Airsoft Review: Specna Arms SA-G12 AEG - Are AR36s a match for M4s?
The Specna Arms SA-G12 AR36 AEG - Does it have what it takes to compete with M4s?
The AR36 platform used to be everywhere, it was the rental gun of choice for sites around the country thanks to its superb structural design and the reliability of the version 3 gearbox, the Milsim players were all over it, running KAC rail systems with Flecktarn in tribute to KSK, and everyone had an AR36 in their collection.
So what happened? Why are AR36s lesser seen on skirmish sites today?
Airsoft History - AR36 AEG vs M4 AEG
When the first Airsoft AR36 AEG, the TM G36C was released, Airsofters around the world were thrilled, and couldn't wait to get their hands on it. The Tokyo Marui example was at the cutting edge of Airsoft design in its day, and boasted the rock solid version 3 gearbox with its integrated motor cage, reinforced design and generally improved engineering, making the version 3 of the AK and AR36 relatively easy to work on compared to the version 2 of the era.
The TM G36C also used a rotary style HOP-up adjuster, which was known to be a better design than the gear unit used in all M4s, being based on the rotary units of the TM G3 and AUG. Naturally, the M4 being the M4, Airsofters were still going to use them, and manufacturers were quick out of the gate to offer improvements to the M4 platform to increase the strength of its gearbox, make it easier to work on, and introduce the rotary HOP-up style to the platform.
Meanwhile in the real steel world...
The real rifle which forms the basis for the AR36 came into controversy due to the German Army making claims that the rifle was inaccurate and that it was never up to the spec stated by the manufacturer. After a long and drawn-out court battle, the rifle was declared perfectly fine, and was proven to meet and exceed the requirements it was adopted under. Unfortunately, this had a ripple effect and saw the rifle fall out of fashion amongst Airsofters despite the fact that it remains in service with many militaries and is reported to be an exceptional rifle in all aspects.
There is also the fact that the M4 is used much more widely in the real world than the AR36, which means if you are building a load out based on real operators, especially Americans, you will most likely have to use an M4. The incredible variety of M4 platforms out there, the availability of magazines and pouches, and the ever-growing customisation options for the M4 gave it the edge in the eyes of skirmishers, who love to tinker and customise their guns. Airsoft manufacturers zeroed in on providing aftermarket parts for the M4 based on those available on the US civilian market, of which there are few for the AR36 due to it being banned from import to the US by the manufacturer.
The other factors which saw the Airsoft M4 catch up to the objectively more advanced AR36 platform include major improvements being made to the version 2 gearboxes of most manufacturers of the M4 platform, with reinforcements added to enable it to handle stronger springs and higher rates of fire like the version 3 of the AR36, and the advent of the rotary HOP-up unit for the M4 platform, which provides a more stable HOP-up effect and allows finer tuning than the older M4 gear unit and closes the HOP-up performance gap between the two platforms.
So an M4 AEG with modern internals now shoots like an AR36 AEG, which is nothing to complain about. The better our guns shoot, the more realistic and challenging each skirmish is, which pushes players to improve their skills and tactics. Does this mean there is no reason to buy an AR36? Heck no! The AR36 has advantages built into the design that the M4 can only dream about, and can easily go toe to toe with an equivalent M4 in a plastic slinging contest.
Let's take a look at one of the best AR36 options out there at the moment, the SA-G12 from Specna Arms, and how it compares to an equivalently priced M4 AEG.
Specna Arms SA-G12 AR36 AEG - How does it stack up?
Now, onto the main event! We're sure you enjoyed the history lesson, but let's take a deeper look at the SA-G12 AEG and find out if it has what it takes to keep its head above water in the sea of Airsoft M4s out there!
Externals
Though it is constructed almost entirely from fibre reinforced polymer, the SA-G12, like many other AR36 AEGs, can boast "full metal construction", as it perfectly matches the metal to polymer proportions of the real rifle. The quality polymers used on the SA-G12 are absolutely rock solid, outdoing most AR36s on the market, and have the cold, textured feel one would expect from fibre-reinforced polymer.
The AR36 was, at one point in Airsoft history (here he goes...) the rental gun of choice for the majority of Airsoft sites in the UK, and the primary reason for this is its superb structural qualities, being more than capable of handling bumps and scrapes without looking scruffy and worn. This was before the SA-G12, and the combination of the inherent strength of the AR36 design with the exceptional polymer used by Specna on the SA-G12 means it is the perfect choice for an aggressive or clumsy Airsofter who uses their kit as a tool and not as a delicate display piece.
