APS Ghost Patrol Phantom M4/AR-15 AEG Rifle SDU 2.0

Introducing the APS Phantom M4/AR-15, a member of the APS Ghost Patrol line of pre-upgraded AEGs sporting impressive external build quality and the advanced APS SDU 2.0 MOSFET. With the ever-growing number of pre-upgraded AEGs on the market the Phantom has had to do a lot to compete, but thanks to its bespoke external design and very impressive trigger response the Phantom has what it takes to compete with the best, both in looks and in-game performance.

Starting at the tip of the 10.5-inch alloy outer barrel we can find a sound amplifying muzzle device which is a unique APS design, and avoids the "plain jane" looks of a standard cylindrical sound amp. This amplifier sports angled cuts on the surface to add visual interest, and also boasts fluting grooves machined around its circumference to reduce weight and match the modernised design aesthetic of the rest of the AEG.

The sound amplifier provides a startling "crack" sound with each shot, drowning out the motor noise for a more realistic sound which makes facing the Phantom on the skirmish field an intimidating prospect. If you are more of a sneaky skirmisher, you will be happy to learn that the pre-installed sound amplifier is mounted on the prolific 14mm CCW male threads, meaning you can easily mount a tracer unit or suppressor when you don't want to "go loud".

As part of the visual design of the Phantom, the outer barrel, muzzle device, controls and trigger are finished in matt grass green, adding some contrast to the design in a subtle and skirmish friendly manner. The discrete look and natural colouration of these parts won't give you away when you are stalking in the woodlands, but will definitely get the rifle noticed in the safe zone, as there isn't anything else out there that looks like the Phantom!

Surrounding the outer barrel we can find the Phantom's M-LOK handguard, which is a unique APS design which blends perfectly with the modernised receiver and sound amplifier. The handguard reaches all the way out to surround the sound amp and is cut out on either side to allow easy access to the muzzle device and provide an LVOA style look and a sleek, integrated front end setup. M-LOK negative space attachment slots are available at all 7 angles surrounding the handguard, granting you the opportunity to mount accessories in an angled position without the need for any additional mounting apparatus. Included in the box are two M-LOK 20mm Picatinny rail sections which can be mounted at a position to suit you, allowing any accessories for 20mm Picatinny rails to be mounted. At the 12 o'clock position on the handguard, we can find a full length 20mm Picatinny rail which meets the receiver rail seamlessly to provide a lengthy mounting surface which is big enough for even the largest optical sight, or a red dot sight combined with a magnifier, with space to spare!

Moving rearwards we arrive at the receiver, which is constructed from rock solid alloy with a smooth matt black finish applied. This receiver is based on the M4/AR-15 layout but with some interesting design refinements which add some forward-thinking functionality to the ageing but ever-relevant design. Either side of the lower receiver features attractive angular weight-reducing relief cuts which not only look fantastic combined with M-LOK handguard but help reduce the weight to keep the rifle light and handy for rapid snap shooting. On the right side of the upper receiver we can see "Ghost Patrol Boar Green" finely engraved just above the ejection port, signalling the brand pedigree of this fine AEG.

At the front of the magazine well we can find grooves machined in to allow the Phantom to be effectively used with the "magwell grip", giving your fingers somewhere comfortable to rest and support the rifle whilst shooting in unconventional positions. At the rear of the magazine well we can find cut-outs which are intended to provide an index point for your finger when it isn't spamming the trigger to keep the enemy at bay, allowing for safe and effective use and encouraging proper trigger discipline. The trigger guard is also integral to the lower receiver and is an enlarged design to allow for use with gloves and provide faster access to the trigger.

The controls of the APS Phantom can be found in the same spots as on a regular M4/AR-15 AEG, with the added benefit that they are all ambidextrous. This is a thoughtful inclusion from APS, and whilst wrong handed users can master a normal M4/AR-15 with just a little practice, the Phantom levels the playing field to allow for modern shooting techniques and symmetrical controls for either left or right-handed users. The fire selector can be found above the pistol grip and is mirrored on either side. This selector is an enlarged design to allow for faster weapon manipulation and also includes textured upper and lower surfaces to allow for optimal grip even in sub-optimal weather.

The magazine release is located on the magazine well and is accessible from either side either by using your trigger finger or support hand thumb. This control is also redesigned to include deep texture on its surfaces and protrudes considerably further than a standard M4/AR-15 magazine release to allow for super-swift reloads and ensure you never miss the mag release when under pressure.

The charging handle can be found at the top rear of the receiver and is an enlarged ambidextrous design to ensure you can find the control when you need it, even with your eyes up scanning the environment for your next target. On an Airsoft AEG, the charging handle is not used to cock the weapon but is instead used to pull the mock bolt carrier backwards either for realism sake, or to access the HOP-up.

