Custom-built C8A2 carbine

[Crunchmeister]

Here is my latest and longest-running project - my C8A2 carbine.

This gun started out last fall as a TM M4A1. I bough it with the intention of converting it to the C8. Originally, other than the OD paint, it was stock TM with a DBoys C8 body from Huang.

However, the gun was problematic. Even before opening it or switching bodies, the TM mechbox gave me one problem after another. I managed to get all the internals running smoothly and the mechbox shell finally cracked.

Since then, I've replaced everything. The only TM part left on this gun at the moment is the a newer TM EG1000 motor I bought to replace the original problematic motor. Everything else has been changed.

Externals:
- CA M4 front end
- CA grip
- DBoys C8 body
- JG HK416 crane stock
- Ambi mag catch
- EOTech 552 replica (from Huang)
- Flip-up backup iron sight
- Guarder buffer tube sling attachment

Internals:

- Guarder reinforced mechbox: not sure of the internals. Bought it used from Styrak and he's since cleaned his sales thread, so not sure of the exact internals. Was all quality brand-name parts though, including metal bushings and TM gears. The only "lower grade" part was a JG spring.
- CA 1-piece metal hopup
- Systema hopup sleeve
- TM hopup bucking
- unknown 6.03mm tightbore (bought used - seller couldn't remember the brand)

I'm still looking to get an TRIAD style front rail and a heavy barrel. Those parts will come in good time. For now, I'm quite happy with the gun as it is. It's not 100% accurate to the C8A2 with the crane stock, but hell, I'm happy with "close enough" and tend to lean towards functionality over cosmetics. In this case, the crane stock is for function, not look.

I have my battery currently charging, so I haven't test fired it yet. I'll update this post once I get it all working and tested with some numbers. Styrak said the mechbox was shooting around 375 fps. Not sure if that was with a standard barrel or a tightbore. If it's standard, then I should be able to add another 25 fps with my rightbore putting it at exactly 400. If it was with a tightbore, then I'm still very content with 375.

And now the pr0n.

[Kokanee]

nice! bonus points if you manage to get the "A2" engraved in white behind the "C8"

[rideout]

very nice. im not much for OD but anythign looks sexy on a canadian gun.

[Crunchmeister]

Originally Posted by Kokanee

nice! bonus points if you manage to get the "A2" engraved in white behind the "C8"

I plan on having that done sometime down the road, actually. I want to complete the look. The only sore point of the receiver as it stands is the Netherlands serial number, but I can live with a minor flaw like that.

Originally Posted by rideout

very nice. im not much for OD but anythign looks sexy on a canadian gun.

Same. I don't like painted guns at all, but find the simple OD looks good on this gun.

[Styrak]

That 375 FPS was with a ~300mm 6.04mm Element tightbore.

Here's the list of what was in the mechbox:

- TM gears
- bearing spring guide (Element I think)
- JG spring ~375 FPS
- Element polycarbonate piston and bearing piston head
- Element metal bearings
- Modify metal cylinder head
- Modify tappet plate
- Deep Fire airseal nozzle

[Crunchmeister]

Thanks for the update on the gearbox contents. That means I should have a bit more than 375 fps because of the longer, but smaller diameter barrel.

[WilliamS]

very nice. were did you get the c8 body form?

[KaiFF]

Body from Guarder, i have same one, hastened when collected, it was necessary to wait and make an engraving...