CYMA CM.041L Platinum Edition M-LOK SMG-5K AEG

The CM.041L takes the SMG-5 and shrinks it down into an even more compact package, adding all the modern skirmish essentials which make a practical and tactical Airsoft SMG. This SMG-5 is almost an entirely new AEG, featuring its own stock attachment method, and a version 3 gearbox instead of the V2 found in the longer SMG-5 variants. The CM.041L is similarly equipped to the CM.041G but in a bite-sized package, offering all the advantages that come with a compact front end for close-quarters combat or use as a backup AEG when sniping.

Starting at the tip of the barrel we can find knurled thread protector which conceals 14mm CCW male threading beneath. This provides a snub-nosed SMG look which suits the SMG-5 design perfectly whilst also offering the ability to add a tracer unit for CQB intimidation or a suppressor for a sneaky look. This is a great addition as many SMG-5K AEGs on the market come without a threaded barrel due to their compact size. With the CM.041L, this issue has been solved, meaning tracer time is not out of the question!

The front iron sight is constructed from metal, as one would expect, and takes the form of a ringed front post. The ring surrounding the sight provides drop protection, preventing the fine front sight blade from being damaged should a butterfingers-related mishap occur. The ring can also provide an ultra-rapid aiming device for kissing distance engagements in itself, which is handy as that is what the SMG-5K platform was designed for. The front sight lines up perfectly with the rotary drum dioptre iron sight at the rear, which can be adjusted for different aperture sizes without the use of tools and includes knurling around the circumference to provide grip. making adjustments easy. The rear sight can also be adjusted for windage, using the adjustment screw on the right side of the sight.

Running between the front and rear sight the CM.041L sports a hybrid 20mm Picatinny M-LOK upper rail, which provides a 9-slot Picatinny rail at the rear for mounting optical sights, and an M-LOK slot above the cocking tube for the addition of M-LOK accessories or an additional 20mm Picatinny rail adapter. This is a very well-thought-out addition, especially on such a short platform. The tiny front end of the SMG-5K platform usually leaves little space for the addition of accessories, but the CM.041L has worked around that with this top rail and the M-LOK handguard. The M-LOK slot above the cocking tube is the perfect spot to mount a WADSN Scout Light Pro with its M-LOK mount, which is something you simply wouldn't have space for on a legacy SMG-5K AEG.

The cocking handle of the CM.041L can be found on the left side of the cocking tube, above the handguard. On this replica, the cocking handle does not actuate a fake bolt. Regardless of this, the charging handle can still be racked, and locked up into the safety notch, and provides an impressive metallic "clank" when operated. The cocking handle is a modernised design which fits the aesthetic of the rest of the build and is easier to grab and operate thanks to its reprofiled shape.

The handguard of the CM.041L boasts M-LOK negative space attachment slots at the 3, 6 and 9 o'clock positions, offering the ability to add accessories without the increase in weight that comes with a 20mm Picatinny railed handguard. The M-LOK handguard comes with an SMG-5K style vertical grip/hand stop combo pre-installed to remind us that despite its external makeover this is still an SMG-5K, but if you have other plans for the handguard this part can be removed as with any other M-LOK accessory.

The HOP-up adjuster of the CM.041L can be found on the left side of the AEG, inside the handguard. The adjuster is the "slider" type and can be actuated using a small tool through the M-LOK slots on the handguard. Alternatively, you can remove the handguard entirely for HOP-up tuning by removing the screw below the cocking handle on the left side and replace it when you have your HOP-up set. The adjustable HOP-up allows you to vary the amount of backspin applied to your BBs and tune your AEG for your ammo weight of choice. This device allows even the most compact AEGs to reach out and hit targets far beyond the range you might expect.

The receiver of the CM.041L follows the classic stamped SMG-5 receiver look, with grooves on either side which would provide a track for the sliding stock on the full-length SMG-5, but on the SMG-5K they simply provide a channel within which the bolt carrier reciprocates within. Functionally this does not affect how the CM.041L works, but it does mean a lot for realism, as without these details we may as well be playing paintball!

Now, onto the controls. The CM.041L comes equipped with the latest design in SMG-5 trigger groups, featuring ambidextrous selector levers and high visibility bullet pictograms to indicate each fire mode. The safe mode is indicated with a white crossed-out bullet, and both semi and full auto are marked with red bullet pictograms. The selector switch lies directly beneath the shooter's thumb when in a firing grip, and is easily switched between modes, locking positively into each. 

