Tokyo Marui Knight's SR-16 Review
Review by Stan


[ Tokyo Marui KAC SR-16 Specifications ]
Manufacturer
Tokyo Marui (Japan)
Magazine Capacity
Low 68 / Hi-Cap 300
Model
KAC SR-16 Stoner Rifle
Ammunition
6mm BB Pellets
System
Electric w/ Hop-Up - Ver 2 Gearbox (EG1000)
Velocity
260-290 fps (stock)
Fire Modes
Semi / Full Auto
Rate of Fire
850 rounds/min
Power Source
8.4V 1800mah Large NiCad/NiMh
Barrel Length
364mm
Built Material
ABS Plastic & Aluminum
Weight
3,250g

 

INTRODUCTION
This is one of Tokyo Marui's latest masterpiece, the Knights Armament SR-16 (Stoner Rifle). The SR-16 is supposed to be a replica of the KAC SR-15 M4 Carbine which is basicly a M4 with a full stock and a Modular Weapon Rail Interface System (RIS). The SR16 has a flat top reciever just like the M4 but instead of a carrying handle it comes with a Flip Up Sight. People say "wuts so special about the SR-16, its just a M4 RIS with a full stock", you're right, it is a M4 RIS with a full stock but with some major improvements such as the elimination of the infamous M16 barrel wobble problem.


Tokyo Marui KNIGHT'S SR-16

SR-16 Rail Interface System (RIS)
One of the most noticable feature of the SR-16 is the Rail Interface System (R.I.S) which allows you to mount almost every imagineable firearm accessory from flashlights to laser aiming modules, the possibilities are endless. Not to mention the fact that there are 5 surfaces to mount these accessories on including the flat top reciever. The SR-16 comes with 4 rail covers and a KAC vertical forgrip which adds to the "tactical" look of the gun. It is incredible how comfortable the gun feels with the vertical grip, it's as if we were designed to hold a gun vertically. The KAC vertical grip also allows for quick point shooting and makes the gun much more manuvereable in close quarter battles.

The RIS is constructed of metal and has the original markings from the real steel KAC one. The RIS is a real biggy for the SR-16 since most aftermarket RIS systems can cost over $300. It seems TM has finally solved the M16 barrel wobble for the SR-16 with a better outer barrel design and a RIS system that distributes the stress evenly between the 2 mounts. There is absolutely no barrel wobble with the SR-16. The metal collar helps keep the front barrel assembly fixed in its place while holding the reciever nice and snug. Needless to say, regularly tightening the screws and applying a small drop of lock tite will insure nothing gets loose in the heat of a firefight, where extreme manuevers are inevitable.

Knight's Armament Markings
The SR-16 reciever markings are identical to the real KAC SR-15. On the front side of the reciever there is the KAC logo and above that there is the marking "SR-16 M4 STONER RIFLE". Under the logo there is the caliber marking "CAL. 5.56MM" and the serial number "KA20511". On the backside of the reciever there is the markings "KNIGHT'S MFG. CO. VERO BEACH. FL. U.S.A" The attention to detail by TM are seen through out the gun. The reciever is painted a matte black as opposed to the greyish colour on the M4 and A2 recievers. There are TM markings on the backside of the reciever and on the ris covers but these are extremely small and hard to see unless your right up to the gun.

Lets talk about some of the advantages of the SR-16. The A2 full stock that comes standard with the SR-16 allows storage of a large custom battery, you can get a 12V 2000mah battery in the stock with minor customization. This means the SR-16 can shoot longer and faster than most aeg's stock, not the mention the incredible upgradability of the gun.

The SR-16 uses the popular version 2 gearbox which can be fully upgraded with whatever you desire, the large battery storage means it can use some pretty big batteries which translates into longer usage time and higher rate of fire.The SR-16 is also a great base for a sniper rifle. Mounting high power scopes and bi-pods are a breeze for the SR-16 because of the RIS and the flat top reciever and it has enough battery capacity to run high power springs which require lots of tourque. The full stock also acts as a cheek rest for easier aiming and helps balance the overall feel of the gun.

The M4A1 probably has more accessories made for it than any other gun. The aftermarket parts for it just keep coming, even now there are still new accessories being made for it. Being almost completely identical to the M4, the SR-16 has the priviledge of using all these accessories from Systema Metal Recievers to the Surefire M500 Tactical Flashlight. This makes the gun fully customizable for any type of mission whether it be in the night or missions that require extreme stealth. This also means if there is any part broken on your SR-16 there are probably tons of replacement parts for it.

