Delta Armory DA-C04 CHARLIE™ M4/AR-15 KeyMod AEG, Black

Delta Armory DA-C04 CHARLIE™ M4/AR-15 KeyMod AEG, Black

Delta Armory presents the DA-C04, an M4/AR-15 AEG platform of the CHARLIE™ range, Delta Armory’s affordable high density polymer line. The CHARLIE™ range gives you most of the pre-upgraded internals present in the ALPHA™ range, contained inside a high density polymer shell with an alloy outer barrel, resulting in the same impressive downrange effect with considerable weight savings. 

Whether you are looking for your first Airsoft gun or you need something for late in the day when your arms are spent, the AEGs of the CHARLIE™ line are ideal. The DA-C04 is one of the more exciting CHARLIE™ line offerings, equipped with a mock KeyMod handguard to give it an elite look, further reduce weight and allow the included 20mm rail sections to be positioned wherever you need your accessories mounted. 

Starting at the tip of the alloy outer barrel we can find an alloy birdcage flash hider, which mounts to the 14mm CCW male threads. The birdcage gives the DA-C04 the classic M4/AR-15 look, but can easily be swapped out for a muzzle brake for a more custom style, a tracer unit for some CQB action or a suppressor if you have more of a sneaky play style.

Surrounding the outer barrel we have the polymer mock KeyMod handguard, which is styled after the KAC URX4 and gives the rifle a dynamic, high speed look. The mock KeyMod attachment interface is still functional, and allows the 3 included rail sections to be moved around and mounted anywhere at the 3, 6 or 9 o’clock position on the handguard, though the mock KeyMod slots are not compatible with aftermarket KeyMod accessories.

The 12 o’clock position provides a full length 20mm Picatinny rail which integrates seamlessly with the receiver rail to allow for longer optical sights to be used or red dot sight magnifier combos. As it arrives, the DA-C04 is equipped with a pair of flip-up aperture iron sights, both of which are fully adjustable for windage and elevation. The sights can be deployed by pressing the textured tabs on each, which will snap the sights into position under spring pressure. To stow the sights, simply push them back down and they will lock into place.

Moving rearward we reach the receiver, which is a familiar M4/AR-15 layout and is constructed from high density polymer with a matt black finish. The fire selector is located on the left side of the AEG and sits directly above the pistol grip to provide fast and easy access for right-handed shooters. The fire selector has a 90-degree throw between modes, making it quick to operate but not too easy to accidentally knock it and end up in the wrong fire mode. Each fire mode is indicated with recessed markings reading SAFE-SEMI-AUTO.

At the centre of the left side of the receiver, we can find a dummy bolt release catch which doesn’t have a function in an Airsoft AEG but is included to keep the externals looking realistic. The bolt release is a separate part which is a nice touch to avoid the tell-tale signs that this is an Airsoft gun and not the real deal. Over on the right side of the receiver, we can see what is known as the forward assist button, located on the upper receiver behind the mock shell deflector. This button also has no function but serves to force the real M4/AR-15 bolt carrier into battery if it fails to close due to dirt ingress. The button can be pressed and is a separate part, showing that Delta Armory wants us to have the realistic looks we deserve!

The magazine release is on the right side of the magazine well and is ideally positioned to be pressed with the trigger finger from a firing grip for right-handed users. Left-handed users can use their support hand thumb to press the release, and this can be done quite fast with a little practice. The surface of the mag release is textured to provide the necessary gripping qualities, and is protected from accidental presses by the “magwell fence”, a raised protrusion in the receiver which stops the mag release from catching on your gear as you move.

The adjustable HOP-up unit is located inside the mock ejection port over on the right side of the upper receiver. This device allows you to adjust the amount of backspin applied to your BBs and tune the DA-C04 for your ammo weight of choice, looking for the flattest possible trajectory. The Rotary HOP-up adjuster can be accessed by holding the charging handle back, after which the dust cover will spring open and the mock bolt plate will retract. The rotary HOP-up design is known as the latest and greatest for M4 AEGs, and it is always nice to see up-to-date internal parts, even in reasonably priced platforms like this.

The pre-installed pistol grip is based on the real steel “Gunfighter mod.3” grip, a modern ergonomic design with a filled backstrap and a reduced grip angle. This allows for a more comfortable shooting stance in CQB when you are running the stock fully collapsed, avoiding wrist fatigue which can develop with more conventional grip designs. The trigger is known as the CNC Type A Flat trigger, offering a flat serrated front surface with a short finger ledge, ideal for rapid double taps. 