Most AR36 platforms come with sling points pre-installed, including the SA-G12. The front sling point is located on the handguard, and is ambidextrous, allowing a sling to be set up on either side of the rifle. This fits in well with the ambidextrous design of the AR36 and makes it a wise choice for a left-handed shooter. The AR36 has a second sling point on the left side of the receiver, just above the stock folding mech, and a final sling point at the rear of the stock, meaning you can set the AR36 up with a single-point or two-point sling without needing to buy adapters or sling plates.
The outer barrel and dummy gas piston system of the SA-G12 is constructed from well finished alloy and are much closer to the real thing in looks than older designs based on the Tokyo Marui, such as the JG and CYMA AR36 offerings. Unfortunately, Specna decided to go with a 14mm clockwise threaded barrel, which is a bit of a shame, though they do offer an aftermarket adapter which allows the most common threaded accessories such as tracer units and suppressors for 14mm CCW threads to be added. The mock piston is the correct length, and the piston parts are all separate, adding to the realistic look, even though these parts are hidden under the handguard.
Ergonomics
A large part of ergonomics is subjective, and what feels comfortable to one user might not work for another, so we are going to stick to the measurable qualities here, and consider the subjective aspects from a fair, balanced perspective.
Ambidextrous Controls
The major advantage of the AR36 over the M4 is its lefty-friendly nature. The AR36 is completely ambidextrous, with a centrally positioned magazine release, fire selector switches on either side and a folding charging handle which can be accessed from either side with absolute ease.
If you are left-handed and don't really want to learn to shoot right-handed, you will have a much easier time using an AR36 than a basic M4. Granted, some high-end M4s will come with ambidextrous controls, and though adding ambi controls to a right-handed rifle results in compromises in design, these ambi M4s still work well. Unfortunately, M4s with ambidextrous controls start at a much higher price point than an AR36 AEG, and those M4s with fire selectors on the right side often have to have this control shortened to avoid it digging into the strong hand of the shooter.
Side Folding Stock
Another of the in-built advantages to the AR36 platform is its side folding stock, allowing for super compressed close quarters shooting in CQB situations. The folding stock also simplifies transportation, and lets you squeeze an AR36 into a smaller bag or case, leaving you more room for other kit. The basic skeletonised stock is available in two lengths, either the shorter "C" model, present on the SA-G12, or the longer "K/E" length, which is found on AR36K and full length AR36 rifles.
AR36 stocks are also available with adjustable length of pull with the "V" stock, found on the SA-G12V and SA-G13V, and full SCAR-like adjustment in the "IDZ" stock, though the SA-G12 comes with the basic "C" length skeletonised folding stock. This stock is rock solid, despite its polymer construction, and provides a superb cheek weld without the need for a riser; something AR stocks would be jealous of if they had feelings. The AR36 also has the option of mounting an M4/AR15 stock using an adapter, so if you want a buffer tube on your AR36 you can have it, though the purists will be traumatised!
Performance
On the Chronograph
When put to the test, the SA-G12 showcases its superb air seal and excellent consistency, and a surprisingly decent rate of fire. We tested the SA-G12 on a 7.4V 1300mAh LiPo battery with 0.2g ASG Blaster BBs, and the results were as follows:
Across 10 shots of semi-automatic fire, we measured an FPS deviation of 3.5 FPS, with the highest result being 287.2 FPS, and the lowest being 283.7 FPS. This is well within the benchmark for what is considered a well-tuned AEG, and the surprising consistency of the SA-G12 should give it decent accuracy, even considering its short barrel and compact size.
The FPS is lower than many other AEGs in the price range, but the SA-G12 has an M90 spring installed out of the box, with internals capable of handling up to an M120. Thanks to the Enter & Convert ™ quick change spring system you can change out the spring in under a minute, so if you want a bit more range out of this AEG you can pop an M100 or M105 in there for a bit of extra poke at long ranges.
The more surprising result of our testing was in the rate of fire department, where the SA-G12 clocked a higher than average 13.1 rounds per second, which equates to 786 rounds per minute. This is surprisingly close to the real rifle, which fires at a steady 750 rounds per minute on full auto, and is more than we were expecting from this little beast, especially given it has an electric blowback system which would usually slow an AEG down. It is possible to disable the blowback system of the SA-G12 if you want a slight increase in the rate of fire, but this will void your warranty so we suggest waiting until your 12 months are up before giving it a try.
HOP-up
The HOP-up of the SA-G12 is the standard AR36 rotary unit, which is a great design and is completely compatible with aftermarket AREG HOP-up rubber and nubs for those who have a preferred HOP-up rubber and nub setup. The rotary dial is firm and stays in place well, even with the extra force of the electric blowback, and out of the box this HOP-up does all it needs to.
