Best Airsoft M4 Rifles of 2022 – Complete Round-up

| Last Updated:
August 12, 2024

Finding the best airsoft M4 rifle might be a challenge, but if you have a good understanding of how they work, then you’ll probably have a good idea of what you want to look for. So the search for your own rifle might just get a little easier, but if you don’t know how they work, you’re not alone.

This guide is for both newbie owners and also for those who have owned airsoft M4 rifles that have proven to be a disappointment rather than an asset. To help you find the best airsoft M4 rifle for you, we’re going to take a look at the five best rifles that are currently the most popular on the market as of this writing.

Before we get to the list, we’re going to talk about what size airsoft rifle you might need for your own use and how you can choose one out of the many that are currently flooding the market. 

Comparison of the Best Airsoft M4 Rifles

IMAGEPRODUCT
  • Best overall Airsoft M4 Rifle.
  • Bore barrel measured at 6.03 mm.
  • Includes a free-floating keymod rail.
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  • Includes a high capacity magazine.
  • Runner-up for the best overall airsoft M4 rifle.
  • Includes a cleaning rod among other additional accessories.
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  • Fires steel airsoft BB pellets.
  • Operates on a chargeable battery.
  • Best airsoft M4 rifle for the money.
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  • Best Colt M4 airsoft rifle.
  • Adjustable stock included.
  • 350 round capacity magazine.
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  • Best electric M4 airsoft rifle.
  • Includes an adjustable rear sight.
  • Made from high-quality metal and other materials.
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What Size of M4 Airsoft Rifle Do I Need?

The short answer: it really depends. It depends on the factors and applications that may apply. Some rifles are short in length while others are longer. If you’re using one for recreational purposes, you’re better off getting a shorter rifle since it will give you a better chance at moving around quickly.

Especially if you’re using it for paintballing or other similar recreational activities. Longer rifles might be used for the purpose of animal control so you can harmlessly ward off any pests that might be invading your property.

Why Are These The Best?

There are a few characteristics that make these rifles stand out, and that’s why we’ve added them to the list. We don’t choose these at random. We put them all to the test and determine if they’re good enough for our list. It is recommended that you should follow a similar formula when finding an airsoft M4 rifle of your own. Here are some of the characteristics to look for:

Price

Obviously, we’ll kick it off with this aspect. While it’s not a major characteristic per se, it’s something that’s important to budget shoppers. Remember to take a look at the other characteristics and features that make a rifle stand out. Don’t let the price be the one and only reason why you chose the rifle in the first place.

Material

It’s always important to know which materials are included in the making of this rifle. The higher the quality, the better the chance that you’ll be able to use it for a long period of time. For example, most airsoft rifles will be made from polymer and other durable materials. They are proven to take on all kinds of abuse and impact. So you’re likely to have a rifle that can take on the occasional or even constant bumping and banging around.

Intent and Purpose of Use

We often find the best rifles that are useful for any intent and purpose. However, there are rifles that can do it all but can excel in one application. For example, a shorter rifle might be useful for general purposes, but it can definitely make its money in a recreational application (depending on the type of ammo that you use). Be sure to consider your own intents and purposes before choosing your own rifle.

Review of the Best Airsoft M4 Rifles

The following is a list of the five best Airsoft M4 rifles that are currently on the market. Be sure to make a note of the characteristics and features of each one. This way, you can find an airsoft rifle that will be close enough to your “dream rifle”.

Remember, close enough is better than nothing at all. Now, let’s begin by unveiling our choice for the “best overall” airsoft M4 rifle:

Best Overall:
Lancer Tactical G2 Airsoft LT-19B M4 Carbine

[amazon fields="B071J8SKHV" image="1" value="thumb" image_size="large" image_align="center" image_link="none"]

Pros

  • It can accept any modifications
  • Works great as a beginner level rifle
  • Affordable for most budgets and users
  • Accurate for most users and at various distances
  • Quality is super durable, construction is quite solid

Cons

  • Some misfiring has been reported
  • Dust cover might have a hard time staying shut
  • Some have complained about it being a little pricey despite the price being affordable

What Recent Buyers Report

A lot of recent buyers were satisfied with this airsoft rifle. They were looking for something that was accurate and fun to use. That’s exactly what they got out of this rifle in particular. Many users were able to hit their targets from some impressive distance. One user said he was able to hit a target from about 65 yards out.

Why it Stands Out To Us

This rifle stands out as one of the most durable on the market thus far. It also stands to be one of the farthest traveling. At about 65 to 70 yards, that’s how far a shot can go provided that you have no obstacles standing in the way. The overall construction is durable and definitely will take on the bumps and bangs if you’re moving about quickly.

Who Will Use This Most

This will be a rifle that will have its uses in a recreational setting. Especially when you’re firing off paper targets. Also, it can be used to harmlessly ward off any pests or varmints that may have been an issue as of late. These rounds you’ll use won’t kill them. But it will likely make them think twice about ever coming back around your yard.

What Could Be Improved and Why

One possible improvement would be to investigate why the dust cover won’t shut properly. It would take some adjustments to ensure that it stays in place whenever you’re using the rifle. Another thing to take a look at is the cause of why some misfiring is occurring. Once the manufacturer is able to find out what it is, then they can make the correct adjustments.

