When it comes to versatility, durability, and reliability, there’s not much out there at the same price point that can compete effectively with a  G&G Combat Machine Raider . More commonly known as a G&G CM16, this platform is one of the most effective and reliable AEGs on the market at its price point, capable nearly of filling the niche of a sidearm and almost robust enough to fill the role of mounted airsoft guns used for canvassing and covering large swaths of open ground.

Starting with the specifications of the model, we’ll take an in-depth look at this G&G CM16 Raider-L M4/M16 available here at MiR Tactical as an example and a representation of the amazing versatility of this airsoft gun. Specifications will vary slightly between models, but this carbine is a good example of the quality of a G&G Combat Machine Raider 16.

This model takes 6mm BBs and varies from 31 to 35 inches depending on the stock adjustment (which is something we’ll get to more shortly). Unloaded and without any attachments it weighs 4 pounds 9 ounces and comes outfitted with a 6 position crane style collapsible stock and M16 A2 style removable rear aperture and front post sights, though it also offers plenty of rail space for the addition of optics and other attachments. It comes with one magazine that holds 450 rounds but it is compatible with many other AEG magazines designed for M4 or M16 platforms.

It also comes with a 357mm, 6.03mm tight bore barrel for impressive accuracy and fair range, which can be tailored with the system’s adjustable hop-up. It’s capable of attaining muzzle velocities of up to 40 fps and has a long type motor with a Version 2 full metal fully upgradable gearbox with 8mm brass bearing for longevity and reliable performance. This platform also comes with three fire configurations - safe, selective, and fully automatic, to suit the situation wherein you are operating during a match. It also happens to come with a 1-year limited warranty from the manufacturer.

There you have the specifications, but now it’s time to learn a little more about what that means in the real world. The design, construction, and configuration of this airsoft gun make it impressively situated to be wildly effective in quite a number of situations. Without further ado, here are six reasons to love a G&G Combat Machine Raider.

They’re Tough and Reliable

In a way, that’s two things to love for the price of one, but there’s just no way around that. A G&G Raider is a tough piece of equipment that can take a lot of abuse and still not only fire, but shoot straight. The whole machine is made from high-quality polymers and metals and put together solidly. Pick up one of these airsoft rifles and you’ll be surprised that you’re holding an airsoft gun that generally costs a shade over 150 dollars.

We’re not saying that you should get one and abuse it, but these things can handle being dropped and carried through brush and subjected to periods of heavy fire again and again.

That’s something else that you’re going to love about a G&G CM16. Being styled after a carbine, they’re perfect for filling the role of a primary arm because they’re in the middle ground between a sidearm and heavier equipment. Especially since they have multiple modes of fire and one magazine can hold 450 rounds you can bunker down and easily defend a position with one of these. Carry a few spare loaded magazines and a speedloader and you can function as a one-man artillery crew.

Even though it’s not the fastest or the toughest AEG out there, it’s still very fast and very tough. It’s also fairly lightweight without feeling cheap. Choose a G&G Raider and as we said you’ll have an airsoft gun that can fill every role from a sidearm to a heavier platform. It’s not only light but it’s compact so you can use it for storming defensively held positions during an airsoft match, and, unlike most airsoft pistols that have severely limited capacity by comparison, this thing holds plenty of BBs.

Metal Internals

This somewhat goes along the same lines as the fact that they are built tough, but this deserves its own category. Where to start with why metal internals like a metal gearbox are superior to alternatives takes a little briefing.

First off, there are plenty of AEGs out there with plastic gears, which have basically one advantage over metal gears. They are easier to produce and cheaper. That’s just about where the advantage ends, and after that starts the downhill slide. If you need a cheap gun, that might be fine - but cheap doesn’t cut it in a lot of situations, and after all, a G&G CM16 is designed to be cost-effective while still offering superior quality.

So, having said that plastic gears have an advantage in cost over metal gears, what can you expect from a full metal gearbox like the one inside a G&G CM16? Well, to begin with, they are far more reliable and can be subject to higher forces than plastic which will deliver more power - that means faster muzzle velocities and potentially even a higher rate of fire.

Metal gears can be paired with stronger motors than plastic gears because they will not deform easily under power and are significantly more heat resistant than plastic. Even if a unit overheats from an extended period of hard use, it’s unlikely to damage metal gears. By construct, plastic gears can break or melt when subjected to hard use and high heat. Metal will keep on going strong when you need it.

