• put your amazing slogan here!

    Like the Booligan Airsoft Facebook page for a chance to win gear, guns, and other cool stuff!

    UTG M4 CQB-OPS AEG


    Home.gif

    UTG CQB-OPS Commando M4 review by Booligan
    Discuss this review here
    Table of Contents:
    Introduction
    Real Steel History
    Ordering
    Basic Gun Information
    First impressions/Packaging
    Included
    Gun Specifications
    Externals
    Trademarks
    Magazines
    Performance
    Internals
    Modifications
    Pros/Cons
    Overall
    Introduction
    Hooray for another airsoft M4 review! Okay, I know that it seems like there’s a new airsoft M4 on the market every week or so, and for the most part, they’re all pretty much the same, but this new UTG model is quite different from others on the market in several ways. First off, it features a side folding stock setup that you can only get on this line, as well as the UTG designed RIS that has a very neat trick up its sleeve. It also features an industry first, a 120 day warranty, as well as their support with obtaining replacement parts after the warranty expires.
    Real Steel History:
    Well, it’s an M4. Here’s its history in case you’ve been living under a rock for the last 15 years or so:
    “The M4A1 carbine is a fully-automatic variant of the basic M4 carbine intended for special operations use. The M4A1 is used by almost all U.S special operation units. The M4A1 Carbine is especially favored by counter-terrorist and special operations units for close quarters combat because of the carbine's compactness and firepower. These features are also very useful in urban warfare. Although the M4 has less effective range than the longer M16, many military analysts consider engagement with a non-specialized small arm above a range of 300 meters to be unnecessary. It is effective at ranges of 150 meters or less and has a maximum effective range of about 500-600 meters.”
    800px-M4FiringWithCasingInAir.jpg
    Thanks Wikipedia!
    Ordering:
    I obtained this airsoft replica directly from UTG in order to review it for you fine people. After a minor shipping error on my part (okay, the gun was delivered 400 miles away from my house, big whoops on my part) the gun arrived safe and sound, ready to be hopelessly abused for the sake of airsoft knowledge!
    Basic Gun Information
    So, what makes this M4 variant different from the multitude of M4 variants out there? Well, it has that sexy RIS that holds a large type battery, the left side folding stock system, the unique flip up sights, lots of parts from the Leapers real steel catalog, the aforementioned 120 day warranty, and the fact that it’s arguably the lowest priced AEG that is built in the good old USA. It's priced about $270 or so last I checked around, but most retailers don't have this specific model yet, so expect that price point to change a bit.
    First impressions/Packaging:
    UTG has always put a large priority on good packaging design, and this replica is no exception. Everything is packaged in an awesome box. Why is it so awesome you ask? It’s red. Red things are always better.
    Anywho, there is a lot of information to take in on the box, namely some basic specs on the gun, a list of the item numbers for some of the various parts, and some very high quality pics of the gun that lies entombed inside. Inside, everything is tucked snugly and securely in their own little partitions molded into the foam, and covered with cardboard for a clean presentation. There’s also a little blue piece of paper explaining the proper battery install procedure. Read. Obey.
    From here on, click all pictures to enlarge
    th_DSC_5625.jpg
    Redbox (ha!)
    th_DSC_5626.jpg
    Assorted part numbers
    th_DSC_5627.jpg
    Safe and sound
    th_DSC_5628.jpg
    th_DSC_5629.jpg
    Goodies…
    th_DSC_5630.jpg
    Important blue paper!
    Included:
    Like most UTG products, this bad boy is heavy on the included product love. Included with the gun is one metal 300 round hi-cap magazine with winding key, removable flip up front and rear sights, rubber LE stock butt pad, folding vertical foregrip, three small rubber rail covers, metal front sight adjustment tool, quick detach sling swivel, 8.4v 1800 mAh Ni-CD large battery with small connecter, a small to large battery adapter, a plate to use a mini battery in the RIS, and an 8.4v 300 mAh charger with no LED indicator. There’s also an assortment of allen wrenches, spare screws, a VERY thorough manual, and the normal cleaning/unjamming rod. All in all, that’s the longest list I’ve ever written. All of the accessories are from the real-steel catalog, so you know they’re high quality and will take airsoft abuse with ease.
    th_DSC_5632.jpg
    Yikes!
    th_DSC_5634.jpg
    Battery and charger
    th_DSC_5635.jpg
    Parts diagrams! Woohoo!
    Gun Specifications:
    Weight: About 8 lbs
    Length:
    -Folded: 20.5”
    -Extended: 28.5” - 32.25”
    Width:
    -Folded: 4.25”
    -Extended: 3” (At RIS)
    Height (Folded sight to grip): 8.48”
    LOP: 12.3” - 16.25”
    Sight Radius: Varies with sight placement
    Externals:
    Nothing like opening the box on a new airsoft gun, feeling the receiver, and experiencing the cool sensation of metal. Luckily, this replica offers it in spades, with everything that should be metal being just that, and everything else being made of firearm type polymers. Literally, the only parts on this gun that are not metal are the grip (which is my favorite M4 grip ever, and I know I’m not the only one), and the stock (which is a real M4 stock!).
