aac Posted November 12, 2016 Report Share Posted November 12, 2016 (edited) Here my second Specna This time i choose the SA-A03 (and i ordered the ASCU2 gen.4 along with it ) And as usual i would like to showe & share my latest asset with you guys. The Intro: The SA-A03 is, by all ods, one of the most popular Specna model, that's why i decided to analyze this specific model to the bone ! I know this model pretty good since i build already a Block II CQBR / Mk18mod1 by myself for the Arnies Custom Build Competition I also made already a Specna review for the SA-G01 (M4A1 + M203) replica, the base for my M4A1 SOPMOD project Since i find its quite pointless to re-invent the wheel over and over again i copied a part of the intro of that G01 review into this new review, the old content wil be in Italic, an the new content in Bold ............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................. About SPECNA ARMS & GUNFIRE The welknown "IKEA from Airsoft" GUNFIRE , is the exclusive dealer, for Europe of Specna Arms HK , Besides there's a lot more of Specna-items to find on the Gunfire site, than at Specna itself, like BDU's , parts etc ... Specna itself, is a pretty new "player" on the Airsoft terrain (think somewhere in 2013 ?) And on their homepage, there not telling much, in fact. There very brief, and like to summarize their strengths, in 4 words theire 4S SATISFYING PRIZE : Think this a justified claim SUPREME QUALITY : The quality is rated to the prize SPRING QUICK CHANGE : Indeed, thanks to the E&C and SAEC systems SPECTACULAR RANGE OF MODELS : Surely it is ,You cant deny that !!! ..................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... About THE SPECTACULAR RANGE OF MODELS Specna has over than 55 models, myself i am wondering if this is realy necessary ? right now its a bit a "not see the wood for the trees" ,story So i am not surprised when potential, new, orientating , buyers getting confused, about the different models. I wil try to clarify this range of models once, and for al The internals of the Specna's are mostly identical, exept for the innerbarrel length and matching cylinder of coarse . The following Gearbox systems are possible DV version, a classic non E&C version gearbox, (Gunfire has still a few models left , but at Specna they are discontinued) Enter & Covert aka E&C with this system you can change the spring without opening the entire gearbox ( the most common Specna system) The SAEC system , the newest Specna system, here you can change the spring , only by removing the stocktube Above you see the different series as shown on the Specna Arms site itself, the differences are found in the external design only. I must say, the difference between BASIC and ADVANCED are hard to distinguish sometimes. ADVANCED : The more Advanced models ADVANCED SAEC : Same as above but with the SAEC system BASIC : More simple Basic models BASIC SAEC : Same as above but with the SAEC system GRENADE LAUNCHER : 3 different models with an M203 grenade launcher V-SERIES : The models are made with a VLTOR style receiver HT : stands for Half Tan, here the stock, pistol grip, hand guard, and mag are TAN colored. Exclusive Custom Series: are shown on the supplied poster , the models are finished with a custom water transfer paint job in either: Kryptek Mandrake, A-TACS FG, or Multicam Black ............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................. The Specna website isn't really updated anymore, its better to check the Specna Facebook page for news, meanwhile Specna has released some new models Easyest way to find them, is when you surf to the Gunfire Specna replica page and set "decending date added" or, when scrolling down on the Specna Arms Facebook page. There are two specific models i would like to draw attention to, the SA-B16, and the SA-A20 The B-16 is a nice Mk12 mod0 based replica, with a nice KAC rail, Mk12 outerbarrel & flashhider, and KAC buis. The SA-A20 besides, is outfitted with the legendary GL/SSC rail check the complete story here ! As far as i know, there are no other replica versions of this rail ! ............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................. About Enter & Convert and SAEC Meanwhile, maybe, already wel known by most of us, but for potential newbies i wil explain it once again Enter & convert aka E&C : here you can change the spring only by unscrewing the spring guard, you don't need to disassemble the entire gearbox SAEC with this system you can change the spring , by removing the stock tube only, ............