Classic Army M14A4 Compact CQB SEAL
By James "Two-Step” Alumbaugh


Classic Army M15 Compact CQB SEAL

Published Stats:
M15A4 Compact CQB SEAL

Features:
- Rail System
- Flip-Up Rear Sight
- Real ARMALITE Logo
- Modified Wiring Switch
- Individual Serial Number
- Hi Cap Magazine (300 Rd)
- Steel Detachable Front Sight
- Easy Disassembly Metal Body
- 7mm Bearing Metal & New Design Gear Box
- Bearing Spring Guide and Piston Head
- Reinforced Parts (Gear Set and Sealed Cylinder)

Model No.: AR013M
Product Name: M15A4 C.Q.B. Compact SEAL
Weight: 2600.0g
Barrel Length: 200mm
Barrel Caliber: 6.08mm
Bullet Capacity: 300
Bullet: 6mm BB
Initial Bullet Speed: 85-95 m/sec
Battery Type: Crane Type

Initial Impressions:

Not that it really matters but the packaging was rather unattractive and dull. The inside of the package however, was what you would probably normally expect from any decent airsoft manufacturer. The AEG was tightly packed inside its molded Styrofoam "casing" and covered with the ugly cardboard top. This is nothing special, but adequate for the job.

The literature inside the box was about what you would normally expect, consisting of a catalog, manual, and battery information sheet. There where no "extras” with the AEG.

The AEG included a 300 round hi-capacity magazine and a cleaning rod. Again, nothing special and no extras. There was not even "test” ammo for the AEG. I personally do not care about this since I never shoot unknown ammo through my airsoft guns anyway.

The AEG pretty much looks like any other M4 type gun, though it is more compact, exactly what I was looking for.
Below are some comparison pics to give and idea the size of the CA CQB SEAL

CA CQB SEAL & CA SR25

CA CQB SEAL & G&G GR300L


Note: The GR300L, with stock out, is about the same size as a typical M4

CA CQB SEAL & TM Mk23 SOCOM

Plastic Parts:
The only plastic to be found on the CA M15A4 C.Q.B. Compact SEAL is the Crane stock and the pistol grip. To be honest, this surprised me because I was half expecting to the trigger to be plastic and at least some plastic on the charging handle. But even those are completely made of metal.


Sights:
The CA CQB SEAL comes with removable sights, which ride on a rail system. The front sight is pretty typical with what you would normally find on an M4 type weapon. The rear sight however bears worth mentioning.
The rear sight is a nice flip sight that can be adjusted left or right by an easy to turn knob. Another feature of the site is the adjustable diameter peep sight. Since I am hardly a fan of the normal M4 type sight, I found this to be a nice change. In addition, the sights are tall enough to use while wearing full size goggles and still allow a proper cheek weld.

Crane Stock:
The Crane stock is constructed of what seems to be a hi-density ABS plastic, which sits on a metal tube. The tube its self is a 4-position type and is easy to operate. In fact, I have heard stories of people not being able to fully collapse their Crane stocks once the battery is in place, this however has not been my experience.

Another thing that I would like to mention is that there is very little "stock wobble". There is some, but not enough to mention. In fact, if it where any tighter, the stock would probably require a great deal of effort to slide.

The Crane stock serves as the battery compartment for the CA CQB SEAL. I have seen several crane stocks that have such a tight diameter, that people have a hard time inserting and removing batteries. The only problem that I have had is from where the battery inserts into the tube of the stock. It is rather tight, but not so tight that the battery gets stuck and becomes un-removable.

I did have some problems with the battery, but the problem was not because of the gun, but rather because of the battery. It turns out that the battery that I ordered is actually about ½ - ¾ of an inch to short to insert as directed by the manual. Once I learned that the battery had been reconfigured and how to insert it accordingly, I had no more problems with battery insertion or removal. For more information about this, see my "Only Batteries review”.

