Trying to decide on an M4...
 

I'm not new to airsoft. I've not played in "real" games, mostly just friends with the cheap Crappy Tire/Walmart clear stuff.

I'm an ex-paintballer where I have played competitively.

I am aware of different brands that make an M4, but I'm really picky on what I want.

Basically, from an M4, this is what I want:

- Collapsible Stock
- Front Rails
- Hidden battery (no rail-mounted batteries, I want the battery to be internal)
- All-metal, or close to it
- $300 - $500 price range
- Upgradeable
- Blowback preferred, but not necessary

Models of considered, in order of preference (based on the specs I've researched):

Tokyo Marui M4 SopmoD
Echo 1 Stag Arms M4 A1 Carbine (Metal Body)
Classic Army M15A4 URX
Classic Army M15A4 RIS

I'm just looking to be pointed in the right direction in terms of buying an M4 AEG.

Any help is appreciated.

Thanks!

Well your best bet is to get age verified here on the website. Meet up with a local rep, and they'll verify you are 18. Then you get access to the classifieds and the retailers here on the site.
However, with the price range you are looking for, you will be hard pressed to find the things that you want.
Internal battery but with rails and collapsible stock will mean you will need to do your own work on it. Buying a lipo battery and a stock tube that holds a lipo battery.
No other way to get one like that really other than getting AV'd here.

I'm in the process of getting age verified, just need the time off work that's reasonable to do so.

Anyways, I'm willing to do my own work. I've always had a knack for tinkering/modding things.

Based on what I've read/seen about the M4 SopmoD, it has an internal battery in the collapsible stock, has rails, blowback, and even a recoil system (which is great for realism).

See this site M4 SopmoD

Ordering over-seas is a bad bad bad idea.

There's basically a law regarding importation of replica firearms(airsoft)
And we just can't do it without a license.

Get age verified, wait for it to go through and all that jazz, and buy here in Canada on ASC

Edit - Read this, it's short but worth while:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Legal_issues_in_airsoft

Indeed. It is awesome. However, in country they cost upwards of $1000. Read the FAQs about airsoft legality in Canada. It is legal, but the fully black ones aren't legal to import by any normal person; a special license is required (impossible to get). So, when things like this do get into country, the cost is substantially higher. This is the nature of airsoft in Canada. So be prepared to see a markup generally of 1.5-3x the price you see from overseas retailers.

This makes me wonder. If full-black airsoft guns are illegal to get into the country, do new ones only get into the country completely by accident? Wouldn't that mean that, eventually, there are no more new full-black guns kicking about?

I don't want to derail the topic, so if anyone would like to answer, PM works fine. I'm just curious on the whole subject.

I was just using that site for reference that particular model. I wasn't planning on buying outside of Canada.

But yeah.. I appreciate all of your help.

$1000 eh? That's most definitely out of my range. Should I just suck it up and use a rail-mounted battery (or mod it so it's internal)?

I mean, if the M4 SopmoD is, in fact, that expensive. What would you guys recommend me in the $500 range with all the features I listed above, apart from the internal battery?

you can find some m4s within your price range with everything u wanted, probably just no blowblack, not alot of people have external batteries, and if it is, u can rewire to the back and get a lipo in the buffer tube. but again as people have stated, get age verified and you'll see

Ics ics-141 (m4 sir)

First off, if you've never played a real game with real airsoft guns (not the shitsoft from Canadian Tire), yes, you are new... and you're in for a real treat ;).

Second, if you want full metal.. you're looking at a minimum of $500 for the gun alone. That doesn't count the battery ($30-$50), charger ($50+), magazines, and gear. If your "gun budget" is $500, set aside about another $200-$300 for kit.

Third, Classic Army is win. If you're setting your sights there, don't settle for anything lower.

A high-quality all-metal *new* AEG in the M4 style (Classic Army, G&P, new-line Tokyo Marui) will be in the $700+ range....used in the $500 range. A mid-range all-metal one will be $400+ new, and certainly over $300 used. Don't forget, you will need a battery ($50+), a *decent* battery charger ($40 and up), and several additional magazines ($50-$100) to start playing. That's assuming you already have eye protection, and doesn't include the cost of BDU's and load-bearing gear.

