Observations about Ares M4A1

[harrym]

Just a quick post to let people know my experiences with the Ares M4A1. In summary:

• Externals look great
• Internals are reasonably good
• Build quality really sucks. I'd use swears if I was allowed

I just stripped the rifle down to parts completely after having a chat with an experienced tech who kept saying "just tighten x up a bit". In that process, I found that:

• The outer barrel had slipped forward from the upper receiver by about 8mm
• Motor connectors very loose (one fell off during my second skirmish) and needed tightening, again (is there a way to attach them more securely?)
• The hop-up retaining clip had almost completely fallen off
• The hop-up adjustment wheel was very loose - so much so that putting too much hop on caused the wheel to spin forwards when you fire
• There was no lube at all on the piston or tappet plate rails
• The grub screw that holds the foresight firm was undone

On the plus side, I did find that the internals were better than I expected. Metal hop & gears all looked in good nick, not drowning in grease. Gear box seemed well shimmed as well, and solidly built. No wobble. So for a cheap gun, I'm reasonably happy.

Anyway - in summary - if you buy this gun, plan on having to give it some TLC before it works right. Will report back after I've played a few games, post-fiddling.