    Starting with the stock. I’ve got great news, bad news, and good news. The great news is that this gun uses what appears to be an actual buffer tube, attached to the folding mechanism by screwing into it, complete with what again appears to be a real steel LE stock. The bad news is that most airsoft guns use specially spec’d stocks and buffer tubes, so you can’t use normal airsoft replacement stocks on this gun without some modding. The good news is that real steel AR stocks are plentiful, and in most cases cheaper than their airsoft counterparts. The stock itself is very nice feeling, and locks into its 6 positions easily. The included rubber butt pad (which is removable) is a plus that makes it all the more comfortable.
    th_DSC_5638.jpg
    Retracted
    th_DSC_5639.jpg
    Extended
    The big plus on this stock is the folding feature. The mechanism is a beefy hunk of metal that is extraordinarily solid. It folds to the left (the side with the fire mode controls) by lifting up on the stock tube portion so the locking lug can clear, and locking it in the folded position. It’s pretty stiff, due to the heavy spring in the mechanism, but that’s certainly not a bad thing. It’s the same process to unfold it, only reversed. The stock does lock in the folded position quite solidly.
    th_DSC_5640.jpg
    Folding mechanism
    th_DSC_5641.jpg
    Lift up to clear the lug…
    th_DSC_5642.jpg
    …and fold
    th_DSC_5643.jpg
    Folded. Tasty CQB goodness
    The receiver is metal, and is of the tabless, slip on upper receiver type. I believe they made some changes to the receiver from the V1s, as my MAG Midcaps fit in easily now, unlike the V1 that required a slam in and a yank out. Like the last one though, the receiver is exceptionally high quality, both in construction and in finish. No gaps, no wobbles, no nothing. Pulling back the charging handle opens the dust cover, exposing the hop-up. There is no mock bolt carrier.
    th_DSC_5644.jpg
    th_DSC_5645.jpg
    Receiver
    th_DSC_5646.jpg
    Dustcover open
    The grip is the trademark UTG AR grip, made out of textured rubber and dreams. I seriously love this thing, and if you try one and don’t love it, there’s probably only one reason: you’re left handed. It has a palm swell, thumb rest, grippy texture, finger grooves, all working together to make a grip that is just ridiculously comfortable to use. The base is a plain non-vented motor base with an allen head adjuster screw.
    th_DSC_5647.jpg
    th_DSC_5651.jpg
    Love…
    th_DSC_5648.jpg
    Motor base
    The RIS is another key point on this gun, both in design and in function. It’s designed both to provide lots of properly spec’d rail surfaces, as well as to house a large 8.4v battery inside. It pivots down easily from the front after pushing the two buttons at the rear. It is substantially larger than most RIS that you see out there, but it’s still quite comfortable to hold onto. It’s similar to holding an EBR front end from a width standpoint. Only issue I have is that the pivoting screws at the front tend to loosen up, and require frequent re-tightening. Some loctite would be a smart idea here.
    th_DSC_5653.jpg
    RIS
    th_DSC_5654.jpg
    RIS pivoted down
    Pivot it down to fit the included battery inside. The nice feature is that it includes a little piece of metal to stick in there so you could use a mini battery instead, and not have it rattle around. Watch those wires when you close it though, as the blue paper of death warned you about.
    th_DSC_5655.jpg
    Wires
    th_DSC_5656.jpg
    Battery inside
    th_DSC_5657.jpg
    All closed up, battery inside
    This model features a RIS front gas block, which is stepped down to mount the included front sight. It is secured to the one piece outer barrel by two allen head screws, so you can clock it appropriately. The metal flashhider is attached via 14mm-CCW threads, so feel free to mount your choice of barrel extenders, flashhiders, etc.
    th_DSC_5661.jpg
    th_DSC_5662.jpg
    Gas block
    Slinging this beast is accomplished by the QD sling swivel attached to the front of the RIS, and the metal sling point on the stock. The swivel is just pushed in, and easily removed by pushing the center button and pulling it out. Little touches like this always please me.
    th_DSC_5659.jpg
    Sling swivel
    th_DSC_5660.jpg
    Easily removed
    th_DSC_5658.jpg
    Rear sling mount
    Included are metal flip up sights straight out of the Leapers real steel catalog. They are a unique design that offers a sight picture identical to traditional AR sights, but with a handy folding feature. The rear is adjustable for windage using the hand adjustable turret, and the front is adjustable for elevation using the included metal tool.
    th_DSC_5663.jpg
    Front folded…
    th_DSC_5664.jpg
    …and up
    th_DSC_5665.jpg
    Rear folded…
    th_DSC_5666.jpg
    …and up
    th_DSC_5667.jpg
    Big aperture
    th_DSC_5668.jpg
    Small one
    th_DSC_5669.jpg
    Front post
    There are also plenty of RIS surfaces for mounting optics of your choosing. Overall, I think the externals are a welcome and unexpected upgrade over the already impressive V1s. I’m very pleased with this thing externally, and think it should last a good long time.
