MGC M4A1

Post by Claymore

First review , please don't expect it to be up to mark's standard.
The MGC M4A1 is a new 1 by them it is a limited production run which i think has now come to an end. So if you would like 1 get 1 quick as they sell fast.

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The M4 comes pre-built which is better in my opinion as the kit models can take a lot of tinkering with to get them to work well.
The M4 is mainly made of ABS barrel, bolt housing etc while the internals are metal which you might consider a downer when comparing to the metal marushin, however out of the box this gun impresses, and you have to look close to realise that it is indeed mainly ABS. The weight and feel are excellent, attention to detail is superb and it has the colt stampings on the housing.

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The bolt works smoothly and the magazine has a positive fit. Also the extra's that can be fitted to this gun are huge, grenade launcher, tripod, silencer and as the carry handle is removable the selection of optics is also large.

The cartriidge system is also better than a marushin in 2 ways, 1 it uses the cp system rather than pfc but better still you only need 1 7mm cap rather than 1x 7mm and 1x 5mm which is a pain to load and expensive.
It comes with a 30 round mag and firing it is a joy. i put 2 full mags through it the 1st time i fired in bursts and not 1 failure then a mag of single shot and not a failure again. the rounds feed and eject very well although they do not come out with the force of a marushin ( they only have 1 cap) but they eject far enough to be impressive but not enough to get lost or put marks on walls.
Once the rounds get dirty you can start to have ejection problems, but that is to be expected and also when the pin in the barrel gets dirty and sticky problems will arise, but this is normal for model guns and not a failure of the model. in full auto the gun also makes a good sound of both the cap and the noise of the bolt enough to bring a smile to your face and load the nest mag.
I love this model it feels far better than a marushin x177 has better rounds which are a huge part of the reliability of the gun and is cheaper to fire
This is just a short review as i wanted to make sure the phot's would work (they did in the preview, so fingers crossed) If this did not bore people then others will be longer maybe.
radback, just for you





OK price, i bought from the uk (modelguns) so paid top price but for a very good reason, no problem with spares, extra mags, rounds and caps + accesories of which there are plenty and i have always had superb service and help and believe me i have needed it at times.
If you want cheap then i think dentriinity is your place but what about the extra,s.

Post by radback

Thanks for the review!

Please could post some close range picture of the marking (left/right) and front view of barrel?

(I think this 3 pics should be in all reviews to help everybody to know exactly what they buy)

PS: cost?
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Marushin M84 (broken)
MGC M16 Vietnam
and:



Shotgun wanted

Post by Mark

Nice review!

I see that you figured out the picture posting tecnique! And, thanks for the compliment too!

Yes, the MGC M4 is quite the modelgun! I enjoy mine and I haven't even fired it yet! (which of course, is strange for me! )

I have never had a problem with long posts or reviews they never bore me atleast..You can always edit your post and add some more!!!

But again, nice review!


radback,

I have seen them go for as little as $340 dollars U.S. (dentrinity) that's where I bought mine...

Post by radback

mark wrote:

I have seen them go for as little as $340 dollars U.S. (dentrinity) that's where I bought mine...

you told me the mags are not compatible with older MGC ones, too bad

Post by Mark

Ya,

Quote :

you told me the mags are not compatible with older MGC ones, too bad

True, it is too bad that they don't work in the older M16 series as they are slightly larger mostly because they are made out of thicker sheet steel.
The older magazines where thinner and alot lighter than the newer versions. Also, sadly, the older version of the MGC M16 series, featured the 20 round magazine as the standard magazine with the 30 round magazine being seperately offered as a option.
I rarely have seen either the original MGC or the factory Marushin 30 round magazines for sale anywhere..

Post by Mark

Claymore,

Your M4 seems a little darker in color than mine..Maybe MGC changed the color since mine was made or perhaps the it's only the flash from the camera that makes it look darker...

Also, does your stock rattle? mine sure does!

Post by Kickback

Hi Mark,

With regards to the stock rattle i have found that all the mgc telescopic stocks on all there weapons have been like this not just the m4(at least all the ones i've had) so i found an easy cure.
You know those self adhesive felt pads that are made to be placed under ornaments to protect your shelves,well thses work great.I place two on the inside of the plastic stock (12 and 6 o'clock) and they act like friction pads and take up the slack and give the stock a smooth ride,but best of all they cann't be seen.
It worked for me so give it a try if you don't like it they can easily be removed.

Kickback

Post by Mark

Hi Kickback,

Thanks for the information on the stock rattle fix. I will have to find some of those pads...I know that I have seen them for sale some where recently.

I just wonder why the large gap between the buffer tube and the stock exists. My Marushin XM177E2 stock doesn't rattle

Post by Madmike

Hello Kickback!

I just can´t find such felt pads. Can you post a picture or give us more information? Everything similar I could find was much too thick.

Thanks!