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................. About the SUPREME QUALITY & SATISFYING PRICE The Specna's are all full metal made, Airsoft metal (zinc alloy aka pot metal) admittedly, but this count for most of the Airsoft brands And with the most other brands you need to pay a lot more "bucks" for a full metal replica these Specna replica are also finished in a durable, decent coating Standard the Specna's are supplied with a 9.6V NiMH accu , while with most other brands this is 8.4V or no battery at all Al the Specna's are standard equiped with the E&C or SAEC system In my opinion Specna Arms are worth, claiming this Phrase So, i think i spoke enough about Specna Arms & Gunfire, lets see the replica itself now ............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................ About the SA-A03 (BlockII CQBR aka Mk18mod1) The "unboxing" I made a Thinglink image of it, again, click here ............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................. About the Externals As mentioned before al parts witch should be metal, are also metal made, only the stock and pistolgrip are made of plastic. To be sure i wil forgot nothing, i wil make a "guided tour" of it, starting with the: Flashhider is based on the KAC M4QD flashhider , witch is designed to be used with the iconic KAC NT4 QDSS suppressor, The Specna version is not a very accurate replicaClick here to see al the flashhider photo's ............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................. The MK18 RIS II rail Of this SA-A03 (i know almost with my eyes closed since i made him once by myself for my MK18 build here on Arnies) And i must say, this Specna version is very wel made, the necessary details are accurate made, nice white laser etched position markings, the only minor point, is the black color , due to a realistic BlockII build -since USSOCOM only uses the FDE version - There should be a "oven-hack" to turn the black into the more gold brown color but i don't recommend this yet Click here to see al the rail photo's Finaly i made an additional album to compare the Specna with the real Daniel Defense RIS II MK18 RIS II rail fixation system This might be interesting for the technicians, and DIY'ers amongst us ?! Its a system patented by Daniel Defense, the rail is thightened against the barrelnut, with the help of the "Bolt Up System plate" a very simple but effective system. On regular photo's this might be not very obvious, that why i made this schematic draft. Below a brief description of how the RIS II assembling go's Inserting the barrel Adding the Bolt Up System Plate Thightening the barrel with the barrelnut , the bolt up plate should remain loose here, other while the barrel is not tightened, the clearance of this Specna bolt up plate is pretty big (check the video) Assembling the gasblock Mounting the RIS II rail with the allen bolts Specna bolt up plate demo: ATTENTION ! The Bolt Up plate is made out of the soft Zinc alloy, aka pot-metal, extreme care with the thread holes of the rail and bolt up plate is required !!! The Allen bolts are made out of steel , so there harder, in case the bolt get a bit crooked, or some dirt get between the threads, the threads can be "pulled" out !!! Especially when your planning to assemble, and disassembling the rail for multiple times the risk gets higher The use of an Anti Seize Compound" is highly recommended !!! Also take care not to over-tighten the bolts, like i said before the bolt up plate is made out of soft metal, and tends to bend pretty easily ! i know at least one Specna owner who has got "rail- wobble" after a few times disassembling, and assembling his Specna RIS rail A ball headed allen key also comes in handy, since the allen bolt are very close near the receiver ............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................. The receiver Is full metal made, finished in a nice matte powder coating. Receiver is decorated with nice, white laser etched markings (although they are very unrealistic) a nice realistic detail: a QR code sticker on the rights side of the magwel. Colt A2 pistolgrip, is nice matte finished for a less "plastic" appearance. LMT style Crane stock is very wel made "butt plate" sits tight, and offers acces to a "nunchuck" battery compartiment, one minor point : the stock has pretty much wobble. Stock tube in commercial style with 5 positions, and white position markings. Fire selector turns smooth, and with clear noticeable clicks Mag Catch works outstanding, but the supplied high cap mag as pretty much wobble. Dummy Forward Bolt Assist is a nice gizmo. Bolt Catch works together with charging handle, and dummy bolt ornament plate, the Bolt Catch keeps the "bolt" plate opened, so that the hop up unit better can be better manipulated, when the bolt catch is pressed in the "bolt" springs forward to simulate cocking a round in the chamber, a nice realistic feature. Outerbarrel is very basic, and in fact nothing else but a straight pipe, without any profile. MK12 gasblock is a less, or more accurate repro, although the ultimate finish could be better. Click here to see al the receiver photo's Also check my demo video with the random functions ............