Matrix "Speed" M203 Grenade Launcher for M4/M16 Series
Dec 25, 2016 2:40:52 GMT -5
Post by triggs (SABR) on Dec 25, 2016 2:40:52 GMT -5
Full Album Review – Matrix 40mm M203 Grenade Launcher
Matrix "Speed" M203 Grenade Launcher for M4 M16 Series Airsoft Rifles by S&T
- Real Steel History
- Overview
- Accessories
- Externals review
- Internals review
- Performance
- Final Thoughts and Upgradeability
Real Steel History
The M203 is a single-shot 40 mm under-barrel grenade launcher designed to attach to a rifle. It uses the same rounds as the older stand-alone M79 break-action grenade launcher, which utilizes the High-Low Propulsion System to keep recoil forces low. Quite versatile, and compatible with many rifle models, the M203 was originally designed for the U.S. M16 and its variant, the M4 Carbine. The launcher can also be mounted onto a C7, a Canadian version of the M16 rifle, however, this requires the prior removal of the bottom handguard. (taken from www.wikipedia.com )
Overview
With the holidays come sales; and sales mean deals. I decided to pick this “Speed” M203 up from Evike as a Christmas Present for my brother. Of course, I have to make sure it works first, so I might as well write up a review while I have it open.
Officially the launcher is listed as “Matrix,” which is Evike’s in-house name for anything from any company. Basically Evike has direct connections to the same China factories which produce items for other well known brand names. In this case it’s the S&T “Light-weight version” M203. Typically, “Matrix items come in plain boxes, this one came in the S&T packaging which is rare.
On the subject of packaging, the product doesn’t come with much in the way of padding. The launcher was separated from its accessories by a piece of cardboard folded over as a divider, not exactly safe keeping by any means.
Accessories
While no shells are included, it does come with three different adapters for attaching the launcher to various types of rifles.
(TOP) is the adapter for the standard 1913-Picatinny RIS. The adapter is bolted to the launcher with two included screws, and then the large thumb nuts clamp the launcher securely to the rifle.
(MIDDLE) is one of two adapters meant to quickly attach to the barrel of a M4/M16. This one appears to have a smaller collar and two cutouts. It is for the S&T “Sportline” AEG’s according to the instructions.
(BOTTOM) is a similar looking adapter meant for quickly attaching the launcher to a Tokyo Marui spec M4/M16 that have the standard M4/M16 Delta Ring.
The instructions are also included, with a step-by-step guide on everything from mounting to loading, and firing shells. Even the English translation wasn’t too bad.
Externals Review
The M203 is a simple accessory. There really isn’t much to it. The Matrix “Speed” branding and the S&T “Lightweight Version” pretty much boil down to the launcher being made from mostly nylon fiber reinforced plastic. Despite it being made of plastic, it feels extremely sturdy and has a good weight to it. Not as heavy as a full metal M203, but it doesn’t feel like it will break if I sneeze on it.
Trademarks are almost non-existent, except for a very blatant S&T Armament engraving, and “Made In China” sticker on the right side of the launcher.
The launcher also comes with the Quick Detach barrel mount pre-installed on the launcher for use with an M4. When taking the bolts out and replacing everything it felt like the plastic was a bit soft and could strip out, so I would suggest that it not be taken apart too many times.
The one thing that always irked me with M203’s was that if you hit the tube release and let gravity do it’s natural thing, the tube had no stopper and would simply fall off, shell and all. When trying to change grenades out quickly it frequently falls off, and you just end up stuffing the pieces in a dump pouch. Fortunately S&T does have a latch in the rail to keep the tube from falling off.
I think it goes without saying that since this launcher is almost entirely plastic, there will be some casting seams. To be honest though, the casting lines weren’t that noticeable except around the handguard in the picture. I was pleasantly surprised to see the lack of major seam lines.
Internals Review
There’s really not much to say. The launcher has a metal trigger, safety, and firing pin. Everything is encased in plastic. If anything breaks, there are screws that will let you access things to make repairs.
Performance
Again, not much to say here either. When looking at the firing mechanism I thought the firing pin looked short, but it proceeded to fire every shell I put through it. I did notice the Eagle Force Multi-purpose shells I personally use were a bit snug in the launcher. But they came free without any effort every time I opened the chamber.
There also isn’t much to talk about in terms of range since most airsoft grenades are basically large shotgun shells. Depending on the weight of the BB, the range can vary between 5ft(ish) to 50ft(ish).
Final Thoughts and Upgradeability
Since the kit includes a standard RIS mount, the launcher is attachable to virtually any rifle. It may look funny on the Mag-K, but since it is lightweight, things aren’t thrown out of balance with the rifle also being made of plastic. On the SCAR…Call of Duty anyone?
Externals Score: 9.5/10
Honestly, I hate to even take away ½ a point. But I do wish there wasn’t a seam line on the handguard.
Internals Score: 9/10
The launcher internals are extremely simple. But they are encased, and attached to plastic. Hopefully something won’t break. I would have liked to see an inner metal trigger box casing.
Overall score: 10/10
In terms of value for money, I think the Matrix “Speed”/S&T “Lightweight” launcher is every bit worth the money spent. If you’re buying a M203 to finish off the complete M4 look, or just wanting a lightweight but functional grenade launcher, it fulfills both at a very reasonable price. The only thing it doesn’t have is full trademarks for those with a desire for them.
