M4 metal body guide
 

I've wanted to find more info about the various types of M4 metal bodies, and I was surprised to find that they differ so much in terms of features, fitment, what they include, etc.

I actually don't know that much about all the different types, but I thought at least I could start compiling info on the various brands, I can edit this post with any updated info coming in from other ASC users if everyone supports the idea.

Please give feedback on how this could improve, I just want the get the ball rolling. Maybe help me fill in the info with a template like this? (Just copy and edit the text as required)

I'm not trying to list all the different logo / insignia types, they can just be included in the "insignia" portion of a particular brand of metal body. Hope this is helpful for other people interested in metal bodies.

***This is just an EXAMPLE, I don't have a metal body (trying to be informed before getting one) but I figure something like this could work.

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Brand: "Wang Chung" M4 metal body (just made up name)

*** Insert picture here***

Manufacture type: die cast aluminum
Insignia / logo / selector finish: logos are painted on, no engraved
Finishes available: black, tan, OD green
Insignias available: Delta Force, Navy Seals and Zombie Killer.
Included with body: receiver pins, ejection port cover, forward assist knob
Working furniture?: No, when you pull the cocking handle, nothing happens. You have to open the port cover by hand
Metal hop up included?: NO
Fitment with gearbox: good, rating: 9/10
Fitment with other parts on assembly: good, rating 8/10
Magazine fitment: OK, Marui magazines fit OK, CA Mags are too tight
Notes on assembly / issues with metal body:
There are no gaps or loose fit between upper and lower receiver halves. The cocking handle, trigger guard is not included, so you need to buy all the other assembly parts.
The insignia and selector markings wear off, they are not engraved.
Magazine fitment was mediocre, Marui mags fit OK, but other like CA, and replicas from Ehobby have a tight fit. Magwell requires sanding / grinding.
Overall rating: 7.5/10

I'll do a review of the Magpul body since I've been trying to gather info on it. *Note: I don't own one, this is based on info I have gathered.

Brand: Magpul MIAD PTS Metal body

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3030/...0dccff51_o.jpg

Manufacture type: die cast aluminum
Insignia / logo / selector finish: logo is engraved, selector marks are engraved and painted. Unique serial numbers.
Finishes available: black, dark earth
Insignias available: Magpul
Included with body: receiver pins, ejection port cover, forward assist knob
Working furniture?: No, when you pull the cocking handle, the port cover will open. The inner dust cover (fake bolt) will not work, it's too tight of a fit and may need modification to work.
Metal hop up included?: NO
Fitment with gearbox: Fits Marui version 2 gearbox tightly, does NOT work with CA gearboxes
Fitment with other parts on assembly: good, some front ends may not fit all the way tight to the front of the body due to the threads being slightly longer
Magazine fitment: good
Notes on assembly / issues with metal body:
The fake metal slide may bind with the hop up. Note that the experimental kit has a removable trigger guard, the Magpul receiver sold on it's one has the trigger guard cast as one piece with the lower body.
Overall rating: 7.5/10

Brand: Dboys M4 metal body

No picture at the moment

Manufacture type: Cast potmetal/monkey-metal
Insignia / logo / selector finish:all markings laser etched
Finishes available: black, tan, OD green
Insignias available: Too many to list
Included with body: Receiver pins, ejection port cover, forward assist knob, charging handle, mag release, selector, bolt release
Working furniture?: Charging handle doesn't always open cover...
Metal hop up included?: No
Fitment with gearbox: Varies from body to body.
Fitment with other parts on assembly: Depends on body
Magazine fitment: Mine takes KA mags well
Notes on assembly/issues with metal body: Be prepared to grind/sand/file the lower. I recommend using a G&P hopup with KA mags. This combo seems to work best with my Dboys bodies...
Overall rating: It really depends on the body. Each one is different...

anyone know how well a g&p zombie killer metal body would work with a jg hk416? ....it comes with a metal hop unit too

The 416 receivers have a higher upper on them. If you try to fit a standard size M4 receiver, you'll have a difference in hieght from your body to your rail system.

is that difference enough to make an eotech 552 clone not fit over both the front end and reciever?
on a metal reciever the top rail isnt removable huh?

Yes.

Does anyone know if G&P bodies have full working furniture?

Some come with, others come without.

G&P Bodies come in different versions, especially in Asian retail markets. You can get the Metal body with all the furniture (and it functions) or just the upper and lower, and any state in between.

the zombie killer body is made by g&p. the one i got from ehobby comes with all the other parts of the reciever and extra ones and even a metal hop unit that im not looking forward to putting together

sounds like im gonna have to file down a few bars on the front ends ris

also note with g and p metal bodys they do come in and and b version lowers a being the full end and b being the srottend end.

If someone has a G&P, can you do a full review on it (like the ones above?) It would be super helpful to have all the info in 1 place.

Thanks!

G&P Marine

Picture:
http://img.redwolfairsoft.com/upload...mg/GP184-L.jpg


Brand: G&P Marine

Manufacture type: 7075 Aluminum
Insignia / logo / selector finish: Stamped and/or laser etched depending on location, Supposedly Unique serial number.
Finishes available: Black
Insignias available: Too many to list
Included with body: Depends on Version purchased, Comes as just the upper/lower, or upper/lower with all furniture and Hopup, or anything in between
Working furniture: Charging handle functional IE Pull handle port pops open. I setup my dustcover to remain open as i find that the feature is inconsistent with the parts provided.
Metal hop up included?: See above
Fitment with gearbox: Perfect fit for TM V2, and Systema Drag 'N drop box
Fitment with other parts on assembly: Depends on make of aftermarket parts, TM mag catch needed some filing to fit.
Magazine fitment: KA and TM mags are a bit loose in the Magwell solve with foam tape or Softside velcro.
Notes on assembly/issues with metal body: Be prepared for a giant amount of work if you need to recut the threads of the upper to fit TM M4S systems (+Hurricane adaptor set) or if you need to recut threads. This may not be an issue if you use a G&P Delta ring but I cannot say for sure. Madbull Delta Ring Modification Tool AKA Rethreading tool required. FOLLOW THE INSTRUCTIONS ON THE TOOL.

Overall rating: Excellent. 9/10 Body is heavy, and heavily anodized, and took very little damage despite being secured in a vice grip.


EDITed

Thanks Azathoth! Good info.

Just a couple things: when you say you need to recut the threads, is that only if you were trying to install an M4S front on it? I would assume if you use a standard RIS / foregrip, no thread mods are req'd?

When you pull the charging handle, the port cover flies open correct?

BTW: the link you attached to Arnies for recutting threads doesn't seem to work.