Specna Arms SA-C23 CORE™ Carbine AEG

The SA-C23 is a member of the Specna Arms CORE™ range of M4/AR15 AEG rifles constructed with a high density polymer receiver, stock, pistol grip and buffer tube to keep the rifle light and easy to whip around at speed with an alloy outer barrel and CNC machined M-LOK handguard for added strength where necessary. 

On the inside, the CORE™ range is a step up from the beginner rifles of old, boasting a 6.03mm tightbore inner barrel, rotary HOP-up unit and a reinforced version 2 gearbox with 8mm bearing bushings for smooth running and a long lifespan. You will probably never feel the need to upgrade the SA-C23, but if you ever want more you are free to upgrade thanks to the rifle's compatibility with M4/AR15 AEG externals and version 2 gearbox internal parts. 

Starting at the tip of the alloy outer barrel we can find an alloy birdcage flash hider, which mounts to the 14mm CCW male threads. The birdcage has the classic M4/AR15 look, but can easily be swapped out for a muzzle brake for a more custom style, a tracer unit for some CQB action or a suppressor if you have more of a sneaky play style.

Surrounding the outer barrel we are treated to a CNC aluminium M-LOK handguard, with attachment slots at the 1:30, 3, 4:30, 6, 7:30, 9 and 10:30 positions. This opens up the chance to mount your mission essentials at offset angles for greater flexibility when setting up your rifle. The handguard is compatible with both 20mm Picatinny rail sections for M-LOK and M-LOK accessories, giving you the option to mount more available 20mm accessories using rail adapters or directly mounting M-LOK parts for a more sleek and dynamic-looking setup. 

The 12 o'clock position provides a full length 20mm Picatinny rail which integrates seamlessly with the receiver rail to allow for longer optical sights to be used, or red dot sight magnifier combos. As it arrives, the SA-C23 is equipped with a pair of flip-up aperture iron sights, both of which are fully adjustable for windage and elevation. The sights can be deployed by pressing the textured tabs on each, which will snap the sights into position under spring pressure. To stow the sights, simply push them back down and they will lock into place.

As we arrive at the receiver, we see a familiar sight; M4/AR15 controls, with a well placed fire selector sitting beneath a right-handed shooters thumb, a dummy bolt catch in the centre of the receiver on the left side, and the magazine release, which is located on the magazine well on the right side of the AEG. 

The controls on the SA-C23 are set up for right-handed users but can be operated by a left-handed user without issue after a bit of practice. The fire selector provides 3 modes of fire, SAFE-SEMI, and AUTO, which are denoted by recessed text surrounding the fire selector lever. Each fire mode has a 90-degree throw between, making it super easy to switch from SAFE to SEMI as you bring the AEG up and align the sights and minimising the chances of accidentally knocking the selector into the wrong mode. The magazine release is protected by a moulded in "fence" which protects the release from inadvertently being pushed as your rifle brushes against your kit. 

The charging handle is positioned at the top rear of the receiver and features an extended latch which protrudes on the left side for fast access and one-handed operation. When the charging handle is pulled, the dust cover on the right side will open, and the mock bolt carrier will retract, revealing the rotary HOP-up unit within. This device allows the user to adjust the amount of backspin applied to the BB and tune it to provide optimum range and a stable flight path with various weights of BBs. For the SA-C23, we recommend 0.25g BBs for the best combination of projectile speed, wind resistance, and range. The SA-C23 is already set up with a 6.03mm tightbore inner barrel which should combine well with the rotary HOP-up unit for superb accuracy, and should also increase FPS, making the whole system more efficient. 

The pistol grip provided on the SA-C23 is an "A2" finger ridged type, with diamond checkering on either side and linear grooves on the rear to provide positive grip. The A2 grip finds its way onto many M4/AR15 AEGs, primarily due to its classic looks and its suitability for a variety of hand types. This grip has a nice large motor adjustment screw, which is great to see as more affordable replicas often use a small grub screw for this role, which we have often found to be inadequate. This grip should be compatible with most aftermarket M4/AR15 AEG grips so if you fancy a change down the line or you have a preferred grip you can change it out easily, with plenty of replacement options. 

