Specna Arms SA-F11 FLEX™ M4/AR-15 CQBR; X-ASR MOSFET

If you're after a simple yet functional entry point into Airsoft, the Specna Arms SA-F11 FLEX™ M4/AR-15 CQBR; X-ASR MOSFET is a fine choice. Based on the real steel M4A1 in "CQBR" (Close Quarters Battle Receiver) configuration, this build is predominantly high-density polymer with an alloy outer barrel and a mix of alloy and steel trim parts, keeping the platform lightweight and affordable with plenty of upgrade options down the line.

Inside, we are treated to the same robust, reliable and simple internals that made the AEGs of the CORE™ series such impressive and dependable platforms, equipped with a quick change spring system for easy power tuning, 18:1 steel gears running on 8mm bushings and a tightbore inner barrel paired with a rotary HOP-up unit, ensuring the SA-F11 can still do its job out to long range.

This is the updated "X-ASR MOSFET" version, equipped with the Gate X-ASR Smart Fuse MOSFET, providing diagnostics and battery protection while enhancing trigger response. Whether this will be your first foray into Airsoft or you need an affordable loaner AEG, the SA-F11 is a fantastic option with more than its fair share of perks!

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 SA-F11 is ready to be kitted out with a tracer unit or suppressor, or an alternative muzzle device for a more customised look. If you're going for a Block 1 CQBR look, we recommend adding the Big Dragon Knights Type QD suppressor!

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 for pinpoint precision.

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!

Behind the front sight/gas block assembly, we come to the ribbed M4A1 polymer handguards, providing plenty of traction for wet weather use with vent ports at the top and bottom. Looking through the upper vent ports, you get a glimpse of the realistic silver finished mock gas tube, a nod to realism often missed out from replica M4s. 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.

As we arrive at the receiver, we see a familiar sight; M4/AR-15 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. While the controls on the SA-F11 are set up for right-handed users, they can also be operated by a left-handed user without issue after a bit of practice.

Running along the top of the receiver, we can find a 20mm Picatinny rail with a detachable M4A1/M16A4 style carry handle. The carry handle includes a "Ghost Ring" rear sight which is adjustable for windage and elevation using the dials on the right side and below the aperture, respectively. The carry handle is an iconic part of the 1994-era M4A1 build but if you're planning to add an optical sight, you can remove the carry handle via the thumbscrews on the left side to reveal the receiver rail, ready for any 20mm Picatinny-compatible red dot sight or scope. If you're using the SA-F11 as a CAR-15 stand-in, you'll be pleased to learn you can add a carry handle rail mount to mount an optic to the top of the carry handle!

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. The magazine release is on the right side of the magazine well,  protected by a moulded-in "fence" which protects the release from inadvertently being pushed as your rifle brushes against your kit. This is a push-through mag release which is easily operated using the trigger finger, one of the enviable handling characteristics the AR-15 platform is known for.

The charging handle can be found 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-F11, we recommend 0.25g for the best combination of projectile speed, wind resistance, and range.

The pistol grip provided on the SA-F11 is an "A2" finger ridged type, with diamond checkering on either side and linear grooves on the rear to provide a 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.

The SA-F11 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 polymer to keep the build lightweight.

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-F11 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.

Inside, the SA-F11, we're equipped with respectable internal features, more than enough to keep new skirmishers competitive on the field. The version 2  gearbox has an alloy shell and is equipped with 18:1 ratio steel gears running on 8mm bushings, offering a smooth, friction-free gearbox report and a longer lifespan thanks to reduced wear on the gear axles and gearbox shell. The spring guide is also an "ESA" quick change example, making power tuning a breeze for those into the techy side of the hobby.

This revamped SA-F11 is also equipped with the Gate X-ASR MOSFET, a "Smart Fuse" type device designed to provide diagnostics and warn the user of certain errors. The X-ASR also enhances electrical efficiency and is pre-wired to a Deans battery connector, offering lower resistance than the mini-Tamiya connector which results in a snappier trigger feel and a slight boost in rate of fire. The inner barrel is also a 6.03mm tightbore paired with a rotary HOP-up unit, promising above-average accuracy and range using high-quality BBs, as long as you do your part!

A solid starting point for a custom build or a simple, lightweight setup ready to keep pace with more expensive platforms, the Specna Arms SA-F11 FLEX™ M4/AR-15 CQBR; X-ASR MOSFET is competitive straight out of the box but can be upgraded for whatever job you place it in. Whether you want to bring a mate long to your next skirmish and don't want them outgunned or you're working on a Blood Diamond-inspired CAR-15 build, the SA-F11 is ideal!

Features

• High density polymer build - Alloy outer barrel, steel trim parts
• 6.03mm Tightbore inner barrel - Great accuracy potential
• 14mm CCW male threaded outer barrel - Tracer/suppressor ready
• M4A1 Triangular front sight/gas block - Sling point built-in, iconic M4/M16 styling
• Ribbed M4A1 handguards - Remove the lower section to mount an M203 Grenade Launcher!
• 20mm Picatinny railed receiver - Ready for a red dot sight or scope
• Extended charging handle - Easier HOP-up access for gloved shooters
• "A2" Finger ridged pistol grip - Comfortable for a wide variety of hand sizes
• M4/AR-15 Flat trigger guard - Interchangeable with aftermarket M4 AEG trigger guards
• 6-Position M4/AR-15 buffer tube - Adjust the stock to suit your body type and loadout
• Crane battery stock - Plenty of battery space, rubber butt plate & QD sockets on each side
• Rear wired: Deans connector - Recommended battery: 7.4V 1300mAh LiPo in Crane/Nunchuck config
• Version 2 gearbox:
  • Alloy shell
  • 18:1 Steel gears
  • 8mm Bushings
  • ESA Quick Change Spring System
  • Gate X-ASR MOSFET
• Compatible with M4/AR-15 AEG magazines - Spares are cheap and always available!

Package Includes

• Specna Arms SA-F11 FLEX™ M4/AR-15 CQBR; X-ASR MOSFET
• 380rnd High Capacity magazine
• Specna Arms sticker pack