Specna Arms SA-C05 CORE? Gen.2 HAL? ETU? M4/AR-15 AEG

If you’re looking for a sneaky CQB platform, the Specna Arms SA-C05 CORE? Gen.2 HAL? ETU? M4/AR-15 AEG is one to watch. Constructed to Specna’s CORE standard, the SA-C05 Gen.2 boasts a CNC aluminium handguard and alloy outer barrel paired with a high-density polymer receiver, buffer tube, stock and pistol grip, giving you a great combination of realism and ease of use. As with the original CORE series, the polymer quality is top-notch, more scratch-resistant than comparable metal receivers and ultra-light for high energy throughout the skirmish day.

Starting at the front, we can see the integral suppressor poking out of the CNC aluminium quad-railed handguard, giving the SA-C05 Gen.2 a honey badger-style vibe, ideal for stealthy skirmishers. The suppressor is made from aluminium and conceals an extended 6.03mm tightbore inner barrel beneath, giving you above-average accuracy potential and a slight increase in FPS thanks to air efficiency improvements.

The stealthy look comes at the small cost that you’ll need a barrel extension to mount a tracer unit due to the extended inner barrel, but these are easy to source thanks to the outer barrel’s common 14mm CCW male threading. The handguard itself is constructed from CNC-machined aluminium, guaranteeing a flawless form and precise, in-spec attachment interfaces. 20mm Picatinny rails are present at the 3, 6, 9 and 12 o’clock positions, ready for your choice of 20mm rail-compatible accessories, including grips, lasers, flashlights and more!

Next up, we reach the receiver, which is of a standard and instantly recognisable M4/AR-15 configuration with controls laid out in a considerate and ergonomic manner, allowing the SA-C05 Gen.2 to be manipulated quickly and instinctively, even by new users.

The fire selector lever can be found just above the pistol grip, on the left side of the AEG, providing 3 modes of fire: SAFE, SEMI, and AUTO, with a 90-degree throw between each. The fire modes are helpfully marked in bold recessed text on the receiver, and the selector switch locks positively into each mode with the help of texture on its surface to guarantee you have a good grip on this important control. The magazine release is on the right side of the magazine well and is accessible for a right-handed user with the tip of the trigger finger or by a lefty using the off-hand thumb.

Pulling back the charging handle, located at the top rear of the receiver, will open the dust cover and retract the mock bolt carrier to allow access to the rotary HOP-up adjuster. This is the latest HOP-up unit design for the M4/AR-15 and provides finer increments of adjustment and holds its setting more effectively when compared to the older gear-style HOP-up unit. The charging handle has an extended latch for easier access, allowing even those with thick gloves to access the HOP-up unit, though you may need to take off a glove to turn the adjuster!

The bolt catch, over on the left side of the receiver, does not function but is nonetheless a separate part, avoiding a moulded-in bolt catch, a tell-tale sign of a replica. The forward assist is a similar story, being present on the right side of the upper receiver and being a separate moving part which can be pressed in but does not affect the function of the AEG. A new addition to this HAL-equipped SA-C05 Gen.2 is its flat trigger, enhancing the aesthetic with a touch of modernity and providing an easily slappable trigger for snappy double-taps in semi-auto.

The pistol grip of the SA-C05 Gen.2 is an M16A2/M4A1 style pistol grip, also known as the “A2” finger ridged grip. The A2 has diamond checkering on either side and linear texture on the back strap to provide excellent gripping qualities, whether you wear gloves or not. The finger ridge is designed to help you keep hold of the rifle and prevent the grip from slipping out of your hands when held in a single hand. As with most M4/AR-15 AEGs, this grip is compatible with aftermarket M4/AR-15 AEG grips, ideal for customisation addicts!

At the rear of the receiver, we come to the venerable M4/AR-15 buffer tube, constructed from strong high-density polymer and offering 6 length-of-pull adjustment positions for the crane stock. To adjust the stock, simply press the adjustment lever on the bottom and slide it into your position of choice. This allows body armour users to adjust for a comfortable stance and suits shooters of all body types. If you ever feel like changing up the looks of your SA-C05 Gen.2, you’ll be happy to learn that the buffer tube accepts almost all M4/AR-15 AEG sliding stocks!

The battery compartment is inside the crane stock, accessible by squeezing the two tabs at the toe of the stock together, after which you can lift the butt plate off, remove the battery plug and make use of the stock’s built-in battery compartment to house a nunchuck/crane-style battery. Being equipped with the HAL ETU, we are also treated to a Deans/t-plug battery connector, a lower resistance alternative to the mini-Tamiya found on previous Specna Arms CORE AEGs. For the SA-C05 Gen.2, we recommend a 7.4V 1450mAh LiPo crane/nunchuck battery for an easy fit and great performance.

