The Tokyo Marui SR-16 is modeled after the KAC SR-15 M4, but instead of hassling with trade marking, TM just decided to call theirs the SR-16. But even though the numbers are different, the weapons are almost identical. They both have a frontal RIS system that comes with the gun; they both have the same length and height. Their barrel lengths are the same. But more about all those statistics later, now onto the cosmetics of the gun…

When I first got the package that it came in, it felt heavy. Even after I ripped it open and beheld my beauty, it still felt really heavy, especially for a stock AEG. I ran my hand over every inch of it, and found no loose parts whatsoever, except for the sling swivel, which is supposed to move. :)

The first thing I noticed right off was the RIS. It comes straight out of the box with heat covers and a fore grip, so there’s no need for one. The RIS makes mounting flashlights, lasers, or any external object you can think of so easy. It’s fabricated from magnesium, so there’s a very low chance of it breaking. The addition of the RIS has virtually eliminated the infamous M16 series barrel wobble, and the weight of the front barrel is now evenly supported on both sides of the RIS, making it very sturdy and balanced.

Speaking of balancing, the way the SR-16’s equilibrium (fancy for balance =)) is that its center of balance is right at the mag well with battery in. This makes for very fast and easy target acquisition.

Everything was so easy to use on this, be it the rails or the fire selector or anything else. Tokyo Marui did a great job designing this gun from an ergonomic standpoint. The pistol grip is contoured for an easy-to-hold-but-easier-to-shoot grip; the adjustable vertical fore grip can be moved to the position of preference, making comfortable shooting a breeze. The flip up sight that is included instead of a carrying handle is pretty nifty. I sat there for about 15 minutes and just flipped it up and down. Sight goes up, sight goes down, sight goes up, sight goes down…

So far, I’ve fired about 1000 rounds through this gun, and not a single one has jammed. It has fired smoothly and consistently, and even has a small amount of kickback to it.

This gun is the perfect size for me. The solid stock allows for a bigger battery and also a bigger cheek rest, and makes sighting down the flip-up sight that much easier. Although it is a little heavy, it makes the SR-16 feel a lot more realistic. The gun has a teensy weensy bit more weight in the back when there’s a battery in, but only the most balance- sensitive guys could even detect it.

The SR-16 follows your standard TM M16 gearbox, so there’s no worries when it comes to upgrading it. The price that I paid for this beauty was around 340 shipped with a hi-cap from RedWolf Airsoft. Those guys got it from their warehouse in Hong Kong to me here in San Diego in 4 days. I think the price that I paid was definitely worth it, considering how fast the shipping was.

The only gripe that I have is that when RWA shipped my gun, they puttied the trademarks. When I pulled off the putty, a bit of the trademarks went with it. But it’s all good, the gun still works great, so I’m not too irked by it.

Overall, the SR-16 is a great gun to buy if you’re just looking to get into airsoft, or if you’re a seasoned airsofter who wants another fine AEG to add to their armory. This gun has it all, and will perform beautifully in those firefights where others will break down.