CYMA CGS 14.5" M4A1 RAS SOPMOD GBBR

Whether you are getting into Milsim and need a realistic M4A1 replica or you're ready to take your first punt on a GBBR but aren't sure where your build will take you, the CYMA CGS 14.5" M4A1 RAS SOPMOD GBBR is ideal. Based on the much-lauded Tokyo Marui ZET system on the inside but absolutely brimming with steel upgrade parts, the CGS M4A1 is fantastic value and comes in a flexible configuration which can be chopped and changed to suit your mood, with the appropriate tools and skills of course!

The real steel M4A1 serves as the US Army's standard issue service rifle and has served throughout innumerable conflicts in the hands of everyone from the US Army Rangers to Navy SEALs and Delta. The CGS M4A1 replicates the M4A1 following its SOPMOD Block 1 upgrade, with a pre-installed KAC-style 20mm Picatinny quad-railed handguard, flip-up rear sight and packaged with a KAC-style vertical foregrip and rail covers. All you need to complete the SOPMOD Block 1 looks is an ACOG or Aimpoint-style optical sight!

Starting at the front, we can see a steel birdcage flash hider mounted to the 14mm CCW male threading at the tip of the 14.5-inch alloy outer barrel. This means the M4A1 is ready to be kitted out with a tracer unit or suppressor, or an alternative muzzle device for a more customised look. If you are going for the full SOPMOD build look, add this suppressor if you are going silent!

The outer barrel profile between the flash hider and front sight matches the real steel M4A1 perfectly, including its 5.56 NATO, 1/7 twist and proof markings. It's always nice to see this extra level of detail in an Airsoft RIF, evidence that CYMA values realism. The barrel profile also includes the M203 cutout around halfway between the tip and front sight, meaning you can add a full-length M203 Grenade launcher and mount it the same way the US Army does.

Next up, we come to the M4A1 style triangular front sight post, which is constructed from steel and houses the front sight and mock bayonet lug. The bayonet lug is functional in the 14.5-inch barrel length, meaning you can add a Ghost M9 Rubber Dummy Bayonet for knife kills and classic bayonet charges. The front sight itself is adjustable for elevation using an M4/AR-15 front sight adjustment tool, and for less precise work up close it can be used as an index point for rapid aiming when there is no time to align the sights.

Mounted to the bottom of the front sight assembly we have our first sling point, which is a standard steel footman loop compatible with a wide variety of sling types. This can be paired with the rear sling point on the stock to fit a two-point rifle sling to take the burden off your arms or allow for easy transitions to a sidearm. The perk of a relatively old-school design is that all the sling points are built in, meaning no extra adapters are needed!

Following the front sight, we come to the RAS handguard assembly which is constructed from a combination of alloy, steel and CNC aluminium. The handguards themselves are a great replica of the real steel KAC RAS, a 2-piece 20mm Picatinny quad rail handguard with ribbed rail covers pre-installed to enhance wet weather handling. The handguards are held in place using a steel handguard cap at the front, and an alloy delta ring at the rear. Being made in two parts, the RAS handguard allows you to remove the lower handguard and mount an M203 grenade launcher to the barrel for some extra firepower and a more intimidating form factor.

The modularity of the M4 platform is easily its best feature, and it is no surprise that it gained the nickname "Barbie for men" following its "SOPMOD Block 1" upgrade. This modularity also extends to exchanging external parts, and with an M4/AR-15 armourers' wrench, you can change the entire front set of the M4A1 RAS and make it look like practically any M4/AR-15 variant out there. Even if you don't have an armourers' wrench, the delta ring front end is compatible with any 7-inch drop-in rail system or handguard set for delta rings, so if you want to change up the looks of your M4A1 you'll be happy to learn that it can be done without a single tool!

Moving rearward we reach the receiver, which is a familiar M4/AR-15 layout, matching the real M4A1 perfectly. The receiver is constructed from alloy with a matt black finish and is equipped with a steel dust cover, bolt catch and body pins. The fire selector is located on the left side of the AEG and sits directly above the pistol grip to provide fast and easy access for right-handed shooters. With a 90-degree throw between modes, the fire selector is quick to operate but not too easy to accidentally knock it and end up in the wrong fire mode. Each fire mode is indicated with standard M4A1 markings reading "SAFE - SEMI - AUTO" in nice, crisp engravings. Like many GBBRs, the CGS M4A1 cannot be put into the "SAFE" mode without first being cocked, just like a real M4!

The bolt catch is right where we would expect; on the left side of the receiver, smack bang in the centre. On a GBBR, the bolt catch works exactly like the real thing, allowing you to quickly return the bolt carrier to battery after a reload and avoid using the charging handle. As with most of the hard-wearing parts on the CGS M4A1 RAS, the bolt catch is constructed from steel, ensuring reliable bolt locking in the long term.

The magazine release is on the right side of the magazine well and is ideally positioned to be pressed with the trigger finger from a firing grip for right-handed users. Left-handed users can use their support hand thumb to press the release, and this can be done quite fast with a little practice. The surface of the mag release is textured to provide the necessary gripping qualities, and is protected from accidental presses by the "magwell fence", a raised protrusion in the receiver which stops the mag release from catching on your gear as you move.

The HOP-up unit of the CGS M4A1 RAS is located inside the upper receiver, following the Tokyo Marui ZET system format. Taking the form of a small screw inside the front of the upper receiver, the HOP-up adjustment dial is accessible through the magazine well using a small flathead screwdriver. This is slightly different than the TM ZET System, using a screw instead of the gear inside the TM. The screw system actually makes the HOP-up easier to adjust and avoids the need to remove the charging handle and bolt carrier to access the adjuster easily. The easiest way we found to set the HOP-up is by locking the bolt to the rear and adjusting through the magwell. The HOP-up allows you to tune the M4A1 RAS for different ammo weights and extend your range, looking for the flattest possible trajectory.

