Best Airsoft M4’s – Reviews & Buyers Guides (2021)
The M4 is the most popular airsoft rifle model because it is versatile. It is a good introduction for beginners but most designs are also easily customized so the more advanced users can have equally as much fun with a few upgrades.
Another reason to choose the M4 instead of an AR-15 or M16 is that it is a fully automatic because of its military designation. This gives you a good advantage while playing, and provides a more accurate feel of the real weapon.
If you are interested in trying it out then choose any of these 7 best M4 airsoft rifles below. Or, dive deeper into the differences with an AR-15 and M16 in the buyers guide at the end of the list.
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Colt Licensed M4 CQB-R Carbine Airsoft AEG Rifle by Cybergun
As mentioned, one of the reasons to get an M4 is the fully automatic mode which gives you a similar experience to the real deal. This experience is further emphasized when the design is licensed by an actual gun manufacturer as is the case with this Evike model featuring Colt markings.
It is hard to distinguish this airsoft from the original since it also has a full metal outer body and full metal internals. The customization done by King Arms make this version look even cooler than the stripped down original with a lipo ready gearbox.
Other cool features are the telescopic retractable crane, adjustable front and back rear sights and front and back sling attachment points. As for the accessories, you can make use of the RIS system.
This version has a high-cap magazine that holds 300 rounds but you can replace this with any AEG M4 series hi-cap magazine that you prefer. The batteries are also replaceable – this is a small detail but it does let you engage in airsoft warfare longer if you can replace the battery on the field.
- Realistic design fully licensed by Colt
- Adjustable rear sights and sling attachment
- Easily upgraded gearbox
- Full metallic design improves durability
- Fairly weighty (can be a pro for some)
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Firepower F4-D
This is a good basic model with lots of opportunities to customize thanks to RIS rail system. It comes packed with accessories such as a flashlight, laser, mock red dot and a foregrip which makes it an even better steal.
While the more advanced players will enjoy adding on accessories, the beginners will appreciate the lightweight design coming in at just 3.5 pounds. They can practice their accuracy with the help of the extra stability with the foregrip and laser aiming module.
This is an AEG with the battery and charger already included. The design is clever with the battery housed in the mock magazine for easy access but also hiding away.
One of the top perks is the number of rounds which is an impressive 500 BB. You have the choice to fire these in both semi-auto or full-auto mode but the recommended ammo is .12g which will give you 200 fps.
- Very affordable
- Includes accessories but further customization is possible
- Adjustable stock
- Holds 500 BBs
- Shoots in both semi-auto and full-auto mode
- Not the most durable materials
- Recommended BB size is small
- Top scope holds rounds which can get confusing
- Cannot replace with other battery types
JG M4 S-System
JG is not a manufacturer that focuses on proprietary parts making this an excellent choice for an M4 that you wish to further customize. Each JG AEG can be upgraded and the design is compatible with most accessories and third party internal or external parts.
Even though it is not a fully metallic design (the upper and lower receiver are ABS), it still has a realistic weight to it. However, some reviewers have complained about the front feeling heavier than it should making it more difficult to keep steady.
A favorite feature is the adjustable hop-up which increases accuracy making this a top choice for target practice. On the other hand, the hop-up can also help compensate for environmental influences during a game.
Other noteworthy details are the retractable stock and choice between semi-auto mode and full-auto mode. It also has a great high torque motor, M120 grade spring and high muzzle velocity at 420 fps – however all these elements might lead to the design being too strong for on the field.
- Compatible with most accessories and replaceable parts
- Good quality high torque motor
- High fps
- S-system hand guard for better balance
- Slightly unbalanced weight
- Not suitable for all fields
G&G CM16 Raider
Those that are new to air rifles would do well with this G&G M4 which comes ready for play straight out of the box. It is a basic model without a rail system for accessories but at its core it is a decent straightforward design.
However, there are other parts that you can fit unto it, including a laser red dot aim or variable optic. The iron sights are already built-in.
The high-cap magazine is a great size coming in at 450 BB rounds with a muzzle velocity of 380 – 400 feet per second. This gives you plenty of ammo and just the right amount of power for indoor use, especially when using the adjustable hop-up.
Overall, this model is a good starting point for beginners – it is affordable, holds good power and fps plus includes sights and an adjustable hop-up for added precision. Though this may not impress the most seasoned buyer, it is still a good stock weapon to keep in your airsoft arsenal, even if you are more advanced.
