Secutor ASTRA III Shadow M4 AEG

If you require a compact M4 with a realistic feel, booming muzzle report and clean external design, the Secutor ASTRA III Shadow M4 AEG should interest you! This full-metal AEG boasts a preinstalled Ares EFCS gearbox with the EFCS MOSFET/ETU. With the Ares EFCS programming box (not included) you can control your replica in a variety of ways that are sure to take your gameplay to a whole new level.

Starting at the front, we can find a hefty steel muzzle device, which provides the ASTRA III with a booming muzzle report. The outer barrel is constructed from alloy and has 14mm CW threading at the tip. If you're more of a sneaky skirmisher or you need a tracer for an instinct-aiming advantage, you'll need a 14mm CW to 14mm CCW adapter to mount the most common tracer units, suppressors and alternative flash hiders.

Immediately behind the steel muzzle device, we come to the M-LOK handguard, measuring 7 inches in overall length. The handguard boasts M-LOK negative space attachment slots at the 3, 6 and 9 o'clock positions with a 20mm Picatinny rail up top, ready for a PEQ laser, tactical flashlight or anything else you need to mount to complete the mission at hand.

The upper 20mm Picatinny rail runs back to meet the receiver rail seamlessly, allowing for optical sights of practically any length to be mounted despite the short overall length of the ASTRA III. Also present on the handguard are a pair of QD sling sockets, though we aren't sure if these are functional or not. On the top rail, we are treated to a set of flip-up aperture iron sights which can be deployed by hand, and are fully adjustable for both windage and elevation. The rear sight is equipped with two apertures for aiming in different environments; one with a wide hole for low-light situations and full auto, and a second with a smaller aperture for semi-automatic fire in good lighting conditions.

Next up, we reach the receiver which is similar to the unique design from Ares, featuring waffle texture on the magazine well to provide extra grip. The dust cover, found on the right side is constructed from high-density polymer to match modern weight-reduced dust covers found on the latest modern assault rifles such as the Daniel Defense's DDMK18.

The charging handle is located at the top rear of the receiver and is a low-profile design to reduce snagging and improve agility. Pulling the charging handle back will pop open the dust cover and lock the mock bolt carrier to the rear, allowing access to the rotary HOP-up unit. The HOP-up allows you to tune the ASTRA III for your chosen ammo weight. Once your adjustment is complete, slap the "ping pong paddle" bolt catch on the left side or the secondary bolt catch on the right side to send the mock bolt home with a satisfying "clank".

The fire selector switch is ambidextrous, located on the left and right side of the receiver, just above the pistol grip, ideal for both left and right-handed shooters. The selector provides 3 modes of fire; safe, semi-automatic and fully automatic, with a 90-degree throw between each mode. Being equipped with the Ares EFCS, the fire controls of the ASTRA III Shadow can also be reprogrammed for burst mode and semi-auto only using the Ares EFCS programming box (available separately).

The magazine release button is also ambidextrous, positioned on the left and right side of the magazine well. The mag release works just like a standard M4/AR-15 push-button release. The buttons are surrounded by raised protrusions in the receiver, known as the "magazine release fence". This was designed to prevent the mag release from accidentally being pressed as the ASTRA III Shadow rubs against your gear. Another great aspect of the AR-15 design, the magazine release is easily accessible from a firing grip, making for scorchingly fast reloads as long as you practice!

The pistol grip of the ASTRA III Shadow boasts an ergonomic grip angle for greater comfort when shooting with the stock fully collapsed and in more modern shooting stances. It features rough texturing on all sides for perfect wet-weather handling. The trigger guard is built into the receiver to improve strength and is enlarged to allow for gloved users. The trigger offers a flat serrated front surface with a short finger ledge, ideal for rapid double taps.

Following the receiver, we reach the AR buffer tube. It is constructed from a strong alloy and provides 5 positions of adjustment, enough to suit any body type or loadout. To adjust the stock position, press up on the lever located at the bottom of the stock and then slide the stock to your desired position.