It goes right along with the level of durability that an AEG like a CM16 can afford you, which is downright rare at its price point. With it comes the peace of mind of metal internals that are superior to plastic and with proper care will last through many matches and many, many hours of recreational target shooting. 

This is another great reason to love a CM16, and although you can find lots of rail space in other models from many other manufacturers, it takes on a unique tint when you pair it with all of the other things there are to appreciate about them.

Let’s say you’re not a fan of the iron sights that come with some models of the CM16. In many cases, you can fold down the rear sight, either for transport or to make room for any of the many attachments that you could pair with one of these airsoft rifles. If you are going to adapt your CM16 to long-range shooting and covering strategic positions during a match, then you can easily through a scope on the top of the rail system, sight it in, and practice over long ranges.

By contrast, if you want to adapt the platform to close quarters storming during a match you can throw a red dot or some other reflex sight up top and go from there. There is plenty of rail space on the sides and button of the handguard as well, so if you use it for those close quarters ops, then you can get a tactical light or a laser and work with that as well. Some enterprising individuals even mount a combination of optics on their rifles to be effective at both long ranges and up close.

If you need extra room for other accessories, you can pick up a saddle for the side or bottom of your rail and throw the accessories on there to save yourself some space in your vest or pack. Plus, your accessories will be right there with the rifle when you need them so it could be hard to forget them.

You can always cover up the sections of rail you don’t use with rail covers, but you can’t necessarily get extra rail space, so it’s just a bonus that a CM16 comes with so much built-in.

Lots of Capacity

A CM16 comes with a high capacity magazine that can hold 450 rounds and they also accept plenty of other magazines designed for other M4 and M16 inspired AEGs. Many other magazines designed for similar semi-automatic platforms hold anywhere from 95 to 115 to 350 rounds - which is a lot of ammunition but pales in comparison to the CM16’s 450 round capacity.

That makes this platform ideal for defending positions during a match, even when you are outnumbered, which is why we brought it up earlier. With the extended capacity of the mag that comes with a CM16, you can go long periods without having to worry about a mag running dry, even after periods of relatively heavy fire. That makes the rifle well suited to a number of different scenarios.

In addition to the fact that the CM16 holds plenty of ammo and can be made even more capable by bringing along extra mags and a speedloader, we’re going to drop something else in with it. This rifle, as we mentioned, comes with an adjustable hop-up system. Again, that’s not something that’s rare in airsoft guns, but it is something to take into account when tuning the rifle to be effective at greater distances. Normally tinkering with hop-up systems is the purview of snipers who need the accuracy - but with a G&G CM16 Raider, you can hold a defensive position with great accuracy over range and have 450 BBs behind you. That’s a lot of capacity to pair with an AEG that can be fine-tuned for range.

Highly Adjustable

We mentioned in the specifications that this rifle comes with a six-position crane stock, what we didn’t mention is that the handguard is also adjustable, which means that you can get this AEG rifle to fit you perfectly.

Length of pull and forend (or in this case, handguard) dimensions are critical to being fit to an airsoft gun to be consistent in your mount and accuracy. It doesn’t matter too much if it takes you an eighth of a second to mount the rifle if your sights won’t be aligned after mounting - that wastes time during target acquisition. It’s also the reason so many rifles have adjustable stocks, grips, and combs. Even if you don’t like the fit you get from the handguard, you can also add a grip of some sort to the bottom of the rail (see: above - lots of rail space!) and as far as length of pull is concerned, you can experiment with the stock until it fits you like a glove.

Easy to Disassemble and Clean

There’s one more thing that makes a G&G Combat Machine 16 a steal, and that’s the fact that disassembly and cleaning are really easy. Not that you have to constantly clean your Raider, but if you’ve been out in the rain you should take it apart and make sure that everything is dry inside, and every once in a while you should make sure all the components are clear and free of dirt or dust. With a G&G Combat Machine Raider, that couldn’t be easier.

If you’re looking for a Combat Machine 16 Raider, you’re not alone - many other airsoft players just like you are looking for them. It’s a great gun, hands down, and an even better value. It’s so popular it can be tough to find them, but if you’re after one, you’re in the right place. Take a look through our pages and find the model that’s best for your use - you can always add the attachments and accessories later. If you get one, there’s one thing to remember, make sure you pick up a 9.6v butterfly type battery to go with it so that you can get to using it sooner rather than later. Check out our pages on airsoft rifles and accessories, and if you have any questions call us at 800-581-6620 and we’ll point you in the right direction.