Fore Grip and Rails:
The CA CQB SEAL has the same number of rails as any other M4 RAS type AEG, which is probably more than you will ever use. But because of the number of rails, you can pretty much put your attachment anywhere you need them… which is probably the real point of having that many rails to begin with.
Being a compact weapon, meant for close quarters combat, the rails are shorter than what you would normally find on other weapons…other than possibly the MP5 RAS.
Don’t expect to be able to put anything long, such as an M203 on this weapon. There is however, adequate space for; tactical lights, lasers, mosquito mold launchers, hand grips, etc… The top rail is even long enough to hold a full-length scope or optical combinations.


The Body:
The body, as mentioned before, is constructed completely of metal. The typical printed markings are done very well, just as you would normally expect from a quality AEG manufacturer. The markings seem to be done with some type of scratch resistant paint.

Since Classic Army is licensed by Armalite, the markings are just like you would find on a real Armalite weapon. I should mention that Classic Army did take the liberty of adding their own name on the body, in a small and discrete location on the right side of the weapon.

Holding the CA CQB SEAL:
The CQB SEAL, even though small, has some weight to it. Also, the CQB SEAL is very well balanced, far more so than many other AEGs.
There is just enough forward imbalance to notice while holding one handed, but if using both hands, you may not notice the imbalance at all. Keep in mind that even though it is small, it is still a two handed weapon and this is what I am basing warned*essment of balance on.

Velocity:
The velocity of the CA CQB SEAL, as stated by Classic Army is supposed to be 310-320 fps, when choreographed I received velocities of 305-308 fps.

Accuracy:
The accuracy seemed to be consistent, but I have yet to do a formal target test on the weapon. Once I have done this, I will add it to this review.

Range:

Range on the CA CQB SEAL was about what you would expect from a weapon of its length. It is defiantly nothing impressive. But since the CA CQB SEAL is meant to be a close quarters weapon, there is no reason to expect extreme ranges.

Internals:
I am the type of person that is against opening an AEG just to have a "look see". I have seen the insides of Classic Army M4 variants before and have no reason to believe that the CA CQB SEAL internals are constructed any differently then what I have already seen in every other CA M4 variant.

On The Field:

The first time I used the CA CQB SEAL was at a the AAA night game. There was precious little shooting during this event and can only say that this weapon performed flawlessly the entire time. I never experienced rounds getting jammed, misfires, or any other type of weapon failure.
I fully intend to put this weapon through its paces at my earliest convenience. Once I have, I will update this review.

Improvements:
Considering the retail price of $325.00, I am not sure that I can think of any improvements that Classic Army could make. It might be nice if Classic Army made this weapon with a higher stock velocity and a tighter barrel…but there is not a single thing that I find that I can justifiably complain about.

Price:
The retail price of the CA CQB SEAL is $325.00, though I got it a little cheaper since Airsoft Revolution sponsors Arkansas Rebel Recon Airsoft team. I did not get it much cheaper than retail, but every little bit helps.

With the recent flood of "budget AEGs", the price may seem a little high to many people. Since I have yet to purchase even a single "budget AEG”, I cannot give an honest comparison. But, from what I have seen in the "budget market” I have no problem with the retail price of the CA CQB SEAL. In my opinion, the CA CQB SEAL is worth every penny I spent and then some.

Plans for my CA CQB SEAL:
It is my immediate intention to up-grade this AEG to a higher velocity and replace the stock barrel. I am almost certain that I will be doing a repaint on this weapon, in order go give it a custom camo job. I will also eventually get around to adding a red dot type sight, possibly a 4x ACOG type.

Summary:
Overall, I really like the Classic Army M15A4 Compact SEAL. It has a good and solid feel to it and thus far has functioned perfectly. I would definitely recommend this weapon to anyone who wants a compact weapon.
Considering the full metal construction of the AEG and the quality of materials used, I have absolutely no second thoughts about purchasing this weapon.
In short... I like this weapon very much and fully intend to use it on a regular basis.

I would like to thank Airsoft Revolution, the official ARRA Team sponsor, for their speedy delivery of the CA M15A4 Compact CQB SEAL AEG. You can find my Airsoft Revolution review, posted in the ARRA Forums.