Well first off let me get started telling you that this M4A1 is my first AEG, and the only other experience I've had shooting an AEG was a M733 at the indoor range at Airsoft Extreme San Jose. I'd like to be able to compare the M4A1 to other AEGs, but my lack of experience with other AEGs would make the review a bit lop-sided.

Immediate impression upon opening the box:

Wow! For some reason the weapons on display at AEX didn't look nearly as realistic as this M4A1 (mainly because of the orange muzzle break). GI Airsoft was kind enough to include both a plastic orange muzzle break and the original black metal one. The trademarks were covered in putty that was easily peeled/rubbed off.

M4A1 lower receiver, complete with trademarks

I've read some people complaining about how "plasticy" the M4A1 looks;

As I've had real-life experience with all kinds of M16-type weapons in my time with the US Army, I have to say the only thing that gives this weapon away is the Tokyo Mauri trademarks on the gun. The plastic feels exactly how the plastic on the "Real-Steel" version. I must say again that I was plesantly suprised on how incredible it looked. Though the only metal parts on the weapon is the outer barrel, front sight assembly, dust cover, trigger guard, magazine release, the ABS Resin that Tokyo Mauri uses for the body feels cool and solid like metal. The forward grips and telescoping stock feel like the plastic Colt and FN use in the real M4A1's, and over-all the Tokyo Mauri M4A1 looks and feels like the real-deal.

This sucker feels solid;

The weight and balance is just like a real M4A1; I was suprised how you could balance the weapon on its stock just like a real M16-type rifle. I've heard horror stories of people who had to tighten every little screw on their M4A1 and had problems with barrel wobble since opening the box; my weapon seems tight all around, and suffers from no barrel wobble or body flex. The plastic is rock-hard, and feels just like the "real-steel" deal.

Enough with the looks, how's it perform? Well, I must say, again I was impressed. The consistency of shot grouping with this AEG from ranges of 25 feet was impressive to say the least. Having no chronograph I've got no idea on how fast this sucker shoots stock, but it left some nasty dents in a soda can and ate the hell out of the tupperware basin I (unsuccessfully) used as a target trap.

The rate of fire is very high thanks to the EG1000 motor in it, and the M4A1 can quickly empty an entire magazine on full auto, so be sure to keep several magazines ready in a fire fight. The battery life with a 8.4v 600mah small battery also leaves a bit to be desired; after putting about 600 rounds through it without recharging there was a noticeable change in both accuracy and rate of fire. Like the magazines, you might be wise to bring additional batteries along in your Load-Bearing Equipment if you plan on using your M4A1 in extended fire-fights.

Me aiming with the M4A1's sights

The M4A1 comes with two sights, the standard pin-hole sight and a larger open sight for use with during night-operations and close-quarter battles. Getting a proper sight-picture is quite easy with both sights, though I prefer the smaller sight hole. The removable carry handle also allows the operator to mount many sorts of scopes, red-dot sights, and optical mounts. With a little adjustment with the hop-up I accurately sighted my weapon in. I can shoot tight groups easily in a circular target from 25 feet quite easily. As I live in the municipal San Jose area, I've yet to have the oppertunity to shoot at longer ranges, though I expect with adjustments to the hop up it will be just as accurate out in the open-field.

Target from 15m away

The M4A1's 14.5" barrel allows it nice accuracy and range for woodland or outdoor battles. For close-quarters battle, the M4A1 features a collapsable stock with four locking points; As the M4A1 is still pretty short for an assault rifle with the stock fully-extended, I prefer the stock fully-extended at all times so I can keep the same eye relief, at all times, though smaller statured people may find the telescoping stock to be quite useful.

The M4A1 with telescoping stock fully extended

The M4A1 also allows full customizability, both internally and externally. As mentioned above, the M4A1 features a Pictatinny rail on top to allow the addition of all sorts of scopes and reflex sights. Several companies make metal bodies and the such and being a Tokyo Mauri AEG it is completely upgradeable internally. With after-market products such as RIS and all kinds of both cosmetic upgrades and functional upgrades such as the M203 Grenade Launcher, and tactical flashlights/lasers the M4A1 Carbine can be easily modified to fit the tastes of its owner.

All in all I am more then happy with the M4A1 AEG. Highly recommended to anybody who doesn't already own one, especially to people interested in the Mil-Sim or Roleplaying aspect as all Airborne, Air Assault, and Special Forces units in the US Army are currently using the M4A1 as standard-issue. Versatility coupled with customability and upgradability, the M4A1 fits into everybody's AEG arsenal, from the greenest newbie to the most grizzled airsoft veteran.

-flatlinedeath