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................. The Back Up Iron Sight's (BUIS) Included with this SA-03 a pair of KAC style BUIS these could be generally considered has very decent, with some cosmetic remarking's due to realism. The rear sight is a repro of the KAC 600M, the big brother of the Micro 600M , de general shaping is very satisfying, only the white markings on the elevation drum, are a less realistic detail. The front sight is a repro of the KAC M4 front sight , also a very decent repro, although with some missing details, such as the fullers on the "tower," and the black color is not in real use (although existing) re-painting the baseplate in taupe could be a nice mod. Below the sight pictures starting with the real version Click here to see al the sight photo's And here the Specna replica version The photo's of the KAC M4 front flip sight, starting with the real sight Click here to see al the photo's And the Specna version ............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................. About the internals To check these de S-A03 need to further disassembled, starting with separating the lower from the upper receiver, therefore the steel pins need to be taken out, de upper now slides of the lower receiver, inner barrel, and hop up unit can be taken out. This is a classic metal hop up unit, with a brass 286 mm inner barrel The Crane stock can now be removed, existing out of a rubber but pad, and a plastic block wich allows acces to the battery compartiment's in the cheek welds. On the photo also visible the Tamiya connector, there is NO fuse between the cables ............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................. The SAEC system The legendary quick spring change system from Specna Arms, many where already curious how (good) this system in fact works. So i have tried to demonstrate this system as good, and clear, as possible. In fact its a very simple, but brilliant system, ideal to adjust the FPS of the replica, without each time taking the gearbox out of the replica, with an E&C it stops there, but with a classic gearbox , you need to open up the gearbox each time again.(livespan of the screws is one of the first issue i think about) I also made a video of it , seems the best way to demonstrate this system i think ?! Click here to see al the SAEC photo's ............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................. V2 gearbox disassembling Before we can reveal the internal gearbox parts, the receiver need to be further disassembled in following way: Remove Magcatch Remove Boltcatch Extract gearbox lockpin Remove motor Remove pistolgrip REMARKING: markings on the Specna motor (first time for me is see that) Click here to see al the disassembling photo's ............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................. The Specna V2 SAEC gearbox Can now be taken out the lower receiver, after unscrewing the Torx screws, both shel's can be taken appart, and the following is revealed: REMARKING: Plastic piston with full metal teeth ! Plastic piston head with ball bearings ! Further: Steel gears, the bevel seems less, or more shimmed. Brass type-1 cylinder. Plastic cylinderhead with a basic rubber damper, and 1 o-ring. Plastic nozzle WITHOUT o-ring. The anti-reversal latch is removed in function of the ASCU2 systeem (Optional) Click here to see al the gearbox photo's ............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................. De ASCU2 gen.4 electronic module From the Bulgarian Airsoft System is been offered more, and more by Gunfire , already installed in a replica , this way , you save about €30 on the ASCU2. The ASCU2 + SA-A03 SAEC combination isn't offered yet -standard by Gunfire- , so i let my ASCU2 custom, build in by Gunfire. Installing the ASCU by Gunfire, is required to keep your warranty, and besides its a free service from Gunfire ! Now i am not really an electronics specialist, so my description wil be more a summary of the known features. The ASCU2 is an electronic module witch need to optimize the general functioning of the replica. existing out of a sensor unit, and a control unit. The module analyses the data from the sensors, and use it to control the motor. Bellow a summary of the functions: Active break: with this function the motor is "stopped" at the right moment, by an inverse "current pulse" (do i say this right ?) the anti reversal latch isn't necessary anymore, piston cycle runs more consistent, no matter how fast the trigger is pulled, the cycle wil be finished each time the trigger is activated. Especially in full auto the piston stops always at the right position (also check my demo-video) LiPO protect: With this protection, the replica stops functioning when the Voltage has become to low, to avoid damage to accu, and replica, an acoustic signal wil sound. Malfunction protect : With this function de module wil prevent further shooting if any mechanical problem occurs, beside an acoustic signal wil sound. Firing modes: very nice function, i made a demo-video of it. Hop Up mode: this is an optional mode, for witch the ASHU ho pup chamber is required, The unit monitors if there is stil a BB left in the chamber, and stops the replica when the last BB is fired, there is also a switch witch need to be activate with the bolt catch, most likely a more realistic experience. Active break demo Firing modes demo ............