Chiappa emfour

The Chiappa emfour is a generic M4 pattern and offers a similar, full polymer upper and lower receiver build as the M&P15-22. The buffer tube is separate and has a fixed, integral/moulded butt section that copies the Magpul design. This unit can be removed and substituted with a normal buffer tube and sliding butt.

The look is military with a round/ribbed forend, A-frame front sight and a D-handle with fully adjustable, L-flip aperture on the flat-topped action.  The pistol grip is a copy of the Hogue unit complete with finger grooves. At 4.4 lbs it’s the lightest rifle in its class.

It strips like an M16 and shows a pre-packaged bolt, so easy to clean. Feed is from a 28-round magazine with external lugs to aid filling, two come as standard with and optional 10-shot unit. It also offers an automatic, last round hold open on the follower, but there is no manual system. Up front on the 16” barrel is a flash hider, which is pinned in place and not threaded. Likewise there’s a non-functioning bayonet lug. These and the fixed butt are doubtless requirements to make it Italian-legal.

The emfour proved reliable and represents good value for money. Chiappa also offers an upper receiver unit only (M4-22) that will fit onto any good AR15 lower platform. It does not include the D-handle! It appears they are also working on a copy of the US M1 Carbine (M1-22) but as of yet little solid information.

For: Good entry level 22 AR clone
Against: Certain features like the fixed butt will not appeal
Verdict: Well priced and inclusive package

PRICE: £570