SECUTOR ASTRA
The new models play with a combination of very dark bronze and tan colours, which make a truly spectacular set that is worth seeing in person, since the printing quality in paper or through your computer screen (depending on where you read this) may not be able to accurately display the colour palette.
“Ad Astra Per Aspera” Let’s go!
Original or replica gun of the real model?
It does not completely replicate any real model, but we have been able to identify its parts in the firearms market. Thus, its handguard reminds us of the Geissele MK8, the upper receiver replicates the VIS FUSION of VLTOR. Not to mention the many details of MGPL.
Shooting
It is striking how well the magazine fits in the lower receiver, there are no gaps or movements (something that occurs in many replicas, even first level ones), with a capacity of 120 BBs. And yes, any M4 magazine on the market is compatible.
Adjustable Trigger
ASTRA mounts a straight trigger made of CNC steel, which allows the physical adjustment of the stroke by means of an external screw, reducing or extending it to better adapt to the sensitivity of the shooter. Also it includes an electronic trigger that already offers amazing shooting speed. This style of triggers had already been seen in the prestigious Japanese brand Laylax (at prohibitive prices, by the way) so a great detail that includes this upgrade, without increasing the final price.
INTERNAL PARTS
01. Gearbox
This series has a type 2 gearbox version with a combination of 8 mm bearings and bushing.
02. Quick spring change
It has a quick spring change system that allows us to access the metallic spring guide with bearings to improve the torsion of the M100-type spring, without the need to open the entire gearbox.
03. Piston
The piston is made of reinforced polymer with full metallic teeth and a polymer piston head with bearing to help in the rotation of the spring to the guide.
04. Cylinder
The cylinder is sealed to optimize the air load and, as a singularity, it is a single piece together with the cylinder head, which prevents possible air leaks. The nozzle is made of CNC aluminium and comes with an O ring for a better seal.
05. Hop chamber
The hop chamber is a transverse roulette, in the style of the G36, with an atypical note: it lacks a nub, something that they supply with a lever. This is explained by the use of a 60º Maple Leaf hop-up rubber, since they try to recreate the closest thing to the effect of an R-Hop.
06. Inner barrel
Finally, note that all models come with an internal pressure barrel (6.03 mm), although each with a length according to the model, thus offering us a fairly stable average of 330 FPS per shot with 0.20 g BBs.
CONCLUSION
SECUTOR’s most successful model is undoubtedly its RAPAX line, as it combines top-class internals with unbeatable aesthetics. The combination is the same, here; the same internal parts of the Rapax (at a lower selling price, by the way) but on a much more versatile platform such as the M4, with impressive aesthetics and details, such as the adjustable trigger, that make these ASTRA go toe to toe with other top market big brands.
Pick up one of these models with your own hands, try it it if you have a chance, and you won’t need to know much more later.