Specna Arms SA-C28 CORE™ Gen.2 Daniel Defense® RIS III 12.5'' AEG; HAL ETU

Specna Arms
Code: SPE-01-047132-00
£179.99
  • Aluminium / high-density polymer build
  • Gen.2 - Aether™ gearbox, Magnus™ HOP-up
  • HAL ¹ Programmable MOSFET inside

If you're a fan of modern rifle designs and need a build which leans into an agile playstyle, the Specna Arms SA-C28 CORE™ Gen.2 Daniel Defense® RIS III 12.5'' AEG is a solid choice. Made with a CNC aluminium handguard, an alloy outer barrel and a high-density polymer receiver, stock and grip, this build brings premium looks without making your arms burn, and inside, it is equally impressive!

Specna's CORE™ Gen.2 pushes the featureset of affordable AEGs up a notch or two, equipped with the Aether™ enhanced gearbox shell and Magnus™ TDC Rotary HOP-up unit from the PRIME™ series. Also on board is the Aether™ CNC aluminium nozzle and Helium™ HOP-up bucking, boosting accuracy and range considerably.

The HAL programmable ETU is the icing on the cake, offering a wide range of programmable fire modes, from 3-round burst to binary trigger, semi-auto only and much, much more! Also present is Specna's usual 6.03mm tightbore inner barrel, polymer piston with full steel tooth rack and ESA quick-change spring system, making power tuning a breeze.

If you love a lightweight, beginner-friendly build with pre-upgraded internals, the Specna Arms SA-C28 CORE™ Gen.2 Daniel Defense® RIS III 12.5'' AEG has your name on it!

Full description

Description

If you're after a modern, pre-upgraded AR which looks the part but won't make you work too hard, the Specna Arms SA-C28 CORE™ Gen.2 Daniel Defense® RIS III 12.5'' AEG; HAL ETU is exactly that! A revamped "Gen.2" version of Specna's beginner-friendly CORE™ line, this build features advanced internals from the premium PRIME™ range in a more affordable aluminium/high-density polymer external build.

Inside, you'll find the Aether™ reinforced gearbox shell and Magnus™ TDC HOP-up unit, providing enhanced long-range performance and making gearbox tuning a piece of cake. Also inside is the HAL programmable ETU to provide burst mode, binary trigger and other fire mode options, along with a 6.03mm tightbore inner barrel for superb accuracy potential. If you're after an affordable yet advanced primary, the Specna Arms SA-C28 CORE™ Gen.2 is ideal!

Starting at the front, we find a pre-installed M4A1 birdcage-style flash hider, providing an aggressive, military-style look. The muzzle device can be removed by twisting it clockwise, revealing the 14mm CCW threading underneath. This is the most common threading and will accept a plethora of aftermarket tracer units and suppressors.

Then, we immediately come to the handguard. A truly exquisite design. It is an Airsoft replica of the Daniel Defense® Rail Interface System III, RIS III 12.5". The real steel variant is well respected and loved by military and civilian shooters alike, for good reason; it's light, accessory-ready and highly versatile. The RIS III handguard is made from CNC-machined aluminium, guaranteeing flawless form and precise, in-spec attachment interfaces.

The M-LOK design of this handguard modernises its look, being slimmer and less cumbersome when compared to a 20mm Picatinny quad-railed handguard, and much lighter. It's the perfect design for skirmishers who like a streamlined and agile platform with cutting-edge looks to match their dynamic playstyle.

M-LOK slots are available at the 3, 6 and 9 o'clock positions as well as recessed offset M-LOK slots (these offset slots may only be compatible with some rail attachments). A 20mm Picatinny rail runs along the top and pairs seamlessly with the receiver rail, allowing for longer optical setups to be used with plenty of spare space. Naturally, this licensed handguard features Daniel Defense trademarks across the design, giving it elite looks and elevated realism.