The Crane stock also includes a pair of QD sling sockets, one on each side, allowing for QD sling swivels to be added for a quick, removable sling setup. Conventional sling slots (aka “footman loops”) are also present for those who want a two-point sling but prefer the old-fashioned way. The butt plate is also made from grippy rubber, ensuring your SA-C05 Gen.2 doesn’t slip off your shoulder at a critical moment.

Inside the Gen.2 SA-C05 Gen.2, we are treated to the Aether-enhanced gearbox shell, the same reinforced V2 shell used in Specna’s top-tier PRIME series. The Aether features a reinforced spine and ports throughout the design to allow for easy tuning, ideal for the techy types.

Also inside are 18:1 ratio steel gears running on 8mm bushings. The spring guide is an ESA quick-change example, making power tuning a breeze for those who want to get as close to site limits as possible. The inner barrel is a 6.03mm tightbore paired with the Magnus TDC rotary HOP-up unit, giving you superb accuracy potential and the most up-to-date HOP-up unit style for M4/AR-15 AEGs. All internal parts are Tokyo Marui AEG spec, meaning aftermarket upgrades are a go for the performance seekers!

The HAL? ETU adds a whole lot of functionality into the mix, with programmable fire controls, 6 levels of pre-cocking adjustment and 5 levels of trigger sensitivity adjustment. Available fire modes include 3 or 5-round burst, binary trigger, AUG mode, aka two-stage trigger, semi-auto only and sniper delay, giving you loads of options for how you use your SA-C05. Features like these are usually only present in high-end replicas; we simply cannot believe the wealth of functionality inside the HAL?-equipped SA-C05 Gen.2, especially considering the price!

If you’re looking for an affordable starter platform with advanced functionality, the Specna Arms SA-C05 CORE? Gen.2 HAL? ETU? M4/AR-15 AEG is a great call. Packing more tech inside than ever before with the same thoughtful pre-upgraded parts as the original, the SA-C05 Gen.2 is ideal for new skirmishers or pros seeking the sneaky aesthetic!

Features

• 6.03mm Tightbore inner barrel – Great accuracy potential
• High-density polymer with CNC Aluminium handguard
• Suppressor pre-installed – Sneaky styling!
• 14mm CCW Male threaded outer barrel – Barrel extension required for tracer units
• Flip-up aperture iron sights pre-installed – Adjustable for windage and elevation, 2 apertures to choose from
• 20mm Picatinny railed receiver – Ready for red dot sights, PEQ lasers or scopes to be mounted
• Rotary adjustable HOP-up unit – The latest M4/AR-15 design, holds its setting well and allows for fine adjustment
• Finger ridged “A2” pistol grip – Comfortable for most hand sizes, textured for extra traction
• Flat milspec trigger guard – Matches real US Army issued M4A1 rifles
• 3-Position fire selector switch – SAFE, SEMI AUTO & FULL AUTO, 90-degree throw between each mode
• Extended charging handle – Fast access to the HOP-up unit for quick mid-game adjustment
• Functional mock bolt catch – Send the mock bolt home after HOP-up adjustment by hitting the bolt catch
• 6-Position M4/AR-15 buffer tube – Adjust the stock quickly and easily to suit your body type or loadout
• Crane stock pre-installed – Plenty of battery space, QD sling sockets built-in
• Version 2 Gearbox:
  • Aether Enhanced gearbox shell
  • Aether Aluminium nozzle
  • Polymer piston with steel tooth rack
  • 8mm Bushings
  • ESA quick-change spring system
  • Steel 18:1 ratio gearset
• HAL? Programmable MOSFET/ETU functions:
  • Low-voltage alarm
  • Active braking
  • Adjustable pre-cocking (6 levels)
  • Two-stage trigger (AUG mode)
  • Sniper delay
  • Semi-auto only
  • Binary trigger
  • 3 or 5-round burst
• HAL? Programming instructions
• Rear wired – Deans battery connector inside the buffer tube, accessible with the stock removed
• Recommended battery: 7.4V 1450mAh LiPo battery in stick configuration
• Compatible with M4/AR-15 AEG magazines – Recommended Mags: Specna Arms S-MAG Mid-cap

Package Includes

• Specna Arms SA-C05 CORE? Gen.2 HAL? ETU? M4/AR-15 AEG
  • 380rnd High-cap magazine

Specification