The CM.041L, like most SMG-5 AEGs, provides two methods for releasing the magazine. In front of the trigger guard, on the bottom of the AEG is an ambidextrous paddle type magazine release with a polymer extension for fast access regardless of the size of your hands. The primary mag release is accessible from either side and can also be actuated using the trigger finger. 

As an alternative, for Americans and others who don't understand how to use anything other than an AR15 magazine release, the CM.041L provides an AR15 style button release just above the magazine release on the right side, right where an AR15 user would expect it. The pistol grip follows a familiar profile, comfortably filling the hand and providing support where it is needed. The material used on the polymer parts of the CM.041L is a textured fibre reinforced type, similar to the material used on the real version of this AEG, and is rock solid, with no creak, flex or wobble, and a satisfying high-quality feel.

The CM.041L differs from other SMG-5K and SMG-5PDW AEGs primarily due to its M4/AR15 style PDW stock. The stock attaches to the rear of the PDW using its two pin attachment method, and this stock can be exchanged for an end plate or other SMG-5K/PDW compatible stocks. The stock end plate comes with a sling point built-in which is well suited to use with a single-point tactical sling. The stock can be extended or retracted by pressing the textured stock adjustment catch on the right side of the stock, after which the butt plate can be pulled and the stock will extend and lock into your chosen position. 

The stock provides 5 positions of adjustment, allowing you to set the AEG up for your loadout, regardless of whether you run a hefty aggressive loadout with a plate carrier or you run a light and fast chest rig or belt setup. The butt plate is smaller than most stocks and includes linear texture for enhanced grip. The small footprint of the butt plate means the AEG is easier to manipulate up close with reduced chances of a snag slowing you down, especially if you wear a plate carrier.

The battery compartment of the CM.041L can be found within the buffer tube of the PDW stock, and can be accessed by removing the stock pins along with the entire stock assembly. Inside you will find a Deans battery connector to which you mount your choice of Airsoft battery. For the CM.041L, we recommend an 11.1V 1450mAh LiPo battery in PDW stick configuration for an easy fit and great performance. 

Internally, the CM.041L features the new CYMA E-Edition Gearbox, which is great news for those who appreciate a good high speed setup straight out of the box. The E-Edition gearbox sports the CYMA Platinum MOSFET to regulate current draw from the battery and protect the circuitry of the AEG, as well as to ensure the piston completes a full cycle every time the trigger is pressed. 

The gear set is a 13:1 ratio high speed set, which pairs perfectly with the high speed motor to give a thunderous rate of fire in full auto which is sure to drive the enemy team from wherever they have lodged themselves. The version 3 gearbox shell has been reinforced and equipped with a quick change spring guide which allows the spring to be changed without opening the gearbox shell itself. The spring guide is also equipped with ball bearings on its base, which combine with the silent piston and cylinder head to reduce gearbox noise and stress for smooth, unlaboured performance. CYMA keep raising the bar, and the E-Edition is their best gearbox yet!

The CM.041L provides excellent performance in a modern and compact package and would make an excellent CQB primary, or a backup weapon for a sniper or support gunner when things get a bit too close for comfort. The E-Edition internal setup provides the ferocious trigger response and rate of fire we expect from a high end CYMA offering,  and its adjustable HOP means you will still be able to reach out and touch the enemy at range. If you are looking for an alternative to an AR-9 style PDW with ambidextrous controls and a customised look, the CM.041L would be a solid choice!

Features

• Full metal construction
• E-Edition gearbox - CYMA's best!
• MOSFET/ETU Pre-installed
• 6.03mm Tightbore inner barrel
• Sling point on the stock base
• Retractable AR PDW style stock
• 20mm Picatinny/M-LOK Hybrid upper rail
• 13:1 Gearset with high speed motor - Scary fast!
• Silent piston and cylinder head - Reduced gearbox noise
• M-LOK handguard with vertical grip pre-installed
• 14mm CCW male threading concealed beneath a knurled thread protector
• Reprofiled cocking handle for comfort and fast access
• Ambidextrous fire selector switch
• Ambidextrous extended magazine release
• Rotary drum Diopter iron sights
• Slider adjustable HOP unit - Accessible through handguard M-LOK slots
• 11.1V 30/60C Battery required - Lower discharge rates will not work well
• Recommended battery: 11.1V 1450mAh LiPo in Stick configuration
• An SMG-5K equipped for the 21st century!

Package Includes

• CYMA CM.041L SMG-5K M-LOK Upgraded Version
• 130rnd Polymer SMG-5 medium capacity magazine
• User manual