Lancer Tactical LT-04 Gen.2 M4A1 RIS AEG

If you're looking for a lightweight primary to complete your US Army loadout, the Lancer Tactical LT-04 Gen.2 M4A1 RIS AEG is a fantastic choice. Based externally on the real steel M4A1with the "SOPMOD Block.1" upgrade package installed, this M4 is kitted out with 20mm Picatinny rails, a threaded barrel and a Crane enhanced carbine stock, matching the real steel configuration perfectly. 

Starting at the front, we can see a birdcage flash hider mounted to the 14mm CCW male threading at the tip of the alloy outer barrel. This means the LT-04 is ready to be kitted out with a tracer unit or suppressor, or an alternative muzzle device for a more customised look. If you like the classic aesthetic, leave the birdcage where it is as this is the flash hider issued with the original M4A1, though if you are going for a SOPMOD Block 1 look, add this suppressor if you are going silent!

The outer barrel is 14.5 inches in length and follows the M4A1 barrel profile, complete with thicker sections designed to improve accuracy and resist heat in the real deal, and the M203 cutout which allows an M203 Grenade Launcher to be mounted. A 203 looks fantastic on this style of M4, but make sure you are ready for how much the setup will weigh!

Next up, we come to the M4A1 style triangular front sight post, which houses the front sight and mock bayonet lug. The bayonet lug is compatible with Airsoft M16 rubber bayonets (sometimes known as the M9 bayonet) but do make sure you check with your local site's staff before fixing bayonets when skirmishing, even rubber ones! 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, which is a standard alloy footman loop compatible with a wide variety of sling types. This can be paired with any of the 3 rear sling mounting options to fit a two-point rifle sling to take the burden off your arms or 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 KAC RAS style handguards themselves are polymer and are equipped with 20mm Picatinny rails at 3, 6, 9 and 12 o'clock, ready for your mission essential kit to be mounted. The handguards are held in place using a steel handguard cap at the front, and an alloy delta ring at the rear. The handguards are made in two parts, allowing you to remove the lower handguard and mount an M203 launcher to the barrel for some extra firepower.

The modularity of the M4 platform is easily its best feature, and it is no surprise that it gained the nickname "Barbie for men" following its "SOPMOD Block 1" upgrade. This modularity also extends to exchanging external parts, and with an M4/AR-15 armourers' wrench, you can change the entire front set of the LT-04 and make it look like practically any M4/AR-15 variant out there. Even if you don't have an armourers' wrench, the delta ring front end is compatible with any 7-inch drop-in rail system or handguard set for delta rings, so if you want to change up the looks of your LT-04 you'll be happy to learn that it can be done without a single tool!

The receiver is constructed from high-density polymer with a fine textured surface finish. This not only keeps the rifle light and easy to run around with all day, but it reduces the effect of the small scratches which will inevitably form from use. Alloy receivers often show scratches far more, leaving bare metal beneath which looks scruffy. The LT15 polymer receiver will retain its factory-fresh looks for far longer than most alloy receivers, as any scratches merely reveal more dyed polymer and no shiny bare metal!

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 military style recessed markings, with SAFE denoting the safe mode, SEMI for semi-auto and AUTO for full auto, just like the real M4A1.

At the centre of the left side of the receiver, we can find a dummy bolt release catch which doesn't have a function in an Airsoft AEG but is included to keep the externals looking realistic. The bolt release is a separate part which is a nice touch to avoid the tell-tale signs that this is an Airsoft gun and not the real deal. Over on the right side of the receiver, we can see what is known as the forward assist button, located on the upper receiver behind the mock shell deflector. This button also has no function but serves to force the real M4/AR-15 bolt carrier into battery if it fails to close due to dirt ingress. The button can be pressed and is a separate part, showing that Lancer wants us to have the realistic looks we deserve!

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 "magwell fence", a raised protrusion in the receiver which stops the mag release from catching on your gear as you move.

The adjustable HOP-up unit is located inside the mock ejection port over on the right side of the upper receiver. This device allows you to adjust the amount of backspin applied to your BBs and tune the LT-04 for your ammo weight of choice, looking for the flattest possible trajectory. The Rotary HOP-up adjuster can be accessed by holding the charging handle back, after which the dust cover will spring open and the mock bolt plate will retract. The rotary HOP-up design is known as the latest and greatest for M4 AEGs, and it is always nice to see up-to-date internal parts, even in reasonably priced platforms like this.

