EMG CGS Colt M715 / M16A2 / C7 GBBR; Lightning Series

If you're running a DPM-based loadout but want an AR-15 GBBR primary, the EMG CGS Colt M715 / M16A2 / C7 GBBR; Lightning Series is your best bet! A flawless replica of the real steel Deimaco C7 rifle, the Canadian-made version of the M16A1E3/early M16A2, this licensed, full metal build is ideal for an SAS SCUD hunter loadout, but was also used by Parachute Regiment Pathfinders and Royal Marine Commando Brigade Patrol Group in the late 1990s/early 2000s.

From a realism standpoint, this replica is practically flawless: the lower and upper receivers are the correct style, featuring the iconic fixed A1 carry handle with a brass deflector and rounded forward assist button, just like the real C7. The lower is the correct M16A2 style, complete with Colt trademarks and C7-style SAFE-SEMI-AUTO fire mode markings. The polymer furniture features a high-quality matt finish which perfectly matches AR furniture of the A2 era.

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 and M16A2 engravings. 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 adding an M203 and going full Schwarzenegger or hanging this beautiful historical piece on your wall, the EMG CGS Colt M715 / M16A2 / C7 GBBR; Lightning Series will put a big smile on your face!

Starting at the front, we can see a steel birdcage flash hider mounted to the 14mm CCW male threading at the tip of the 20-inch alloy outer barrel. This birdcage device perfectly replicates the "A2" version of Airsoft's most common muzzle device, matching the real C7 perfectly. The presence of 14mm CCW threading means the C7 is ready to be kitted out with a tracer unit, suppressor, or an alternative muzzle device for a more customised look.

The 20-inch "rifle length" barrel is visible between the front sight post and muzzle device, featuring realistic ribs which improve heat dissipation qualities in the real thing. The barrel is of the correct A2 "heavy" profile, differing from the earlier A1 "pencil profile" barrel in its improved sustained fire capability in real steel form.

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 front sight assembly also includes a functional bayonet lug, designed for use with M9 Dummy Bayonets. A gentle reminder: always ask a site marshall before fixing bayonets in game!

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 M16A2/C7, finished with an authentic matt finish which closely matches M16 furniture of the 1980s era.

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 "early A2" style, with a fixed carry handle and A1 ghost ring rear sight assembly on the top and a rounded forward assist and brass deflector, just like the real M16A2 and C7 rifles. 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 C7, this build uses an M16A2 lower, rocking realistic and period-accurate Colt trademarks on the left side of the magazine well and featuring additional receiver reinforcement around the front pin, which was added in the 1980s era M16A2 lower receiver. The magazine release fence is a "full fence", a perfect match for the real thing, preventing your mag from falling out if your rifle is pressed against your body. 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 M16A2/C7.

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 C7 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 C7, 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 M16A2/C7 for different ammo weights and extend your range, looking for the flattest possible trajectory.

The pistol grip is the period-accurate "A2" type, one of the first real steel AR-15s to feature this now-common grip design. The grip boasts textured panels on each side for improved traction and a finger ridge on the front to aid front-end control when the platform is held in a "high ready" position. The grip also features a period-accurate satin finish, just like real A2 pistol grips. The pistol grip is compatible with real steel and GBBR-compatible aftermarket replacements, should you want to go for an old-school-meets-new-cool build aesthetic and drop an Irregular Defense or Magpul grip on.

At the rear of the receiver, we can find the fixed M16A2 stock, a perfect match for the real thing in terms of shape, length of pull and features. At the toe of the stock, you can find a steel sling loop, ideal for setting up the C7 with a two or three-point sling. At the rear, you'll find a storage compartment, accessible through the butt plate. You can use the compartment for a cleaning kit, accessory batteries or tactical mid-game snacks, at your discretion. The butt plate also features grippy pyramidal texture to ensure the C7 never slips off your shoulder at a critical moment.

On the inside, the CGS C7 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. To enhance reliability and durability, 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 C7 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 have Desert DPM and PLCE webbing in the stash, the EMG CGS Colt M715 / M16A2 / C7 GBBR; Lightning Series is the perfect pairing for a retro British Special Forces loadout. Whether it's out on the field, thumping your shoulder with each shot or hanging on the wall amongst other slick collectables, this C7 is in its element!

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 M16A2 Birdcage flash hider - Authentic details throughout, solid steel build
• 20-Inch "Heavy Profile" outer barrel - The correct length and profile for the M16A2
• Dummy bayonet lug - Add a rubber M9 bayonet for added style points!
• Cylindrical Ribbed handguards - Matt finish, matches later M16A2 furniture
• 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
• "Early A2" upper receiver - A1-style rear sight, brass deflector & round forward assist - Flawless!
• "A2" Lower receiver - Reinforced front pinhole, M16A2 engraved trademarks
• "A2" Finger ridged pistol grip - The perfect grip for an authentic M16A2/C7
• Steel dust cover - Protects the internals from dirt and debris
• Fixed "A2" stock - Storage compartment inside, sling loop built in
• 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 M715 / M16A2 / C7 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.