If you are inclined to upgrade, the SA-G12 could benefit from a softer HOP-up rubber, as the pr-installed rubber is designed for M120 springs, and you may get a stronger HOP-up effect by installing a 50-degree HOP-up rubber, though this is not necessary as the out of the box SA-G12 performs well as it is.
Gearbox
The gearbox of the SA-G12 is far from the standard version 3 gearbox, though it retains compatibility with version 3 AR36 upgrade parts such as gears, pistons, nozzles and cylinder parts. The Specna Arms Enter & Convert™ quick change spring system is present, and can easily be accessed through the rear of the SA-G12.
Accessing the main spring for a spring change couldn't be easier, and all you need to do is fold the stock to the side, remove the rear pin, remove the rear plate and mock bolt spring and you should see the rear of the spring guide, which can be removed using a flat head screwdriver. Out of the box, the SA-G12 has an M90 main spring pre-installed, but if you want a bit more range and projectile speed an M100 can be dropped right in, easy as pie!
The Specna AR36 gearbox also makes use of a microswitch trigger system, replacing the old copper trigger contacts in legacy version 3 gearboxes which were prone to corrosion. This would eventually result in the loss of the semi-auto function over time and would require the contacts to be replaced each time this happens. This problem is eliminated by using a microswitch instead of copper contacts, and also gives the SA-G12 a snappier trigger response than practically every other AR36 AEG in its price range.
Battery space
The SA-G12 AR36C is a front-wired AEG, and if it was an M4/AR15 this would severely limit the battery options and handguard choices available. Thankfully there is plenty of space inside the SA-G12 handguard, and even more in the longer variants. A 7.4V 1300mAh LiPo nunchuck battery fits perfectly inside the handguard, and still allows plenty of room for the handguard to be reinstalled without risking damaging the cells of the battery.
Being front wired also allows the SA-G12 to be set up with a PEQ15 battery box, and make use of PEQ style batteries which are often bigger and are easier to change quickly. The SA-G12 makes use of the mini-Tamiya battery connector, which gives it access to the most common battery type for Airsoft. If you have been Airsofting for some time you probably already have a battery that can fit the SA-G12, meaning one less thing to buy!
Ease of Disassembly
One of the greatest advancements the SA-G12 has made over the original Tokyo Marui AR36C AEG is its realistic disassembly. With the removal of only 3 pins, the SA-G12 can be broken down into its major components, just like the real rifle. This doesn't mean much for skirmishing, but as far as authenticity is concerned this is awesome, and really elevates the realism of the SA-G12.
There is little as satisfying as stripping your AEG down like a real rifle, and reassembling it quickly and with ease, at least we think so! An added benefit which is inherent in the AR36 design is its ability to store the body pins in holes in the bottom of the stock, a distinctly German feature which traces its origins all the way back to the Mauser KAR98K, which had a hole in the stock to assist removal of the firing pin, and is also present on the G3 rifle series. Nobody wants to lose a pin in the field and spend the rest of the game with their primary held together with a zip tie or tape; as long as you do your bit this will never happen with the SA-G12!
Advanced Features
Being a more affordable AEG, the SA-G12 doesn't have a MOSFET installed but does have some superb advanced features which put other AR36s to shame and are almost never found on M4/AR15 AEGs in its price range.
Electric Blowback
The SA-G12 and all of the other AR36 AEGs from Specna Arms have an electric blowback system, meaning with each shot the mock bolt carrier and charging handle will reciprocate, just like the real thing. This feature is rarely seen in M4/AR15 AEGs due to their lack of space inside the receiver for such a mechanism.
The EBB system makes the SA-G12 a blast to shoot, and whilst it doesn't provide the recoil force of a gas blowback rifle or a Tokyo Marui NGRS style recoil system it does add some character to the AEG and makes it feel a bit different to shoot than other AEGs. The noise it makes is one of its best features, providing a "clack clack clack" to drown out the typical "vrrrpop vrrrpop vrrrpop" of an AEG firing.
If you have big plans to upgrade your Specna AR36 to extreme rates of fire or install a MOSFET to enable pre-cocking, you can also disable the blowback mechanism by removing the linkage between the piston and the mock bolt carrier. This is easy to do and doesn't require disassembly of the gearbox.
Micro-switch Trigger
One of the biggest issues with early AEGs was their copper trigger contacts, which tend to corrode over time when semi-auto is used excessively and results in the loss of the semi-auto function. This issue can be held back with regular cleaning of the contacts, but this requires taking the gearbox apart and won't work indefinitely.