The front flip-up iron sight is present on the handguard's top rail. This polymer-constructed attachment pairs with the rear iron sight found at the back of the receiver. The front sight has adjustable elevation, and the rear has adjustable windage; together they make an excellent set of backup sights if the worst comes to the worst whilst out on the battlefield.

The handguard features a pre-installed angled foregrip, constructed from a strong alloy and designed for quick target acquisition. It matches the handguard's streamlined design, but it can be removed to make space for an alternative grip. The angled design improves stability and control during aiming, which is essential for more accurate shooting.

There is a QD sling point on the handguard and two on the angled foregrip. These allow QD sling swivels to be fitted for a sling setup which can be removed easily in seconds. Like all Airsoft QD points, please ensure you thoroughly test them for security and strength with the QD swivels you'll be using before being trusted with the weight of your platform, as sizing can vary slightly between brands.

The receiver follows the common M4 design, and all the controls are in a familiar place, so adjusting to this AEG shouldn't be a challenge. Immediately, you will notice the Daniel Defense® trademarks on the left side of the receiver. Also adding to the realism of this AEG are the bolt release and forward assist; neither provides a function; however, they are movable parts to reduce the common tell-tale signs of a replica.

The fire selector lever can be found just above the pistol grip, on the left side of the AEG, providing 3 modes of fire: SAFE, SEMI, and AUTO, with a 90-degree throw between each. The fire modes are helpfully marked in recessed text on the receiver, and the selector switch clicks positively into each mode with the help of its textured surface. The magazine release is on the right side of the magazine well and is accessible for a right-handed user with their trigger finger or by a lefty using their off-hand thumb.

Located at the rear of the receiver, you will find the extended charging handle; pulling back on this will pop open the steel dust cover on the right side of the AEG and retract the mock bolt. When retracted, you can access the rotary HOP-up adjuster. The extended design of the charging handle allows gloved users to access their HOP-up, though you may need to remove your glove to adjust the unit!

The rotary is the latest HOP-up unit design for the M4/AR-15 and provides finer increments of adjustment and holds its setting more effectively when compared to the older gear-style HOP-up unit. The Magnus™ unit adds TDC functionality, keeping groupings tight by reducing side-to-side deviation. Paired with the Helium™ HOP-up bucking, this build can really go the distance!

The SA-C28 features a skeletonised flat trigger. This provides a custom aesthetic and complements the modernity of the rest of the platform, not to mention the easily slappable design, perfect for snappy double-taps in semi-auto. The "A2" finger-ridged pistol grip features diamond checkering on either side and a linear texture on the front and back, providing excellent gripping qualities for both gloved and ungloved users. As with most M4/AR-15 AEGs, this grip is compatible with aftermarket M4/AR-15 AEG grips, ideal for customisation addicts!

Moving to the final part of this AEG, we find the AR buffer tube and M4 Crane Stock. After the receiver, we find a steel buffer plate, which allows you to sling your SA-C28 on a single-point sling. The steel construction ensures that it will have the strength to support the weight of the platform, even with all the extra attachments! The buffer tube is of the common design and has 6 positions of extension, which allows you to sit the SA-C28 comfortably on your shoulder, no matter how much body armour you're wearing.

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 SA-C28, we recommend a 7.4V 1450mAh LiPo crane/nunchuck battery for an easy fit in the stock.

Internally, the SA-C28 has a lot to boast about. The Aether™ V2 gearbox installed inside features a reinforced spine to enhance long-term durability under hard use. The Aether™ also features ports to aid gearbox tuning and a mainspring release port, making tuning and modifying it an absolute breeze.

Also inside is the Magnus™ TDC rotary HOP-up unit paired with the Helium™ flat HOP-up bucking, enhancing accuracy and range by providing direct downward force on the HOP-up bucking to eliminate side-to-side shot deviation. Both the Aether™ and Magnus™ derive from Specna's premium PRIME™ range, making this CORE™ Gen.2 platform superb bang for your buck.

The HAL MOSFET adds programmable fire modes into the mix, along with several quality-of-life features to keep your beastly CORE™ Gen.2 setup running at its best. Available fire mode options include binary trigger, AUG mode and sniper delay instead of semi-auto and semi-auto lock, 3-round burst or 5-round burst instead of full auto.

