Tokyo Marui M4A1 CQB-R Block 1 GBBR

If you're looking to indulge in a gas blowback rifle, you may as well start with the best. There are too many unreliable cheap gas systems on the market, the Tokyo Marui ZET system is not that at all. It is widely regarded as the best available system on the market and comes with the Tokyo Marui high standard stamp of approval. Many other brands have tried replicating the ZET system but they just can't do it like the original.

The focus of this platform has clearly been realism, and it achieves that well. The replica loads almost identically to a real steel rifle, a big change from most common Airsoft assault rifles. The charging handle needs to be pulled and the bolt needs to be locked before loading a mag, then once loaded, the bolt can be sent back using the functional bolt catch. This can be very confusing at first but once mastered, it's a very satisfying process that will put a smile on your face.

Starting at the front of this platform we find an iconic alloy bird cage flash hider. Would this even be a CQB M4 without a flash hider to perfectly mimic the real steel variant? It is mounted directly onto the outer barrel via 14mm CCW threads, meaning it will accept the most readily available aftermarket muzzle devices, including suppressors and tracer units. If you desire the special ops look, we recommend a suppressor like this.

After that, 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 non-functional in the CQBR configuration due to the shortened outer barrel, though if you want to add one you can mount a 4.5-inch barrel extension to allow for it. 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.

Following the front sight, we come to the handguard assembly which is constructed from a combination of alloy and aluminium. This Tokyo Marui M4A1 CQB-R GBB Rifle Block 1 features the expected quad Picatinny rails, allowing for large combinations of accessories and attachments. The handguards are secured using a steel handguard cap at the front, and an alloy delta ring at the rear. The handguards are made in two parts, allowing you to remove the lower handguard and mount an M203 grenade launcher to the barrel for some extra firepower.

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 CQB-R 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 CQB-R you'll be happy to learn that it can be done without a single tool!

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. It features a dummy forward assist, which has no function on an Airsoft rifle but is included regardless to maintain the platform's realism.

The fire selector is located on the left side of this rifle and sits directly above the pistol grip to provide fast and easy access for right-handed shooters. The fire selector has a 90-degree throw between modes, making it 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 Tokyo Marui M4A1 CQB-R GBB Rifle Block 1 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. The bolt catch has been crafted using a strong alloy, ensuring a long lifespan without damage but not adding the extreme weight of the usual steel. Tokyo Marui parts are known for being made with such precision that they work seamlessly with one another, so long as you operate this rifle as intended, it will last you a very long time.

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 with practice, this can become a lightning-fast process. The surface of the mag release is textured to provide the necessary gripping qualities in any weather condition.

The adjustable HOP-up unit of the CQBR is located inside the receiver, requiring a field strip to access. First, with the fire selector in the semi-auto position and the magazine removed, you can pull back the charging handle to cock the hammer. Next, push the rear receiver pin through from the left, where it will remain captive in the receiver. With this done, gently hinge open the receiver about the front pin and remove the bolt carrier and charging handle through the rear. Inside the front of the upper receiver, at the top, you’ll find the HOP-up adjuster dial. 

Once you’ve completed your adjustment you can reassemble your CQBR. First, index the charging handle inside the receiver and with it slightly pulled back, insert the bolt carrier. With this done, push the carrier and charging handle forwards, close the receiver halves, push the pin back through and you’re ready to rock!

The pistol grip is based on 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.

At the base of the buffer tube is an ambidextrous sling plate sandwiched between the receiver and the castle nut. This plate is constructed from steel to provide the prerequisite strength for use with a single-point sling and features a loop point on either side of the platform. This allows the replica to be slung by a Single Point Sling, however, there are also additional slit sling points on the gas block and stock that allow for a Two Point Sling

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 M4 crane 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 this M4A1 CQB-R in the future, swapping out the stock can easily style it up!

On the inside, the Tokyo Marui M4A1 CQB-R is fitted with the well-respected ZET System, the same one used in the standard TM MWS M4A1. This is a big flex, as the TM system is known to be far superior to other GBBR systems and has the widest available aftermarket for upgrades. The system has been designed for performance and realism, providing a consistent firing mechanism and a realistic blowback system. It puts this GBBR a cut above the rest for those who seek realism, there is nothing quite as satisfying as shooting a gun and feeling it kick back into your shoulder!

If a custom build is on the cards and you're ready for a GBBR, the Tokyo Marui M4A1 CQB-R GBB Rifle Block 1 is as good as it gets. With a no-frills, military-style external build ready to be customised and rock-solid internals featuring the best GBBR system out there, the M4A1 CQB-R makes a great first and last GBBR for any skirmisher, not to forget that it's the perfect base for any custom build!

Features

• Full metal construction - Realistic weight
• Gas Blowback Rifle - Thunderous recoil, realistic handling, low-cap mags - A rifle for the pros!
• 14mm CCW male threaded outer barrel - Ready for a special forces suppressor
• Alloy Birdcage flash hider - Ideal for military-style builds
• Aluminium quad Picatinny handguard - Ready for ALL the attachments
• Delta ring handguard attachment method - Compatible with aftermarket handguards for delta rings
• 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
• M4 crane stock - Fits the militaristic look
• Low profile "milspec" charging handle - Reduced snag points
• "A2" Finger ridged pistol grip - Ideal for military-style builds, compatible with aftermarket real steel AR grips
• Ambidextrous steel sling plate - Allows for a Single Point Sling
• HOP-up adjuster in receiver - Accessible in the "field stripped" condition
• Tokyo Marui ZET system - Well respected Gas Blowback unit
• Compatible with TM ZET system aftermarket upgrades
• Is this your first GBBR? If so see our GBBR Guide

Package Includes

• Tokyo Marui M4A1 CQB-R Block 1 GBBR
• 35rnd Low-capacity Gas Magazine
• Front sight adjustment tool