The SA-G12 and the other Specna AR36s have what is known as a "micro-switch" trigger which replaces the copper contacts with a small switch assembly. This means losing semi-auto is no longer an inevitability if you play a lot of CQB, and that the SA-G12 has an above average trigger response for an AEG without a MOSFET/ETU. Micro-switch triggers are making their way into more and more cost-effective AEGs but most don't have them, meaning the SA-G12 is a hidden gem, and a performance-oriented skirmisher should not be put off because it isn't M4 shaped.
Spring Decompression
Another hidden feature in the SA-G12, and the other Specna Arms AR36 AEGs is their ability to decompress the spring should the AEG be left in a "half-cocked" situation after firing. This feature is also present in the ICS split gearbox M4 series which are priced far higher than the SA-G12, and this feature is a great way to prolong the life of your spring and other internal parts. When left compressed an AEG spring will lose power over time, and will hold the gearbox internals in a position where they are under increased strain from holding the spring partially compressed.
This won't be an issue with the Specna Arms AR36 series, as you can decompress the spring by pressing the bolt hold open catch, found inside the trigger guard. This catch allows the real AR36 to be manually locked open to confirm the rifle is unloaded or clear a stoppage, and it usually does nothing on Airsoft AR36s, so it's nice to see Specna thought of this. The bolt hold open catch can also be used to lock the mock bolt of the SA-G12 to the rear to make HOP-up adjustment that much easier.
Customisation Options
The AR36 may be primarily sighted in stock form, and this may have led some to believe the AR36 platform is boring and lacks external customisation options. The truth is, it has more than its fair share of options when it comes to customising the externals of the AEG to make it suit your mission requirements, and what you like the look of.
Modular Magazine Well
The AR36 platform, including our SA-G12, boasts a modular magazine well system, another feature derived from the more recent real steel design of the AR36. Being a 1990s gun, the AR36 is loaded with features gleaned from lessons learned with earlier AR15 variants such as the XM177 and M16A1, and as such the comparison is slightly tilted in the AR36s favour only due to the advance of time.
The SA-G12 AR36 has the capability to accept either AR36 AEG magazines or M4 magazines to be used when the magazine well is replaced with an M4 magazine adapter. This means if you already own an M4, you don't need to buy a whole new set of magazines, you only need the adapter and you can make use of your M4 magazines and pouches, and can borrow/share magazines with your M4 toting teammates, if they are nice, that is!
Modular Optics Rails / Aiming Modules
Coming from an era before the 20mm Picatinny rail was the attachment method of choice for rifle accessories, the AR36 has its own modular optics rail system built into the receiver itself. This rail can accept any AR36 optic or 20mm Picatinny rail, which are available in several different formats and heights.
The standard "Export" style optics rail is a 20mm Picatinny rail which runs across the top of the AR-36, providing plenty of room for optical sights of any size whilst also integrating a highly effective low profile multi-aperture iron sight set. This is the rail you will find on most AR36 rifles, including the SA-G12 and SA-G12V. The "Export" rail is constructed from the same high density polymer as the AR36 body, keeping the weight low whilst allowing for a plethora of 20mm compatible optical sights to be mounted.
The IDZ rail, pictured above, is the latest issued rail to the German Bundeswehr and improves upon the export rail by slightly lowering the height of the 20mm Picatinny rail across the top and slightly extending its length, and integrating simple but effective flip-up iron sights. This rail is hard to find on the aftermarket, but WE Airsoft does make one for its GBBR AR36 which is also compatible with the AEG versions.
The "KSK" style rail is rare and highly sought after, and is constructed from aluminium for added strength. This rail type is seen on G36K rifles issued to the German Special Forces, the KSK. The rail is a slightly raised 20mm Picatinny rail with the built-in iron sights removed. These rails are often seen in use with MP7 or HK416 iron sights mounted to them, as well as a primary optical sight and often a magnifier as well. This rail is manufactured by Begadi, a German Airsoft retailer, and also by VFC for the Umarex G36 GBB Rifle.
The "Aiming Modules" as they are known, come in two forms. The "Export" aiming module boasts simple and compact 3.5x optical sight and sometimes a short length of 20mm rail above for mounting an S-point back up red dot sight. The German issued Aiming Module includes the 3.5x optic and a built-in red dot sight which can be powered via a solar panel on the top.
These modules were cutting edge at their time, but have not managed to keep pace with 20mm optical sights in quality, due to their limited size. That said, the weight of these aiming modules is incredibly low considering what they can do, and adding a 20mm optical sight to the "export" rail will weigh more than adding the German Issue style "Dual Optic" by a fair margin. For Airsoft functionality you would be better served with one of the 20mm rail options, but if you are doing a Bundeswehr loadout you will need the dual optic to look the part!
