Specna Arms SA-C08 CORE™ HAL¹ ETU™ M4/AR-15 Carbine AEG

Specna Arms
Code:
£119.99
  • High-density polymer/CNC alu handguard
  • Keymod handguard
  • HAL¹ ETU Pre-installed - Programmable fire modes

If you're looking for a compact and lightweight AR platform perfect for close-quarters engagements, the Specna Arms SA-C08 CORE™ HAL¹ ETU™ AEG is a superb choice. This M4/AR-15 AEG follows Specna's "CORE" build standard, featuring a CNC aluminium handguard, alloy outer barrel and suppressor paired with a high density polymer receiver, stock and pistol grip, ideal for skirmishers who like to move fast and maintain high-energy skirmishing all day long. 

This, the latest version of the SA-C08 is rocking Specna's HAL¹ ETU,  boasting programmable fire controls and several quality-of-life functions built-in, all for barely more money than the original. The HAL¹ allows you to select binary trigger, AUG mode and sniper delay instead of semi-auto and semi-auto lock, 3-round burst or 5-round burst instead of full auto. Also available are 5 levels of trigger sensitivity adjustment, 6 levels of adjustable pre-cocking, active braking and a low battery voltage alarm. Like the original, the HAL¹ equipped version also has a 6.03mm tightbore inner barrel, giving it above-average accuracy potential and a slight rise in FPS from the same strength spring. Impressive stuff for a beginner-level price point!

Full description

Description

If you're looking for a fresh modernised CQB platform, the Specna Arms SA-C08 CORE™ HAL¹ ETU™ M4/AR-15 AEG should interest you. Constructed to Specna's CORE standard, the SA-C08 boasts a CNC aluminium handguard and alloy outer barrel and bird cage muzzle attachment paired with a high-density polymer receiver, buffer tube, stock and pistol grip, giving you a great introduction to more realistic replicas, but still easy to use during a day of skirmishing. As with the original CORE series, the polymer quality is top-notch, more scratch-resistant than comparable metal receivers and ultra-light for high energy throughout the skirmish day. 

Inside this, the latest SA-C08 variant, we are treated to the HAL ETU/MOSFET, a lovely addition to a beginner rifle! The HAL¹ ETU offers binary trigger, AUG mode and sniper delay instead of semi-auto and semi-auto lock, 3-round burst or 5-round burst instead of full auto, along with several quality-of-life improvements and most importantly for CQB, adjustable pre-cocking! Pre-cocking positions the piston at the rear of its cycle after a shot, meaning when you pull the trigger the response is practically instantaneous, ideal for semi-auto duels in the close confines of a CQB site.

A considerable improvement over the original SA-C08, the HAL¹ ETU adds a lot of functionality to this compact and lightweight beginner-friendly platform. With no more trigger lock-ups when shooting semi-auto, plenty of fire mode options and the pre-installed 6.03mm tightbore inner barrel and rotary HOP-up combo which made the original SA-C08 CORE such a solid choice, the new version is hard to beat!

Starting at the front we find an M4-style Bird Cage flash hider, sticking out the front of the CNC aluminium handguard. This gives the SA-C08 a classic military look and replicates the real steel platform perfectly. The outer barrel features the common 14mm CCW male threading, ideal for swapping to a sneaky suppressor or tracer unit. 

The handguard itself is constructed from CNC machined aluminium, guaranteeing a flawless form and precise, in-spec attachment interfaces. There is a 20mm Picatinny rail section that runs along the top of the platform, the other sides of the handguard feature a keymod interface, with short sections of detachable 20mm Picatinny rail sitting at the front of each rail section. Keymod handguards are becoming the next big thing, with their easy-to-attach interface and plenty of available attachments on the market, they're worth checking out!

Next up we reach the receiver, which is of a standard and instantly recognizable M4/AR-15 configuration with controls laid out in a considerate and ergonomic manner, allowing the SA-C08 to be manipulated quickly and instinctively by veterans, or learned rapidly by new users. 

