Ares SA80/L85A3 AEG; Deluxe Standard Issue Set

Ares
Code: 213583
969.49
  • Full metal construction
  • EFCS MOSFET & Electric Blowback
  • Complete British Army issue package

If you're into the British Army look, this should be your primary! The Ares SA80/L85A3 AEG; Deluxe Standard Issue Set includes everything you'll need to recreate the iconic L85A3 rifle as it is issued to the British Army, including a fantastic replica of the ELCAN Specter LDS 4x optic with the Shield RMS piggyback red dot sight and a Grip Pod replica in desert tan.

Just like the standard version, this beast boasts full metal construction and incredible attention to detail, making it as suitable for skirmishing as it is for display in a museum! The lower and upper receivers are both made from stamped steel, with the modernised A3 handguard and 20mm Picatinny top rail being CNC machined from aluminium for a flawless form and perfectly in-spec attachment interfaces.

Inside, the L85A3 is based around a unique gearbox shell with the Ares EFCS MOSFET, providing programmable fire controls through the Ares EFCS Programming Box (available separately) and preventing trigger lock-ups for a ferocious semi-auto response rate. A high torque motor drives the 18:1 steel gearset, allowing for stronger springs to be installed and further improving trigger response. To add a side of realism to the firing experience, the L85A3 also boasts an electric blowback system, cycling the mock bolt carrier back and forth with each shot and drowning out the gearbox report with a violent "clack-clack-clack".

If you're working on a modern British Army loadout and need a primary to finish it off, you can't ask for much better than the Ares SA80/L85A3 AEG; Deluxe Standard Issue Set. With the correct optic and vertical grip, 2 magazines and a superb quality hard case to store it all in, this is the L85A3 replica package for the skirmisher who wants the most realistic look without any problems sourcing the correct bits!

Full description

Description

Whether you're a fan of iconic British service rifles or going all the way with your modern squaddie loadout, the Ares SA80/L85A3 AEG; Deluxe Standard Issue Set should put a massive grin on your face. Flawlessly made with full metal construction, a stamped steel receiver and CNC aluminium A3 KeyMod handguard and a monolithic 20mm Picatinny top rail, Ares really nailed it with this one!

The real steel L85A3 is the most recent iteration of the iconic British Army service rifle, equipped with a lightweight KeyMod handguard and monolithic 20mm Picatinny receiver rail; a considerable improvement both in ergonomics and accessory options. Like the real L85A3, the Ares replica is finished in matt desert tan, making it more concealable in any natural environment and the perfect SA80/L85A3 replica for a modern British squaddie loadout with MTP camouflage. 

This is the Deluxe Standard Issue Set, meaning it includes a detailed replica of the ELCAN Specter LDS 4x scope and Shield RMS piggyback red dot sight, along with a desert tan Grip Pod replica to complete the look. The quality of both the LDS and RMS are superb, making this package great value compared to purchasing the individual parts separately. To top it off, the set is supplied in a superb quality polymer hard case with 2 mid-cap magazines! 

Starting at the front, we can find the SA80 style birdcage flash hider, constructed from steel and mounted to the alloy outer barrel's 14mm CW male threading. Mounting a suppressor or tracer unit is also an option but will require a 14mm CW to 14mm CCW adapter in most cases. The outer barrel is constructed from alloy and is the appropriate 20" in overall length, though being a bullpup, the L85A3 handles far better in CQB than a conventional 20" barrelled rifle.

Moving rearwards, we come to the A3 handguard, the most obvious change from the A2 to the A3 variant other than the desert tan finish. This handguard is far slimmer in profile than the original and made as a single piece, reducing weight to further improve the L85A3's snap-shooting potential. KeyMod negative space attachment slots are present on each side, with 20mm Picatinny rails on the top and bottom, giving you plenty of accessory options built-in. The upper rail of the handguard meets the receiver rail seamlessly, providing an uninterrupted rail surface ideal for longer optical sights, laser aiming modules and more.

Below the ports, we can find the pistol grip, trigger guard and safety catch; all positioned up front in this "Bullpup" configuration rifle. The pistol grip includes a storage compartment inside designed for the standard SA80 tool but in this AEG replica, functions as the battery compartment. Popping the cover off the bottom of the pistol grip provides access, revealing a mini-Tamiya battery connector. We recommend a 7.4V 600mAh LiPo battery in PDW stick configuration for an easy fit, though you may be able to fit a bigger battery inside (maximum dimensions 9.5 x 1.5 x 2.5cm approx). The trigger guard is constructed from steel and the trigger is the A2 "snow-cutter" type, designed to cut through any obstruction which finds itself lodged behind the trigger and a perfect match for the A2 and A3 variants of Britain's iconic service rifle.

The safety catch is a push-through design on the right side, above and in front of the grip. The safety is ideally placed for a right-handed user to hit it with the trigger finger as the rifle is raised to fire. When on safe, the button will protrude from the right and when the platform is hot, it will protrude on the left. This safety controls the safe/fire function but the fire selector switch is further rearwards on the left side of the stock.