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................. Performance test out of the box Finaly i did some "stock" testing of this SA-A03, first i filled the mag with 0.30g Specna BB's and putted the SA-A03 behind my Element chrono. Then i mounted, and levelled the SA-A03 in my shooting stand, and positioned a target 12M further away, perfectly aligned with the replica's bore, and with the help of my laser bore calibrator. Click here to see al the test photo's And the final result after adjusting the hop up unit ............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................. UPGRADING, STYLING & PIMPING BLOCK II CQBR or MK18 mod1 This SA-A03 is a straight BLOCK II CQBR replica, or is it an MK18mod1 ? A discussion in witch i was involved a few times, and i must say it ain't easy. I started a quest to find out the truth, i tried to get in contact with the US navy and Crane itself , but they wouldn't share that info with outsiders. I did getted in contact with a retired Green Beret, witch now is a small arms instructor/armorer for Crane, and also surprisingly Daniel Defense itself appeared to be very, very helpful, they have a chat function, and even the Law Enforcement sales manager was very helpful. Surprisingly as Airsoft wannabees it seems we have a tremendous knowledge after all ! But was the final result of my quest = undecided, both nomenclatures seems correct. Al tough the BLOCK II CQBR theory as my personal preference, and seems most logic to me since there is already a CQBR, and a block II SOPMOD Possible the MK18mod1 description is raised out of commercial intends, but that's not obvious. MK18 mod0 vs MK18 mod1 What's an MK18mod0, wel i wont go any further into this, because this would be to weapon-technique, and wouldn't be Airsoft relevant anymore. But below a short description of the most important, cosmetic features ............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................ Upgrading: Is a personal choice for everyone of us, but following tips might be considered as universal (i think) Precision: Innerbarrel: replacing by a precision barrel Bucking: replacing by a flat hop, maple leaf, or other high end bucking Hop up unit: replacing by a Lonex, or Prowin Consistence: Nozzle: replacing by a version with an o-ring Airseal: around the bucking optimalisation with nylon thread, or teflontape General functioning: Pistonhead replacing by a silent model AOE correcting with a Cylinderhead damping mod Gears: shimming Cylinder replacing by a model with more volume in case there wil be played with the more heavy 0.30g or heavier BB's Due to pimping i have following tips: Screws of rail and sight replacing for a model with the a more "correct" head. White markings on the elevation drum paint them black. Base plate of the front sight re-painting in taupe USMC logo hiding with a paintjob. RIS rail FDE paintjob For the accessories: i refer to my SOPMOD guides, for inspiration , i also added some inspiring pic's Click here ............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................ Pro's and con's + Price (check Gunfire) + Outstanding BlockII CQBR / MK18mod1 base + SAEC system + ASCU2 = a very nice option + Full metal replica + Functional bolt catch + Very Nice RIS II rail + Nice KAC styled sights + Piston head, and springguide with ball bearings + Full metal teeth piston + Comes stock wit a 7.4 LiPO - USMC logo - RIS II rail in black - Unrealistic details on the sights - ASCU pricey upgrade - Basic hop up, and bucking - Plastic nozzle without O-ring - Lot of wobble on mag &stock - Outer barrel very basic ............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................. Edited November 12, 2016 by aac 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
DarkLite Posted November 14, 2016 Report Share Posted November 14, 2016 I'd reccomend putting the anti-reversal back in. It'll not cause any problems and will put less stress on the ASCU and motor. 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
aac Posted November 14, 2016 Author Report Share Posted November 14, 2016 I'd reccomend putting the anti-reversal back in. It'll not cause any problems and will put less stress on the ASCU and motor. I was already thinking about that, yes. Right now i have an issue with the ASCU, after 1 shot the ASCU put the replica in Alarm-mode. When i unscrew the spring guide (less tension) the replica functions again. That being said: Airsoft Systems recommend an HT motor, but i have still the stock Specna motor Quote Link to post Share on other sites
