Cyma/EMG Colt M23 MWS PDW 7.5" Gas Blowback Rifle in Black (COLT.1022-LS)

The CYMA/EMG Colt M23 MWS PDW 7.5" Gas Blowback Rifle is a seriously compact airsoft rifle built for players who want realistic operation without dragging a full-length carbine through tight corridors and doorways. Officially licensed by Colt, the COLT.1022-LS combines authentic markings, a distinctive retro-inspired receiver and CYMA's CGS gas blowback system in a package measuring just 560mm with the stock collapsed. For players exploring modern gas rifles, this one takes an unusual route: classic M16A1 styling at the rear, a tiny 7.5-inch front end, and Tokyo Marui MWS compatibility underneath. It looks slightly odd in the best possible way, rather like somebody put an old-school Colt on a very strict diet.

Starting at the muzzle, the M23 uses a 7.5-inch outer barrel with a 14mm negative CCW thread, giving you the familiar airsoft mounting standard for compatible muzzle devices and tracer units. The extremely short barrel is paired with a compact CAR-15-style handguard, keeping the front of the rifle narrow, uncluttered and easy to move around obstacles. An approximately 190mm inner barrel sits inside, working alongside the adjustable hop-up system to give the rifle useful range beyond the confines of a typical CQB arena. Despite its tiny dimensions, this is not simply a point-and-shoot room-clearing toy; properly adjusted hop and sensible BB choice can make the platform surprisingly capable at normal skirmish distances.

Moving back, the upper receiver is one of the rifle's most distinctive features. CYMA and EMG have gone with an M16A1-style carry handle upper rather than a modern flat-top layout, complete with the classic integrated rear sight arrangement. That immediately changes the personality of the airsoft gun, giving it a retro Colt flavour that is rarely seen on ultra-compact PDW builds. The slim-profile M16A1-style pistol grip continues the theme, while authentic Colt trademarks and engraved receiver details add the finishing touches. Construction uses aluminium alloy and metal throughout the main body, providing the solid feel expected from a gas blowback rifle without pushing the overall weight too far.

The compact PDW-style adjustable stock is a major part of what makes the M23 so easy to handle. Overall length ranges from approximately 560mm to 640mm, allowing the rifle to be pulled in extremely close when moving through buildings and extended when a more stable shoulder position is needed. Weight is around 2040g with the magazine fitted, which is impressively light for a full metal gas blowback airsoft rifle. The result is a platform that changes direction quickly, comes up onto target with very little effort and doesn't become a burden after hours of carrying it. For CQB and vehicle-style scenarios in particular, those dimensions make a genuine difference.

Inside sits CYMA's CGS, or CYMA Gas System, developed around the proven Tokyo Marui MWS-style architecture. MWS compatibility is one of the biggest attractions here because it opens the door to a huge range of compatible magazines, replacement components and aftermarket upgrades. The included magazine is a 30-round STANAG-style gas magazine, and the rifle is designed to accept Tokyo Marui MWS-series magazines as well. Players already invested in the MWS ecosystem will immediately appreciate that compatibility, while newcomers gain access to one of the best-supported gas blowback platforms in airsoft rather than being tied to an obscure proprietary system.

This Lightning Series model also uses a lightweight aluminium bolt carrier group. Reducing bolt mass allows the action to cycle more quickly and requires less gas to move the bolt through each firing cycle, helping improve responsiveness and efficiency. Every trigger pull still produces the mechanical movement and recoil feedback that makes a GBB rifle so enjoyable to use, but the lighter carrier gives the M23 a particularly snappy character. CYMA reinforces important areas with steel components, including the trigger mechanism and bolt catch, helping the rifle cope with the repeated mechanical impacts produced by realistic blowback operation.

Power comes from Green Gas, with quoted velocity sitting at approximately 330 to 380 FPS depending on temperature, gas pressure, BB weight and the individual rifle. Gas blowback performance is naturally more affected by ambient temperature than an electric platform, so those figures should be treated as a range rather than a fixed output. The adjustable hop-up allows BB flight to be tuned to your chosen ammunition, while Safe, Semi-Auto and Full-Auto fire modes give the M23 plenty of flexibility on sites where each mode is permitted. Full-auto from a lightweight 7.5-inch gas rifle is certainly lively, although many players will probably spend most of their time enjoying the crisp response and mechanical feel of semi-auto.

What makes the CYMA/EMG Colt M23 particularly interesting is how many different ideas it combines without losing its identity. It has the authentic markings and handling cues collectors want, the MWS compatibility technicians appreciate, and the compact proportions aggressive CQB players genuinely benefit from. The M16A1 carry handle, slim grip and short CAR-style front end give it more personality than another conventional M4, while the Lightning Series bolt and reinforced internals keep the focus firmly on skirmish performance. If you want a short gas blowback airsoft gun that feels quick in the hands, offers realistic recoil and leaves plenty of room for future MWS-spec upgrades, the COLT.1022-LS is a very interesting little rifle indeed.

Features

• Officially licensed Colt M23 PDW replica 
• CYMA CGS gas blowback operating system
• Tokyo Marui MWS compatible magazines and upgrade parts
• Lightning Series lightweight aluminium bolt carrier group
• Full metal aluminium alloy construction
• Authentic Colt trademarks and receiver markings
• Reinforced steel trigger mechanism and bolt catch
• M16A1-style fixed carry handle upper receiver
• Compact 7.5-inch outer barrel configuration
• Approximately 190mm inner barrel
• 14mm negative CCW muzzle thread
• Compact adjustable PDW-style stock
• Adjustable hop-up system
• Safe, Semi-Auto and Full-Auto fire modes
• Realistic gas blowback recoil action
• Lightweight and highly manoeuvrable CQB-focused design

What you get

• CYMA/EMG Colt M23 PDW Gas Blowback Rifle 
• 30-round STANAG gas magazine
• Speed loader
• User manual

Details

• Manufacturer: CYMA / EMG
• Model: COLT.1022-LS
• Licensing: Official Colt licensed product
• Platform: Gas Blowback Rifle / PDW
• Operating System: CGS (CYMA Gas System)
• Compatibility: Tokyo Marui MWS-spec parts and magazines
• Construction: Aluminium alloy / metal
• Colour: Black
• Overall Length: Approximately 560mm - 640mm
• Weight: Approximately 2040g with magazine
• Outer Barrel Length: 7.5 inches
• Inner Barrel Length: Approximately 190mm
• Magazine Capacity: 30 rounds
• Magazine Compatibility: Tokyo Marui MWS Series
• Thread Direction: 14mm negative / CCW
• Stock: Compact adjustable PDW-style stock
• Upper Receiver: M16A1 carry handle type
• Pistol Grip: M16A1 slim-profile style
• Fire Modes: Safe / Semi-Auto / Full-Auto
• Gas Type: Green Gas
• Velocity: Approximately 330 - 380 FPS
• Hop-Up: Adjustable
• Bolt Carrier: Lightning Series lightweight aluminium bolt
• Internal Components: Reinforced steel parts