Following Colt M4/M16 related products and accessories is 24/7 job, which is another proof of platform’s versatility. This market is far from saturated and small, nimble and highly specialized manufacturers with ingenious products are appearing daily.
Troy is one of the smaller manufacturers. At the same time Troy Industries Inc. is highly respected name in the industry. Company motto is When “low bid” and “good enough” are unacceptable. They follow this motto to the letter: Troy’s products are ingeniously designed, manufactured to the highest standards and come with a hefty price tag. Which users gladly pay, as they know that they won’t fail in the heat of the battle.
Their line of products include Troy Battle sights, rail systems in different lengths, M14/M1 chassis, flash suppressors, slings and other miscellaneous rifle parts.
King Arms has grown to be one of the most important manufacturers of accessories – and judging from the warm welcome of their first replica, KA FN FAL, their ambition to succeed in highly competitive market of AEG models is not to be underestimated.
Introduction of this model is simply a natural progress. King Arms offers a wide array of accessories (copies of Troy’s products) and introduction of the full replica is simply a matter of assembly. Yes, you could assemble this replica for yourself – with considerable additional cost. And King Arms offers this one at most reasonable price. So, What is the verdict about KA Troy CQB A3 Compact?
It comes in sleek red and black box with giant King Arms logo. Interestingly enough, without any mention of the model. Reason? Cardboard box is padded with precut foam- and there is lot of space for future King Arms’ replicas in different lengths and configurations.
First hands-on impression is very favourable. Finish is top notch and overall configuration reveals that King Arms Troy CQB A3 Compact is one handy tool of the trade. Feeling is amazing and replica point toward the target itself- which is a feature, common to ArmaLite/Colt platform.
Receiver is part of the new receiver series from King Arms, which received warm welcome in community. Its features will be discussed in the moment. But first, lets look at the trades.
Lower receiver is marked as product of STAG ARMS/NEW BRITAIN/CONN. U.S.A. Troy’s logo (Trojan horse, what else) is engraved on the magazine well, together with inscription CLOSE QUARTER BATTLE/SPECIAL PURPOSE CARBINE/ 5.56 MM NATO and individual serial number (000015 in our case).
Obverse side has engraved another logo with inscription CLOSE QUARTER BATTLE/CARBINE 5.56 MM/SPECIL(sic!)ARMS & MUNITIONS. Inscriptions and logos are laser engraved and look very pretty. Typo is bit annoying but it happens to the best (Springfield Amory’s (sic!) line of M1 receivers serves as a reminder).
Other features of the receiver work as advertised:
Takedown pin has an addition of pivot pin to prevent accidental loss during (field) stripping.
Cocking handle operates the dust cover and fake bolt plate. It opens dust cover and retracts bolt plate in the back position. Dust cover opens with satisfying clack; bolt plate is released with press of the bolt catch. Movement of the bolt plate could be smoother; bolt plate scrapes against gearbox, but that is minor point, which does not detract from overall appeal of the receiver.
Quick an dirty demonstration of the function below:
Stock is a copy of Vltor Carbine Modstock. Its distinguishing feature is battery place, which is on real one used as onboard battery storage. This is also very useful feature in airsoft, as batteries can be stored in the telescopic stock.
Additional feature of Vltor Carbine Modstock is its modularity. While this negates its main advantage in airsoft, it is possible to remove side compartments, which are secured with two Hex screws. As you see, stock is not a full replica of VLTOR Modstock, as it is hollow inside.
Which is a moot point anyway, as Carbine Modstock is probably as good platform for battery installation as they get. Lever is ambidextrous and can be easily accessed from either side.
Stock has some wobble, especially when fully extended.
Buffer tube has marked stock positions (1-6); numbers are visible trough the hole on the top of the stock. If you ever wondered, what that hole on the telescopic stocks is all about, here is your answer.
Buffer tube is side cut to enable cables to run to the battery. Installation of regular 8,4V battery is not problematic, you should however take care that you don’t pinch the cables, as they are long and quite soft.
Rear sling swivel is quick detachment (QD) type and is part of the package. As it is located on the far end of the stock I recommend against using it- purchase either clamp on mount around buffer tube or replacement rear end plate adapter with sling swivel.
Front swivel is positioned -as always- beneath the front sight; it is riveted to its place which may require some work in order to remove it, should you choose to do so.