DarkLite Posted November 14, 2016 Report Share Posted November 14, 2016 I was already thinking about that, yes. Right now i have an issue with the ASCU, after 1 shot the ASCU put the replica in Alarm-mode. When i unscrew the spring guide (less tension) the replica functions again. That being said: Airsoft Systems recommend an HT motor, but i have still the stock Specna motor That's because the ASCU without the anti reversal is relying on the motor to stop the geartrain from reversing. If the motor isn't strong enough (IE: the stock ferrite 32tpa motor that Specna supplies which is identical to the old Chaoli stock motors that all the ACM AEGs come with) then the motor will need more current to apply the braking force to stop the gearbox in the right place, leading to a current spike the ASCU thinks is indicative of a problem - hence the alarm mode. If you have a strong neodynium motor in there, it won't need so much current to apply braking force and as such will hold better. But if you have an anti reversal in there it won't need to apply any braking force at all, leading to a longer life span for the motor and the geartrain, as well as your battery. This is one of the reasons I really dislike the ASG CZ Skorpion, because they completely removed any provision for the anti-reversal, meaning you reduce the range of motors you can use with the AEG and still have it work reliably. Essentially: this is a very complicated and unreliable method of solving the problem that the antireversal already fixes. The ONLY justification for removing the antireversal is to avoid the 'Semi-auto lock up' issue that sometimes arises when the geartrain comes to rest with the cut off lever engaged in semi auto, resulting in a locked trigger until you switch to full auto and fire again. The proper way to deal with that issue is to change the sector gear cam's shape: But in all honesty, I don't encounter this issue much unless you have a very underpowered battery. 99.99% of gearboxes will never see this issue. 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
aac Posted November 14, 2016 Author Report Share Posted November 14, 2016 Or to keep it simple, i better can put the anti reversal back in the gearbox Quote Link to post Share on other sites
jal3 Posted November 14, 2016 Report Share Posted November 14, 2016 That's because the ASCU without the anti reversal is relying on the motor to stop the geartrain from reversing. If the motor isn't strong enough (IE: the stock ferrite 32tpa motor that Specna supplies which is identical to the old Chaoli stock motors that all the ACM AEGs come with) then the motor will need more current to apply the braking force to stop the gearbox in the right place, leading to a current spike the ASCU thinks is indicative of a problem - hence the alarm mode. If you have a strong neodynium motor in there, it won't need so much current to apply braking force and as such will hol\d better. But if you have an anti reversal in there it won't need to apply any braking force at all, leading to a longer life span for the motor and the geartrain, as well as your battery. This is one of the reasons I really dislike the ASG CZ Skorpion, because they completely removed any provision for the anti-reversal, meaning you reduce the range of motors you can use with the AEG and still have it work reliably. Essentially: this is a very complicated and unreliable method of solving the problem that the antireversal already fixes. ASCU applies braking regardless of your ARL. I won't apply any less with the ARL, not that i have heard of. AFAIK the only unit on the market which has adaptive braking / overspin control is the Gate TITAN. It will auto-adjust between shots so it always sits in the same spot. And yes, you should absolutely always use the ARL with ASCU. 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
aac Posted November 15, 2016 Author Report Share Posted November 15, 2016 According to a friend Airsoft-gunsmith , replacing the ARL is not enough. An HT motor is always required with the ASCU's Quote Link to post Share on other sites
DarkLite Posted November 16, 2016 Report Share Posted November 16, 2016 According to a friend Airsoft-gunsmith , replacing the ARL is not enough. An HT motor is always required with the ASCU's I can't really comment as the only ASCUs I own have gone into AEGs with high end internals and all of them have HT motors, but I'd not be surprised. 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