As we move rearwards we reach the action, where the action happens! The magazine well is on the bottom, made from stamped steel and welded onto the receiver itself. The mag release is on the left side and is protected with a welded-on magazine release fence, an addition to the "A2" variant of the real thing intended to prevent magazines from being dropped and lost in the field as the SA80 rubs against other kits.

Over on the right side, we can find the charging handle which is the enlarged "A2" type, allowing the L85A2 to be cocked either over or under the platform while held in a firing grip and also serving as a brass deflector in the real thing. The charging handle is attached directly to the bolt and reciprocates with each shot, giving you a more realistic and exciting experience than a standard AEG and drowning out the AEG gearbox report with a "clack-clack-clack" of the mock bolt cycling. While this electric blowback mech may not provide the powerful recoil of a GBBR, it is a great middle-ground for those who want more realism but not at the cost of in-game performance.

To the rear of the charging handle, a small olive green polymer plate serves as a dust cover. This cover will automatically open as the bolt carrier cycles but when in place, it helps to keep dirt and debris out of the action. The green lever just behind is the mock bolt lock catch which serves in the real thing to allow the bolt to be manually locked open for malfunction clearing and inspection. This is a dummy control on the Ares L85A3 AEG but is still included to complete the authentic L85A3 external build.

The adjustable HOP-up of the L85A3 is located inside the ejection port and is accessible with the charging handle pulled and held back. This HOP-up unit has the gear type adjuster which can be turned to tune the amount of backspin applied to your BBs, allowing you to set the L85A3 up for various ammo weights, seeking the flattest possible trajectory. While this HOP-up unit is a unique design, it is compatible with standard AEG HOP-up buckings and inner barrels, opening up plenty of opportunities for aftermarket upgrades.

The fire selector switch is on the rear left of the stock, providing two fire modes; semi-automatic and fully automatic. The semi-auto position is denoted with an "R" which stands for "Repetition" and the full auto mode with an "A" for "Automatic", in classic British style and matching the real L85A3 perfectly. Being equipped with the Ares EFCS MOSFET, the fire modes can also be programmed using the Ares EFCS Programming Box (available separately).

Above the fire selector switch, we have an olive green polymer cheek rest designed to allow for a comfortable cheek weld when using either the included flip-up iron sights or in this Deluxe Standard Issue Set, the ELCAN Specter LDS optic. The iron sights can be raised and lowered simply by lifting them up and are fully adjustable for windage and elevation, mimicking the issue HK style iron sights perfectly.

As part of the A3 upgrade program, a monolithic 20mm Picatinny rail was welded to the receiver which is appropriately replicated on the Ares L85A3 replica. This replaces the old STANAG 19mm Dovetail rail, allowing modern optical sights to be directly mounted. The rail includes numerically marked slots so you can keep track of your accessory locations and seamlessly integrates with the handguard rail, providing plenty of space for the included ELCAN Specter LDS with piggyback Shield RMS optic setup, or any other 20mm compatible optic you choose to mount. The rail itself is CNC machined from aluminium, providing a high-quality finish and perfectly in-spec rails.

At the very rear of the L85A3, we are treated to a grippy rubber butt plate complete with serrations for maximum traction. A sling point is also present on each side, ideally used with an SA80 sling but compatible with other hook slings with the addition of a loop of paracord. The butt plate is a comfortable design and is curved to match the profile of the shooter's shoulder.

Inside, the Ares SA80/L85A3 is equipped with a unique gearbox design with 18:1 ratio steel gears and a quick-change spring system for easy power tuning. The Ares EFCS MOSFET is also pre-installed, eliminating trigger lockups for a speedy response rate in semi-automatic and providing programmable fire controls with the Ares EFCS Programming Box (available separately). A high-torque motor further improves the trigger response and allows for stronger springs to be used while keeping the electric blowback snappy and exciting to use!

If you're going for the in-theatre British squaddie look, the Ares SA80/L85A3 AEG; Deluxe Standard Issue Set is the ideal primary for you. Packaged in a solid polymer hard case with everything you need to complete the L85A3 build as it is issued to the British Army, this may be the ultimate SA80/L85A3 replica!