Bottom Line

If you want an airsoft M4 rifle that is considered one of the best in the business, the Lancer Tactical G2 Airsoft Carbine AEG rifle will definitely be your kind of airsoft rifle. Especially if you’re looking for something that is durable and can reach out and touch something from an impressive distance.

Runner-up:
UKARMS Lancer Tactical M4 KEYMOD AEG

[amazon fields="B074QZ2RLV" image="1" value="thumb" image_size="large" image_align="center" image_link="none"]

Pros

  • Easy to customize
  • Accurate from various distances
  • The cleaning rod is easy to use and very sturdy
  • The user manual is easy to read and understand
  • Super durable construction, takes on the bumps and bangs

Cons

  • Magazine quality might be suspect
  • The charger might be missing upon shipment
  • Some have complaints about the safety not working

What Recent Buyers Report

This rifle has won a lot of praise from new users. Even more so when it was included with all kinds of additional accessories. The cleaning rod was nice and solid and had a pretty good reach to make sure the rifle was cleaned on the inside. The rifle firing was nice and accurate and the magazine can hold a lot of rounds. One user said he had no complaints with it and found it to be better than a previous airsoft rifle he had in the past.

Why it Stands Out To Us

This airsoft rifle has an interesting feature to it. It’s got a rechargeable battery. That might seem a little unheard of for rifles like this, but rest assured, it definitely gives it the power it needs to operate effectively. The rifle itself is solid in construction and does a good job being a reliable rifle for recreational and even animal control purposes.

Who Will Use This Most

This airsoft rifle will have its place among the crowd of recreational shooters. Especially those who like to have fun shooting at paper targets. Make no mistake, it might have its uses in other applications. But the target shooting application is where this rifle will excel the best.

What Could Be Improved and Why

Some improvements should be made to this rifle. Let's begin with the most urgent: make sure that the charger is included in the shipment. However, in the event that it does not come with it, you should be able to get a plugin charger that will be compatible with the battery itself. The other is making sure that the safety is in working order. That means checking to see if the mechanism is locking properly. The reports of a non-working safety may be due to a quality control issue.

Bottom Line

If you want an airsoft rifle that is battery operated and delivers all kinds of enjoyment for any application, the UKARMS airsoft M4 rifle will probably be your best investment. This might be one of the best airsoft rifles for the purpose of recreational applications. So if you like shooting targets, you might enjoy this rifle.

Best for the Money: 
BBTac M4 M16 Replica Airsoft Gun

[amazon fields="B000PSQWOK" image="1" value="thumb" image_size="large" image_align="center" image_link="none"]

Pros

  • The magazine is quick to load
  • Batteries are easy to charge and easy to swap out
  • The ergonomic design makes usage a lot more comfortable
  • Shoots quite fast, velocity is anywhere between 200 to 250 fps
  • Tactical accessories are included, they are reliable and give the rifle a nice performance boost

Cons

  • Not suitable for indoor arena use
  • Accuracy might be suspect for some users
  • The red dot scope may not be as reliable as some think

What Recent Buyers Report

Most recent buyers were looking for an airsoft M4 pistol that was not just affordable, but also the best in quality and performance. This rifle fits the bill in so many ways. For one, it provides excellent accuracy thanks to the red dot scope included. One user said he has a few airsoft rifles, but this one in particular is the best one he's got so far.

Why it Stands Out To Us

This rifle is another battery-operated airsoft rifle that can perform like nothing else in an outdoor setting. Not only that, the quality is pretty solid for a rifle that is affordable for most budgets. The rifle delivers some fast velocity shooting. So if you can pull the trigger, you’ll hit your targets accurately with a ridiculous amount of speed (for airsoft rifle standards).

Who Will Use This Most

As expected, this will work for most people as a recreational kind of rifle. It will specifically be used for outdoor recreational purposes. So if you have some paper targets handy, odds are you’re going to enjoy this rifle and all the accessories that come with it. Also, it can come in handy when you’re trying to ward off some pests that are digging up your lawn (i.e.--raccoons, skunks, etc.)

What Could Be Improved and Why

Some of the accessories might need to be improved. Especially the red dot sight. The dot itself might obscure the target depending on how far out it is. So the dot should be a little smaller. It will give your accuracy a bit of a boost and your shots will be slightly more precise.

Bottom Line

If you’re looking for an airsoft rifle that won’t break the bank, the BBTac Replica Airsoft Gun is something that might be worth your hard-earned money. This airsoft rifle is powerful but makes outdoor recreational applications a lot more fun in the process.

