EMG CGS Colt N23 PDW GBBR; Lightning Series

If you like the look of M4 platforms but wish they were smaller, the EMG CGS Colt N23 PDW GBBR; Lightning Series has your name on it! A full metal build licensed by Colt via Cybergun, the N23 is based around US civilian custom builds inspired by a rare, unnamed Colt prototype which never entered production, and some say, never existed at all.

Inside, the N23 makes use of the CGS system, a TM ZET system-based design with steel trigger parts to improve long-term reliability. This, the "Lightning series" model, features an aluminium bolt carrier, replacing the standard CGS steel bolt to improve gas efficiency, cold weather performance, and cyclic speed. This makes the N23 a serious foe in CQB, even more so given its compact size.

As far as AR-15-based builds go, the N23 is a real head turner, hard to replicate with aftermarket parts and something fellow skirmishers will definitely be curious about. If you're all about fixed carry handle and rare, custom ARs, you'll be in your element with the EMG CGS Colt N23 PDW GBBR; Lightning Series!

Starting up front, we have a steel "A2" style birdcage flash hider, fitted to 14mm CCW male threads at the tip of the outer barrel. The outer barrel itself is made from alloy and perfectly matches the real steel "A2" heavy barrel profile, designed for improved sustained fire capability. The presence of 14mm CCW threading means you can add a tracer unit or suppressor to the N23, should the mission require it.

Moving rearwards, 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.

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 mount via the usual delta ring and handguard cap combination, but are considerably shorter than the standard 7 inches for XM177/M7xx handguards to accurately mimic real N23 builds.

Real N23's are often furnished with chopped handguards, which are then epoxied back together; thankfully, EMG did the job properly with injection-moulded N23-length handguards made from strong polymer with a high-quality matt finish.

Moving rearwards, we reach the receiver, an interesting combination of parts which mimics real steel N23 custom builds perfectly. The upper receiver is an "A1" style example, with a fixed carry handle/ghost ring rear sight assembly on the top and no brass deflector or forward assist. This low-snag upper is well-suited to a PDW platform intended for concealment, found on US Air Force GAU-5A rifles for the same reasons. While the N23 is fictional, it is definitely plausible!

The lower receiver is an "A2" pattern design, featuring a full magazine release fence to protect the mag release from accidental bumps, and a reinforced front pin hole to improve strength. On the left side of the lower, we are treated to flawless Colt trademarks, reading "Property of U.S. Govt. N23 Carbine Cal. Multi". It's hard to say that these trades are authentic, given that Colt never produced this rifle, but they suit the build perfectly and are engraved flawlessly.

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 N23 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 N23, 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 N23 for different ammo weights and extend your range, looking for the flattest possible trajectory.

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

At the rear of the receiver, we can find a shortened M4/AR-15 buffer tube, offering 5 adjustment positions so you can adjust to suit your body type and loadout. The shortened tube is a big part of what makes the ultra-compact N23 such a proportional-looking build, while aiding handling and corner cutting in the tight confines of a CQB site.

The stock itself is another area where EMG has improved over most real steel N23 builds, providing a shortened stock by design rather than cutting down a standard XM177 stock. The stock is far shorter than an XM stock to suit the shortened buffer tube, but retains the sling slot at the top and the grippy, textured butt plate.

On the inside, the CGS N23 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 ultra-short rifle do some good work at long range.

If you're into rare real steel custom builds or you want to make a statement with a shrunken-down M4, the EMG CGS Colt N23 PDW GBBR; Lightning Series should be on your shopping list. A stunner of a build with fantastic external quality and an exciting firing experience, this is the perfect old-school-cool CQB build!

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
• 7.5" A2 profile outer barrel - A great match for real steel N23 builds
• N23 Compact handguards - Ribbed design for maximum wet-weather traction
• 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
• 5-Position M4/AR-15 compact buffer tube - Adjust the stock to suit your body type and loadout
• Cut XM177-style sliding stock - A perfect match for real custom N23 builds
• 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 N23 PDW GBBR; Lightning Series
  • 22rnd Green gas magazine
  • Speed loader

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 un-cocked, 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 Ultrair) 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.