Front sight is a standard fixed type; rear sight is a copy of Troy Rear Folding Battle Sight. And it is a masterpiece. Some even describe it as the best BUIS (Back Up Iron Sight) available. That may just be the case and King Arms neatly copied all its features. Operation is very simple, as there is no buttons or springs to deploy; it simply flips in the position. Simple push of the button on the left side of the sight is necessary to fold it down again.
As said, sight is replicated down to the markings (FOLDING BATTLE SIGHT/ P/N 1614001-2). It has adjustable windage and two selectable flip up apertures.
Flash hider is good old birdcage flash hider. This is no surprise, as it is part of the CQB package. You could change it with something more unique (like Troy Medievil flash hider) or you could enjoy in compatibility with accessories (replica HALO sound suppressor, for instance).
Front portion of this replica consists of die casted replica of MRF-C free float end. It is secured with clamp around delta ring.
As it if free float fore end, importance of the outer barrel’s stability. Luckily, MRF-C does not require removal of hand guard cap. In the real MRF-C there is gap between the fore end and cap; in the airsoft version, cap serves as additional support for outer barrel.
Connection between MRF-C and body is continuous and uninterrupted. Its second important feature is stability. It is rock solid.
Unlike many similar systems, attachment and removal does not require any special tools. In addition, MRF-C is M203 compatible. Simple removal of lower rail enables installation of replica grenade launcher.
Manufacture is good and rail grabber mounted accessories securely click into position. Finish is very good and even several installations and removal of HurricanE Vital didn’t damage it.
This replica has full trades (MRF-C M4/M203 PATENT PENDING) and laser engraved T-numbers (T2-30).
HiCap is ordinary product with 300 BBs capacity. Trap door is opened upwards (think AK magazines). Finish of the HiCap magazine is very dark and scratch resistant.
I must admit that field testing of this product was a extremely enjoyable experience. True, I have a soft spot for Colt/ArmaLite series, but it is rarely seen that so much people who tested replica unanimously agree that it is very good. HopUp was very consistent and even in freezing conditions it worked beyond reproach.
We developed a little torture test, which reveals any short term hidden problems with replicas. Two HiCap magazines are prepared: first is inserted in the replica and dumped as quickly as possible. Without stopping, we replace magazine and dump second HiCap. It may sound primitive, but shoddy workmanship and sub standard parts are quickly revealed. King Arms Troy CQB A3 Compact worked without hitch. Energy of .20 BB is just below 1 J, which is expected.
And now, to the mechanics. Shell of the gearbox is solid, but with exception of KING ARMS markings without any truly distinguishing features. Partial exception are being screws: instead of usual Phillips screws, Hex screws are used.
King Arms traditionally uses red coloured plastic parts. Tappet plate, switch and fire selector are bright red. Quality of King Arms parts is undisputed and they are praised as reliable.
Gears are unmarked, but feel like quality products. Sector gear has installed sector gear cam. This is a neat feature, if you plan to use batteries with higher voltage.
Gearbox is lightly greased and perfectly shimmed. 7mm metal bushings ensure very smooth operation.
Motor is without any stickers, which would reveal its identity. In short: a very good product, worked flawlessly, with batteries ranging from 8,4V, 9,6V and up to 10,4V.
Piston and spring guide are plastic. Again, this is just a short term test (approximately 6000 BBs) but no apparent wear was noticed.
HopUp chamber is metal. I’ve seen my share of broken plastic HopUps and can appreciate a good metal chamber when I see one. King Arms has added two rubber o-rings which are there to prevent escape of compressed air.
Do they work? Frankly, I don’t know. However, replica is very consistent, which proves that HopUp is efficient.
Part of the King Arms Troy CQB A3 Compact package are also two RAS panels and vertical grip. Panels are copies of Tango Down 6″ Rail Grip. It features very aggressive surface to prevent slipping when muddy or wet. Grips are plastic, with no metal parts, to preserve rail from scratching. Installed grips are rock solid.
Vertical grip is copy of BGV-MK46 Battle grip with pocket for switch and storage compartment. Despite its dual locking system it has some wobble.
As there is no shortage of M4/16 replicas and their variants, main question remains: why bother with King Arms Troy CQB A3 Compact? For one, it is very solid package, without any obvious flaws; secondly, price is competitive. Thirdly, at least I find it amusing to tell people that replica is made by King Arms, as people are not yet accustomed to perceive King Arms as replica manufacturer.
But they should, as this product indicates that they have the know-how to be successful in the competitive and often cut-throat market. Minor problems and imperfections aside their first replica of Colt platform is a success.
Test item provided by King Arms