NeoVeNoM Posted December 23, 2016 Report Share Posted December 23, 2016 First of that is a very nice review you made. My hat off to you sir! But regarding the need of a HT motor for an ASCU, is there any basis for it? In essence a HT motor is meant to deliver the power needed to pull heavy springs, combined with the proper gear ratio. Or is that the ASCU let's power through too easy, and thus relying on the heavy magnets to stop faster? I have seen quite a few people in the past who had blown lipo batteries because the ASCU kept on using quite some battery power even when not engaged. Even one case where the motor, which was a Guarder hispeed, sometimes started on itself. But that was years ago. It is a given to always disconnect your battery after use for safety and prevention of drainage. I am by no means an expert on ASCU's, I personally like the BTC and Gates. But if it work, it works. 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
DarkLite Posted December 23, 2016 Report Share Posted December 23, 2016 First of that is a very nice review you made. My hat off to you sir! But regarding the need of a HT motor for an ASCU, is there any basis for it? In essence a HT motor is meant to deliver the power needed to pull heavy springs, combined with the proper gear ratio. Or is that the ASCU let's power through too easy, and thus relying on the heavy magnets to stop faster? I have seen quite a few people in the past who had blown lipo batteries because the ASCU kept on using quite some battery power even when not engaged. Even one case where the motor, which was a Guarder hispeed, sometimes started on itself. But that was years ago. It is a given to always disconnect your battery after use for safety and prevention of drainage. I am by no means an expert on ASCU's, I personally like the BTC and Gates. But if it work, it works. That's because the ASCU without the anti reversal is relying on the motor to stop the geartrain from reversing. If the motor isn't strong enough (IE: the stock ferrite 32tpa motor that Specna supplies which is identical to the old Chaoli stock motors that all the ACM AEGs come with) then the motor will need more current to apply the braking force to stop the gearbox in the right place, leading to a current spike the ASCU thinks is indicative of a problem - hence the alarm mode. If you have a strong neodynium motor in there, it won't need so much current to apply braking force and as such will hold better. But if you have an anti reversal in there it won't need to apply any braking force at all, leading to a longer life span for the motor and the geartrain, as well as your battery. This is one of the reasons I really dislike the ASG CZ Skorpion, because they completely removed any provision for the anti-reversal, meaning you reduce the range of motors you can use with the AEG and still have it work reliably. Essentially: this is a very complicated and unreliable method of solving the problem that the antireversal already fixes. The ONLY justification for removing the antireversal is to avoid the 'Semi-auto lock up' issue that sometimes arises when the geartrain comes to rest with the cut off lever engaged in semi auto, resulting in a locked trigger until you switch to full auto and fire again. The proper way to deal with that issue is to change the sector gear cam's shape: But in all honesty, I don't encounter this issue much unless you have a very underpowered battery. 99.99% of gearboxes will never see this issue. 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
aac Posted December 24, 2016 Author Report Share Posted December 24, 2016 In fact Airsoft systems -the manufacturer of the ASCU- recommend it already in its manual ! Its Gunfire who offers the replica's with the ASCU and stock motor, self declaring the stock motor is fine ?! Quote Link to post Share on other sites
aac Posted December 24, 2016 Author Report Share Posted December 24, 2016 First of that is a very nice review you made. My hat off to you sir! Well thx for appreciating my work (and it was quite some work, this review ) Btw do you speak Vlaams or Francais ? l Quote Link to post Share on other sites
NeoVeNoM Posted December 31, 2016 Report Share Posted December 31, 2016 (edited) Well thx for appreciating my work (and it was quite some work, this review ) Btw do you speak Vlaams or Francais ? l Actually I speak all 3 official languages. @Darklite: of course the Anti-reverse, that is why. But I always keep those in. Edited December 31, 2016 by NeoVeNoM Quote Link to post Share on other sites
aac Posted December 31, 2016 Author Report Share Posted December 31, 2016 (edited) Actually I speak all 3 official languages. Wel, that's even better When my SA-G01(M4A1 SOPMOD) project is finished, i wil start with upgrading this A0-3, and -of coarse- il keep you guys updated Edited December 31, 2016 by aac Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Patti41 Posted September 30, 2017 Report Share Posted September 30, 2017 This M4 looks amazing, dude great job about this review. Looking for more. I hope in the future i will gather some money for such a magnificent replic Quote Link to post Share on other sites
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