The fire selector lever can be found just above the pistol grip, on the left side of the AEG, providing 3 modes of fire, SAFE, SEMI, and AUTO, with a 90-degree throw between each. The fire modes are helpfully marked in recessed text on the receiver and the selector switch locks positively into each mode with the help of texture on its surface to guarantee you can stay in control of your fire modes. The magazine release is on the right side of the magazine well and is accessible for a right-handed user with their trigger finger or by a lefty using their off-hand thumb.

Pulling back the extended charging handle, at the rear of the receiver, will pop open the dust cover and retract the mock bolt carrier which allows access to the rotary HOP-up adjuster. This is the latest HOP-up unit design for the M4/AR-15 and provides finer increments of adjustment and holds its setting more effectively when compared to the older gear style HOP-up unit. The charging handle has an extended latch for easier access, allowing even those with thick gloves to access the HOP-up unit, though you may need to remove your glove to adjust the unit!

The bolt catch on the left side of the receiver does not function but is nonetheless a separate moveable part to reduce the common tell-tale signs of a replica. The forward assist is a similar story, being present on the right side of the upper receiver and being another separate moving part which can be pressed in but has no effect on the function of the AEG. A new addition to this HAL-equipped SA-C08 is its flat trigger, enhancing the military aesthetic with a touch of modernity and providing an easily slappable trigger for snappy double taps in semi-auto. 

The pistol grip of the SA-C08 is an M16A2/M4A1 style pistol grip, also known as the "A2" finger ridged grip. The A2 has diamond checkering on either side and linear texture on the back strap to provide excellent gripping qualities whether you wear gloves or not. The finger ridge is designed to help you keep hold of the rifle and prevent the grip from slipping out of your hands when held in a single hand. As with most M4/AR-15 AEGs, this grip is compatible with aftermarket M4/AR-15 AEG grips, ideal for customisation addicts!

The battery compartment is inside the crane stock, accessible by squeezing the two tabs at the toe of the stock together, after which you can lift the butt plate off, remove the battery plug and make use of the stock's built-in battery compartment to house a nunchuck/crane-style battery. Being equipped with the HAL ETU, we are also treated to a Deans/t-plug battery connector, a lower resistance alternative to the mini-Tamiya found on previous Specna Arms CORE AEGs. For the SA-C08, we recommend a 7.4V 1450mAh LiPo crane/nunchuck battery for an easy fit and great performance.

The Crane stock also includes a pair of QD sling sockets, one on each side, allowing for QD sling swivels to be added for a quick removable sling setup. Conventional sling slots (aka "footman loops") are also present for those who want a two-point sling but prefer the old-fashioned way. The butt plate is also made from grippy rubber, ensuring your SA-C08 doesn't slip off your shoulder at a critical moment. 

Inside the HAL¹ equipped SA-C08, we have an alloy V2 gearbox shell with 18:1 ratio steel gears running on 8mm bushings. The spring guide is an ESA quick change example, making power tuning a breeze for those who want to get as close to site limits as possible. The inner barrel is a 6.03mm tightbore paired with a rotary HOP-up unit, giving you superb accuracy potential and the most up-to-date HOP-up unit style for M4/AR-15 AEGs. All internal parts are Tokyo Marui AEG spec, meaning aftermarket upgrades are a go for the performance seekers!

The HAL¹ adds a whole lot of functionality into the mix, with programmable fire controls, 6 levels of pre-cocking adjustment and 5 levels of trigger sensitivity adjustment. Available fire modes include 3 or 5-round burst, binary trigger, AUG mode aka two-stage trigger, semi-auto only and sniper delay, giving you loads of options for how you use your SA-C08. Features like these are usually only present in high-end replicas; we simply cannot believe the wealth of functionality inside the HAL¹ equipped SA-C08, especially considering the price!