Best Colt M4 Airsoft Rifle:
Colt M4 A1 CBQ-R AEG Black

[amazon fields="B076532SP4" image="1" value="thumb" image_size="large" image_align="center" image_link="none"]

Pros

  • Battery life is surprisingly lengthy
  • Super durable quality and construction
  • Velocity is quite high for an M4 airsoft rifle
  • The magazine holds a lot of small BB rounds
  • Stock is easy to adjust for various lengths of pull

Cons

  • Accuracy might be off for some users
  • Some misfirings have occurred for some users
  • Some have had issues with the magazine, specifically the feeding reliability

What Recent Buyers Report

Most recent buyers were able to use this rifle for many applications. Once again, they were limited to outdoor use. One user said that he enjoyed shooting targets outdoors and this rifle made it that much more enjoyable. She was able to make consistently accurate shots and quickly make follow-up shots in the process. Aside from the quick shooting, the rifle is also durable enough to take on some impact and abuse.

Why it Stands Out To Us

This rifle bears the Colt trademarks, and like the regular guns they manufacture, they step up to the plate and create an airsoft rifle that has reliability that's second to none. On top of that, the construction is quite solid. That is also another staple of the many Colt firearms that are manufactured. The goal is simple: make it the most reliable and longest-lasting rifle on the market. Sure enough, it's surely headed to be that way.

Who Will Use This Most

This rifle will excel in an outdoor recreational setting. It’s got the velocity and it’s got the accuracy to make it one of the best rifles for such an application. So if you enjoy target shooting but hold a special appreciation for the Colt brand, there is no reason why you should not try this rifle on for size.

What Could Be Improved and Why

Although reliability is the Colt brand’s strong suit, it’s important to figure out why there are some feeding issues with the magazine. It might be because of the users overloading the magazine. If it’s a quality control thing, perhaps some changes to the inner workings might be possible.

Bottom Line

If you’re a fan of the Colt brand and want an airsoft rifle that has the same reliability as the real deal guns, the M4 A1 Airsoft Rifle will get the job done in any outdoor application. It’s fast, accurate, and stands out as one of the best outdoor airsoft rifles in the business.

Best Electric M4 Airsoft Rifle:
Soft Air COLT M4 CQB Automatic Electric Airsoft Gun, Black

[amazon fields="B004R120N8" image="1" value="thumb" image_size="large" image_align="center" image_link="none"]

Pros

  • Super sturdy construction
  • Replacement parts are easy to find
  • Has the look and weight of a real M4 rifle
  • Reliable shooting, also really fast and accurate
  • Easy to customize, you can add optics and other accessories

Cons

  • The battery might either be half-dead or dead on arrival
  • The magazine release button might be a little stiff at times
  • The orange tip may be a little too bright, may give away your position in a competition

What Recent Buyers Report

This airsoft rifle is tough, reliable, and a lot of fun to shoot with. This is what a lot of recent buyers have reported. One user said that he uses this for some fun shooting competitions with friends. He was able to use some pellets that were smaller than paintballs and was able to accurately shoot at his targets much faster than most airsoft rifles.

Why it Stands Out To Us

This rifle has a rechargeable battery. However, you have to plug it into the wall (hence why it’s an electric airsoft rifle). Once recharged, the battery will last you some time. Also, the rifle itself is the closest thing you can get to a real M4. More specifically the feel and look of it. Other than that, it shoots like a champion and can make a competitive shooter really happy.

Who Will Use This Most

This will be a favorite among users who are more into paintball and other recreational sports that require the use of airsoft firearms. These are a whole lot of fun to use when you have some friends teaming up or competing against you. If you want a rifle that will remain reliable and accurate in the heat of the competition, this one will be your best “combat” buddy.

What Could Be Improved and Why

Two suggestions: one, make the orange tip smaller and a slightly darker shade. This way, it will be possible for you to remain stealthy in your position while you’re in a shooting competition. Second, get rid of the battery altogether and replace it with one that is fresh, powerful, and has the potential to last you much longer than the battery included.

Bottom Line

The Soft Air Colt M4 will be your best choice for an airsoft rifle if you’re searching for something that’s great for competitive purposes. This can be for you or even your older children that would love nothing more than to have fun shooting their friends (the fun way).

Benefits of Investing in a Quality M4 Airsoft Rifle

There are some benefits that you’ll love if you choose to get an Airsoft M4 rifle of your own. If you decide not to get one, you’ll have no idea what you’re missing out on. This is what you’ll get:

Hours of Fun

Depending on how many rounds you’ve got, this will definitely provide you with a lot of fun both outdoors or indoors (if suitable). Especially if you’re using it for target shooting or friendly competition. These rifles will remain reliable even through extended recreational settings.

Accurate at Some Pretty Good Distances

Most airsoft rifles have the ability to hit targets that are situated as far as 100 yards out. These M4 rifles are no different, but they can reach as far as 75 to even 80 yards out on a good day. Not bad for an airsoft rifle that is great for whatever purpose you’re using it for.

Super Easy to Maintain and Clean

These rifles are made from high-quality materials, and they have the potential to be as reliable as possible. However, in order for these to work in the long run, you’ll need to maintain and clean them regularly. The more you take good care of them, the better chance that they’ll provide you with many years of loyal service.

Conclusion

The best Airsoft M4 rifle is out there, and one of these five can be yours to own. Whether it’s for recreational purposes or harmlessly just telling critters to move along, you’ll have a rifle that is reliable, accurate, and a lot of fun to use. Once you have an airsoft rifle like these, you’ll never want to stop using it. 

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