The stock is constructed from high-density polymer and features an angled butt plate, which provides comfort and security when wearing full-body gear and operating from modern shooting stances. The buffer tube system allows you to swap your stock out for any aftermarket M4/AR-15 stock simply and quickly. If you fancy a change or get tired of its looks in the future, the option to switch out the stock means you have access to the widest variety of aftermarket stock options out there!

At the rear of the stock, we are treated to a QD sling point on both sides of the stock, this allows you to attach a sling to either side of your rifle depending on your shooting style. It also has a slightly raised cheek pad comprised of slightly smoother polymer than the rest of the stock for improved comfort. The butt plate is also polymer and is textured for good grip; ensuring that the stock stays firmly in your shoulder when shooting

The battery compartment is located within the buffer tube and can be accessed by removing the stock. To do this, pull the two tabs on either side of the front of the stock. Once pulled down, the polymer stock can slide off the buffer tube and you can access the Deans style connector. We recommend a 7.4v 1300mAh 25C LiPo Stick Battery for a comfortable fit in the buffer tube.

Inside, the ASTRA III Shadow is equipped with the Ares EFCS gearbox, including the EFCS programmable MOSFET, 18:1 ratio steel gears and a quick change spring system for easy power tuning. The gearbox itself is based on the venerable version 2, though we suggest consulting a tech before buying upgrade parts as some bits inside are proprietary. The pre-installed motor is a high torque example, providing a snappy trigger response ideal for exchanging fire in CQB settings. The EFCS MOSFET allows the fire modes to be reprogrammed for burst modes and semi-auto only using the Ares EFCS programmer (available separately) and also features a low-voltage cutoff function, protecting your battery from being damaged if the voltage drops too low.

If you're looking for a top-of-the-range CQB skirmish platform then this is the one for you. The Secutor ASTRA III Shadow M4 AEG is everything you need for close-range engagements. Its compact length, flat serrated trigger, low profile stock and booming muzzle report are everything you need to scare and dominate your opponents on the battlefield. Not to forget the EFCS gearbox, with its programmable MOSFET and premium internals, you're sure to have a whole lot of fun with this AEG!

Features

• Full metal construction - Realistic weighty feel
• Steel muzzle device pre-installed - Great muzzle report
• 14mm CW male threaded barrel - Compatible with 14mm CW accessories, add an adapter for CCW
• M-LOK Handguard - M-LOK slots at 3, 6 & 9 o'clock, 20mm Picatinny up top
• Modular M-LOK foregrip included - Change the size to match your playstyle
• Pre-installed flip-up iron sights - Great for backup
• 20mm Picatinny railed receiver - Ready for a red dot sight or scope 
• Waffle textured lower receiver - Great for extra grip when using the "magwell hold"
• Ambidextrous fire selector switch - Ideal for left or right-handed shooters
• Ambidextrous magazine release - Release the mag from the left or right
• Ambidextrous bolt release catch - Drop the bolt from either side after HOP-up adjustment
• Rotary adjustable HOP-up unit - The latest design for M4/AR-15, holds setting well under vibration
• Textured pistol grip - Great for all weathers
• Sling loop at the toe of the stock
• QD Sling points - On handguard and stock
• High torque motor - Snappy response thanks to extra torque
• Ares EFCS version 2 gearbox:
  • 18:1 Ratio steel gears
  • EFCS MOSFET - Programmed using Ares EFCS programmer (available separately) 
  • Quick change spring system
• Rear wired: Deans battery connector - Recommended battery: 7.4v 1300mAh 25C LiPo Stick Battery
• Compatible with M4/AR-15 AEG magazines - Plenty of spares available

Package Includes

• Secutor ASTRA III Shadow M4 AEG
• Modular Foregrip
• 120rnd Mid Cap Magazine