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Reviews
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Views
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Date of last review
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1
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6855
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2/4/08
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Recommended By
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Average Price
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Average Rating
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100% of reviewers
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£150.00
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8.0
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crimsonfalcon07
Registered: October 2006
Location: Boulder, CO, USA
Posts: 178
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Review Date: 2/4/08
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Would you recommend the product? Yes |
Price you paid?: £150.00
| Rating: 8
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Positive aspects of the product (pros):
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great externals
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Cons:
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its not quite perfect
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UTG M4 RIS Full Photo Review
By The Crimson Falcon
There has been a lot of speculation about the UTG M4. UTG has made a name for itself by bringing in some of the first decent but still affordable MPEG’s, but with all of the new products from China becoming better and better (and Echo 1 taking a bunch of the best stuff), UTG has lately been overlooked a bit when it comes to electric guns. Although they still boast the best assortment of budget spring sniper rifles (in my humble opinion), their recent release of their own M4 was either ignored, or else dismissed as just a collection of low quality Chinese parts. Like many of you, I was skeptical of this new gun from UTG (please note the use of past tense). However, upon receiving the gun and testing it out, I have to say that I’m really quite impressed. Although I usually don’t really put my conclusions in the introductory section of my reviews, I want to be clear that I think this gun is definitely worth the (much) higher than usual price. UTG has produced a surprisingly good product, and I think it’s well worth a serious look from potential buyers of M4’s. UTG has evidently put a lot of work into setting up the infrastructure to become a high-end manufacturer of airsoft guns, and this gun is a fine example of their success so far. I definitely look forward to seeing what else they will come out with. So, what’s so interesting about this gun?
Table of Contents
First Impressions
Real Steel History
Appearance/Feel/Build Quality
Internals
Function
Performance
Accessories and Modifications
Pros & Cons
Ordering
The Final Word
First Impressions
Upon receiving the package from UTG, I pulled out a nice hefty silver box with a picture of a gun that, frankly, wasn’t at all what I was expecting. You’ll see what I mean in a moment. The package, as befits a UTG box, looks great, with nice pictures and stats printed on it. So far so good.
The first real surprise came when I opened the gun. Not only does it look really good, but it’s also a full stock gun, which is a surprise for an M4, but a welcome one in my mind. Full stock guns hold larger batteries, and indeed it comes with a good quality large-type 8.4V battery. And, should you so desire, it would be easy to convert into an SPR as well. I’m also struck by the lack of a carry handle; instead, if comes with a detachable, fully adjustable, heavy-duty rear sight. The gun also comes with a nice quality ergonomic detachable grip, charger to accompany the nice Shuang Bo battery, and a cleaning rod. It also comes with some nice comfortable UTG rail covers, which snap off relatively easily, but are difficult to reattach. At first glance, it’s becoming apparent that this gun is going to be full of surprises.
 
Real Steel History
 http://world.guns.ru/assault/m4a1.jpg" alt=" http://world.guns.ru/assault/m4a1.jpg" class="bb-image" />
As usual, thanks very much again to World Guns for letting me reference your excellent work on this topic.
I’m not entirely certain which gun this is, because M4’s don’t usually come with full stocks, so it’s almost more reminiscent of a CAR-15 with RIS. At any rate, here’s what World Guns has to say about it:
“The Colt company developed various carbine versions of the basic AR-15 / M16 rifle since 1970s. These carbines were intended for all markets - military, law enforcement, civilian. The US Special Operations Command (SOCOM) put its eye on the M4 as a possible universal weapon for all Special Operations community. For this purpose, the M4 was later modified with the M16A3-style flat-top receiver with integral Picatinny-type accessory rail instead of the M16A2/M4-type integral carrying handle. The other change in the M4A1, when compared to M4, is that its trigger unit is modified to fire full-auto instead of the three shots bursts. The US Naval Surface Warfare Center developed a SOPMOD M4 kit for the SOCOM M4, that consisted of the M4A1 carbine equipped with Rail Interface System (RIS) instead of the standard handguards. The kit also includes a variety of the add-on goodies, such as various sights (ACOG 4X telescopic, ACOG Reflex red-dot, detachable back-up open sights), laser pointers (visible and infra-red), detachable sound suppressor (silencer), modified M203 40mm grenade launcher (with shortened barrel and improved sights). The kit also included a detachable front grip and tactical light.
Technical description.
The M4 carbine differs from the M16A2 rifle only by having a shorter barrel and a telescoped, 4-position buttstock. The M4A1 is a similar modification of the M16A3 rifle, so for general technical description please refer to the M16 article on World Guns.”
Appearance/Feel/Build Quality
Okay, so now it’s time to pull the gun out from the loving Styrofoam embrace of the packaging. I’m not quite sure what I was expecting, but it certainly wasn’t the very solid-feeling and hefty weapon that I now find myself holding. It certainly feels more solid and durable than even the full metal Dboys guns, and is surprisingly heavy (heavier than my G&G full metal M4), but it doesn’t have the cheap feel of pot metal, which would have been my first guess. The tolerances are all surprisingly tight, and the gun fits together perfectly. I can scarcely believe that I’m holding a UTG gun, even with the UTG logos all over it. I guess it’s come time to rethink my impressions of UTG AEG’s, because this gun feels great.
Now, I’ll admit that this gun looks a little funny with the short M4 front end, and full stock rear end. I would probably prefer a VLTOR or SOPMOD-style stock, but as far as practicality and utility go (especially for DMR conversions), it’s pretty perfect. The UTG M4 would look great with an SPR or JBU sniper kit. The stock feels very solid, and has a good quality textured metal buttplate with battery door. The battery door latches cleanly, and the stock is large enough to fit a 9.6V large-type battery. You’ll also note that the stock is finished with some sort of smooth rubbery/satiny finish, not quite like the BAR-10, but still much nicer feeling than the usual ABS finish. This feature is really nice, since it keeps the stock from getting as cold in very cold conditions, and is comfortable on a cheekweld (plus it looks great).
 
