S&T M4/AR-15 CQBR Sports Line AEG; ETU Version

If you like to move fast and need a platform to match, the S&T M4/AR-15 CQBR Sports Line AEG; ETU Version should be your next buy! Based on the real steel CQBR (Close Quarters Battle Receiver) configuration of the M4A1 rifle, this AEG is the perfect base gun for many iconic military style setups, from the L119A1 of the SAS/SBS to the MK18 MOD 0 of the US Navy SEALs. Made almost entirely from robust high-density polymer with an alloy outer barrel and a mix of alloy and steel trim parts, this CQBR is as light as a feather, perfect for younger skirmishers or veterans looking for an "easy mode" primary!

Inside, the CQBR is generously equipped, boasting a 6.02mm tightbore inner barrel paired with a rotary HOP-up for solid long-range performance, fully upgradeable with TM spec internal parts for those who want more. This, the latest version, is also equipped with an in-line MOSFET and low resistance wiring, preventing lockups in semi-automatic mode and providing a snappy trigger ideal for CQB scenarios. Whether you seek a military style primary on a tight budget or you're fresh to the sport and don't want to work too hard, the S&T M4/AR-15 CQBR Sports Line AEG; ETU Version is a superb choice!

Starting at the front, we can see a birdcage flash hider mounted to the 14mm CCW male threading at the tip of the 10.5-inch alloy outer barrel. This means the M4/AR-15 CQBR is ready to be kitted out with a tracer unit or suppressor, or an alternative muzzle device for a more customised look. If you are going for an MK.18 MOD.0 look, add this suppressor if you are going silent!

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 non-functional in the CQBR configuration due to the shortened 10.5-inch outer barrel, though if you want to add one, you can mount a 4.5-inch barrel extension to allow for it. 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. Pre-fitted on each side of the handguard, we have KAC-style rail covers which improve ergonomics, though you can remove them if you want to mount a laser or flashlight to the side rails. To remove the rail covers, simply press in on the steel retainer and slide them off towards the front.

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 should the mission require it!

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 M4/AR-15 CQBR and make it look like practically any M4/AR-15 variant out there. Even if you don't have an armourer's 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 CQBR, you'll be happy to learn that it can be done without a single tool!

Moving rearward, we reach the receiver, which is a familiar M4/AR-15 layout and is constructed from high-density polymer with a matt black finish. 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 recessed markings reading SAFE-SEMI-AUTO.

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 S&T, like many Airsofters, values the realistic look!

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 M4/AR-15 CQBR 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 and lock back. 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.

At the centre of the left side of the receiver, we can find a bolt release catch which serves to release the mock bolt and seal the chamber area to prevent dirt and debris ingress following HOP-up adjustment. It's also very satisfying to play with, functioning similarly to a real AR-15, a nice touch of realism in this affordable AEG!

The pistol grip of the S&T CQBR is an M16A2/M4A1 style pistol grip, also known as the "A2" finger ridged grip, the realistic choice for an M4A1 CQBR replica. The A2 has diamond checkering on either side and linear texture on the back strap to provide excellent gripping qualities, whether you wear gloves or not. The finger ridge is designed to help you keep hold of the rifle and prevent the grip from slipping out of your hands when held in a single hand. As with most M4/AR-15 AEGs, this grip is compatible with aftermarket M4/AR-15 AEG grips, ideal for customisation addicts!

The trigger itself is a curved "milspec" design, just like a real M4 rifle, and the trigger guard is the standard M4A1 milspec flat type to keep the build authentic to the real thing. This trigger guard is removable and interchangeable with M4/AR-15 AEG trigger guards, meaning if you prefer an enlarged trigger guard, you can always swap it out!

Following the receiver, we reach the AR buffer tube, which is a common part found on the vast majority of M4/AR15 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. If you fancy a change or get tired of the M4/AR-15 CQBR's looks in the future, the option to switch out the stock means you have access to the widest variety of aftermarket stock options out there!

