ARCTURUS M4/AR-15 CQB AEG AT-AR01-CQ

The ARCTURUS M4/AR-15 CQB AEG is a full metal M4/AR-15 platform with reinforced internals with a focus on smooth running. Both inside and out, ARCTURUS prides itself on using high quality materials, and the AT-AR01-CQ is no exception. With more than its fair share of steel on the outside, a flawlessly machined CNC aluminium handguard, a lightweight but strong alloy receiver and buffer tube and a full complement of gearbox upgrades housed in a reinforced shell, this M4/AR-15 platform sets the standard for budget-friendly full metal M4 AEGs and is perfect for new skirmishers and veterans alike.

Starting at the tip of the 10.5-inch outer barrel we can find a muzzle brake style flash hider with two points on either side and an aggressive four-prong front end. If you prefer a different muzzle device, or you want to mount a tracer unit or suppressor this is easily done by removing the grub screw on the bottom of the muzzle brake and unscrewing it, revealing common 14mm CCW male barrel threading beneath.

Moving rearwards we come to the handguard of the M4/AR-15 SPR which provides M-LOK negative space attachment slots at the 3, 6, and 9 o'clock positions, punctuated by weight-reducing ports. The 12 o'clock position features a 20mm Picatinny rail with numbered slots so you can remount your optic in the same spot every time with ease. This means you can add the aperture iron sights included in the box, a red dot sight and a PEQ laser unit with space to spare despite the short overall length of the rifle. The M-LOK slots at the sides and bottom can be used to directly mount M-LOK accessories but can also be used to mount 20mm Picatinny accessories using M-LOK to Picatinny rail adapters.

Running beneath the handguard we are treated to a detailed dummy gas block and gas tube which runs back to the receiver, visible through the handguard ports. Many manufacturers choose to leave this part out to cut costs and save weight, but keeping it present reminds us that ARCTURUS are all about realism without compromise. 

The receiver is of a standard M4/AR-15 layout, with the fire selector on the left side of the lower receiver, magazine release on the right side of the magazine well, charging handle at the top rear of the upper and the bolt release catch being located dead centre on the left side. The fire selector provides 3 modes of fire; safe, semi-auto and full auto with a 90-degree throw between each mode. This means you can change modes quickly, with little chance of sweeping past the mode you want when pumped with adrenaline.

The magazine release sits well within reach of the trigger finger when in a firing grip, and can also be used by left-handed shooters by pressing the catch with your weak side thumb. As with other ARCTURUS offerings, the controls on the M4/AR-15 CQB are all steel, guaranteeing precise engagement for a full lifetime of use. The steel used is also treated to reduce corrosion so you should not need to oil them to keep rust away (don't keep your guns in the damp garage/basement regardless, just in case you didn't already know!).

When pulled, the charging handle will open the dust cover on the right side of the rifle and retract the steel mock bolt carrier, revealing the rotary adjuster of the HOP-up unit. The use of a rotary unit means you have the best design out there for the M4/AR-15, benefitting from improved setting retention and being able to be adjusted in finer increments. With your HOP-up adjustment complete, you can hit the bolt catch on the centre left of the receiver to return the bolt to the forward position with a satisfying metal-on-metal "clank".

The pistol grip of the M4/AR-15 SPR is the M4A1/M16A2 style finger ridged grip which features diamond checkering on either side, as well as linear grooves at the rear to promote positive grip in all weather. The grip is constructed from high density textured polymer and feels rock solid in the hand. The use of a high density polymer means no matter how much you hold this grip it will not become shiny over time like standard plastic grips often do. The trigger guard is a standard M4/AR-15 flat style guard, but this can be swapped for alternative AEG-compatible trigger guards if you have the skills and patience to do it.

At the rear of the receiver, we also have an ambidextrous sling plate which mounts between the receiver itself and the 6-position M4/AR-15 buffer tube. The sling plate is constructed from steel and can be used with a single-point sling, or paired with a front sling point (available separately) to mount a two-point sling for extra control when the rifle is stowed and you are working the enemy over with your sidearm. The buffer tube allows any M4/AR-15 AEG stock to be mounted, and also functions as the battery compartment of the AEG. 