The pistol grip is an "A2" finger-ridged type featuring checkering on either side to provide ample grip for wet weather operations. This is a comfortable and familiar design to most and is perfectly suitable for most hand sizes, but can be swapped out for any M4/AR15 AEG pistol grip with the prerequisite technical knowledge. The trigger itself is the standard curved mil-spec type, offering a great balance between speed and control while encouraging proper finger positioning. As with other military-style AR platforms, the trigger guard of the LT-04 is the flat type but can be folded down to allow for thick winter gloves to be worn by pushing the detent at the front of the guard.

Following the receiver we reach the AR buffer tube, which is a common part found on the vast majority of M4/AR-15 AEGs. This buffer tube is constructed from the same tough high-density polymer as the receiver and provides 6 positions of adjustment, enough to suit any body type or loadout. The buffer tube system allows you to swap your stock out for any aftermarket M4/AR-15 stock simply and quickly, so if you get tired of the looks of the LT-04 in the future, swapping out the stock is a simple way to change the look.

The stock of the LT-15 can be adjusted by holding the adjustment lever down and pulling the stock out to the desired length. This stock is a "crane enhanced carbine" style stock and mounts to a standard M4/AR15 buffer tube. The adjustment lever is located on the bottom of the stock and has texture on its surface for effective wet-weather use.

The stock includes several sling slots and a QD sling socket on either side which can be paired with a 20mm RIS front sling point to mount a rifle sling. The butt plate is rubberised to allow for effective use with bulky tactical gear such as a plate carrier or body armour vest. The advantage of an adjustable stock is that the LT-15 can be set up for a wide range of body types, and can be compressed down for CQB use to make clearing corners that bit easier.

The battery compartment of the LT-04 is located within the Crane enhanced carbine stock, and can be accessed by pressing the two tabs at the toe of the stock together, and pushing them through to the rear, after which the butt plate will come free. Inside you will find a mini-Tamiya battery connector, compatible with a wide range of the most common Airsoft battery types. We recommend either a 9.6V 1600mAh NiMh battery or a 7.4V 1300mAh LiPo battery in nunchuck/crane configuration for an easy fit and great performance. 

Internally the LT-04 is brimming with pre-upgraded parts, which is a rarity for such an affordable AEG. Inside, we are treated to a metal version 2 gearbox with 8mm bushings and a quick-change spring system. The quick change spring system makes optimising the AEG's velocity for your local skirmish sites limits a piece of cake, allowing you to squeeze that extra little bit of performance from the LT-04 when needed. As with all Lancer Tactical AEGs, the LT-04 boasts a 6.03mm tightbore inner barrel which improves air seal and accuracy and will raise the FPS slightly for a range improvement over standard 6.08mm inner barrels.

If you're looking for a purist military style M4A1 for an unbeatable price, the Lancer Tactical LT-04 Gen.2 M4A1 RIS AEG is the one to go for. Its robust yet lightweight build, thoughtful inclusion of pre-upgraded parts and expansive modularity allowing for grenade launchers, suppressors and all manner of 20mm Picatinny accessories make this an ideal all-rounder AEG, ready to be taken whatever direction you fancy in the future!

Features

• 6.03mm Tightbore inner barrel - Great accuracy potential 
• 14mm CCW Male threaded outer barrel - Tracer/suppressor ready
• Fixed front iron sight with bayonet lug - Compatible with M9 Bayonet replicas
• Front and rear sling points - Front on the gas block, rear on the stock 
• KAC RAS Style handguards - 20mm Picatinny rails at 3, 6, 9 & 12 o'clock
• Extended charging handle latch - Easy access to the HOP-up unit for adjustment
• Rear flip-up iron sight - Adjustable, press the button to deploy
• 20mm Picatinny railed receiver - Ready for a red dot sight or rifle scope
• Rotary adjustable HOP-up unit - Easy to adjust in fine increments, holds its setting well long-term 
• 6-Position M4/AR-15 buffer tube - Adjust the stock to suit your body type perfectly
• Crane battery stock - Plenty of space for nunchuck batteries, QD sling sockets on each side
• "A2" Finger ridged pistol grip - A perfect match for the real steel M4A1
• Reinforced version 2 gearbox - 
  • 18:1 Steel Gears
  • Quick change spring system 
  • 8mm Bushings
• Rear wired - Mini-Tamiya connector - Recommended battery: 7.4V 1300mAh LiPo | 9.6V 1600mAh NiMh
• Compatible with M4/AR-15 AEG magazines - Plenty of spares available

Package Includes

• Lancer Tactical LT-04 Gen.2 M4A1 RIS AEG
• 300rnd High-capacity magazine
• Vertical foregrip
• Lancer Tactical PVC Patch
• User manual