If you're in search of a new AEG for your close-quarters skirmishes, then the Specna Arms SA-C08 CORE™ HAL¹ ETU™ M4/AR-15 Carbine AEG is certainly one for you. With its advanced functionality and a modern handguard interface, this AEG is incredible for any player, plus, its low price point is certainly attractive to anyone! Whether you're a newcomer to Airsoft or you're a pro looking for a lightweight back up, the SA-C08 is a great choice for all!

Features

  • 6.03mm Tightbore inner barrel - Great accuracy potential
  • High-density polymer with CNC Aluminium handguard 
  • Perfect for CQB skirmishing, compact and lightweight, provides great manoeuvrability!
  • Birdcage Flash Hider pre-installed
  • 14mm CCW Male threaded outer barrel
  • Keymod handguard with preinstalled 20mm Picatinny rail sections
  • Flip-up aperture iron sights pre-installed - Adjustable for windage and elevation, 2 apertures to choose from
  • 20mm Picatinny railed receiver - Ready for red dot sights, PEQ lasers or scopes to be mounted
  • Rotary adjustable HOP-up unit - The latest M4/AR-15 design, holds its setting well and allows for fine adjustment
  • Finger ridged "A2" pistol grip - Comfortable for most hand sizes, textured for extra traction
  • Flat mil-spec trigger guard - Matches real US Army-issued M4A1 rifles
  • 3-Position fire selector switch - SAFE, SEMI AUTO & FULL AUTO, 90-degree throw between each mode
  • Extended charging handle - Fast access to the HOP-up unit for quick mid-game adjustment
  • 6-Position M4/AR-15 buffer tube - Adjust the stock quickly and easily to suit your body type or loadout
  • Crane stock pre-installed - Plenty of battery space, QD sling sockets built-in
  • Version 2 Gearbox:
    • 8mm bushings
    • ESA quick change spring system
    • Steel 18:1 ratio gearset
    • Alloy shell
  • HAL¹ Programmable MOSFET/ETU functions:
    • Low voltage alarmActive braking 
    • Adjustable pre-cocking (6 levels)
    • Two-stage trigger (AUG mode)
    • Sniper delay
    • Semi-auto only
    • Binary Trigger
    • 3 or 5-round burst
  • HAL¹ Programming instructions available here
  • Compatible with M4/AR-15 AEG magazines - S-Mag High-cap | S-Mag Mid-cap | S-Mag Mid-cap 5 Pack
  • Rear wired: Deans battery connector - Recommended battery: 7.4V 1450mAh LiPo in crane/nunchuck config

Package Includes

  • Specna Arms SA-C08 CORE™ HAL¹ ETU™ M4/AR-15 Carbine AEG
  • 300rnd S-Mag M4/AR-15 High-cap magazine
  • Cleaning rod

Specification

General

Weapon Construction External
Weapon Type
Assault Rifle
Over 18 Only Icon
Over 18
Yes
Icon UKARA - United Kingdom Airsoft Retailer Association
Defence / UKARA Required
Yes, No,
FPS Icon
FPS (Feet Per Second), using 0.20g BB
Approx. 310fps ± 10%, using 0.20g BB
Site Legal Icon
Site Legal, using 0.20g BB
Yes
Screwdriver Icon
Pre-Built
Yes
Package
Included Items
Magazine
Skill Level Icon
User Skill Level
Starter, Regular Player,
Patrol Base - Warning Icon
Warnings
Li-Po - Never Leave Charging Unattended
Li-Po - Only Use Approved Chargers
Li-Po - Charge in a Fire Safe Area

Weight and Dimension

Weight KG Icon
Weight (KG)
Approx. 2.1kg
Weapon Length Collapsed
Length (Collapsed)
65cm
Weapon Length Extended
Length (Extended)
73cm

Construction

Colour Wheel Greyscale
Primary Colour
Black,
Half-Tan
Half-Tan
,
Construction Icon
Construction
CNC Aluminium handguard. Aluminium flash hider. Alloy outer barrel & trim parts. High density polymer stock, buffer tube, receiver & pistol grip. Steel dust cover, pins and screws.
Weapon Construction External
External Construction
Polymer
Alloy
Aluminium
Steel
Gearbox Icon
Internal Construction
Polymer
Alloy
Aluminium
Steel