Also available via the HAL is adjustable pre-cocking so you can tune the trigger response to near-instantaneous, and adjustable trigger sensitivity, offering 5 levels to choose from to suit your exact needs. The HAL¹ also keeps an eye on your battery and warns you when it's running low, fantastic news for those who never want to be caught out in the heat of battle. To learn how to program your HAL, check out Specna's website: HAL ETU Programming Instructions.

Whether you're an experienced skirmisher looking for a lightweight backup AEG with solid internals and competitive performance, or you're brand new, looking for a beginner-friendly rifle build which punches above its weight, the Specna Arms SA-C28 CORE™ Gen.2 is a solid choice. Superb value and pre-upgraded with a rock-solid build which doesn't overburden, this modern AR is ready to rock!

Features

  • Aluminium / high-density polymer build
  • Daniel Defense® Trademarks - Improves realism and style!
  • CORE™ Gen.2 - Magnus™ TDC HOP-up unit & Aether™ reinforced gearbox
  • Bird cage style flash hider - Ideal for military style builds
  • 14mm CCW Male threaded outer barrel - Accepts most common suppressors and Tracer Units
  • Flip-up aperture iron sights pre-installed - Adjustable for windage and elevation, 2 apertures to choose from
  • CNC Aluminium M-LOK handguard - Guarantees flawless form and precise, in-spec attachment interfaces
  • 20mm Picatinny railed receiver - Ready for red dot sights, PEQ lasers or scopes to be mounted
  • Magnus™ TDC Rotary HOP-up unit - Reduces side-to-side shot deviation, Helium™ HOP-up bucking
  • A2 Finger-ridged pistol grip - Comfortable for most hand sizes, textured for extra traction
  • Flat milspec trigger guard - Matches real US Army issued rifles
  • 3-Position fire selector switch - SAFE, SEMI AUTO & FULL AUTO, 90-degree throw between each mode
  • Extended charging handle - Fast access to the HOP-up unit for quick mid-game adjustment
  • 6-Position M4/AR-15 buffer tube - Adjust the stock quickly and easily to suit your body type or loadout
  • Crane stock pre-installed - Plenty of battery space, QD sling sockets built-in
  • Aether™ reinforced version 2 gearbox:
    • Reinforced Piston with steel full-tooth rack
    • CNC Aluminium nozzle
    • ESA™ Quick-change spring system
  • HAL¹ MOSFET/ETU functions:
    • 3 or 5-round burst
    • Binary trigger
    • Semi-auto only
    • Sniper delay
    • Two-stage trigger (AUG mode)
    • Adjustable pre-cocking (6 levels)
    • Active braking
    • Low-voltage alarm
  • HAL¹ Programming instructions
  • Rear wired: Deans battery connector - Recommended battery: 7.4V 1450mAh LiPo in crane/nunchuck config.
  • Compatible with M4/AR-15 AEG magazines - S-Mag High-cap | S-Mag Mid-cap | S-Mag Mid-cap 5 Pack

Package Includes

  • Specna Arms SA-C28 CORE™ Gen.2 Daniel Defense® RIS III 12.5'' AEG; HAL ETU
    • 2x 125rnd Mid Cap Magazine
    • Speed Loader

Specification

Battery Included
Battery Included
No

General

Weapon Construction External
Platform Type
Assault Rifle
Over 18 Only Icon
Over 18
Yes
Icon UKARA - United Kingdom Airsoft Retailer Association
Defence / UKARA Required
Yes, No,
Screwdriver Icon
Prebuilt
Yes
Package
Included Items
Magazine x 2
Skill Level Icon
Skill Level
Beginner Player
Patrol Base - Warning Icon
Warnings
Li-Po
Li-Po - Never Leave Charging Unattended
Li-Po - Only Use Approved Chargers
Li-Po - Charge in a Fire Safe Area