If you absolutely don't have to have all metal, the new line of "CanSoft" M4's by G&G are a good buy. They have a dark tinted polycarbonate lower and a metal upper, and are easy to find aftermarket replacement parts for. Expect to pay over $400 for these.

Figure on spending $750+ just to get a decent gun and some basic gear. That's less than a lot of people spend on other hobbies (golf, snowboarding, photography, R/C) so if that seems like too much, perhaps consider another hobby. If you begin playing on orgainized games, you'll be playing alongside people who have thousands (and some, tens of thousands) worth of guns and gear.

I actually have a different take on this.

You can actually start out with a decent setup for $600. Sure you won't have as much stuff but you can eventually buy more stuff with your paycheques.

Decent AEG $400
AEG package (mags, battery, optics etc.) ~$550-600

Gear $50-1000 (depending on what you want/get)

You can pretty much start out with a gun and some basic *quality* equipment and slowly buy more and more stuff.

I understand you're getting AV'ed so don't think about buying any guns before getting AV'ed, it's like a candy store in there. However you can probably start looking for some gear (I assume you already have a mask so that's $40 less dollars to spend) BDU's, some sort of load bearing equipment if you're planning on running realcap, or lowcap magazines, etc.

I have found however if you don't have certain pieces of equipment you can ask around and borrow other peoples extra gear (eg. if you forgot your mask or barrel condom at home).

Half the fun is tinkering around with your guns so don't be afraid to innovate and try and find a way to do something about your battery problem or storage of something you need.

I'll check it out, thanks!

I planned on buying a good battery and charger, regardless of how much I spend on the gun itself. I've been really leaning towards Classic Army's stuff, as it's reasonably priced with most of my "requirements." Also, as long as the upper/lower receivers are metal, the stock/foregrips I don't really care. I'll most likely upgrade this to an RIS if I don't buy an M4 that already has one.

I can only imagine going from CT crap to "real" stuff is like going from a a Chevy to a Ferrari, I'm sure. So I'm pretty stoked about it.

Buying used doesn't bug me.. I actually prefer it in some cases, usually you can get a semi-upgraded gun for near the cost of something new that is stock.

I've been a musician all of my life, and have dumped thousands of dollars into gear/recording stuff (This is my profession). So spending lots of money on toys for me isn't an issue. Like I tell my girl, I may be easy, but I'm not cheap ;)

I most definitely plan on getting into some organization once I move to Toronto in September. I miss playing organized games with people, whether it's paintball, or dicking around with friends with CT crap, or playing in a band.

My dad used to be in the military, thus making me an army brat, so BDU's and load-bearing gear I still have from when he gave it to me after he retired. I just gotta dig it out of the attic.

I still have my old JT mask from when I used to be a 'baller, so face protection is not a concern for me right now, but will be upgraded once I get the "basics" in terms of a gun/mags/etc

I love tinkering with stuff. Ever since being a kid, I used to rip things apart, only to put them back together. I love the mechanics of firearms, taking them apart, cleaning, and putting them back together. I have very high manual dexterity and I'm proud to have this ability.

I plan to buy the gun first, followed by better face protection, followed by extra mags, then some sort of tactical vest to hold mags and other stuff I'd need to play.

I also plan on having all of my necessary gear (gun, mask, BDU/vest) by next summer, which is when I'll actually start playing with an organization. I mean, once I get my M4, I'm of course going to go in the backyard and shoot off rounds, and tweak it to my liking and put a nice sight on it and all of that.

I'm going to do some mods to it, and obviously will be setup similar to a real M4-Tac.

Thanks guys for all of your info, I really appreciate it and you've definitely shed some light on how much this sport really costs. Looking at pricing on the 'Net, compared to what you guys are telling me are like apples to oranges.

Either way, thanks again!

One more thing... Please don't shoot it in the backyard. At least do it in a garage or basement. That is unless you live in the sticks.

Also my $400 estimate was actually for a good high quality plastic bodied gun (TM for example), it will be at least $450+ for a decent used metal bodied gun.