Features

  • Full metal construction - Stamped steel receiver
  • Complete British Army Standard Issue set - Ideal for modern British Army loadouts
  • Electric Blowback System - The mock bolt cycles with each shot, lefties be careful!
  • 14mm CW Threaded outer barrel - Tracer/suppressor ready with CW to CCW adapter
  • Push through safety catch - Protruding from the right is safe, from the left is fire
  • KeyMod/20mm Picatinny hybrid handguard - KeyMod slots on each side, 20mm top and bottom
  • Realistic dummy gas piston - Visible through the handguard ports for maximum realism
  • Monolithic 20mm Picatinny top rail - Ready for red dot sights and scopes (ideally the included issue optic)
  • Flip-up aperture iron sights pre-installed - Adjustable for windage and elevation, HK-style sights
  • "Snow-cutter" trigger - Part of the A2 L85 upgrade, prevents obstructions from locking the trigger
  • Battery compartment inside the pistol grip - Recommended Battery: 7.4V 600mAh LiPo PDW Stick
  • Enlarged A2 Charging handle - Accurate to the real steel L85A2 and L85A3 rifles
  • "A2" Welded on magazine release fence  - Prevents the mag release from being pressed accidentally
  • Olive green polymer pistol grip & cheek rest - Just like the real L85/SA80 series
  • Two position fire selector switch - R for Repetition (semi-auto), A for Automatic
  • Sling points on either side of the stock - Ideal for SA80/L85 slings
  • Rubber butt plate - Provides ample traction for wet weather use
  • Unique Ares L85 Gearbox:
    • EFCS MOSFET 
    • 18:1 Steel Gear set
    • Microswitch trigger
    • High torque motor
  • Ares EFCS MOSFET pre-installed - Programmable via the Ares EFCS Programmer (available separately)
  • Ares EFCS Programmable MOSFET modes:
    • SAFE-SEMI-AUTO
    • SAFE-SEMI-3RND BURST
    • SAFE-3RND BURST-AUTO
    • SAFE-SEMI-SEMI
  • Compatible with M4/AR-15 AEG magazines - Spares are plentiful, metal STANAG type recommended

Package Includes

  • ARES SA80/L85A3 AEG; Deluxe Standard Issue Set:
    • 2 x 130rnd Mid-cap Magazines
    • ELCAN Specter LDS Replica
    • Shield RMS Micro Red Dot Sight Replica
    • Shield RMS Mounting Apparatus
    • Grip Pod Replica
    • Hard Storage Case

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. 315fps ± 10%, using 0.20g BB
Site Legal Icon
Site Legal, using 0.20g BB
Yes
Screwdriver Icon
Pre-Built
Yes
Package
Included Items
  • Magazine x 2
  • Hard Case
  • ELCAN Specter LDS Replica
  • Shield RMS Micro Red Dot Sight Replica
  • Grip Pod Replica
Skill Level Icon
User Skill Level
Regular Player
Patrol Base - Warning Icon
Warnings
Li-Po - Never Leave Charging Unattended
Li-Po
Li-Po - Only Use Approved Chargers
Li-Po - Charge in a Fire Safe Area

Weight and Dimension

Weight KG Icon
Weight (KG)
Approx. 4.3kg
Weapon Length Collapsed
Length (Collapsed)
77.5cm
Weapon Length Extended
Length (Extended)
77.5cm

Construction

Colour Wheel Greyscale
Primary Colour
Dark Earth
Colour Wheel Greyscale
Secondary Colour
Olive Green
Construction Icon
Construction
Steel flash hider, upper & lower receiver, trigger guard, body pins & screws. Alloy controls & outer barrel. CNC Aluminium handguard & top rail. Polymer pistol grip, cheek rest. Rubber butt plate.
Weapon Construction External
External Construction
Polymer
Alloy
Rubber
Stamped Steel
Aluminium
Steel
Gearbox Icon
Internal Construction
Polymer
Alloy
Aluminium
Steel

Weapon Specific

Power Source Icon
Powered By
Electric
Blowback Icon
Blowback
None
Weapon Platform
Assault Rifle, L85A3,
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 Lock
Shooter Configuration Icon
Shooter Configuration
Right Handed
Weapon Configuration Icon
Weapon Configuration
Bullpup
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
Gear
Hop-Up Unit Location Icon
Hop-Up Location
Inside the ejection port, accessible with the charging handle pulled and held back.

Furniture

Weapon Furniture Icon
Furniture
  • Railed Handguard
  • Flip-Up Ironsights
  • KeyMod Handguard
  • Railed Receiver
  • Pistol Grip
  • Bird Cage Flash Hider
  • Threaded Outer Barrel
  • Rubber butt plate
  • Grip Pod Replica
  • ELCAN Specter LDS Replica
  • Shield RMS Micro Red Dot Replica
Rail System Icon
Rail System
20mm RIS / RAS , KeyMod , 20mm Railed Receiver,
Icon Stock Positions
Stock Setting
Fixed
Weapon Length Extended
Stock Positions
1 Position
Sight Type Icon
Sight Type
Iron Sights , Aperture Iron Sight, ELCAN Specter LDS Replica, Shield RMS Micro Red Dot Sight Replica,
Sling Plate Icon
Sling Options
Stock , Loop ,

Barrel

Outer Barrel Length (in)
20''
Icon Thread Type
Outer Barrel Thread Type
Male
Icon Thread Direction
Outer Barrel Thread Direction
CW (Clockwise)
Outer Barrel Thread Size
14mm
Inner Barrel Diameter
6.08mm
Inner Barrel Length
455mm

Magazine Specific

Magazine Type
Medium Capacity , AEG,
Magazine BB Capacity
Approx. 130 Rounds
Magazine BB Fill Method
Speed Loader
Magazine BB Fill Location
Top

Electric Gun Specific Information

Gearbox
Wiring Icon
Gearbox Wiring
Front 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 | Mini Tamiya
Mini Tamiya
Compatible Battery
Compatible Battery Type
Li-Po
Compatible Battery Configuration
PDW Type Small Stick [Maximum 600mAh]
Compatible Battery Voltage
7.4v

Product Testing Data

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

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