Testing

FPS Icon
FPS, using 0.20g BBs
Approx.315fps ± 10%, using 0.20g BBs
Testing Notes
Tested using 0.20g Delta Armory Diamond BBs

Weight and Dimension

Weight KG Icon
Weight (KG)
Approx.2.6KG
Weapon Length Collapsed
Length
79cm
Weapon Length Extended
Length (Extended)
87.5cm

Construction

Colour Wheel Greyscale
Primary Colour
Black
Construction Icon
Construction
CNC Aluminium handguard. Alloy outer barrel, flash hider & trim parts. High density polymer receiver, buffer tube, pistol grip & stock. Steel body pins.
Official License
Daniel Defense

Weapon Specific

Power Source Icon
Powered By
Electric
Platform
Platform
M4 / AR-15 / M16
Magazine Style Icon
Magazine Compatibility
M4/AR-15 AEG Magazines
Fire Select Icon
Fire modes
PatrolBase | Fire Select Safe
Safe
Patrol Base | Fire Select - Semi Automatic
Semi Automatic
Patrol Base | Full Automatic
Full Automatic
Weapon Safety Features Icon
Safety Features
Trigger Disconnect
Shooter Configuration Icon
Shooter Configuration
Right Handed
Weapon Scale Icon
Platform Scale
1:1
Suggested BB Weight
Suggested BB Weight
0.25g

Hop-Up

Hop-Up Unit Adjuster Icon
HOP-Up Adjuster Type
Rotary
Hop-Up Unit Location Icon
HOP-Up Adjustment Location
Inside the ejection port, accessible with the charging handle pulled and held back.

Furniture

Weapon Furniture Icon
Furniture
  • Railed Handguard
  • Railed Receiver
  • Finger Ridged Pistol Grip
  • AR Buffer Tube
  • Sliding Stock
  • Flip-Up Ironsights
  • Bird Cage Flash Hider
  • Threaded Outer Barrel
  • QD Sling Point
  • Extended Charging Handle
  • Flat trigger
  • M-LOK Handguard
  • 20mm Rail Adapters for M-LOK
  • Angled front grip
  • Rubber butt plate
Rail System Icon
Rail System
20mm RIS / RAS, Pre-installed 20mm Picatinny rail sections for M-LOK, 20mm Railed Receiver, M-LOK,
Icon Stock Positions
Stock Type
Sliding, M4 Crane Stock, Multi-Position,
Weapon Length Extended
Stock Positions
6
Sight Type Icon
Sight Type
Aperture Iron Sight
Sling Plate Icon
Sling Options
Stock, Handguard, QD, Angled Foregrip,

Barrel

Outer Barrel Length (in)
14.5''
Icon Thread Type
Outer Barrel Thread Type
Male
Icon Thread Direction
Outer Barrel Thread Direction
CCW (Counter Clockwise)
Outer Barrel Thread Size
Outer Barrel Thread Size
14mm
Inner Barrel Diameter
Inner Barrel Diameter
6.03mm
Inner Barrel Length
Inner Barrel Length
363mm

Magazine Specific

Magazine Type
Magazine Type
AEG, Medium Capacity,
Magazine BB Capacity
Magazine BB Capacity
Approx.125Rounds

Electric Gun Specific Information

Gearbox
Gearbox Icon
Gearbox Version
V2Gearbox
Wiring Icon
Gearbox Wiring
Rear Wired
Spring Change Icon
Gearbox Quick Change Spring
Yes
Digital Trigger Icon
Gearbox Electronic Trigger
Yes
Motor
Airsoft Motor Icon
Motor Type
Standard
Battery Specific
Battery Voltage
Battery Voltage
7.4V
Battery Type
Battery Type
Li-Po
Battery Connector
Battery Connector
Patrol Base | Icon | Deans
Deans
Suggested Battery Configuration
Suggested Battery Configuration
Stick or Crane configuration

Size guide

Joule Charts

Special Instructions

These table can be used as a reference to see if the BB weight you are using will be over acceptable Joulage limits at some Airsoft Sites in the UK. To check if the weight can be used chrono your weapon using the BB you intend to use, and then compare it to the chart.