M4-Tactical, I was, and still am, in the same boat in terms of the requirements you want for your gun. I want one that is exactly the same as the one you want. First off, I planned to get a TM SOPMOD but the price range is way out there and i heard its not even that good. I then saw the ICS and G&G M4 RIS/CQB at a local store, but hated the tinted black lower receiver, and the guns were nothing special. After a few months of research, I narrowed it down to G&P and Classic Army. New G&P guns were hard for me to find so I opted for a Classic Army M15A4 CQB for $585 brand new. Ive bought a bunch of accessories already to make a SOPMOD- larue tactical mounts, ACOG, aimpoints, rear sights. All my accessories cost me close to $600 since they are from an expensive brand, but the quality and durability definetely pays off. I pretty much used this link as a guideline for the accessories I wanted:

https://www.evotactical.com/images/m4-sopmod-poster.jpg

Even though mine is a CQB, Im planning to get a full 14.5" barrel with a Prometheus inner barrel for increase accuracy. These parts are coming soon. My battery is stored in the crane stock so its nice and concealed. I used to be less picky about my accessories, but thge more pictures and research I did, the more picky I became--> from buying generic M4 parts to specific, well known branded items that match the M4 SOPMOD

BTW, if it helps, I can post up some pics that I took from a few stores I visited. These pics show how the lower receiver is plastic. Sometimes, you need to see and hold the gun itself instead of looking at pics online. I took these pics as references.

It'll be in a safe place, for sure. No worries about that. I've handled real fire arms before amongst other things. So no worries about that.

I'm definitely going to spend the extra and get a metal-bodied M4.

That's wild, I have that poster on my wall, and it's my current desktop wallpaper on my computer.

I'm honestly not a fan of the CQB M4's, I think they look wonky with the shorter barrel.

To be honest, I was tossed between an M4, G36c, and the XM8. The M4 Carbine has been my all-time favorite assault rifle.

I like the G36c, as it is compact, but HATE folding stocks. I love the look of it, however, from what I've read, most shoot at a lot lower FPS compared to other rifles. That being said, I wanted something in the 350+ FPS range that's going to have good range, accuracy, and pack quite a punch (not enough to do serious damage obviously).

The XM8 I liked, because it reminds me of the M4, and after playing Ghost Recon Advanced Warfighter on Xbox 360, it got me into the look of it.

Alas, I stuck with my instincts and decided to go with an M4, so here we are. :)

To be honest, I remember watching Black Hawk Down when it first came out, and one of the Rangers (I think), had a sick looking M4. Kinda reminded me of this one:

http://i436.photobucket.com/albums/q...l/m4-ghost.jpg

Picture that, with a holo-sight, a different fore-grip, and the typical retractable stock, and that's how I want my M4 to look like. Plus, maybedown the line, slap an M203 underneath for good measure ;)

One more thing I prefer is the style of mag in the picture above, the C7-style clips vs. the traditional metal M4/M16 mags.

So pretty much you like the stock in that picture, and you just want a normal RIS rail with a holosight, with the C7-style clips? That shouldnt be a problem at all. I think I saw the stock on sale at airsoft parts canada, the mags u can get anywhere, and the holosight, well, it depends if u want a Hurricane, G&P/UFC or a china clone. Those arent hard to find as well. Hurricane can run you $150+ USD, while G&P/china clone are less than $100

G&G gr16r4 commando http://www.mach1airsoft.com/web/cata...om&id=28&cat=3
$460.
Full metal one $600-$700

G&G GR16 R4 commando:

http://www.007airsoft.com/products/htm/aeg-gg-m16.htm

$510+GST

M4
 

I have the KWA S-System and love it

It's easy to build you own gun. The battery and stock issues are almost nothing since stocks are plentiful, cheap, available, and legal. You can make any M4 have a battery in the buffer tube or stock.

He said he wants full metal... none of those are full metal.

If you want a full metal gun, forget G&G completely and go for something Classic Army or higher, like G&P.

If what you want is the rifle pictured in your last post...build it or have someone build it for you.

By the time you get a full metal M4 and convert that to what's in the pic...you're basically tossing 60-70% of the rifle.

Tys

Ill check this one out!

