Photo review of the HobbyFix M4A1

[MadMike]

Although I am not around here often lately, a few may remember me. I am that guy who is nuts about AR-15 models. I started collecting six years ago and I fell in love with the HF M16 series instantly. Sadly those models are VERY expensive and rare, so it took a long time until I finally could acquire one for my collection.

I heard that HF sold their M16/M4 moulds to ZEKE. This company is making top notch Airsoft custom parts. Anyway I doubt if there will ever be a reissue of the M4A1 and M16A4 from HF.

HF made these models 1999/2000 in limited numbers (aprrox 150 - 200 pieces), long before MGC offered their HW M4A1.

When I finally received my HF M4A1, I didn't have the heart to open the box for weeks. As a side note, this is the only model in my collection that has a name: Rumpelstiltskin (from that Brothers Grimm tale). My Girlfriend gave it to the M4A1, as she thought that would suit her well (compact, handy, useful, but dangerous and lethal).

The model is very realistic. It takes real magazines and accessories. It has a realistic weight and feel compared to my MGC M4A1.

The only drawback is that the fire selector does not click-in well in the "SEMI" position (the selector is flat and has no hole in this position, unlike the "SAFE" and "AUTO" position, even worse, my selector looks like it is missing an edge) and that the finish is not perfect (small scars and burrs on the receiver), something that bothered me at first. But I learnt that the finish on real Colt rifles is not always perfect as well. Of course this model is full metal, so it will get scratches and signs of wear if handled often (something you can see on real rifles as well).

The colour is not black, but dark grey. The MGC model is black, but I think the colour HF chose is accurate.
There is a slight colour difference between lower and upper receiver. Anyway this is something that can appear on the real guns too.
The gun came with 10 inert rounds on a stripper clip, as well as a plastic muzzle cap (CAPLUGS BUFFALO N.Y. RCL-10) and a real Colt instruction booklet.

Sadly this is a dummy only model, so you have to cycle the inert rounds manually, which is still kind of fun. It can not use pfc caps. That does not bother me as I would not fire this treasure anyway.

So now see the photos:







HF M4A1 (metal) on top, MGC M4A1 (HW plastic) below:









Magazine (dull black finish) that came with the model:


Grey, US Army issue magazine that I prefer:


Nice bolt:














That's all you get with the model (note the plastic muzzle cap for real AR-15s from the USA):


Markings (of course every HF model has a unique serial number with the realistic W prefix):


Let the photos speak:

[John]

Hi Madmike,

Welcome back.
Thanks a lot for the review of your precious HF M4A1.
I'm not collecting long arms and my knowledge in it is nearly zero.
However, from your photos, it is obvious that HF tried very best to replicate every fine details of the real one.
I would say it is a very "real" modelgun.

Regards,
John