The pistol grip is the legendary "A2" type, first seen on the M16A2 and common on military builds. The grip boasts textured panels on each side for improved traction and a finger ridge to help support and control the front end of the Shorty when held in the "high ready" position. The pistol grip is compatible with real steel and TM ZET system aftermarket replacements should you have a preferred grip for your build.

Following the receiver, we reach the AR buffer tube, which is a common part found on the vast majority of M4/AR-15 AEGs and GBBRs. This buffer tube is constructed from alloy and provides 6 positions of adjustment for the pre-installed L.E style stock, enough to suit any body type or loadout. The buffer tube system allows you to swap your stock out for any aftermarket M4/AR-15 stock simply and quickly, so if you get tired of the looks of the M4A1 in the future, swapping out the stock can style it up! A second sling point is positioned at the toe of the stock, allowing you to mount a two-point sling and take the burden off your arms during downtime or long-duration skirmishes.

On the inside, the CGS M4A1 RAS is based on the Tokyo Marui ZET System used in its MWS M4A1. This is already a flex, as the TM system is known to be far superior to other GBBR systems and has the widest aftermarket for upgrades. Speaking of upgrades, CYMA/CGS has sorted many of the known weak points in the TM design by using steel trigger parts, giving you a longer-lasting GBBR platform and saving you a wad of cash when it comes to upgrading down the line.

To provide super strong recoil and an immersive firing experience, CGS added a steel bolt carrier to the ZET System formula, providing heightened immersion thanks to its extra mass. This also means you will need to use a stronger gas than you might in a Tokyo Marui to get the same rapid-fire performance. Also present in the CGS build is a 6.04mm tightbore, giving an edge in accuracy potential and gas efficiency, letting this short rifle do some good work at long range.

Whether you are working on your US Army impression or want a classic M4A1 to add to the collection, you can't go wrong with the CYMA CGS 14.5" M4A1 RAS SOPMOD GBBR. Based on what is rapidly becoming known as the best GBBR internal system but packed with steel parts, this platform represents previously unheard-of value for money!

Features

• Full metal construction
• Gas Blowback Rifle - Heavy recoil, realistic handling, low-cap mags - A rifle for the pros!
• 14mm CCW male threaded outer barrel - Ready for a suppressor or tracer
• Steel Birdcage flash hider - Ideal for military-style builds
• High density polymer M4A1 ribbed handguards - Comfortable and lightweight
• Delta ring handguard attachment method - Compatible with aftermarket handguards for delta rings
• Compatible with Ghost M9 Dummy Bayonet - Ask the marshalls before using one though!
• 20mm Picatinny railed receiver - Ready for a red dot sight or scope
• 6-Position M4/AR-15 buffer tube - Adjust the stock to fit your body type and loadout
• Adjustable L.E stock - The classic Colt style Law Enforcement stock
• Low profile "milspec" charging handle - Reduced snag points, steel latch for rigidity
• "A2" Finger ridged pistol grip - Ideal for military-style builds, compatible with aftermarket real steel AR grips
• QD Sling plate - Add a single-point sling using a QD sling swivel
• 5.56mm Marked polymer dust cover - Modern dust cover, very well suited to modern builds
• Gear adjustable HOP-up - Inside the upper receiver, accessible through the magwell, requires a flathead screwdriver
• Full steel trigger group - Save you precious money on upgrades, these will probably last forever
• Steel bolt catch - Another high-wear part made from steel!
• Tokyo Marui ZET system-based internals - Compatible with TM ZET system aftermarket upgrades
• Is this your first GBBR? If so, see the "Special Instructions" section below or our GBBR Guide

Package Includes

• CYMA CGS 10.5" M4A1 CQB GBBR
• 30rnd Green Gas Magazine
• User manual (QR Code)
• Cleaning rod
• Speedloader

Special Instructions

This is a Gas Blowback Rifle. GBBRs require maintenance and careful handling and we do not recommend them for new skirmishers. Things to watch out for if this is your first GBBR:

• The rifle cannot be put into "Safe" mode without first being cocked. Generally, the best way to store a GBBR is with the magazine removed, the rifle uncocked and the fire selector set to "semi". Do not force the selector into "Safe" when the rifle isn't cocked; this will damage the trigger group parts.
• The HOP-up adjuster for this TM ZET system GBBR is inside the upper receiver and is accessible through the magazine well using a flathead screwdriver when the bolt is locked open.
• GBBRs need to be cocked before the first shot, just like a GBB pistol. It is important that you do not double load a GBBR as this can break the nozzle. We recommend clearing the chamber of BBs with a cleaning rod in the event that you finish firing mid-magazine and the bolt does not lock back and show an empty chamber.
• GBBRs generally use higher pressure gas than GBB pistols due to the extra weight of the bolt. We recommend Green Gas (NUPROL 2.0, VORSK V6, ASG Ultraair) for general use and Red Gas (NUPROL 3.0, VORSK V8) for cold weather use.
• The faster you shoot a GBBR, the less accurate it will be. This is due to pressure variance as the gas reservoir cools down. Full auto is basically for fun, and these rifles run far better when used in semi-auto mode.
• Like a GBB pistol, GBBR magazines require maintenance. We recommend leaving a small amount of gas inside the magazine when stored, and not storing the magazines in a cold or damp environment. Magazine seals and valves will need lubrication and to be kept clear of dust and debris.