Following the receiver, we reach the AR buffer tube, which is a common part found on the vast majority of M4/AR15 AEGs. This buffer tube is constructed from the same tough high density polymer as the receiver and provides 6 positions of adjustment, enough to suit any body type or loadout. The buffer tube system allows you to swap your stock out for any aftermarket M4/AR-15 stock simply and quickly.  If you fancy a change or get tired of the DA-C04’s looks in the future, the option to switch out the stock means you have access to the widest variety of aftermarket stock options out there!

Between the receiver and buffer tube, we are treated to an ambidextrous sling plate constructed from steel for maximum strength. This plate allows a single-point sling to be mounted on either the left or the right side of the platform but can be paired with a front sling point (not included) mounted to the 20mm top rail to fit a two-point sling if that is your preference. The buffer tube also provides 6 positions of adjustment for the pre-installed Delta Armory battery stock. 

Some may recognise this stock from Krytac’s Trident range, however, this stock was actually designed by Delta and supplied to Krytac, so what you are seeing here is the original! The stock is constructed from high-density polymer throughout, with a steel adjustment pin to eliminate wobble and steel QD sling sockets on either side. The stock is a “club foot” style design with a low profile adjustment lever to reduce the possibility of snagging the stock on your equipment. 

The battery compartment is located within the stock and can be accessed by removing the butt plate. To do this, squeeze the two tabs at the toe of the stock together, after which you can lift the butt plate off and make use of the stock’s built-in battery compartment to house a nunchuck/crane-style battery. For the DA-C04, we recommend a 7.4V 1300mAh LiPo crane/nunchuck battery but you can also make use of a 9.6V 1600mAh NiMH for extra capacity.

Also present on the stock is a sling slot for more traditional rifle sling setups and a raised cheek pad comprised of slightly smoother polymer than the rest of the stock for improved comfort. The butt plate is rubberized and is textured for optimum grip; ensuring that the stock stays firmly in your shoulder when shooting. The Delta Armory logo can be found embossed on the left side in bold lettering, allowing you to show off your brand allegiance! 

On the inside, we are treated to some decent pre-upgraded parts, even in this CHARLIE™ line platform. The gearbox shell is reinforced to cope with stronger springs and the spring guide is a quick change example making power tuning a breeze. Inside the version 2 gearbox, we have an SHS piston with a full rack of steel teeth and an SHS tappet plate to guarantee reliable feeding. The gearset is constructed from steel with an 18:1 ratio, and the gears themselves run on 7mm bushings for a smoother, unlaboured gearbox report. 

To provide the accuracy needed to deal with long range foes, the DA-C04 is equipped with a 6.03mm tightbore inner barrel paired with a rotary HOP-up unit, offering higher FPS with the same spring and finer HOP-up adjustment increments so you can get your HOP-up set perfectly for your chosen ammo weight. The rotary unit also holds its setting far better than the legacy gear-style HOP-up unit, meaning once your HOP-up is set you won’t need to touch it again for quite some time.  

Those fresh to the sport and veteran Airsofters looking for a lightweight backup platform, the Delta Armory DA-C04 is ideal for your needs. With elite looks, pre-upgraded internals and solid yet lightweight polymer externals, the DA-C04 is a great does-it-all platform with plenty of room for future upgrades and accessories!

Features

• 6.03mm Tightbore inner barrel – Great accuracy potential 
• 14mm CCW Male threaded outer barrel – Tracer/suppressor ready
• Flip-up iron sights pre-installed – Mounted to the top rail, press textured buttons to flip up
• KeyMod style handguard – Not compatible with most KeyMod accessories, includes 20mm rail sections
• Extended charging handle latch – Easy access to the HOP-up unit for adjustment
• 20mm Picatinny railed receiver – Ready for a red dot sight or rifle scope
• Rotary adjustable HOP-up unit – Easy to adjust in fine increments, holds its setting well long-term 
• 6-Position M4/AR-15 buffer tube – Adjust the stock to suit your body type perfectly
• Crane battery stock – Plenty of space for nunchuck batteries, QD sling sockets on each side
• Ambidextrous sling plate – Mount a single-point sling on the left or right side
• Ergonomic pistol grip with reduced grip angle – Great for modern shooting stances, very comfy
• Reinforced version 2 gearbox – 
  • SHS Piston with steel full tooth rack
  • SHS Tappet plate
  • Quick change spring guide
  • Steel 18:1 gearset
  • 7mm Bushings
• Rear wired – Mini-Tamiya connector – Recommended battery: 7.4V 1300mAh LiPo in Crane/Nunchuck config.
• Compatible with M4/AR-15 AEG magazines – Plenty of spares available

Package Includes

• Delta Armory DA-C04 CHARLIE™ M4/AR-15 KeyMod AEG
• 120rnd Mid-cap magazine