FPS, Power and Joule Limits can vary from site to site, so please get in touch with where you're going to play with in advance to avoid disappointment.

Suggested limits are based on Joulage Limit rules used Halo Mill: Proving Grounds, with a 350fps limit for Automatic Replicas, 400fps for Semi-Automatic Replicas, and 500fps for Bolt Action Replicas.

Tap the tabs below to open the relevant chart for your replica.

Suggested limits are based on Joulage Limit rules used Halo Mill: Proving Grounds, and is the equivalent of 350fps, using 0.20g BB resulting in an upper limit of 1.14j.

Velocity BB Weight (Grams)
FPS 0.20 0.25 0.28 0.30 0.32 0.36 0.40 0.43 0.45 0.50
250 0.58 0.73 0.81 0.87 0.93 1.05 1.16 1.25 1.31 1.45
260 0.63 0.79 0.88 0.94 1.00 1.13 1.26 1.35 1.41 1.57
270 0.68 0.85 0.95 1.02 1.08 1.22 1.35 1.46 1.52 1.69
280 0.73 0.91 1.02 1.09 1.17 1.31 1.46 1.57 1.64 1.82
290 0.78 0.98 1.09 1.17 1.25 1.41 1.56 1.68 1.76 1.95
300 0.84 1.05 1.17 1.25 1.34 1.51 1.67 1.80 1.88 2.09
310 0.89 1.12 1.25 1.34 1.43 1.61 1.79 1.92 2.01 2.23
320 0.95 1.19 1.33 1.43 1.52 1.71 1.90 2.05 2.14 2.38
325 0.98 1.23 1.37 1.47 1.57 1.77 1.96 2.11 2.21 2.45
328 1.00 1.25 1.40 1.50 1.60 1.80 2.00 2.15 2.25 2.50
330 1.01 1.26 1.42 1.52 1.62 1.82 2.02 2.18 2.28 2.53
335 1.04 1.30 1.46 1.56 1.67 1.88 2.09 2.24 2.35 2.61
340 1.07 1.34 1.50 1.61 1.72 1.93 2.15 2.31 2.42 2.68
345 1.11 1.38 1.55 1.66 1.77 1.99 2.21 2.38 2.49 2.76
350 1.14 1.42 1.59 1.71 1.82 2.05 2.28 2.45 2.56 2.85
355 1.17 1.46 1.64 1.76 1.87 2.11 2.34 2.52 2.63 2.93
360 1.20 1.51 1.69 1.81 1.93 2.17 2.41 2.59 2.71 3.01

Suggested limits are based on Joulage Limit rules used at Halo Mill: Proving Grounds, and is the equivalent of 400fps, using 0.20g BB resulting in an upper limit of 1.49j.

Velocity BB Weight (Grams)
FPS 0.20 0.25 0.28 0.30 0.32 0.36 0.40 0.43 0.45 0.50
250 0.58 0.73 0.81 0.87 0.93 1.05 1.16 1.25 1.31 1.45
260 0.63 0.79 0.88 0.94 1.00 1.13 1.26 1.35 1.41 1.57
270 0.68 0.85 0.95 1.02 1.08 1.22 1.35 1.46 1.52 1.69
280 0.73 0.91 1.02 1.09 1.17 1.31 1.46 1.57 1.64 1.82
290 0.78 0.98 1.09 1.17 1.25 1.41 1.56 1.68 1.76 1.95
300 0.84 1.05 1.17 1.25 1.34 1.51 1.67 1.80 1.88 2.09
310 0.89 1.12 1.25 1.34 1.43 1.61 1.79 1.92 2.01 2.23
320 0.95 1.19 1.33 1.43 1.52 1.71 1.90 2.05 2.14 2.38
330 1.01 1.26 1.42 1.52 1.62 1.82 2.02 2.18 2.28 2.53
340 1.07 1.34 1.50 1.61 1.72 1.93 2.15 2.31 2.42 2.68
350 1.14 1.42 1.59 1.71 1.82 2.05 2.28 2.45 2.56 2.85
360 1.20 1.51 1.69 1.81 1.93 2.17 2.41 2.59 2.71 3.01
370 1.27 1.59 1.78 1.91 2.03 2.29 2.54 2.73 2.86 3.18
380 1.34 1.68 1.88 2.01 2.15 2.41 2.68 2.88 3.02 3.35
390 1.41 1.77 1.98 2.12 2.26 2.54 2.83 3.04 3.18 3.53
400 1.49 1.86 2.08 2.23 2.38 2.68 2.97 3.20 3.34 3.72
410 1.56 1.95 2.19 2.34 2.50 2.81 3.12 3.36 3.51 3.90