Between the receiver and buffer tube, we are treated to an ambidextrous sling plate constructed from steel for maximum strength. This plate allows a single-point sling to be mounted on either the left or the right side of the platform, but can be paired with the front sling point on the gas block/front sight assembly to fit a two-point sling if that is your preference.

At the rear of the receiver, we come to the venerable M4/AR-15 buffer tube, constructed from strong, high-density polymer and offering 6 length-of-pull adjustment positions for the crane stock. To adjust the stock, simply press the adjustment lever on the bottom and slide it into your position of choice. This allows body armour users to adjust for a comfortable stance and suits shooters of all body types. If you ever feel like changing up the looks of your CQBR, you'll be happy to learn the buffer tube accepts almost all M4/AR-15 AEG sliding stocks!

The battery compartment is inside the crane stock, accessible by squeezing the two tabs at the toe of the stock together, after which you can lift the butt plate off, remove the battery plug and make use of the stock's built-in battery compartment to house a nunchuck/crane-style battery. For the S&T M4/AR-15 CQBR, we recommend a 7.4V 1450mAh LiPo crane/nunchuck battery for an easy fit and great performance.

The Crane stock also includes a pair of QD sling sockets, one on each side, allowing for QD sling swivels to be added for a quick, removable sling setup. Conventional sling slots (aka "footman loops") are also present for those who want a two-point sling but prefer the old-fashioned way. The butt plate is also made from grippy rubber, ensuring your M4/AR-15 CQBR doesn't slip off your shoulder at a critical moment.

On the inside, this CQBR is based on Tokyo Marui's proven M4 AEG design, with an alloy version 2 gearbox with steel 18:1 ratio gears running on 8mm bushings and full compatibility with aftermarket upgrades. A quick-change spring system makes power tuning a breeze, and inside this latest version, we're treated to low-resistance wiring and an in-line MOSFET, improving trigger response significantly and guaranteeing that you never get a lock-up when shooting semi-auto at pace.

A 6.02mm tightbore inner barrel paired with a modern, rotary HOP-up unit gives the CQBR solid performance at long range and great accuracy potential with high-quality ammo. The use of a rotary HOP-up unit should provide ample range, but if you want more, the HOP-up and inner barrel are also compatible with upgrade parts. We cannot deny it, we get a kick out of imagining this full polymer AEG with an HPA engine or other internal wizardry inside, and if you share our fantasy, you can make it happen!

If you're looking for a base gun for a lightweight sleeper build, or you're new to the sport and want to start with a solid, fully upgradable platform for a remarkable price, the S&T M4/AR-15 CQBR Sports Line AEG; ETU Version is one to watch. An impressive performer straight out of the box and so light it will never slow you down, the M4/AR-15 CQBR is a fine choice for fast movers, younger skirmishers or veterans who want to fight easy!

Features

• High density polymer build - Alloy outer barrel, alloy & steel trim parts
• 6.02mm 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 if you add a barrel extension
• 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
• Flip-up rear iron sight - Press the button at the rear 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
• "A2" Finger ridged pistol grip - The standard M4A1/M16A2 grip, grippy and comfortable for most hand sizes
• Enlarged trigger guard - Built into the receiver, very strong and plenty of room for gloved use
• 3-Position fire selector switch - SAFE, SEMI AUTO & FULL AUTO, 90-degree throw between each mode
• Ambidextrous CQD-style sling plate - Ideal for single-point slings, great for lefties
• 6-Position M4/AR-15 buffer tube - Adjust the stock quickly and easily to suit your body type or loadout
• Crane Battery Stock pre-installed - Comfortable cheek rest, QD sling sockets and sling slots built-in
• Rear wired: Deans connector - Recommended battery:7.4V 1450mAh LiPo battery in Crane/nunchuck config.
• Version 2 Gearbox:
  • Alloy shell
  • 8mm bushings
  • Quick change spring system
  • Steel 18:1 ratio gearset
  • In-line MOSFET
  • Low resistance wiring
• Compatible with M4/AR-15 AEG magazines - Spares are cheap and plentiful!

Package Includes

• S&T M4/AR-15 CQBR Sports Line AEG; ETU Version
• 120rnd Medium-capacity magazine