    Trademarks:
    UTG changed from just text on the last one I reviewed to a lion/dragon thing, as well as some other trademarks for this model. They are laser engraved, just like the selector markings and the RIS surfaces. The serial number is also unique, and is used for warranty tracking.
    th_DSC_5670.jpg
    th_DSC_5671.jpg
    th_DSC_5676.jpg
    th_DSC_5672.jpg
    th_DSC_5675.jpg
    Magazines:
    The included magazine is the standard UTG metal hi-cap, holding about 300 rounds, and featuring a side mounted optional winding key. Fit and feed is great, with a minimum of wobble.
    th_DSC_5677.jpg
    Mag
    th_DSC_5678.jpg
    Winding wheel
    th_DSC_5679.jpg
    Feeding bits
    th_DSC_5680.jpg
    Winding key
    It’s also fully compatible with TM compatible mags, with MAG midcaps fitting MUCH easier than the V1s, which is a big plus.
    Performance:
    Baseline performance after a 1000 round break in period is as follows:
    FPS (Tested using TSD .20g BBs shot through a Madbull V1 Blue Chrono):
    Low: 369.8 FPS
    High: 380.3 FPS
    Average over 10 shots: 374.4 FPS
    ROF (Recorded using Audacity/stock battery after 100 round break in): 15 RPS
    Accuracy at range: I am able to consistently hit a man sized target at 155', which is what I expected with a CQB length replica like this. Accuracy is quite consistent, which makes me think that UTG's changeover to metal hop-up units was a good changeover. The use of heavier BBs, in the .23-.25g range is a good idea, due to the mid level power output, and the hop-up's ability to spin the heavier ammo to decent ranges.
    Overall, I am quite pleased with the performance out of the box. It's plenty capable and skirmish ready, and with a few tweaks such as a tightbore barrel and new hop-up bucking, it can really reach out and touch someone.
    Internals:
    The UTG contracted gearboxes really changed the ACM airsoft scene in the last year or so. They've found their way into the so called "enhanced" 2008 JG lineup, and have been met with praise for their power and durability. This model features the same gearbox as the last one I reviewed, with one slightly disappointing change; it comes equipped with plastic bushings instead of metal ones.
    Disassembly is the same as other front wired M4 replicas, by taking out the front pin, disconnecting the front wires under the RIS, and sliding the upper receiver off of the lower.
    There is plenty of info around about this gearbox and its components, so I won't bore you with the details. I will, however, show some pics of the guts of this beast:
    th_DSC_5686.jpg
    Box in the receiver
    th_DSC_5687.jpg
    Plastic bushings :(
    th_DSC_5692.jpg
    Ported cylinder, metal spring guide
    As mentioned previously, this model features a one piece metal hop-up, and a CQB length brass inner barrel.
    th_DSC_5688.jpg
    Barrel and hop-up
    th_DSC_5689.jpg
    th_DSC_5690.jpg
    Hop-up
    th_DSC_5691.jpg
    Motor, unmarked, medium torque
    Basically, you have a rock solid gearbox (albeit with plastic bushings), that's not equipped with too hot of a spring so it should last quite some time with no issues. The best part is that if you DO have issues, you have a warranty for 120 days from the date of purchase.
    Modifications:
    Mine is getting turned into a compact DMR setup, able to fold up for transport or for confined space operations.
    th_DSC_5681.jpg
    Yum…
    th_DSC_5683.jpg
    Canned
    th_DSC_5684.jpg
    Surprise! Got a flashhider under the can
    th_DSC_5685.jpg
    Fully operational in this tiny state
    Pros:
    Rock solid metal body
    Unique RIS with large battery storage
    Great stock setup
    Tons of accessories are included
    Good performance overall
    Cons:
    RIS screws can come loose
    Non free floating barrel (minor quirk, messes up zero on gas block RIS mount)
    Paint scratches on folding mechanism
    Battery wires can be a little tricky
    Overall:
    I wasn’t sure if they could improve on the V1 M4s, but they certainly have. Lots of little things were tweaked, and the overall sum of the parts is quite impressive. To build this piece by piece would be much more expensive than they are selling it for, and I think the US based build and support make this a great buy!
    Many thanks again to UTG/Leapers, Deadrag Airsoft Radio and of course, AirsoftRetreat!