The SA-C23  also uses the M4/AR15 modular trigger guard system, allowing the trigger guard to be changed out for an enlarged one, as long as the replacement guard is of AEG spec. The pre-installed trigger guard is a standard M4A1 flat type, made from alloy, which provides enough room for gloved users while protecting the trigger from negligent discharges. 

Moving to the rear, we can find a 6-position M4/AR15 buffer tube, constructed from the same high density polymer as the receiver. This keeps the build light and prevents your buffer tube from becoming worn from constant stock adjustments, which often removes the finish on metal buffer tubes and makes them look tatty. The crane battery stock runs on this buffer tube and can be adjusted to any of the 6 positions by holding down the textured adjustment lever on the bottom of the stock and adjusting it to the desired length. 

On either side of the stock, we can find QD sling sockets, which when coupled with a QD sling stud, can provide a flexible sling setup with quick release functionality. The battery compartment of the SA-C23 is within its crane stock, and can house up to a 7.4V 1300 mAh LiPo battery in nunchuck/crane configuration. The battery compartment can be accessed through the butt plate of the stock. This can be achieved by pushing the two protruding tabs at the toe of the stock together, and then through the stock to the rear, after which the butt plate can be pulled downwards, and removed. With the butt plate removed, you can remove the battery compartment plug, and insert your battery into the "cheeks" of the stock, connecting up the mini-Tamiya connector found inside the buffer tube to your battery.

Alternatively, if you prefer a stick battery you can choose to store your battery inside the buffer tube of the SA-C23, which is hollow for exactly this purpose. To access the buffer tube the stock will need to be removed and to do this all you need to do is pull the adjustment lever of the stock out, and with it held out, slide the stock off rearwards. We recommend a 7.4V 1450mAh LiPo stick battery if you're installing it in the buffer tube. The stock can be reinstalled the same way it came off, with the adjustment lever pulled and held out the stock slides right on from the rear of the tube. 

So, if you're new to the sport and seeking a primary with low weight, plenty of accessory options and competitive performance straight out of the box the SA-C23 would be a fine choice as a primary weapon. The pre-upgraded internals and ultra-slick CNC machined M-LOK handguard make this a cut above the average beginner rifle, so if you are an experienced skirmisher looking for a simple and reliable backup weapon with little to go wrong the SA-C23 is definitely worth considering!

Features

• AR Platform Replica
• Airsoft Electric Gun
• Zinc/Aluminium/Steel
• 14mm CCW Threaded Barrel - Ready for a tracer unit or suppressor
• Optional GATE X-ASR MOSFET - Smart fuse, reduces resistance for a swift response
• Quick Change Spring System - Easy power tuning
• Rock River Arms Licensed - Realistic trademarks on the receiver 
• Aluminium handguard - Strong and light 
• M-LOK Railed Handguard - Compatible with M-LOK accessories or 20mm rails for M-LOK
• Full Length Top 20mm Rail - Ready for a red dot sight or scope 
• Flip Up Ironsights - Fast deployment, great backup or primary sights
• Bird Cage Type Flash Hider - Common but looks great!
• Extended Charging Handle - Easy access to the HOP-up unit
• Rotary HOP-up Unit - The most recent M4/AR15 design
• Safe/Semi/Full Auto Fire Selector - Well positioned beneath the shooter's thumb
• Sliding Six Position Stock - Adjust it to fit your body and loadout
• QD Sling Socket on Stock - QD sling swivel compatible 
• 380rnd High Cap Magazine included - Wheel wound high-cap
• Specna Arms CORE gearbox: 8mm Bearings, Steel gears
• Compatible with M4/AR15 AEG magazines - Low-cap, mid-cap, high-cap and drum mags

Package Includes

• Specna Arms SA-C23 CORE™ Carbine AEG
• 380rnd High Cap Magazine
• User Manual