EMG CGS Colt 603 / XM16E1 M16VN GBBR

Whether you're into historical firearms replicas or are working on a Vietnam War loadout, the EMG CGS Colt 603/XM16E1 M16VN GBBR will put a big smile on your face! A full metal build replicating the original Vietnam-era M16, known in real steel as the XM16E1 and in Airsoft terms, the M16VN, this hard-recoiling GBBR is at the peak of Airsoft realism, fitted with pre-upgraded steel parts for enhanced reliability.

Being a GBBR, this platform is about as realistic as Airsoft gets, both in terms of its shoulder-thumping recoil and its proportions, build materials and feel in the hands. From an authenticity standpoint, this replica is practically flawless: the lower and upper receivers are the correct early AR-15 style, omitting the front pin reinforcement and featuring the iconic fixed A1 carry handle, complete with Ghost ring iron sights.

What separates this from other CGS builds is its official licensing from Colt via Cybergun and incredible attention to detail. Flawlessly engraved Colt trademarks adorn the receiver, boasting the period-accurate Colt Pony Logo. The internals are based on the legendary TM ZET system, meaning plenty of aftermarket upgrades for those who love tuning and customisation. If you're looking for an M16 in its most old-school cool form, the EMG CGS Colt 603/XM16E1 M16VN GBBR is exactly that!

Starting at the muzzle, we have a period-accurate XM16E1 three-prong flash hider, mounted on standard 14mm CCW male threads. The three-prong flash hider design was the muzzle device used on the earliest M16 and XM16E1 rifles, until being replaced by the now-iconic birdcage flash hider in its "M16A1" iteration. This flash hider suits the build perfectly, straight out of the box, but the common threading also allows you to fit a tracer unit or suppressor if desired.

Moving rearwards along the ultra-slim 20-inch pencil-profile outer barrel, we reach the classic front sight and gas block assembly, made from steel in this very authentic build. This includes the adjustable front sight post, bayonet lug, and front sling point. The bayonet lug is compatible with Airsoft M9 Bayonets, but we recommend consulting a site staff member before fixing bayonets in-game!

Elevation is adjusted at the front sight, while windage is handled at the rear, exactly as on the real rifle. Mounted to the bottom of the front sight assembly, we have our first sling point: 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, taking the burden off your arms to 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!

Behind the front sight, we have the instantly recognisable triangular M16A1 handguard, completing the rifle’s authentic early-Vietnam appearance. These handguards are surprisingly ergonomic, with a gentle taper that allows multiple comfortable grip positions. Through the top vents, you can see a realistic dummy gas tube running all the way back to the receiver, further enhancing the realistic build of this very authentic piece.

Moving rearward, we reach the receiver, which is a familiar M4/AR-15 layout with incredible attention to detail and no compromises in authenticity. The upper receiver is the correct "A1" style, with a fixed carry handle/ghost ring rear sight assembly on the top and a "tear drop" forward assist, but no brass deflector, just like the real Colt 603. The carry handle is compatible with railed mounts for AR-15 carry handles and scopes designed specifically for the AR-15 carry handle, so you aren't out of options if you want to run an optical sight.

Like the real Colt 603, this build uses an early XM16 lower, rocking realistic and period-accurate Colt trademarks on the left side of the magazine well and correctly omitting the receiver reinforcement around the front pin, which was added in the later M16A2 lower receiver. The magazine release fence is a "partial fence", a perfect match for the real thing, which predated the full fence found on later XM177 and M16A1 rifles. The receiver is constructed from alloy with a gunmetal grey finish and is equipped with a steel dust cover in line with the real steel Colt 603.

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. 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 markings reading "SAFE - SEMI - AUTO" in nice, crisp engravings. Like many GBBRs, the CGS M16VN cannot be put into the "SAFE" mode without first being cocked, just like a real AR-15!

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 M16VN, 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 partial mag release 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 M16VN 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 from 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 M16VN for different ammo weights and extend your range, looking for the flattest possible trajectory.

The pistol grip is the period-accurate "A1" type, the earliest AR-15 grip design and common on Vietnam-era rifles. The grip boasts textured panels on each side for improved traction and a gloss finish, just like real AR-15 furniture of this era. The pistol grip is compatible with real steel and GBBR-compatible aftermarket replacements, should you want to upset the purists and add a Driven Arms or Magpul pistol grip!

At the rear, we come to the stock, a perfect replica of the M16A1 fixed stock with the correct length, a steel sling point on the bottom and a grippy rubber butt plate for optimal traction in wet weather. Like the handguard and pistol grip, the stock is realistically finished in gloss black, giving it the authentic old-school vibe a build like this needs!

On the inside, the CGS M16VN is based on the Tokyo Marui ZET System used in its M4A1 MWS. 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 deliver super-strong recoil and an immersive firing experience, CGS added a steel bolt carrier to the ZET System formula, enhancing immersion with its added 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 6.03mm tightbore inner barrel, giving an edge in accuracy potential and gas efficiency, letting this short rifle do some good work at long range.

If you're all about realism and recoil, seeking an old-school primary, you're in good hands with the EMG CGS Colt 603/XM16E1 M16VN GBBR! A top-quality build with all the authenticity boxes ticked and pre-upgraded steel internals which will last a lifetime, the EMG M16VN is as suitable for skirmishing as it is for display!

Features

• Full metal construction
• Licensed by Colt via Cybergun - Authentic Colt Pony trademarks
• 6.03mm Tightbore inner barrel - Great accuracy potential
• 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 Colt 603 Tri-prong flash hider - Authentic details throughout
• 20-Inch "Pencil profile" outer barrel - The correct length and profile for the Colt 603
• Triangular M16A1 handguards - Authentic gloss finish, museum worthy!
• Steel handguard cap - A stamped steel cap holds the handguards together, like the real deal
• Low profile "milspec" charging handle - Reduced snag points, steel latch for rigidity
• Fixed "A1" carry handle - Iconic retro looks, fits aftermarket rail mounts for AR carry handle
• "A1" Textured pistol grip - The perfect grip for an authentic Colt 603/XM16E1
• Steel dust cover - Protects the internals from dirt and debris
• Fixed M16A1 stock - Correct length of pull, built-in sling point & authentic rubber butt plate
• Screw adjustable HOP-up - 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
• Compatible spare magazines: Steel STANAG Mag | HPA/Green Gas Mag | Lancer Systems style Polymer Clear Mag
• Is this your first GBBR? If so, see the "Special Instructions" section below or our GBBR Guide

Package Includes

• EMG CGS Colt 603/XM16E1 M16VN GBBR
  • 22rnd Green Gas Magazine
  • 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.