Nothing against the “classic” G&G CM16 Raider, which is an enormously popular AEG, but we just can’t get enough of the ARP9, or, more properly, the G&G CM16 ARP9. Frankly, our customers can’t get enough of it, and though they both have a lot of features favored by players, there’s just so much to love about the ARP9.

It’s an AEG but it has a lot in common with a pistol with a folding stock, except it has a ton of benefits that airsoft pistols tend to lack. A remarkably innovative extension of the G&G CM16 series of AEGs, the ARP9 is here to stay, and it really will shine in quite a few situations, not the least of which we will detail here. Here’s a quick overview of that platform - what we love about it and where it will shine.

Capacity

Where to start, where to start. There is so much to love about this interesting little platform that it’s tough to pick a place, so we’re just going to start throwing darts at the board. This is kind of like a chicken or the egg situation. Don’t read on and then tell us that we should have started with the durability of the frame under high-quality components, below. Just take this all for what it’s worth.

With that in mind, we’ll start with capacity. This little platform comes with a 300 round mid-cap magazine, but with that admission, it’s also important to point out that it is compatible with other G&G 9mm magazines, so you can always upgrade it.

In that vein, this serves a much better niche than so many gas airsoft pistols, if only because it holds so much more. Granted, we can hear what some of you are saying. “An airsoft pistol should never be your main airsoft gun. It’s a sidearm.” We know that, but at the same time, if your main arm can fill the role of both in one package, you’re in a good place.

Speed

Then there’s the speed that this thing can cook up. With .2g BBs, this platform can reach muzzle velocities of up to 350 FPS, which is impressively fast, all things considered. There’s also the fact that it has a very short barrel to consider, and while it’s spot on for an AEG, few if any airsoft handguns can match that speed.

That means it’s also very powerful, all things considered, and with that in mind, it’s also versatile on the matter of fire selection. It comes with a selector switch that will enable you to switch between safe, semi, and full auto modes of fire, meaning that it’s great for a number of different situations.

Do you need to present heavy fire to cover your advancing units? Check. Do you need to switch to semi-automatic for a more reasonable approach to conserving ammo in CQB combat? Check. The point is, this platform is fast, powerful, and versatile.

Modularity

Any quality airsoft platform, just like any quality tool, should offer at least some degree of modularity. In this particular respect, one of the most important measures of modularity is in how the platform can fit the shooter.

Some precision rifles and shotguns have modular stocks that don’t only adjust for length, but also for comb height and other dimensions. While the ARP9 is not quite as exhaustively appareled as these are, it definitely is one of those airsoft guns that can afford you a great fit.

It does have an adjustable stock that can accommodate for different lengths of pull, and it also has flip-up iron sights that you can use or fold down in order to make the most of other attachments as well. In other words, it’s made to fit the player, and you can get a pretty good fit, even from a little platform like this. For you, that means more comfort, better accuracy, and more confidence behind the stock. And, as everyone knows, more confidence equates to more victories, all other things being held equal.

High-Quality Components

We also can hardly avoid the topic of the quality of the components that this rifle has because this unique and exciting entry into the G&G CM16 line of rifles is built like a tank.

One thing to consider on this matter is the fact that these AEGs are made with Version 2 full metal, fully upgradeable gearboxes that can sustain high rates of fire reliably without deforming, melting, or breaking. That’s a big deal when you use an AEG as it’s meant to be used. Other gearboxes might fall down flat, but as we said, these things are made like tanks.

Whatever type of player you are, and no matter how fastidious you are in the care and use of your airsoft guns, from time to time you will experience bumps and knocks that could spell doom for lesser AEGs. Less than careful players will be dealing with conditions that could really wreck an airsoft gun that wasn’t built to such exacting specifications.

Not to worry, though, if you carry an ARP9. This AEG rifle is made with a hybrid construction that makes the most of a tough polymer and metal. As you can see from some of the pictures in this article (or from the product page) select parts of its construction are made from metal whereas others are crafted from a tough polymer.

There’s a bit of a tradeoff here. While polymers are basically impervious to corrosion and they are lightweight, they are not as strong as most metals. In that way, you kind of have the best of both worlds here. It’s light, strong and tough, which leads nicely to our next point.

Maneuverability

These airsoft rifles are not just lightweight, they are also compact, which makes them highly maneuverable. This isn’t like clay shooting where you will want a heavy barrel to swing through the target. This is different. This is more like high-stakes, high-speed point, and shoot that will get you to clear an area of the opposing team.