Suggested limits are based on Joulage Limit rules used at Halo Mill: Proving Grounds, and is the equivalent of 500fps, using 0.20g BB resulting in an upper limit of 2.32j.

Velocity BB Weight (Grams)
FPS 0.20 0.25 0.28 0.30 0.32 0.36 0.40 0.43 0.45 0.50
250 0.58 0.73 0.81 0.87 0.93 1.05 1.16 1.25 1.31 1.45
260 0.63 0.79 0.88 0.94 1.00 1.13 1.26 1.35 1.41 1.57
270 0.68 0.85 0.95 1.02 1.08 1.22 1.35 1.46 1.52 1.69
280 0.73 0.91 1.02 1.09 1.17 1.31 1.46 1.57 1.64 1.82
290 0.78 0.98 1.09 1.17 1.25 1.41 1.56 1.68 1.76 1.95
300 0.84 1.05 1.17 1.25 1.34 1.51 1.67 1.80 1.88 2.09
310 0.89 1.12 1.25 1.34 1.43 1.61 1.79 1.92 2.01 2.23
320 0.95 1.19 1.33 1.43 1.52 1.71 1.90 2.05 2.14 2.38
330 1.01 1.26 1.42 1.52 1.62 1.82 2.02 2.18 2.28 2.53
340 1.07 1.34 1.50 1.61 1.72 1.93 2.15 2.31 2.42 2.68
350 1.14 1.42 1.59 1.71 1.82 2.05 2.28 2.45 2.56 2.85
360 1.20 1.51 1.69 1.81 1.93 2.17 2.41 2.59 2.71 3.01
370 1.27 1.59 1.78 1.91 2.03 2.29 2.54 2.73 2.86 3.18
380 1.34 1.68 1.88 2.01 2.15 2.41 2.68 2.88 3.02 3.35
390 1.41 1.77 1.98 2.12 2.26 2.54 2.83 3.04 3.18 3.53
400 1.49 1.86 2.08 2.23 2.38 2.68 2.97 3.20 3.34 3.72
410 1.56 1.95 2.19 2.34 2.50 2.81 3.12 3.36 3.51 3.90
420 1.64 2.05 2.29 2.46 2.62 2.95 3.28 3.52 3.69 4.10
430 1.72 2.15 2.40 2.58 2.75 3.09 3.44 3.69 3.86 4.29
440 1.80 2.25 2.52 2.70 2.88 3.24 3.60 3.87 4.05 4.50
450 1.88 2.35 2.63 2.82 3.01 3.39 3.76 4.04 4.23 4.70
460 1.97 2.46 2.75 2.95 3.15 3.54 3.93 4.23 4.42 4.91
470 2.05 2.57 2.87 3.08 3.28 3.69 4.10 4.41 4.62 5.13
480 2.14 2.68 3.00 3.21 3.42 3.85 4.28 4.60 4.82 5.35
490 2.23 2.79 3.12 3.35 3.57 4.02 4.46 4.80 5.02 5.58
500 2.32 2.90 3.25 3.48 3.72 4.18 4.65 4.99 5.23 5.81
510 2.42 3.02 3.38 3.62 3.87 4.35 4.83 5.20 5.44 6.04