on the market. Here are just a FEW things you can do to the TM M4A1 that we've seen on the real-steel counterparts; RIS rails, ready-mags, flip-up sites, bi-level rails, lasers, lights, tactical light forward grips, M203 grenade launchers, patriot kits, SR25 kits, v-match, vertical forward grips, cheek-rests, metal receivers, SD kits, sniper stocks, and much more. If you can add one to a real-steel M4, chances are there's a replica version out on the market made for the Tokyo Marui M4A1.

Internally, the Version2 gearbox is very easy to find upgrade or replacement parts for. You won't have to buy an entire kit to upgrade your internals, rather it's easy to find individual parts by themselves.

Tactically Speaking

The M4A1 can be a great replica both for indoor skirmish and outdoor use. With a longer inner-barrel, you'll find that the M16A2 will have a slightly smaller accuracy grouping, but the M4 can't be beat for it's versatility. It can start to feel a little front-heavy, especially when you have a large battery in the forward grip. The iron-sights allow quick target acquisition for snap shots. There's a reason why the US Government has used M16s and M4s for so long, they work, no matter how fancy the competition.

The Bottom Line

A very appealing replica with very useful functions, the TM M4A1 Carbine is also one of the most upgradeable AEGs on the market. Before committing to buy, ask yourself if you really want that telescoping stock. If you do, modify it to use a large battery in the front grip and you'll be a happy camper.
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Matt
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