To access the battery compartment you will need to remove the stock, which is slightly more difficult than a standard crane stock but provides plenty of benefits to balance the extra effort needed. To remove the stock you will need to hold the adjustment lever down, allowing the adjustment pin to protrude at the bottom. With the adjustment pin poking out you will see a hole through it, we suggest inserting an Allen key through this hole to get extra leverage in order to pull the pin all the way out and slide the stock off to the rear. With the stock removed you can then unscrew the battery cap on the rear of the buffer tube, revealing the Deans connector inside. For the ARCTURUS M4/AR-15 SPR we recommend a 7.4V 1300mAh LiPo battery in stick configuration.

The stock itself is a unique ARCTURUS design boasting a low profile adjustment lever protected from snags by the A-frame design of the stock, a QD sling socket on either side and a hinged butt plate which allows faster access to the battery compartment when the threaded battery cap of the buffer tube has been removed. To hinge the stock open you will need to turn the dial on the rubber butt plate by 90 degrees, after which the butt plate can be opened. This is a nifty feature and makes up for the hassle of getting the stock off. If you carry out the process described in the previous paragraph but leave the battery cap out, you can change your battery far more quickly using the hinged butt plate of the stock.

As with other ARCTURUS offerings, the M4/AR-15 SPR is equipped with a rock solid internal feature set with some well chosen upgrade parts and nothing overly complex which may go wrong. The gearbox is a version 2 reinforced type with a quick change spring guide mounted on ball bearings for reduced rotational stress, and the piston head is also fitted with ball bearings, resulting in a long-lasting and low-stress gearbox setup.

The nozzle is Teflon sealed for superb air seal qualities, and the steel gearset runs on 8mm steel bushings for a smooth gearbox sound and unlaboured functionality. All of the wiring is heavy gauge low resistance wiring, making for a setup which is far more efficient in both air seal and power use than most of its rivals. This superb feature set is enhanced by the microswitch trigger, which provides a snappy trigger response in semi-auto, and genuinely feels like it must have a MOSFET inside. It doesn't, but it looks like ARCTURUS has proved you don't need a MOSFET for a rapid response if your gearbox is well built!

If you are looking for a solid does-it-all AR platform with full metal construction and a high quality external finish backed up by reinforced internals tuned for smooth running and efficiency, the ARCTURUS M4/AR-15 CQB has your name on it! 

Features

• Full metal construction
• 6.01mm Steel tightbore inner barrel - Excellent air seal and accuracy potential 
• Rotary adjustable HOP-up unit - The most recent M4/AR-15 design
• Microswitch trigger - Super snappy response in semi-auto
• 14mm CCW male threaded outer barrel - Ready for a tracer or suppressor
• 20mm Picatinny railed receiver - Seamless integration with the handguard rail
• 10.5-inch Outer barrel - Ideal length for CQB and aggressive skirmishers
• M-LOK handguard - Compatible with M-LOK accessories and 20mm rail adapters for M-LOK
• Finger-ridged "A2" pistol grip with diamond checkering
• 6 Position M4/AR-15 buffer tube - Compatible with aftermarket M4/AR-15 AEG stocks
• Mil-spec curved trigger - Perfect for military style builds
• Slimline stock with QD socket - Reduced bulk, increased agility
• Ambidextrous steel sling plate - Ideal for single-point slings
• Bearing spring guide and piston head - Reduced rotational force, less friction
• Rotary adjustable HOP-up unit - Fine increments of adjustment, holds setting well
• Teflon sealed air nozzle - Great compression/air seal qualities
• Microswitch trigger - Snappy trigger response
• Low resistance wiring - Great electrical efficiency
• 8mm Steel bushings - Smooth running gearbox
• Compatible with M4/AR-15 AEG magazines
• Rear wired to a Deans battery connector - Battery compartment inside the buffer tube
• Recommended Battery: 7.4V 1300mAh LiPo battery in stick configuration

Package Includes

• ARCTURUS M4/AR-15 CQB AEG AT-AR01-CQ
• 130rnd Medium capacity magazine
• User manual
• Deans to mini-Tamiya adapter
• ARCTURUS Sticker set