Weapon Specific

Power Source Icon
Powered By
Electric
Blowback Icon
Blowback
None
Weapon Platform
AR, M4 / AR-15 / M16, Assault Rifle, M4/AR-15 AEG,
Magazine Style Icon
Magazine Style
Long Gun Magazine, Assault Rifle, M4 / AR Platform,
Fire Select Icon
Fire Selector
PatrolBase | Fire Select Safe
Safe
Patrol Base | Fire Select - Semi Automatic
Semi Automatic
Patrol Base | Full Automatic
Full Automatic
Programmable
Weapon Safety Features Icon
Safety Features
Trigger Disconnect
Shooter Configuration Icon
Shooter Configuration
Right Handed
Weapon Configuration Icon
Weapon Configuration
Standard
Weapon Scale Icon
Weapon Scale
1:1
Suggested BB Weight
0.25g

Hop-Up

Hop-Up Unit Icon
Hop-Up Unit
Yes
Hop-Up Unit Adjuster Icon
Hop-Up Adjuster
Rotary
Hop-Up Unit Location Icon
Hop-Up Location
Behind the mock bolt carrier, accessible through the mock ejection port when the charging handle is pulled and held back.

Furniture

Weapon Furniture Icon
Furniture
  • Flip-Up Ironsights
  • AR Buffer Tube
  • KeyMod Handguard
  • Railed Receiver
  • Finger Ridged Pistol Grip
  • Sliding Stock
  • Bird Cage Flash Hider
  • QD Sling Point
  • Extended Charging Handle
  • Rubber butt plate
  • Extended 20mm Picatinny top rail
Rail System Icon
Rail System
20mm RIS / RAS , KeyMod , 20mm Rail Sections,
Icon Stock Positions
Stock Setting
Sliding , Multi-Position , M4 Crane Stock,
Weapon Length Extended
Stock Positions
6 Position
Sight Type Icon
Sight Type
Iron Sights , Aperture Iron Sight,
Sling Plate Icon
Sling Options
Stock , QD , Loop ,

Barrel

Outer Barrel Length (in)
8''
Icon Thread Type
Outer Barrel Thread Type
Male
Icon Thread Direction
Outer Barrel Thread Direction
CCW (Counter Clockwise)
Outer Barrel Thread Size
14mm
Inner Barrel Diameter
6.03mm
Inner Barrel Length
230mm

Magazine Specific

Magazine Type
High Capacity, AEG,
Magazine BB Capacity
Approx. 300 Rounds
Magazine BB Fill Method
Fill Window
Magazine BB Fill Location
Top

Electric Gun Specific Information

Gearbox
Gearbox Icon
Gearbox Version
V2 Gearbox
Wiring Icon
Gearbox Wiring
Rear Wired
Spring Change Icon
Gearbox Quick Change Spring
Yes
Digital Trigger Icon
Gearbox Electronic Trigger
Yes
Split Gearbox Icon
Split Gearbox Design
No
Motor
Airsoft Motor Icon
Motor Type
Standard
Battery Specific
Battery Connector
Patrol Base | Icon | Deans
Deans
Compatible Battery
Compatible Battery Type
Li-Po
Compatible Battery Configuration
Crane
Compatible Battery Voltage
7.4v

Product Testing Data

Notepad Icon
Test Description
310 FPS +/- 10%
Notepad Icon
Tested Using
0.2g ASG Blaster BBs
Notepad Icon
Test Date
19/09/2024

Size guide

Joule Charts

Special Instructions

These table can be used as a reference to see if the BB weight you are using will be over acceptable Joulage limits at some Airsoft Sites in the UK. To check if the weight can be used chrono your weapon using the BB you intend to use, and then compare it to the chart.