Quick Swap Handguards
Another fantastic aspect of the AR36 design is its ability to "hot swap" handguards for different missions and battlefield roles with the removal of a single pin, all in a matter of seconds. Options include quad 20mm railed handguards, KeyMod handguards, and handguards with an integrated bipod for the Support gunners and DMR fans. The AR36 grenade launcher, known as the AG36, comes with a built-in handguard, meaning you can mount a launcher between games and surprise the enemy with some added firepower, and remove it again when your arms start aching and you need an agility boost!
The standard "C" length handguard has a comfortable triangular profile and is well shaped to help control recoil in the real thing, and feels absolutely perfect in the hand. It is easy to become accustomed to super slim AR handguards these days, and whilst they are great they are more of an accessory mounting system than a handguard which prioritises comfort and ergonomics. "C" handguard all include threaded holes to mount 20mm Picatinny rails and include a sling mount/hand stop at the front which is removable.
The K length handguard is the AR36's medium-length option and is generally found paired with a 12.5-inch barrel. The K handguard comes in two forms, the early version, which lacks the mounting holes for Picatinny rails but includes the front bipod mounting point, and the newer version which includes mounting holes for rails, and the hand stop/sling point of the "C" variant. K length handguards are most easily recognised by their four vent ports on either side.
The "KV" variant is rather rare for Airsoft and can be found on the SRC AR36KV. This handguard is the same as the more modern "K" handguard but has additional mounting holes at the 12 o'clock position for an additional Picatinny rail.
The "E" handguard, named for its use on the Export and full length version of the AR36 can be recognised by its 6 vent holes on either side of the handguard. The "E" handguard includes a mounting point for AR36 style bipods but omits the 20mm Picatinny rail mounts. This handguard is found on the SA-G13V, a replica of the real full length AR36 in a similar configuration to that of the modern German Bundeswehr.
The RAS quad railed handguard for the AR36 series is based on the original KAC G36 RAS, which was famously seen on KSK G36K rifles during their deployment in Afghanistan. This rail system is free floated and provides plenty of 20mm Picatinny rail for the addition of accessories, as well as a threaded fitting at the front of the rail which can be used to mount the AR36 bipod from the "E" handguard. This handguard is available in E, K and C lengths, but is most commonly seen in K length, and is pre-installed on the JG G608-7 AR36C AEG.
The AR36 is also available with a KeyMod handguard pre-installed, in the form of the SA-G11 AR36 KeyMod AEG. This handguard is not yet available separately, so if you want a bit of negative space attachment in your life we suggest you base your build on the SA-G11 instead of the SA-G12. This handguard retains its 20mm Picatinny rails on the upper and lower surface of the handguard but has a new slimmer profile thanks to the deletion of the 20mm rails on the sides, and the integration of KeyMod slots.
KeyMod slots are also available just above the standard side rail height of the AR36 which are at the perfect position to mount a tactical flashlight. This also means users of this handguard can safe a few quid as they won't need an offset light mount for a slick and ergonomic setup!
The S&T G316 AR36 Grenade Launcher is intended to mimic the real AG36, the AR36's 40mm low velocity grenade launcher, and comes built into its own handguard with built-in grenade "ladder" sights. Any Airsofter who has used an underslung grenade launcher in game will know how hefty a normally lightweight rifle becomes with a n00b tube mounted.
The perk of the AG36 is that it can be quickly removed in the same manner as swapping handguard if you decide to switch roles, unlike most other grenade launchers on the market for Airsoft. The AG36 requires at least a K length outer barrel (12.5-inch), but if you have the AR36C you can use an AG36 if you add a barrel extension. Extending the inner barrel is advised when extending the outer, but not required, so you can still switch between configurations without bringing two guns like the M4 users have to!
Final Thoughts
So, to conclude, it appears there is nothing wrong with the AR36 as a platform, and the Specna Arms AR36 AEG is a marked improvement on earlier TM patterned designs. The problem is, in fact, with all of the M4 users for not noticing the enormous potential in this now rare Airsoft platform!
Jokes aside, it is nice to confirm that AEG platforms other than the M4/AR15 are upgradeable, have good performance straight out of the box, and do not put you at any disadvantage when facing down with unimaginative M4 users! One of the best aspects of Airsoft is the ability to choose your own kit and set it up to suit you, and the more viable platforms out there the greater the number of options out there! Variety is the spice of life!