The automatic electric gun, or AEG, is in many ways the king of the airsoft field. Gearheads love them for their expandability and players love them for their overall utility as an airsoft weapon, able to both deliver long-range, suppressive fire, to deliver precise shot placement at closer ranges, and for the great maneuverability and flexibility they offer in CQB.

One of our most popular AEG rifles is the VFC Avalon VR16 A5 Saber CQB. Much like the equally popular G&G CM16 Raider, it has a lot of fans.

Let’s take a closer look at why.

Introducing the VFC Avalon VR16 A5 Saber CQB
Carbine replicas are generally popular among airsoft players. They are mid-sized, small enough to be comfortably carried but large enough to accept a wide range of attachments. Much of the time, a carbine replica will suit you just fine.

However, many airsoft engagements often involve CQB or close-quarters battles scenarios. In CQB encounters, you may be in the dark, or with otherwise limited or obstructed visibility. It can be hard to predict when enemy targets will present themselves, and from where.

Situational awareness, heightened attention to detail and reflexivity are valuable in these encounters, as are airsoft rifles that support these attributes.

That’s where the CQB-oriented platforms really come into sharp focus. These are often scaled-down models of carbines that are shorter, lighter, and more maneuverable, making them preferable for close-quarters encounters.

Everything You Loved About the VR16 Carbine, but Better for CQB
This need for maneuverability is where platforms like the VFC Avalon VR16 A5 Saber have come from.

Lighter, shorter, and faster, the VFC Avalon VR16 A5 Saber CQB offers just about everything players loved about the original VR16 Carbine, but in a more CQB-appropriate package.

The VR16 A5 Saber tips the scale at only 5 pounds, 8 ounces, and has a 290mm barrel - for perspective, that’s less than 12 inches; 11.4 inches, to be exact.

Measuring total length is a little trickier since the VR16 A5 Saber CQB airsoft AEG comes with an adjustable QRS crane style collapsible stock, but the total length is anywhere from 26.25 to 29.25 inches depending on stock adjustment. At its most compact, this rifle measures just a hair over two feet long from butt to muzzle.

This rifle is light and maneuverable, which is its greatest attribute. It’s an airsoft electric gun that’s optimized for CQB backwards and forwards.

Ergonomics and Modularity

Now let’s talk a little bit about ergonomics and modularity. Its QRS adjustable, collapsible stock might lack some of the modularity of a Magpul Gen3 Precision Adjustable Stock, but it’s still pretty good. Who cares if you can’t raise the comb height a quarter of a millimeter - you can get a great fit with this airsoft gun and that’s what matters.

It also handles like a dream thanks to its lightweight nature and short-barreled design. Actually, shouldering it really shows you how maneuverable it really is. The Saber Carbine had a far enough center of gravity as it was, but removing a little extra length from the barrel pushed it even closer to the user’s body. It points and redirects effortlessly, almost as an extension of the body.

Not only adjustable and modular, but this VFC Avalon AEG is also extremely durable, with a full metal body and tough external construction. It could have been made a little bit lighter by molding the frame and externals from polymer, but the balance of weight, handling, and durability is exceptional.

Expandability
Despite the fact that this is a short VFC Avalon AEG, it still offers a lot of room for expandability, mostly thanks to its M-LOK handguard rail system. In addition to the quad rail around the barrel, there is a rail section that traverses the top of the receiver. There’s plenty of room on this airsoft rifle for optics, reflex sights, lights, lasers, sling mounts, and much more.

Compact or not, this airsoft gun’s features include plenty of room for expandability with a wide range of airsoft attachments.

Internals and Performance
This is a VFC Avalon AEG that is also unsurprisingly (and literally) “geared” for performance, thanks to its full metal, fully upgradeable Version 2 Gearbox, and long-type motor. It’s capable of safe, semi-automatic, and fully automatic modes of fire and it comes with a 120 round magazine, though it’s compatible with other M16 and M4 magazines.

On the topic of performance, it’s rated to deliver muzzle velocities of up to 370 to 400 FPS with .20 gram, 6mm airsoft ammo, but you might get better performance and greater consistency from slightly heavier ammo, like .25’s, .28’s even .30s. Equally important, this VFC Avalon features an adjustable hop-up so you can control your shot trajectory, extending your effective range and potentially boosting accuracy.

Yeet Your Way through Your Next Airsoft Match with this VFC Avalon AEG
Available here in colors black and bronze, this Elite Force VFC Avalon comes with a 1-year manufacturer limited warranty (though it does not come with a battery and charger). If you’re looking for a light new AEG with amazing ergonomics, handling, and knockout aesthetics, this is it.

Pick up the airsoft parts and accessories you need with it here - and if you have any questions, give us a call at 800-581-6620.