the difference between the m4a1 and the m15a4

[ironskull79]

Anyone have any idea? They both look the same...

edit Jan 3/08 10:11 pm PST:

Basically the differences are the names...
i was looking at the CA m15a4 and the TM m4a1...

[Hectic]

The AR-15 is a generic term for a civilian semi-automatic rifle similar to the military M16 variants.

M-4

AR-15

Google

[ILLusion]

That's not what he asked.

Reading Comprehension.

[Hectic]

I thought he wanted to know the difference between the two the links I gave will explain that also a quick search would have gave the answer as well.
If I misinterprated the question Im sory but it seems stright forward.
They look the same mostly but there are some differences that are explained in the links mostly.

[ILLusion]

Do a search for the exact terms he requested. "m15a4" is a specific airsoft model by a specific manufacturer. He's not asking about the AR-15.

ironskull79, you might want to help us help you by telling us specifically what areas you're looking at for differences. If you're comparing brands, you might want to mention which brand of M4A1 you're referring to, since pretty much every single manufacturer makes some variant of the "M4A1", although it may be called different names amongst the brands.

[m102404]

This is part of what I just PM'd him (took 5 min)...feel free to jump in and correct anything I might have gotten wrong...

Not looking to kick off a debate of CA vs. TM or anything....I just think it's fair if a guy asks a question that a decent attempt to answer him should be made if anything is posted at all...I'm not referring to the specific responses above...just the underlying tone/theme of things around here.

If this is useful to someone...great. If not...please feel free to have a moderator delete it, or PM me and I'll consider deleting it myself.

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...With regards to which real rifle they are supposed to replicate, they are...so far as I know...the same. M4 carbine, semi/full auto fire, collapsible stock, round forend, detachable carry handle...etc...

So far as designations...TM (Tokyo Marui) designates their M4 as an M4A1 and CA (Classic Army) designates theirs as a M15A4...so really they just use different names to designated the same replica.

But here's where the CA M15A4 differs from the TM M4A1...
1. The CA "M4" body is made out of metal...not sure what type, but it's some zinc/magnesium/aluminum type stuff. Good weight, heft, feel and durability.
2. The TM "M4" body is made out of plastic. Nice looks, colour is a little more grey than black, not as durable (i.e. don't fall on it) as metal. Light.
3. Other parts metal vs. plastic...just nit-picky things.
4. Both makes use some plastic (i.e. grip, handguards, stock, etc...). The CA plastic tends to be "stronger", or at least appears to be made out of a fiber resin/plastic. Whereas the TM plastic is just plastic and honestly, to me, feels like it would snap/crack if you squeezed hard enough. Kind of like the difference between knapsack buckles...the high end ones feel indestructible and the cheapy/knock off stuff break.
5. TM has a solid reputation for really well put together internals (i.e. version 2 mechboxes), while CA has taken some knocks on their quality control. CA's mechboxes are beefier (which is good) and they use upgraded parts (which is good) but I've seen plenty of poorly shimmed gears and crappy grease in CA mechboxes (which is bad for longevity).
6. The handguards on CA and TM M4 rifles attaches differently. Aftermarket stuff tends to be more TM compatible (although I've never had a problem getting things to fit).

If you're looking at which one to get, I'd personally get the CA for the metal body and better plastic. Full metal rules and makes plastic rifles feel like toys (which all of these are...LOL!). BUT, I'd crack open the CA mechbox right away and tune it up (easier said than done)....

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