FPS, Power and Joule Limits can vary from site to site, so please get in touch with where you're going to play with in advance to avoid disappointment.

Suggested limits are based on Joulage Limit rules used Halo Mill: Proving Grounds, with a 350fps limit for Automatic Replicas, 400fps for Semi-Automatic Replicas, and 500fps for Bolt Action Replicas.

Tap the tabs below to open the relevant chart for your replica.

Suggested limits are based on Joulage Limit rules used Halo Mill: Proving Grounds, and is the equivalent of 350fps, using 0.20g BB resulting in an upper limit of 1.14j.

Velocity BB Weight (Grams)
FPS 0.20 0.25 0.28 0.30 0.32 0.36 0.40 0.43 0.45 0.50
250 0.58 0.73 0.81 0.87 0.93 1.05 1.16 1.25 1.31 1.45
260 0.63 0.79 0.88 0.94 1.00 1.13 1.26 1.35 1.41 1.57
270 0.68 0.85 0.95 1.02 1.08 1.22 1.35 1.46 1.52 1.69
280 0.73 0.91 1.02 1.09 1.17 1.31 1.46 1.57 1.64 1.82
290 0.78 0.98 1.09 1.17 1.25 1.41 1.56 1.68 1.76 1.95
300 0.84 1.05 1.17 1.25 1.34 1.51 1.67 1.80 1.88 2.09
310 0.89 1.12 1.25 1.34 1.43 1.61 1.79 1.92 2.01 2.23
320 0.95 1.19 1.33 1.43 1.52 1.71 1.90 2.05 2.14 2.38
325 0.98 1.23 1.37 1.47 1.57 1.77 1.96 2.11 2.21 2.45
328 1.00 1.25 1.40 1.50 1.60 1.80 2.00 2.15 2.25 2.50
330 1.01 1.26 1.42 1.52 1.62 1.82 2.02 2.18 2.28 2.53
335 1.04 1.30 1.46 1.56 1.67 1.88 2.09 2.24 2.35 2.61
340 1.07 1.34 1.50 1.61 1.72 1.93 2.15 2.31 2.42 2.68
345 1.11 1.38 1.55 1.66 1.77 1.99 2.21 2.38 2.49 2.76
350 1.14 1.42 1.59 1.71 1.82 2.05 2.28 2.45 2.56 2.85
355 1.17 1.46 1.64 1.76 1.87 2.11 2.34 2.52 2.63 2.93
360 1.20 1.51 1.69 1.81 1.93 2.17 2.41 2.59 2.71 3.01

Suggested limits are based on Joulage Limit rules used at Halo Mill: Proving Grounds, and is the equivalent of 400fps, using 0.20g BB resulting in an upper limit of 1.49j.

Velocity BB Weight (Grams)
FPS 0.20 0.25 0.28 0.30 0.32 0.36 0.40 0.43 0.45 0.50
250 0.58 0.73 0.81 0.87 0.93 1.05 1.16 1.25 1.31 1.45
260 0.63 0.79 0.88 0.94 1.00 1.13 1.26 1.35 1.41 1.57
270 0.68 0.85 0.95 1.02 1.08 1.22 1.35 1.46 1.52 1.69
280 0.73 0.91 1.02 1.09 1.17 1.31 1.46 1.57 1.64 1.82
290 0.78 0.98 1.09 1.17 1.25 1.41 1.56 1.68 1.76 1.95
300 0.84 1.05 1.17 1.25 1.34 1.51 1.67 1.80 1.88 2.09
310 0.89 1.12 1.25 1.34 1.43 1.61 1.79 1.92 2.01 2.23
320 0.95 1.19 1.33 1.43 1.52 1.71 1.90 2.05 2.14 2.38
330 1.01 1.26 1.42 1.52 1.62 1.82 2.02 2.18 2.28 2.53
340 1.07 1.34 1.50 1.61 1.72 1.93 2.15 2.31 2.42 2.68
350 1.14 1.42 1.59 1.71 1.82 2.05 2.28 2.45 2.56 2.85
360 1.20 1.51 1.69 1.81 1.93 2.17 2.41 2.59 2.71 3.01
370 1.27 1.59 1.78 1.91 2.03 2.29 2.54 2.73 2.86 3.18
380 1.34 1.68 1.88 2.01 2.15 2.41 2.68 2.88 3.02 3.35
390 1.41 1.77 1.98 2.12 2.26 2.54 2.83 3.04 3.18 3.53
400 1.49 1.86 2.08 2.23 2.38 2.68 2.97 3.20 3.34 3.72
410 1.56 1.95 2.19 2.34 2.50 2.81 3.12 3.36 3.51 3.90