The grip is very comfortable, being a sniper grip with ergonomic rubbery finish, instead of the standard M4-style grip. It’s more suited to a right-handed person, unfortunately for me, but is still plenty comfortable even in the left-hand, and fits my right hand as if it were custom-molded to fit. The trigger guard does not snap out, but still can fit light gloves just fine, provided you don’t have huge hands (I wear a medium glove). The trigger itself is good quality metal, and the trigger spring provides a good amount of tension.
  
The receiver is solid metal, and looks and feels surprisingly good. The bolt handle is functional, and allows you to open the dust cover, which allows access to the hopup, and affords a glimpse of a gearbox that looks way cleaner than I’d expect from an MPEG gearbox. It lacks real steel trademarks (which is hardly surprising), but has UTG trades on it, and even a UTG serial number, which looks surprisingly close to a custom real steel job. It sports a top 20mm weaver rail for mounting optics, the rear sight, or a carry handle. The selector switch is nice and clean, and movement is neither too loose nor too stiff.
   
The rear sight is metal, and is fully adjustable in both windage and elevation. It’s matte black, although I prefer when it’s black and grey. As it turns out, many of the parts, rear sight included, are part of Leapers real-steel lineup, which explains why it all feels so solid, since they’re specced for real steel abuse. The sight will not be likely to lose its zero, probably because it’s match-grade. The front sight is also a real steel sight, and is adjustable as well. The adjustability of the sights means that you can precisely zero them in for your personal shooting style.
 
The magazine is a metal high-capacity magazine which holds 300 rounds, and fits nicely into the magazine well. It is compatible with JG, G&G, TM, STAR, and MAG magazines, and probably more as well.
The delta-ring is also Leapers designed, and will work both with airsoft front-ends as well as real steel front ends. The RIS and rubber rail covers are also very good looking; these are no cheap quality Dboys parts; a bit of investigation reveals that these two are part of Leapers real-steel lineup, and specced to much higher standards than most airsoft parts. I’m truly impressed by how thick and solid the RIS unit is; it’s very hefty, and the metal is at least match-grade aluminum, but most likely steel rather than aluminum or magnesium alloy. There is also a detachable RIS protecting the underside of the sight, allowing bipod mounting or flashlights and lasers.
  
The outer barrel is two-piece and solid metal, but feels very durable for a two-piece barrel. It is threaded with standard 14mm threading, allowing installation of aftermarket flashhiders and suppressors. A grub screw holds on the flashhider. I would love to see UTG release a line of mock suppressors, but that’s all for the future.
In any case, the higher cost of this gun clearly comes from the externals. Some of the parts are, of course, outsourced to various factories. UTG, as we know, does participate in the development of the guns that they’re rebranding. That’s nice, but not particularly impressive. But what is surprising is that many of the parts are real steel parts that are produced by UTG. As it turns out, this gun isn’t just a bunch of ACM parts tossed together with UTG stamps. It’s assembled in the US, and many of the externals are high-quality real steel parts manufactured by UTG. You can take a look at their real steel lineup at http://leapers.com/pages/parts_and_tools/ar-15-intro.htm. The real steel parts include both sights, delta ring, RIS unit, both grips, and probably the swivels as well. Another nice thing about the real steel parts is that Leapers has been producing good quality real steel parts for 15 years, and that experience allows them to manufacture better quality airsoft parts as well. I’m now beginning to understand the higher cost of this replica. Of course, spiffy externals don’t mean a whole lot for a gun if the internals are not also good quality. So, let’s open this gun up!
TCF Externals Rating: 47 out of a possible 50.
Internals
We need to remove the receiver pins, as usual, to open up the gun. They are held on by flathead screws. The upper receiver slides smoothly off, allowing access to the hopup and inner barrel.
The hopup is plastic, unfortunately, but is well-made for all that, and the inner barrel is made out of brass. It is not crowned, and appears to have a relatively standard ID of around 6.08mm.
 
