EMG CM.108 Spike's Tactical Spartan M4/AR-15 AEG

EMG and Spike's Tactical have teamed up for something a little special. EMG bring their knowledge of the Airsoft market and Airsoft rifle construction and Spike's Tactical bring their experience in real-world firearms for a match made in heaven. All this project was materialized by manufacturer CYMA, who has been a mainstay in the Airsoft world for many years now, only going from strength to strength, bringing you something at a fantastic price, considering the features, details and build quality of this rifle. If you're looking for an AR M4 platform but fancy something a little more unique, the CM.108 Spike's Tactical Spartan M4/AR-15 AEG is a fantastic choice, and in full metal no less!

Starting at the front of the 15.5-inch barrel, we have the side venting muzzle brake, which is a fitting inclusion in this stripped-down and skeletonised build as the brake has large side cuts on the side, which perfectly fits the aesthetics of the build. This flash hider mounts to 14mm CCW male threading, so if you have a preferred flash hider or you want to add a tracer unit or suppressor this is easily done, no adaptors necessary.

The most striking feature of this rifle is the 13-inch skeletonised handguard, which is quite unlike anything else seen recently in terms of design and features. If you like the M-LOK system, with skeletonised stylings, but still enjoy the feel or a more chunky classic, quad rail style form factor, this will definitely appeal to you. The handguard features diagonal serrations, which not only reduce weight but also show off the sleek alloy barrel underneath for a really sleek and modern look.

The serrated grooves also complement the rail system in terms of aesthetics. This is true of both the monolithic top rail, which joins with the receiver seamlessly and the included 2.5 rail panel, which attaches to any of the MLOK slots. Built directly into the handguard are 4 QD sling points, which can be found on either side at the front and rear of the handguard, for use with attaching the sling of your choice and can be used in tandem with the sling points on the stock and the sling plate behind the buffer tube.

The CM.108 sports replica Spike's Tactical advanced flip-up iron sights, which you can have flipped down for a lower profile when they aren't being used, during run and gun-style gameplay. The rear sight also sports an aperture design to allow for more accurate aiming to pick off far-away targets with ease. The sights can be adjusted for windage and elevation, with the rear sight having a rotary gear that can be adjusted from left to right and the front sight having a gear that can shift the sight up or downward. The rear sight also features indentations to indicate when the sight is central.

As we arrive at the receiver we can see some great additions to the CM.108 and details that are unique to the Spike's Tactical range. Particular attention has been taken by EMG and Spike's Tactical to create a fully licensed replica, meaning that this Airsoft rifle has been manufactured to high standards. Specific engraving from Spike's Tactical can be found on the upper receiver reading "SPARTAN" and just in front of that there is an American flag... very subtle y'all.

The most eye-catching feature on this platform is of course the Spartan magazine well. Its striking design is purely for aesthetics but it sure does make the rifle look a hell of a lot cooler. It has been CNC machined from aluminium like most of this platform and although it may not be to everyone's taste, you have to appreciate the originality and willingness to break the mould on standard M4 designs.

Moving downwards, the CM.108 features a somewhat traditional pistol grip, that is a little wider and more filled out than other standard offerings. This allows for a comfortable grip in combination with the stippled texture, featured on the entirety of the grip. It is perfect for most skirmishers, offering comfort in a variety of shooting positions, both compact and standard.

Positioned on the right hand of the receiver on the magazine well, the magazine release is protected from accidental mag drops by a protruding magazine well fence machined into the receiver itself. This is great for when you are carrying the CM.108 on a sling, as it prevents the mag catch from being pressed by your kit. The position of the mag release is well thought out and sits right within reach of the trigger finger when the rifle is held in a firing grip.