Suggested limits are based on Joulage Limit rules used at Halo Mill: Proving Grounds, and is the equivalent of 500fps, using 0.20g BB resulting in an upper limit of 2.32j.

Velocity BB Weight (Grams)
FPS 0.20 0.25 0.28 0.30 0.32 0.36 0.40 0.43 0.45 0.50
250 0.58 0.73 0.81 0.87 0.93 1.05 1.16 1.25 1.31 1.45
260 0.63 0.79 0.88 0.94 1.00 1.13 1.26 1.35 1.41 1.57
270 0.68 0.85 0.95 1.02 1.08 1.22 1.35 1.46 1.52 1.69
280 0.73 0.91 1.02 1.09 1.17 1.31 1.46 1.57 1.64 1.82
290 0.78 0.98 1.09 1.17 1.25 1.41 1.56 1.68 1.76 1.95
300 0.84 1.05 1.17 1.25 1.34 1.51 1.67 1.80 1.88 2.09
310 0.89 1.12 1.25 1.34 1.43 1.61 1.79 1.92 2.01 2.23
320 0.95 1.19 1.33 1.43 1.52 1.71 1.90 2.05 2.14 2.38
330 1.01 1.26 1.42 1.52 1.62 1.82 2.02 2.18 2.28 2.53
340 1.07 1.34 1.50 1.61 1.72 1.93 2.15 2.31 2.42 2.68
350 1.14 1.42 1.59 1.71 1.82 2.05 2.28 2.45 2.56 2.85
360 1.20 1.51 1.69 1.81 1.93 2.17 2.41 2.59 2.71 3.01
370 1.27 1.59 1.78 1.91 2.03 2.29 2.54 2.73 2.86 3.18
380 1.34 1.68 1.88 2.01 2.15 2.41 2.68 2.88 3.02 3.35
390 1.41 1.77 1.98 2.12 2.26 2.54 2.83 3.04 3.18 3.53
400 1.49 1.86 2.08 2.23 2.38 2.68 2.97 3.20 3.34 3.72
410 1.56 1.95 2.19 2.34 2.50 2.81 3.12 3.36 3.51 3.90
420 1.64 2.05 2.29 2.46 2.62 2.95 3.28 3.52 3.69 4.10
430 1.72 2.15 2.40 2.58 2.75 3.09 3.44 3.69 3.86 4.29
440 1.80 2.25 2.52 2.70 2.88 3.24 3.60 3.87 4.05 4.50
450 1.88 2.35 2.63 2.82 3.01 3.39 3.76 4.04 4.23 4.70
460 1.97 2.46 2.75 2.95 3.15 3.54 3.93 4.23 4.42 4.91
470 2.05 2.57 2.87 3.08 3.28 3.69 4.10 4.41 4.62 5.13
480 2.14 2.68 3.00 3.21 3.42 3.85 4.28 4.60 4.82 5.35
490 2.23 2.79 3.12 3.35 3.57 4.02 4.46 4.80 5.02 5.58
500 2.32 2.90 3.25 3.48 3.72 4.18 4.65 4.99 5.23 5.81
510 2.42 3.02 3.38 3.62 3.87 4.35 4.83 5.20 5.44 6.04