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| CAR-15 REVIEW |
| I Bought a CAR 15 over other AEG's for several reasons. These included ergonomics and firing position. Also in it's favour, compactness and it's ability to multi-role. Here's what I think to the gun... |
| On first inspection, the CAR-15 is just a shortened M16. But once you take a closer look, you realise there is alot going for this compact AEG. Picking it up, I noticed the gun is pretty much full weight (2500g) and no lighter than the M16A1 Vietnam Version. |
| The gun is constructed similarly to the XM177E2, espescially where the outer barrel shroud connects to the main upper reciever. The barrel length is identical to an FNP90 and has the same performance. Mine chronograped at around 277fps with the HOP set for 0.20g. Front grips are smaller than the XM's and pretty much identical length to the M4's in length. The front sight assembly, is all metal (unlike the XM's) with no bayonet frog. A typical Armalite sling swivel is present underneath, while there is no extended barrel and the Flash Suppressor screws snug upto the frontsight. The lower reciever is nothing special (a bog standard design) and bears the stamp M16A1 rather than anything specific to the CAR version. Indeed this is part of the M16 family and does not field strip like the M4A1 or SR-16. |
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| The CAR-15 comes with a 190 clockwork magazine as standard, which is perfect for this miniature Armalite. This low profile magazine, allows easy prone shooting, ideal for sniping. Controls are the same, as for any other M16 design. ie. mag release is on the right hand side, fireselect, on the left, within reach of your thumb (if you right handed). Trigger is the square M16 type, rather than the contoured M4 version.The pistol grip is not as comfortable as the M4 series, although it is just as slimline. The Carry handle is none detachable (as on M4's) and houses the classic M16 rear sight. The handle is none too strong and can flex fairly easily. Moving rearward, the stock is rather unique to the CAR-15 and has some nice features. Looking more like a full stock, it is actually only the same length as an XM extendable version. The butt plate is all metal and incorporates a sprung lever. Upon turning it, the stock springs out to it's full length (equivalent to M16A1 length.) The stock has no half way setting, so is either in or out. underneath the stock, a second sling swivel is apparant. |
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| MODIFICATIONS: In order to make the gun suit how I play, I ordered various accessories to modify the CAR 15. Firstly, I had already found a custom scope rail in my bits box. CLICK HERE for more details on Dr. Airsofts mount. Fitting the mount, requires only 1 screw (underneath the carry handle). Once secured, I mounted the 3-9X50 illuminated scope (seen here on most of the pictures). However, I was not happy with the stress placed on the CARRY HANDLE so downsized the scope to a lightweight 40mm equivelent (non illuminated). |
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| Although TM have made fitting a mini battery to the CAR-15 pretty easy, I opted to rewire it and mounted an external 7.2v 1700mah. This battery can clear a full bag and has a nice slow ROF (I prefere it). However, just to get a better turn over on SEMI, I upgraded the motor to an EG1000 and this has improved the turn over on single shot. The existing falsh suppressor was incredibly heavy (a counter weight), so now to compensate for the large battery, I fitted an M4 suppressor. |