The gearbox is nicely made, and has UTG markings. It is a ported gearbox, and is a standard v.2 gearbox. It has clearly been outsourced to JG for production, and has the usual JG XYT steel gearset. The gearbox is pretty much identical to the metal bushing Gen. 3 JG v.2 gearbox. It also sports metal bushings and a metal spring guide (aluminum, most likely), and a nylon piston. I’d be happier if they’d outsourced it to Element, but hey. The gearbox shell is, unfortunately, not reinforced, but it’s still quite durable for all that, and the cylinder is probably steel or high-grade aluminum. The stock spring appears to be an M110-M120 equivalent (around 360-390 fps), and the cylinder head has a good seal. Overall, it’s top quality ACM stuff, but not quite up to par with higher end guns like CA, KWA, or G&G. Still, it’s well-shimmed, although the grease job leaves something to be desired, since, as is JG’s wont, it uses the low quality Chinese grease.
The motor is a standard EG1000 clone, black colored, and is not high torque.
TCF Internals Rating: 27 out of a possible 50 points.
Function
You guessed it, it's pretty straightforward. Insert the (filled) magazine, making sure that it locks nicely into place. Work the charging handle (you don't have to, but it's cool). Remove it from safe, point at target, and pull trigger. If you're set on semi, keep pulling the trigger until you hit your target (hopefully that means you only fired once). If you're on full auto, hold down to rock and roll. But you better have known that already, plus, it's in the manual. When you're done firing, set it to safe, and remove the magazine. You may want to unsafe it and fire a few times to clear the chamber, and then re-safe it, especially if you plan on disassembling it. Okay, so how does it perform?
Performance
Performance is quite solid, with the gun being easily can-side capable, and chronoing in at about 372 fps with .2g bb’s. The gearbox sounds very clean, and accuracy is pretty solid, shooting accurately out to about 150 feet. As usual, I shot my 100 foot test in controlled conditions, and came out with some solid results:
I admit I mounted a scope for this, and cleaned the barrel and hopup bucking carefully, but it still shot very well. A tightbore would be a good investment (perhaps even a 6.01mm, if you use good quality bb’s). I’m actually quite impressed with it as far as performance goes, since it seems competitive with pretty much anything else that’s out there.
Accessories & Modications
Well, its an M4. You can put whatever you want on here, pretty much. If you want examples, think of the M4 SOPMOD picture.
http://world.guns.ru/assault/m4sopmod.jpg" alt=" http://world.guns.ru/assault/m4sopmod.jpg" class="bb-image" />
Pros & Cons
Pros
Well Shimmed steel gearset
Very comfortable
Amazingly durable externals
Unique serial number
Real steel RIS, front grip, sniper grip, sights
Full stock can fit large battery
Metal bushings
Metal spring guide
Good stock power and performance
Great extras (battery, charger, sling, foregrip)
Cons
(Note these are only cons when dealing with high-end guns)
No real steel trademarks
Non-reinforced gearbox
Nylon piston
China grease job
Bushings are only 6mm and aren’t bearing
Rail covers are kind of hard to put back on
Standard motor instead of high-torque
Higher price than other UTG guns
Ordering
You can purchase this gun from UTG authorized resellers. It costs about 300 USD shipped to your door. You can find a list of distributors here: http://www.leapers.com/pages/others/distributor.htm
TCF Overall Rating: 74 out of a possible 100 points.
TCF VPC Rating (Value Per Cost): .247
The Final Word
At the end of the day, I have to say that the UTG M4 probably ought to be considered a high-end gun. It has essentially flawless externals, lacking only real steel trades and a carbon-fiber stock to be absolutely tops. It is functional, and the ACM internals are still durable, well-made, and well-shimmed. There is nothing that I can say is “wrong” with the gun, although there are some things that could be done slightly better. The internals are the weakest point of this gun.
The gearbox, while nice, could be better. I’d prefer to see a Dboys 7mm reinforced gearbox with Element internals. A metal or high quality plastic Element hopup with Element hopup bucking would be great, and WELL and CYMA have already started using 6.04mm crowned inner barrels in some of their guns. Finally, a high torque motor would be nice to see. Still, the internals are as good as the very best ACM stuff, and the externals are better than even my beloved G&G guns, despite the plain UTG logo.
I don’t want to end on even a semi-negative note, because I really like this gun, so let me recap the high points. I really like how comfortable this gun feels, especially with the satin-finish stock and real steel sniper grip. The unique serial number is a nice touch, and it’s a comfortable and durable replica that doesn’t feel like a toy. Magazine compatibility and performance is great as well. I would say that this gun is easily competitive with other high-end guns in it’s price range, and is certainly one of the most impressive products that I’ve seen from any of the American distributors.
------------------------------
Average rounds per kill with the M16 in Vietnam=50,000. Snipers averaged 1.3 rounds. The cost difference was $2300 v. 27 cents.
The ASGAR Project: http://groups.google.com/group/asgar?hl=en
Armory:
Too large to list.
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Registered: October 2006
Location: Boulder, CO, USA