The HOP unit can be found behind the mock ejection port by pulling back the ambidextrous charging handle, revealing the chamber inside with the rotary-style unit. The rotary gear can be adjusted to add backspin to your shots, which in turn adjusts your shots for windage and elevation. Once you have finished tuning your replica for different BB weights, you can press the bolt release to slide the mock ejection port back into place

At the rear of the receiver, we are treated to an ambidextrous sling plate which offers points to attach a hook-style sling on either side of the AEG. This sling point is perfect for a single-point sling, but can also be used in tandem with the front QD sling sockets if you prefer a two-point sling. This sling plate in particular sports a slimline design so as to not be intrusive when the rifle is held against your person. Behind the sling plate, we come to the castle nut, which holds the 6-position M4/AR15 buffer tube onto the receiver.

Constructed from aluminium alloy, the buffer tube is compatible with the vast majority of aftermarket M4/AR15 AEG stocks, though the one that comes with the gun is very impressive. The stock is that of a modernised crane stock, with a well-sized battery compartment, a low profile adjustment lever with QD sling sockets on either side and a hinged butt plate. Like the crane stock, the sides of this stock are angled to provide a comfortable cheek weld, and there are slots present in the stock for a traditional strap sling.

The low profile adjustment lever reduces the chances of the stock snagging on your kit as you move, and the hinged butt plate means when you need to switch batteries you don't have any separate parts to drop in the leaf litter and never see again. To access the battery compartment, simply pull the button in the centre of the butt plate down, and the butt plate will hinge down, revealing the battery compartment and the Deans connector within. For this platform, we recommend a 7.4v 1450mAh Crane Stock Battery for an easy fit.

As for the internals. we are in for a real treat, due to the replica coming equipped with upgraded CYMA Platinum technology. The usual Platinum gearbox found in the other CYMA Platinum AEGs remains, with its pre-installed ETU and MOSFET, quick change spring system and reinforced shell, but now has additional upgrades installed. The standard steel gearset has been replaced with a 13:1 ratio gearset running on 8mm bearing bushings, which combines with the impressive high-speed motor to provide a monstrous rate of fire and exceptional trigger response.

Adding to the already impressive internals we have a 6.03mm tightbore inner barrel, which grants you improved accuracy and a slight FPS increase when compared to a standard bore barrel, helping you get a bit more power from the same internals for a more efficient overall system. Everything is upgraded on this AEG, so if you want to save yourself some hassle down the line and get something future-proofed, this is a great choice.

If you fancy shouting "This is Airsoft" and kicking down a door at your next skirmish, the EMG CM.108 Spike's Tactical Spartan M4/AR-15 AEG better be the rifle in your hands. This super unique and stylish AEG is designed for those who like high-performance platforms but don't want to fit in with all the other boring M4 users.

Features

• Full metal construction - Lots of aluminium
• Licensed Spike's Tactical design
• 6.03mm Tightbore inner barrel
• 14mm CCW male threading - Tracer/suppressor ready
• 10" Skeletonised handguard - Reduces weight, while looking sweet!
• M-LOK handguard - Slots at 3, 6, and 9 o'clock
• 20mm Picatinny railed receiver - Ready for an optical sight
• 2.5" Picatinny rail panel
• Flip up aperture iron sights - Fully adjustable, nice and light
• Ambidextrous steel sling plate - Perfect for a single-point sling
• Front and rear QD sling sockets - Great for a two-point sling
• Ergonomic pistol grip with texture
• 6 Position sliding stock - Adjustable for any body type
• Version 2 CYMA Platinum gearbox:
  • High-speed motor
  • 13:1 Ratio high-speed gearset
  • Silent piston head and cylinder head
  • Rotary adjustable HOP-up unit
• MOSFET/ETU pre-installed
• Modern battery stock - Low profile adjustment lever, hinged butt plate
• Recommended battery - 7.4v 1450mAh Crane Stock Battery
• Compatible with M4/AR15 AEG magazines - Plenty of spares available 

Package Includes

• EMG CM.108 Spike's Tactical Spartan M4/AR-15 AEG
• 130rnd Mid-cap Magazine