Magazine changes on the SR-16 is swift and easy thanks to the practical design of the AR-15, the button is right where I want it and it can be accessed with one hand on the gun. Also your trigger finger feels comfortable outside of the trigger guard when the gun is not in use.


The SR-16 does not come with the usual carrying handle of the M4A1, instead it comes with a 300m KAC style flip-up rear sight. Although this sight may seem rather wimpy, it actually works surprisingly well and lines up with the front sight perfectly. However I found the sight hole a bit small and hard to see through so I personally would recommend an Aimpoint red dot sight or an Eotech Holosight for fast target acquisition. Good thing about this sight is that you can use it in conjunction with most optics since it can flipped down when not in use and can be quickly flipped up as used as back up iron sights.

The SR-16 has a mecca of metal parts including the RIS, outer barrel, flashider, front sight, rear flip up sight, charging handle, selector switch, magazine release, collar, sling swivel, trigger, ejector port, flat top weaver rail and the butt cap. All these metal parts makes the SR-16 a pretty heavy gun, weighing just under 3250g including the battery and clip. The SR-16 flash hider is held by a allen screw and can be twisted off, a reversal adapter is needed to mount the KSC Socom Silencer onto this gun. The flashider looks like part of it has been chipped off, this is a KAC design that is unique to the SR series rifles.

Instead of a carrying handle that comes with the M4 and the M4 RIS, the SR-16 comes with a TM made flip up sight. The flip up sight mounts onto the flat top weaver rail and can be adjusted left and right. I personally think the flip up sight is ugly and dull but it proved to be very accurate when its flipped up. It is very easy to aim all you have to do is line up the front sight with the hole, the sight is made of metal and can be mounted on any standard weaver rail. Pulling back the charging handle opens up the ejection port where the hop up can be adjusted. With a metal body installed the ejection port will no longer open when the charging handle is pulled. I like the ejector port open as the one on the real steel ar15's are open when firing.


CONCLUSION
Overall the Tokyo Marui SR-16 is truly an awesome all around gun and I highly recommend it for beginners that want a gun that not only that looks great but performs excellent. In the hand of a veteran, the SR-16 is even more deadly with lots of potential for future upgrades. There really isnt really any downside to the gun except the fact that it is a pretty expensive aeg and it a bit front heavy. Some people dont like the full stock as it doesnt match up to the overall dimentions of the gun, but having a large battery capacity is very important in airsoft and i think the trade off is worth it. The TM SR-16 is the perfect platform for a deadly field gun with the range of an M4 with the power of a large battery packed together. The flexibility in terms of accessory choices is simply amazing and translates to a highly customizeable weapon suitable for all types of scenarios and missions.

 


[ PROS ]
[ CONS ]
[ RATINGS ]

- Realistic Knight's Armament Co. markings.
- Large battery capacity thanks to the A2 full stock.
- Rail interface system allows for attachment of many standard accessories: grips, tactical lights, laser sights etc...
- Made in Japan, high quality and good reliability.
- High quality metal parts: outer barrel, flash hider, rail interface system.

- A2 full stock limits the guns manueverability.
- Easy to break the two reciever tabs, if broken must purchase metal body.
- Needs upgrading
Quality
9.5
Realism
8.5
Accuracy
8
Range
8
Rate of Fire
9.0
Sights
8.5
Reliability
8
Accessories
9
Upgradability
8.5
Mag Changes
8
Balance
7
Comfort
7
Value
7.5
OVERALL
8.19
 
[ FINAL CONCLUSION ]

Overall the Tokyo Marui SR-16 is truly an awesome all around gun and I highly recommend it for beginners that want a gun that not only that looks great but performs excellent. In the hand of a veteran, the SR-16 is even more deadly with lots of potential for future upgrades. There really isnt really any downside to the gun except the fact that it is a pretty expensive aeg and it a bit front heavy. Some people dont like the full stock as it doesnt match up to the overall dimentions of the gun, but having a large battery capacity is very important in airsoft and i think the trade off is worth it. The TM SR-16 is the perfect platform for a deadly field gun with the range of an M4 with the power of a large battery packed together. The flexibility in terms of accessory choices is simply amazing and translates to a highly customizeable weapon suitable for all types of scenarios and missions.

Review by Stan - Planet Airsoft Webmaster
 


Best Viewed at 800x600 Resolution with Mozilla Firefox
Planet Airsoft Copyright © 2001-2006 ALL RIGHTS RESERVED