The bolt release catch can be found just above the magazine catch and can be used to lock the mock bolt cover open for a HOP-up adjustment by pulling the charging handle back and pressing the lowermost surface of the bolt release catch down. This should hold the mock bolt to the rear, and provide access to the gear adjuster for the alloy HOP-up unit. The gear can be turned to tune the amount of backspin applied to your BBs and set the Phantom up for your ammo weight of choice. With your adjustment complete, you can now hit the upper portion of the bolt release catch which will send the mock bolt plate home with a satisfying "clank".

The trigger used for the APS Phantom is a flat "speed" type trigger, styled after competition shooting triggers used on high end U.S civilian rifles. The trigger is skeletonised to keep the weight low, which only adds to its attractive looks. The flat trigger allows for a forgiving trigger pull even if you slap the trigger, and your finger will never slip off thanks to the ledge, so get spamming! The enemy team will love you for it!

As we arrive at the rear of the Phantom we can find the good old M4/AR-15 6 position buffer tube, to which mounts the unique APS collapsible stock. This stock is loosely styled after a well known real steel stock with its low profile adjustment lever contained within the "A-frame" of the stock to prevent it from snagging on your gear as you move. The stock also boasts two sling slots for a conventional sling, and QD sling sockets on either side. The QD sockets can be used in conjunction with the included QD sling swivel to set the Phantom up for an ultra-flexible sling setup which can be installed and removed in seconds.

The battery compartment of the APS Phantom can be found inside the buffer tube at the rear of the gun. The compartment can be accessed by pulling the adjustment catch of the stock out as far as it can go, then sliding the stock off to the rear. Inside the buffer tube you will find a Deans battery connector to which you connect your battery. For the APS Phantom, we recommend a 7.4V LiPo 1300mAH stick battery for the best combination of easy installation and performance.

Though you cannot see it from the outside, the APS Phantom is as well equipped when it comes to internals as it is externally. The well regarded APS eSilver Gearbox has been installed inside, offering a microswitch trigger, a quick change spring system with a strengthened spring guide design with built-in bearings, 8mm bushings and a bearing equipped piston head to guarantee smooth cycling and minimal stress transferred to the internal parts. The microswitch trigger works together with the SDU 2.0 MOSFET to provide an impressive trigger response, to the extent that you can hammer the trigger and almost reach full auto like speeds! The internal surfaces of the gearbox have been polished and buffed, saving you a job if you ever decide to push the Phantom even further with internal upgrades which is entirely possible thanks to the gearbox's Tokyo Marui compatibility. The SDU 2.0 also allows for programmable fire modes, meaning you can set the Phantom up for bursts of varying duration by swapping a "burst" mode for either semi-auto or full-auto. For more information on how to do this, see the "Special Instructions" section below.

If you are in the market for a unique looking M4/AR-15 AEG with a super sweet running gearbox with all the performance and efficiency advantages of programmable MOSFET on board, the APS Phantom would be a great choice. The customised look of this rifle is without compare and takes the style of previous APS AEGs and makes it more skirmish suitable with subdued colours, whilst still remaining eye-catching in the safe zone!

Features

• Full metal construction
• 14mm CCW Male threaded outer barrel
• Sound amplifying muzzle device
• eSilver Edge Gearbox - Blowback compatible
• Ambidextrous magazine release
• Ambidextrous fire selector
• Ambidextrous charging handle
• Functional mock bolt hold open
• Flat "speed" trigger
• Ergonomic pistol grip
• Rear wired - Deans battery connector
• Redesigned receiver with weight-reducing cuts and gripping surfaces
• M-LOK handguard - M-LOK 20mm rail sections included
• Microswitch trigger - Works with MOSFET for instant trigger response
• SDU 2.0 MOSFET - Programmable fire modes, battery protection
• Compatible with Tokyo Marui internal parts
• Revised quick change spring system - Strengthened design

Package Includes

• APS Ghost Patrol Phantom M4/AR-15 AEG Rifle SDU 2.0
• 300rnd High capacity magazine
• 2x M-LOK 20mm Rail sections
• M-LOK Handstop

Special Instructions

This AEG makes use of the APS SDU 2.0 MOSFET, allowing programmable fire modes which can be set using the controls on the gun itself.

The button to program the fire controls can be found inside the magazine well, on the right side of the gearbox shell when viewed through the magazine well with the rifle inverted.

Holding the button down until you see a red light blink twice will select the next mode in the following sequence:

Mode 1: SAFE - SEMI - FULL AUTO (default)

Mode 2: SAFE - SEMI - 3 RND BURST

Mode 3: SAFE - 2 RND BURST - FULL AUTO

Mode 4: SAFE - 3 RND BURST - FULL AUTO

Mode 5: SAFE - 3 RND BURST - 9 RND BURST

Pressing the button down until you see the red light flash twice will scroll through the fire modes to select the next mode.

For example, if you are starting on Mode 1 and you want to select Mode 4, you will need to press and hold the button down until you see the red light blink twice 3 times in succession. Following this, the SDU 2.0 will be set to Mode 4.

To restore the factory default fire control settings, select Mode 1 by double tapping the mode selection button.