For that reason alone the obvious lack of a long barrel and the light weight of the platform are big bonuses. When you need to carry an AEG into a tight space where you won’t have a lot of room or time to negotiate a setting, those things matter.

This platform isn’t built like some automatic airsoft machine guns that hold 4000 rounds. It’s not built for that. It’s light, fast and reliable, which is exactly what you need it to be when you need an AEG.

Rail Space

Then there is the additional fact that an ARP9 has so much rail space. Even with its short barrel, this thing is made to accept a ton of attachments and comes with a section of quad rail around the barrel. In addition, it has even more rail space above the receiver for you to add optics or any other attachments your heart could desire.

Why is this such a big deal? Well, for one thing, with less barrel length means less space for a handguard and associated rail space. There is less of it than on other models, but it’s amazingly well balanced to offer room if we do say so ourselves.

The other, and more important reason, is that a naked AEG is just a shell of what it could be. With a little elbow grease and then some trial and error you can really dial in the performance of an AEG with the right attachments. Of course, systems like an adjustable hop of and the modularity of the stock will key into your personal dimensions and accuracy, but once you’ve optimized those things, you’re working with a model that is begging for a reflex sight, a scope, or some other attachments.

Throw on a scope or a red dot sight and you’ll see your abilities meet their potential, but these aren’t the only attachments you can pair with an AEG like this. Consider the fact that a model of this nature is well designed for CQB encounters with limited visibility and perhaps little ambient light. Throw a tactical light on the side of the handguard or underneath it and you’ll really ramp its abilities up.

So there you have some of the things we really love about the ARP9, but what we need to do now is get into the details of where it’s going to shine. Would it make a great sniper rifle? Not so much. Would it make a great airsoft machine gun for covering and canvassing large swaths of open territory? Well, not for very long. Let’s take a closer look at some of the situations in which a CQB M4 style rifle like this will really make waves.

CQB-Ware

If you can pardon our terrible pun, this is one of the situations in which a CQB carbine like this AEG will really shine.

Think about the conditions that stereotypically surround CQB. It can be inside, in very close quarters (obviously) but it can also be tight, dark, and cramped. There could be limited light, limited visibility even if the lighting is adequate, and there could be very little space to maneuver. There could be a profusion of obstacles that, while they might afford you cover, could conceal and protect enemy movement and positions just as favorably.

In situations like this you need an AEG that can sustain a high rate of fire, give you the ability to switch between semi and full auto, and accept attachments, but you need more than that. Any AEG worth its salt will offer you just as much, so how can you distinguish between the ARP9 and everything else?

Well, for one thing, its size. Some players favor the use of a pistol in CQB if only for the fact that they are light and fast. The ARP9 is light and fast, too, but with a stock and an extended mag (compared to a pistol), it is not hemmed in by similar limitations.

It’s a Pistol with a Stock; No, It’s an AEG; No, It’s Both!

The ARP9 presents in the format of a semi-automatic rifle to players but in a unique 9mm style carbine with an extremely short barrel that is nearly nonexistent. As we stated above, what this basically boils down to is that the ARP9 has all of the benefits in the form of features that an AEG rifle could have, along with all of the benefits of a sidearm, while experiencing the drawbacks of none of them.

With its lightweight design and short barrel, it’s as fast and maneuverable as a sidearm, but with its stock and adequate rail space, it’s as steady and adaptable as an AEG. add in the fact that this thing has plenty of space even in the mag it comes with and then more than enough power on top of that and you’re basically set.

The Best of Both Worlds; Or, the Best of All Worlds

What this means for you is that you no longer have to pick and choose between the features you want to carry into CQB. it also basically explains all of the latent popularity of the ARP9, and there’s plenty of it. That doesn’t mean you shouldn’t carry a sidearm in addition as a backup, but you might not have to draw it if you lean on the prowess of an ARP9.

If you’re looking for a tough-as-nails AEG that has these features, you’ve found it. All you have to do is pick out the model that appeals to you and pull the trigger, metaphorically.

Get It Here!

Take a look through our different colors and styles before you choose your favorite ARP9 and then make sure you get the attachments and other tactical gear you need to go with it. Remember, we’ve got you covered with our price match guarantee, so you’ll be getting the best prices around and you can pair that with our convenient and affordable flat rate shipping. One more thing - don’t forget to call us at 800-581-6620 if you have any questions!