READ OUR FULL CM16 RAIDER REVIEW
- Budget buy
- Adjustable hop-up
- No rail system for accessories
- Mostly nylon fiber
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Krytac Trident MK2 CRB
Krytac is a popular brand in the world of airsoft guns and it is easy to see why from this Trident MK2. it has a very durable build, is easily customized and holds good power, all for a fair value for money price.
This is a good choice if you are planning on a lot of indoor use or close quarters combat. It has a muzzle velocity of 380 – 400 fps which fits within the limits of indoor use and has a good ammo size of 350 rounds.
Reviewers appreciate that its weight feels good in your hands – it is not too lightweight so that it feels fake but not so heavy that it slows you down. They also place great value in how well the internal parts work making this a reliable choice that you can get years of fun out of.
Final specs to know are its integrated MOFSET, quick change spring system, 10 inch free floating handguard on a KeyMod layout and aluminium receivers. The KeyMod layout is especially interesting because this allows for only the essential rail sections to be attached, per your preference.
- Value for money
- Easily customized
- Durable design
- Can be pricey for beginner players
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Black Ops Viper M4
If accuracy is what you are looking for then the 5th generation Black Ops Viper MK5 is a good bet. It has fiber optic flip ups and long range power with 420 fps.
You get this range using 0.12g BBs but you can still expect around 350 fps using bigger 0.20g BBs. The difference in fps makes this a rifle that is suitable for indoor and outdoor use.
This is a very versatile design that is suitable for both beginners and the true enthusiasts because it is lightweight and has plenty of opportunity for customizing since it compatible with most M4 gearboxes, barrels and hop-up motors. Fix a laser red dot aim on this piece and you will be ready to shoot far off targets on an airsoft field.
Though not a full metal design, Black Ops has chosen for a high density polymer which is more scratch-resistant and impact-resistant than regular ABS plastic. This model also has a better grip thanks to the ergonomic handguard which is just one of the many upgrades that the manufacturer has made.
Other things to know about the viper is that it has a free floating quick release rail system, adjustable crane stock and ambidextrous sling attachment points. However, its best feature is that it has steel gears which combined with the ABS plastic body gives you a lightweight model with quality internal parts.
- Lightweight
- Easily customized since it is compatible with most M4 parts
- Good for long range shooting
- Suitable for beginners
- Only internal parts are metal
- Poor packaging
- Not the most durable
Lancer MK18 Mod CQB
An adjustable hop-up is one of the favorite features of avid airsoft warfare players which is why this upgraded Lancer Tactical MK18 is such a popular model. It has a unique rotary style hop-up which makes it easier to alter the backspin on your air rifle.
Other improvements to this version are the precision bore barrel which increases accuracy and a quick change spring system that lets you adjust the fps without opening up the gearbox. The brand also made the crucial upgrade of replacing all the plastic parts with nylon polymer so that now both the internal structure and body are a durable design.
This model is best used for indoor warfare since it does not have the highest fps rating. It reaches 370 – 390 feet per second using 0.20g BBs which is more than enough for close proximity shooting but you can expect a greater fps value when you replace the ammo with a lighter 0.12g BB mag.
The battery and charger is included in the package and even that has been given an upgrade from an 8.4 volt to 9.6 volt battery for extra power. This shows that Lancer Tactical has truly paid attention to detail with this newer generation.
- Nylon polymer body keeps it lightweight but durable
- Quick change spring system
- Value for money
- Internal metal parts
- Only suitable for indoor use at 370 – 390 fps
- 1 point sling attachment
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BUYERS GUIDE
Key Differences Between an M4, Ar-15 and M16
Many best reviewed list will include all three models so what are the actual differences between the M4, AR-15 and M16? These labels cannot be used interchangeably even though there are only a few aspects that are different.
Here is a quick explanation of each type of airsoft rifle.
The AR-15 is the basic model of the M4 and M16 and is a label that can be given to any stoner style gun design. There are no specific features that an AR-15 must comply to in terms of barrel length or stock style.
You can consider the M4 and M16 a subgroup of the AR-15 because these two models do have to comply to certain specs to be given their label.
The M4 is a carbine meaning it is shorter and more lightweight than the standard making it a popular practice weapon. Characteristics are a 14.5 inch barrel and collapsible stock, fixed front sight and usually a rail system for customizing.
The M4 has a military designation meaning that it is the only fully automated model in this group. This is also why airsoft players like this type, it lets them choose between semi-auto and full-auto mode.
The M16 also has a military designation but it is larger and heavier than the M4. An M16 usually has a 20 inch barrel and a fixed stock with a rail system, iron sights and flash suppressor as optional extras.
Comparing the M4 and M16 it is easy to understand why the first is so popular. It makes the players more agile while still benefiting from full-auto mode and access to accessories.