I've been thinking the last few days of just doing this. Like, buying a base M4, then changing it to fit my needs. Adding my own comp/rail system with grip, holo sight, etc.

Yep, full metal body is a must for me. The only plastic I don't really care about is the grip/stock.

So far, CA is top on my list right now. I'm going to check out G&P too.

I see your point and have come to the conclusion that, buying a stock/base M4, then changing to fit my needs would be the best route.

I'm thinking of picking THIS or THIS as my palette, and going from there.

Hmm.... I really don't know about the ICS since you'll need to get a new lower if you want it to be metal and those go for about $150 for a cheap metal one more like $200-250 for a good quality metal lower. Plus not only that it has a split mechbox design which means that it's not a "TM compatible" (kind of a "standard" used around the world as to aftermarket parts and such) gun in certain regards to internal parts.

The CA is probably the better buy but you're kidding yourself if you are thinking after currency conversion, taxes, and duties plus a little cut for the retailer it will be about $400. They go for around the $475-525 mark in the classifieds for a NIB gun. Best bet like you said is a used gun that someone has already done the upgrading for you.

PS: If you're a "stock class" (pump action) baller PM me.

I'm not sure if I'm going to buy new or used yet. However, after watching this video (YouTube - M15A4 Classic Army 2009 model airsoft review), he pretty much set me on the Classic Army M15A4 2009 Model.

Of course, like I said before, I'l be modding it to my needs, but as a base gun, it has great features.

If you're going for a full metal gun, ditch G&G and ICS since you will need to buy a receiver which will cost you 150-300 which will be more than a new full metal gun. The Classic Army will top g&G and ICS anyday. Classic Army M15A4 RIS is prob the one ure looking for to make a SOPMod:

http://www.spartanimports.com/conten...mart&Itemid=26

The new 2009 versions are the "X"versions which has a higher FPS, working charging handle and bolt catch.

Apperently the new 2009 "X-series" Classic Army guns have completly upgraded internals over their last generation of AR-15s. I have heard nothing but good things about them

Well, Get AV there are ton of ICS and G&G on sale.

I still always recommend ICS M4 than CA, It's just hard to find full metal ICS but once you find it then you won't disappointed.

A lots of people say that ICS M4 is not V2 compatible, For sure the gearbox is not compatible because of their split mechbox, easy swap for indoor and outdoor. The rest are almost identify to V2 mechbox excep the Anit-Reversal Latch. That's the part that can't change. The rest are pretty V2 mechbox.

KND

Tell us how things go and what you decide at the end!

I think I've decided on the 2009 Classic Army M15A4 as a base, then work myself up from there.

Again, I appreciate all of your help! :)

It's a little harder than going "Oh I'll get this gun and work from there"

Get Age verified then see what's available.

One other question I have is, after looking for parts to make my M4 into my own, I found out that the base gun was a CQB version, obviously the only difference is the shorter barrel.

That said, it has a compensator/silencer on it to make it look longer.

My question is, if I buy a CQB version, can I change the barrel to something longer down the road, or whenever I feel like it?

You just simply buy an extend barrel to screw it on also get a new hop up until for shot and long barrel, just in case you are lazy to take in and take out the rubber and knob for the hop up when switching barrel all the time and it would lost sometime too. Make sure you choose the right cylinder, choose the one that can compatible for M4 barrel and M4 CQB,

Here is the example.

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2520/...d49a15ed_b.jpg
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2476/...55713de6_b.jpg

Thanks for the suggestion.

To be honest, the compensator/shroud kit will hardly ever come off. I'm just wondering for those few times that I want just a "regular" M4, but not a CQB version.

just get a cheap gun like the dboys m4 ris and then upgrade it. if anyone wants to see mine its in the gallery

you make me regretting buying my G&G argh!!!!
i didnt know classic army brand new sold for 585.... sigh oh welll
G&G CQB R can be my starter

We warned you. We told you to get AV'd and I SPECIFICALLY told you that you will regret by rushing into things. Everyone told you to get AV'd first.

You can get a Guarder or Element extension barrel for your M4 to make it longer. I got an Element extension for my M4 CQB for only $10USD. On the other hand, you can get an entire new14.5" outer barrel from Element for $30USD.