Traders Airsoft Forums

KWA M4A1 Review
by Allizard

Part I – Introduction and KWA M4A1 Specification

The following is shamelessly stolen from Wikipedia. For more details of the real steel version please visit. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/M4_Carbine

The M4 Carbine is a family of firearms tracing its lineage back to earlier carbine versions of the M16, all based on the original AR-15 made by ArmaLite. It is a shorter and lighter version of the M16A2 assault rifle, achieving 80% parts commonality with the M16A2. The M4 has selective fire options including semi-automatic and three-round burst (like the M16A2), while the M4A1 has a "full auto" option in place of the three-round burst.

The following is shamelessly stolen from KWA.

The KWA KM4A1 Carbine is the first production AEG engineered specifically for the unparalleled performance of today’s advanced battery technology – Lithium Polymer (LiPo). LiPo batteries provide higher capacity and superior performance surpassing the more common Nickel Metal Hydride (NiMh) batteries. However, this powerful battery requires the highest quality of internal components. To handle the extra power of LiPo batteries, the KM4A1 is equipped with a reinforced metal gearbox utilizing KWA’s exclusive 8 and 9 mm ball bearing bushing combination and case hardened, precision metal gear sets. Heavy duty springs and high-torque motors are matched for optimum results. High-grade metal alloy are used for the production of the upper and lower receivers.The KWA KM4A1 Carbine was engineered to outperform the competition, offering ultra high performance and dependability straight out of the box!

* Overall Length = 33.75" (30.5" when stock is fully retracted)
* Inner Barrel Length = 15.5"
* Inner Barrel Diameter = 6.05mm +/- .03mm
* Hop-Up: Adjustable
* Magazine Capacity = 350 Rounds
* Caliber = 6mm BB
* Velocity = 400+ fps* with .20 gram BB's
* Rate of Fire = 20+ rps*
* Weight = 6.5 lbs.
* Power = 8.4V, 9.6V NiMh Battery, or 11.1V Lithium Polymer Battery(Maximum)

Part II - First Impression

I normally don't really get excited about M4. And pretty much everyone that know me personally knows that I'm a non-conformist. If not because my airsoft team Death Strike require M4/M16 variant as SOP (Standard Operating Procedure) I would be using G36 series or some other bullpup guns like P90.

So why am I writing a review of a such a "ho-hum" looking gun? Two words "Lipo batteries"!!! Before I get in to the details of the internal. Lets take a look at the external first....


The Box


What's inside..
- Gun
- Mag
- Front sight adjusting tool and some hex wrench
- Cleaning rod.






Full metal body, metal carry handle, metal flash hider. About the only thing that's non-metal is the stock, pistol grip and forward hand guard.


KWA Marking looks like it's laser edged. Clean... but I preferred a real trade mark or non at all.








A quick glance might mistaken this is a one piece outer barrel...but you'll notice there are sets screws on it.

The barrel is fully reinforced. Nothing like TM 1st gen crappy construction. More on the outer barrel in next section.




There are total of six set screw. 2 in the front and 4 in the rear. the outer barrel will not wobble at all.


Inside the mag well you will see the black gearbox.


Another bonus is the gun already comes with mount do you can hook your favorite sling. This type of mount is perfect of 1PT bungee sling.


BTW, the stock is a six position LE stock and it doesn't rattle either.



The gun does feel very solid, noting rattles and over all a good finishing surface. According to KWA, the body is made out of aircraft grade aluminum alloy. And I think it's the black color is anodized. I could be wrong, but it doesn't feel like it's paint on. It's matte black but with a oily residue. It is the same thing happen to my G36c when I open the gun. You can wipe it off but it doesn't bother me much so I just leave it on. It will go way after you start using it. I won't be able to tell will the paint chipped off until I start abusing it on the field. And believe me, I'm not going to baby this gun. More torture test and real performance data coming.

Great... If I ever need an M4, this will be mine.

*** Important Update ***

Found something very interesting about the inner barrel as I was taking apart the front set.





Well... here I was thinking the barrel is a two piece design similar to ICS. with 6 set screws. 2 in the front and 4 in the back. So I proceed to unscrew the two set screws in the middle and boy was I in for a surprise.


the middle piece loosen and it's actually a ONE piece outer barrel. But I have no idea what's this piece is for.

So I proceeded to unscrew the 4 set screws at the base. And this is what came out.







This is still unlike a complete One piece barrel I had encounter before. However, the way it's design the barrel will absolutely NOT wobble at all. This is certainly a very good news. There is a grove guiding barrel into the base. It will not turn nor twist once the 4 set screws are in place. I e-mail KWA about this and they said and I'll quote "The outer barrel design is unique to M4 models with a open-able top receiver. Another intended function for the design was for fine adjustments during fitting of forearm grips or rail systems."

Also the barrel is made out of some really high grade material. I can't tell what it is... it's very strong and light weight.It's doesn't feel like cheap aluminum and not as heavy as steel barrel.

Interesting! Nice find... Makes it sooo much more tempting.

Nice review on externals and stuff....what about internals though? That's what I would really like to know about, because I'm definitely thinking of picking one of these up.

I have been busy... I got some data for the performance... after than I'll take the gearbox out. But that will be another week. My real job is keeping my busy nowadays.... and some of you notice I'm no on AIM as often at night as well.

wow, this is a VERY tempting gun to get. this may have to be on my to-get list......

so its not possible to replace the KWA body with a VFC, G&P, or Guarder is it?

man as common as the m4/m16 gun is..... i still want it... hahaha

How accurate is it comparing to, ah, let's say, a stock TM or CA :P