Post by mlin

Since the updated RIS version is basically the same as the standard version with RIS kit custom installed by MGC. I do not want to create a new review but just add to this great review done by claymore. The markings are exactly the same as standard version and function/shoot just as well. Somehow, the cartridges come with recently released MGC modelguns are packaged in small plastic zipper bag, not in paper box. Are they trying to save a few bucks???
The difference:
RIS foregrip made by CAW Mosquito Molds. The RIS is a metal one with very good quality. However, it is finished in grey/parkerized finish. So it's lighter in color comparing to the matted balck-grey HW plastic receiver/barrel. (Photo below - The receiver/carrying handle color looks grey-ish due to camera flash. Actual color is more of matted black.) Also 30-round magazine included in RIS version is coated in matted grey/black color, unlike standard version comes with a glossy blued-like finish. I like matted magazine better.

The look:
RIS generally look good but it's a custom fitted item. MGC adds a piece of material (do not know what's that for???) in the rear of upper rail where it connected to delta ring. To accomendate this custom part, MGC redo the delta ring by cutting off a little piece of delta ring. it's not to bad at first sight, but once you notice it, it gives you a unrealistic feel as it is exposed in an obvious place. In addition, a less noticable item missing comparing real RIS is the aluminum heat shield inside the lower RIS piece. I can see through RIS holes from top to bottom or bottom up. Along with RIS are two 11-ribs protective cover and a vertical foregrip. No Knight's Armament trademark. Only mosquito Molds marking on those pieces.

The feel:
Vertical foregrip holds comfortably in my hand. Even though the RIS is made of alloy metal, I do not feel weight distribution shift much. The entire gun still feel well balanced. (Or maybe it's just me, MGC M4 weights like a toy after I carry my VFC M43 Mod0 for a few time.) The two 11-ribs RIS protective cover have very smooth touch but not slippery.

I can post a few more detail pitcures if anyone interested.
Overall, this is a good but not excellent upgrade to standard version due to obvious alternation mentioned above. If you are looking for ultimate look, this may not be for you. But for just extra USD $40, it's a decent upgrade. Any airsoft RIS parts will cost more than USD $100, not to mention your own modification to make it fit.
By the way, MGC announced reporduction of M4A1 standard version starting 11/10/06. But I believe RIS version is a limited production item.

Post by Madmike

That is a great update on the MGC M4A1. Where did you get your M4A1 RIS? On the photos I have seen it looked like it comes with the standard black magazine.

Post by mlin

MadMike,

I got mine from malugo.com (Japan). The owner, Hiro, is very professional and responsive to my inquiry. They only accept wire transfer in Japanese Yen though. But my bank waived transfer fees that bring down total price to approx. USD$400 (include shipping) delivered to my door.

I will try to take photo of the 30 magazine came with the package later tonight.

Post by Claymore

nice update mlin, this update on the model is a good one and i really like the addition of the RIS but as i already have the M4A1 i cannot warrent the cash for a whole new gun just for the RIS unfortunatly.

Post by Mark

Thanks for the update mlin!

I too, would like to see the supplied magazine. I am fascinated that MGC might have changed from bluing the magazines to painting them. As for the cartridge packaging, I think that MGC was either using the old stock of cardboard boxes up or they temporarily ran out of them and used the plastic bags. My M4 cartridges where in a plastic bag too but, my M725 carbine's cartridges where in the cardboard box.
_________________
Wanted to buy: MGC Sten MK3....trades?(still)

MGC MP40 Marushin MP40 Nakata MP40 TRC MP40

Modelgun manufacturers, past and present:CMC,CAW,Hudson,HWS,LS,MGC(R.I.P. 1960's~2007) Marushin,Marui,Kokusai,Shoei,Tanaka and Western Arms

Post by Madmike

Francky told me that early (1996?) black M-725 carbines came with a grey magazine called "mil coated finish" or so. He had a used and light rusty one for sale on his website.

Post by mlin

New matt color coated magazine (left) vs glossy blued magazine.
MadMike, I saw the grey one listed in Francky's website. The new magazine I got appears to be darker than the one from Francky's for M725 carbine. But, i will prefer any matted one over blued mag. That shiny thing just do not look right.

With this RIS version release, I wish MGC will go one step ahead and release US Navy MK18 MOD0 (aka CQBR). MGC had M4 commando version (11.5" Barrel) already. The only modification needed is a 10.5" or 10.3" Barrel. MK18 basically replaced the role of HK MP5. Currently is widely used by Navy EDO and SEALs.

Post by Madmike

Thanks for the pictures of the magazines. That is strange, the M4A1 RIS I had my hands on had exactly the same blued magazine as the other M4A1 or M733 versions from MGC. Maybe MGC just took what they had available.

Post by Madmike

Out of sheer curiosity, does anyone know how many of the MGC M4A1 with CAW/Mosquito Molds RIS have been made?

Post by Mark

Wow, I don't know. The MGC M4/RIS was after all the last MGC release and I am sure that they didn't make that many. I hope that you have one as they disappeared quickly! I think that it's a shame that MGC could not stay in business due to the "slow moving" modelguns yet when they released the M4/RIS they sold out fast. I would guess that if MGC had released the newer versions like the M4/RIS or the HK416 etc. Then they would have sold out their entire production before they even made them!
_________________
Wanted to buy: MGC Sten MK3....trades?(still)

MGC MP40 Marushin MP40 Nakata MP40 TRC MP40

Modelgun manufacturers, past and present:CMC,CAW,Hudson,HWS,LS,MGC(R.I.P. 1960's~2007) Marushin,Marui,Kokusai,Shoei,Tanaka and Western Arms