EMG CGS Colt M653 GBBR; Lightning Series

If you're all about ARs but need a retro build to complete the set, the EMG CGS Colt M653 GBBR; Lightning Series is a solid choice. A full metal build replicating the iconic Colt Model 653 with its 14.5-inch "Carbine" length barrel, this hard-recoiling GBBR is at the peak of Airsoft realism, fitted with pre-upgraded steel parts for enhanced durability and long-term reliability.

From a realism 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. The polymer furniture features a glossy finish, just like AR furniture from the Vietnam era, but is made with modern techniques to ensure it is robust enough to withstand action on the skirmish field.

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. Whether you're working on a Sergeant Barnes from Platoon (1986) kit or you're a Colt collector, the EMG CGS Colt M653 GBBR; Lightning Series is ideal!

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 birdcage device perfectly replicates the "A1" version of Airsoft's most common muzzle device, differing from the A2 variant with its full complement of ports. The presence of 14mm CCW threading means the M653 is ready to be kitted out with a tracer unit or suppressor, or an alternative muzzle device for a more customised look.

Next up, we come to the triangular front sight post, which is constructed from steel and houses the front sight and front sling point. 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. The 14.5-inch "Carbine" length outer barrel is the period-accurate "pencil" profile, keeping front-end weight to a minimum while completing the authentic Model 653 look.

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!

Following the front sight, we come to the handguard assembly, which is constructed from a combination of alloy, steel and high-density polymer. The handguards themselves are a perfect match for the ribbed polymer handguards of the real Model 653, finished with an authentic gloss look to elevate realism significantly. This is a detail often missed by Airsoft manufacturers using modern methods, but thankfully, EMG has gone all the way with its museum-worthy M653!

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 M653. 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 Model 653, this build uses an M16A1 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 "full fence", a perfect match for the real thing, one of the first platforms with the full fence now found on modern M4A1 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 Model 653.

The fire selector is located on the left side of the platform 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 M653 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 M653, 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 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 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 M653 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!

Following the receiver, we can find an AR-15 buffer tube, which is compatible with any buffer tube stock you wish to put on, though we advise you to avoid the heresy and keep the original XM177 stock right where it is and avoid upsetting AR purists. The buffer tube is a 2-position tube, allowing either fully extended or fully closed positions, just like the real M653.

The stock itself is a great replica of the original XM177 sliding stock, made from high-density polymer with an authentic gloss finish. A sling slot is built into the design, allowing you to add a two-point sling if required. The butt plate features checkering to provide grip, but is otherwise super simple and minimalist, just like the real thing.

On the inside, the CGS M653 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.

Being a "Lightning series" build, the M653 features an aluminium bolt carrier instead of the usual CGS steel. This boosts gas efficiency considerably and improves cold-weather performance. While recoil is significantly lower, it still thumps hard and returns to battery faster than the original steel bolt, which some GBBR users prefer. 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 love an authentic retro build at the peak of Airsoft realism, the EMG CGS Colt M653 GBBR; Lightning Series has your name on it. A top-notch external build with Colt licensing and period-accurate trademarks, this build is museum-worthy!

Features

• Full metal construction
• Licensed by Colt via Cybergun - Authentic Colt Pony trademarks
• Lightning series - Lightweight aluminium bolt for improved rapid fire performance
• 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 M16A1 Birdcage flash hider - Authentic details throughout, solid steel build
• 14.5-Inch "Pencil profile" outer barrel - The correct length and profile for the Model 653
• Cylindrical XM177 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 M653
• Steel dust cover - Protects the internals from dirt and debris
• 2-Position M4/AR-15 buffer tube - Authentic early 2-position design, takes M4/AR-15 sliding stocks
• XM177-style sliding stock - Sling slot built-in, authentic gloss finish
• 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 M653 GBBR; Lightning Series
  • 30rnd Green Gas Magazine
  • Cleaning rod
  • Speedloader

Special Instructions

Please Note: Out of the box, this GBBR shoots at approximately 390 FPS using standard green gas. Power is adjustable by tuning the hammer stroke internally, so you can tune FPS to something a bit more reasonable, even with standard green gas. Otherwise, we recommend using summer gas like NUPROL 1.0.

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.
• 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.