© Copyright triggs 2016
Matrix "Speed" M203 Grenade Launcher for M4 M16 Series Airsoft Rifles by S&T
- Real Steel History
- Overview
- Accessories
- Externals review
- Internals review
- Performance
- Final Thoughts and Upgradeability
Real Steel History
The M203 is a single-shot 40 mm under-barrel grenade launcher designed to attach to a rifle. It uses the same rounds as the older stand-alone M79 break-action grenade launcher, which utilizes the High-Low Propulsion System to keep recoil forces low. Quite versatile, and compatible with many rifle models, the M203 was originally designed for the U.S. M16 and its variant, the M4 Carbine. The launcher can also be mounted onto a C7, a Canadian version of the M16 rifle, however, this requires the prior removal of the bottom handguard. (taken from www.wikipedia.com )
Overview
With the holidays come sales; and sales mean deals. I decided to pick this “Speed” M203 up from Evike as a Christmas Present for my brother. Of course, I have to make sure it works first, so I might as well write up a review while I have it open.
Officially the launcher is listed as “Matrix,” which is Evike’s in-house name for anything from any company. Basically Evike has direct connections to the same China factories which produce items for other well known brand names. In this case it’s the S&T “Light-weight version” M203. Typically, “Matrix items come in plain boxes, this one came in the S&T packaging which is rare.
On the subject of packaging, the product doesn’t come with much in the way of padding. The launcher was separated from its accessories by a piece of cardboard folded over as a divider, not exactly safe keeping by any means.
Accessories
While no shells are included, it does come with three different adapters for attaching the launcher to various types of rifles.
(TOP) is the adapter for the standard 1913-Picatinny RIS. The adapter is bolted to the launcher with two included screws, and then the large thumb nuts clamp the launcher securely to the rifle.
(MIDDLE) is one of two adapters meant to quickly attach to the barrel of a M4/M16. This one appears to have a smaller collar and two cutouts. It is for the S&T “Sportline” AEG’s according to the instructions.
(BOTTOM) is a similar looking adapter meant for quickly attaching the launcher to a Tokyo Marui spec M4/M16 that have the standard M4/M16 Delta Ring.
The instructions are also included, with a step-by-step guide on everything from mounting to loading, and firing shells. Even the English translation wasn’t too bad.
Externals Review
The M203 is a simple accessory. There really isn’t much to it. The Matrix “Speed” branding and the S&T “Lightweight Version” pretty much boil down to the launcher being made from mostly nylon fiber reinforced plastic. Despite it being made of plastic, it feels extremely sturdy and has a good weight to it. Not as heavy as a full metal M203, but it doesn’t feel like it will break if I sneeze on it.
Trademarks are almost non-existent, except for a very blatant S&T Armament engraving, and “Made In China” sticker on the right side of the launcher.
The launcher also comes with the Quick Detach barrel mount pre-installed on the launcher for use with an M4. When taking the bolts out and replacing everything it felt like the plastic was a bit soft and could strip out, so I would suggest that it not be taken apart too many times.
The one thing that always irked me with M203’s was that if you hit the tube release and let gravity do it’s natural thing, the tube had no stopper and would simply fall off, shell and all. When trying to change grenades out quickly it frequently falls off, and you just end up stuffing the pieces in a dump pouch. Fortunately S&T does have a latch in the rail to keep the tube from falling off.
I think it goes without saying that since this launcher is almost entirely plastic, there will be some casting seams. To be honest though, the casting lines weren’t that noticeable except around the handguard in the picture. I was pleasantly surprised to see the lack of major seam lines.
Internals Review
There’s really not much to say. The launcher has a metal trigger, safety, and firing pin. Everything is encased in plastic. If anything breaks, there are screws that will let you access things to make repairs.
Performance
Again, not much to say here either. When looking at the firing mechanism I thought the firing pin looked short, but it proceeded to fire every shell I put through it. I did notice the Eagle Force Multi-purpose shells I personally use were a bit snug in the launcher. But they came free without any effort every time I opened the chamber.
There also isn’t much to talk about in terms of range since most airsoft grenades are basically large shotgun shells. Depending on the weight of the BB, the range can vary between 5ft(ish) to 50ft(ish).
Final Thoughts and Upgradeability
Since the kit includes a standard RIS mount, the launcher is attachable to virtually any rifle. It may look funny on the Mag-K, but since it is lightweight, things aren’t thrown out of balance with the rifle also being made of plastic. On the SCAR…Call of Duty anyone?
Externals Score: 9.5/10
Honestly, I hate to even take away ½ a point. But I do wish there wasn’t a seam line on the handguard.
Internals Score: 9/10
The launcher internals are extremely simple. But they are encased, and attached to plastic. Hopefully something won’t break. I would have liked to see an inner metal trigger box casing.
Overall score: 10/10
In terms of value for money, I think the Matrix “Speed”/S&T “Lightweight” launcher is every bit worth the money spent. If you’re buying a M203 to finish off the complete M4 look, or just wanting a lightweight but functional grenade launcher, it fulfills both at a very reasonable price. The only thing it doesn’t have is full trademarks for those with a desire for them.
© Copyright triggs 2016