GR16 (externals)

TerrorFirmer

I wouldn't consider myself qualified to comment on the internals of the gun, but I do feel like it's a question that a lot of people are probably asking about G&G's Popular series - how does a primarily non-metal gun hold up in terms of feel and balance? Personally, as a bit of a stickler for realism and in hand with that, metal, I was skeptical for want of a better word, but at the fantastic price Eirsoft were offering the GR16 Blowback - and when you factor in that it's a blowback model - I felt it was ridiculous to pass it up, though the Dboys and AGM models had me tempted, both of which - full metal and low prices notwithstanding - I've found to be pretty good in the past.



First impressions are astounding - to look at, the GR16 appears to be metal. Lifting it out of the box for closer inspection, it still holds the appearance of metal remarkably well. In the box is the rifle, metal hi-cap magazine (no markings), 1400mah battery, charger and 1,000 rounds of .2g BBs. The charger is your standard two pin with led indicator, though the connector is proprietary. The accompanying manual is clear and concise, unlike the comical gibberish found in most clone guns.

Only tapping on the receiver finally convinces that it's a non-metal construction, but it's so incredibly solid and heavyweight. This is quite simply a world apart from common ABS receivers and it's a shame that generally speaking, the GR16 is lumped into that category of non-metal. It deserves a category of its own, it's that good, and puts TM, JG or CA Sportsline models to shame. The gun has the expected amount of metal - barrel assembly, sling mounts, magazine, stock slider, and so on. The ABS Foregrip has a very solid feel to it, and the construction is vastly superior to foregrips on clone AGM and JG models which tend to feel liable to break at the slightest abuse. The flash hider is also ABS. The receiver has two markings; the first being an invented logo 'Special Forces', underneath which is written 'United States Special Forces, Cal. Multi' in block, the second, 'Complete AEG Series, MFG by Combat Machine, Made in Taiwan' in block over the fire selector. The fire selector is very nice, with a clearly audible and solid click when switching modes.





The weight of the gun is good, I would guess slightly over 2KG. Not heavy, but equally, of sufficient weight to deter any sense of it very much being a toy unlike some other lighter ABS models I've handled. Compared to a metal M4, it, surprisingly, doesn't overall feel much different, and on this point I have to commend this gun more highly than I would have ever expected. Don't let the non-metal build put you off, even to those who normally have a preference for steel guns. After this I would have no hesitance in purchasing other popular guns in the series.

Cons...if I had to point out a few gripes with the build, they do exist, and they are quite apparent ones related to immediate aspects of the gun. The carry handle is made of much lighter plastic then the receiver, and feels almost like common cheap plastic rather then thermoplastic even. The finish on it is not up to the standard of the rest of the gun either; rough edges were immediately apparent. The stock has some wobble to it as well, though its not as bad as some models I've used. The dust cover spring seems a bit weak, but as a model with blowback, that is most certainly not a problem! Blowback is beautiful, a very defined sound with each cycle. After some initial worry - unknownst to me, the blowback not functioning unloaded - I was soon spraying melons like a drooling maniac. There's not a whole lot negative to say about this gun, the only planned external upgrade to its stock form in mind is a metal carry handle - everything else is quite simply beautiful.

Bottom line - highly recommended! And thanks to Tony at Eirsoft who had the gun at my door the other side of the country in less than 24 hours.

hairyman

My GF got me a GR15 Raider and like you i was simply stunned by the quality of the plastic,,,id have it over any other sporline and even alot of ACM full metal's.