Outdoor Empire top pick as assault rifle
The G&G Combat Machine 16 Raider, from here on to be termed as the Raider, is an excellent entry level carbine. G&G has designed and built a truly interesting weapon that is the best beginner option. It’s affordable, easy to work on and fix.
The Raider is modeled after the standard M4 carbine and is a modern interpretation of the weapon. It is an AEG which fires 6mm BBs.
Specifications
Length: 34.8 in
Weight: 6.10 lbs
Muzzle Velocity: 370 – 400 FPS
Effective Range: 150 feet
Battery Size: Butterfly Type
Magazine Capacity: 450 rounds
Fire Modes: Full/ Semi-Auto, Safety
Hop-Up: Adjustable
Compare Similar Models
| Product |  |  |  |
|---|---|---|---|
| Length | 34.8 in | 33.7 in | 31.7 in |
| Weight | 6.10 lbs | 5.69 lbs | 8.60 lbs |
| Muzzle Velocity | 370 - 400 FPS | 370 - 400 FPS | 390-420 FPS |
| Magazine Capacity | 450 rounds | 600 rounds | 330 rounds |
| Battery | 9.6 volts | 9.6 volts | 7.4 volts |
| Cost | Check Price | Check Price | $ |
CYMA AK105
CYMA is well known for their line of AK rifles, and are another competitor for best beginner rifles.
The CYMA AK105 is a modernized AK rifle with black polymer furniture and a shorter barrel. It looks well-built and uses a 600 round magazine. CYMA magazines are compatible with Tokyo Marui, Matrix, and G&P, which is a big advantage.
The rifle has an adjustable hop-up, has 370-400 FPS muzzle velocity, and an all-metal body construction. It has a polymer body but it is more modular.
The use of a rail and a flat top upper makes it easier to mount accessories and optics. The Raider can also use all M4/M16 series magazines.
Both guns are easy to upgrade and they almost have the same specifications.
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APS AUG
The APS AUG is uniquely engineered inside out. The bullpup design places the magazine behind the trigger and significantly cuts the weapon’s overall length. A short rifle is a more maneuverable one.
The Raider’s standard layout makes reloading faster and easier to learn.
The APS AUG and the Raider both have a healthy amount of rail space for accessories, with the Raider having a slight lead. The lead comes from the quad rail and ability to mount accessories anywhere.
Both have similar internal performance. But the APS AUG has a slight FPS advantage and a metal gearbox which is more durable . It also has fully ambidextrous controls so it edges past the Raider.
Rating the G&G Combat Machine 16 Raider
This is based on a one to five stars rating.
Ergonomics
Everything here is standard, almost mil-spec M4.
It’s nothing fancy but it’s a popular platform for a reason. First, the rail allows you to add a vertical foregrip and bipod for extra stability. The stock is listed as a crane style but resembles a Bravo Company B5, minus a working QD sling slot.
The stock is also adjustable for different sized people, a standard and useful M4 feature. The safety selector is not ambidextrous, not a deal breaker though but something for wrong handed people to consider.
The grip is surprisingly not an A2 style. It’s smooth with some checkering and looks like a Tango down pistol grip. The magazine release is exactly where you expect it to be, and activating it is as simple as a push of a button.
The lightweight nature of the weapon lends to its ergonomics. Being lightweight, its users fatigue less in the ready position. It is also easier to take snapshots rapidly with a lighter weapon. 4 stars for its ergonomics.
Ease Of Use
The M4 platform is popular because it is very easy to use. Be it the G&G Raider 16 or an actual M4, the weapon is easy to master. The M4 platform is ergonomic; and as a standardized platform, you’ll find a lot of advice and training on how to use it.
Disassembling the weapon is really easy, a newbie can even do it with minimal guidance. It’s also easy to clean, maintain, and upgrade. The simple design is what makes it excel. Another reason why it is a great first timer gun. 5 stars for its ease of use.
Externals
The Raider comes complete with a seven-inch rail system and a flat top upper receiver. This allows the user to easily mount a wide variety of accessories and optics on their airsoft gun.
The Raider also has a fixed gas block style front sight and a removable A2 height rear sight. The sights are quite nice and idiot proof.
The actual body of the Raider is not metal. This is a turnoff to a lot of players, which is not a surprise. However, it has a nylon-reinforced polymer construction, and it’s important that people realize this airsoft gun is made for beginners.
The material also keeps the weight quite low, which is another benefit to beginners. A light weapon is a nice weapon. 3 stars for its externals.
Internals
Inside and out it’s durable. Maintenance is simple. The full metal gearbox doesn’t use bearing. Instead, you get bushings. This is certainly one of the best low priced AEGs on the market. 4 stars for its internals.
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Summary
The G&G Combat Machine 16 Raider has a final rating of 4 out of 5 stars as a beginner’s rifle. It isn’t the best airsoft rifle ever developed but is one of the best beginner airsoft rifles available. That is an important distinction to make.
As a beginner’s rifle, you can ease into the sport at a good price point with a simple modular platform. The ability to easily take everything apart is a bonus for the newb. The platform comes in long and short versions, you can also choose between black and tan.
Pros
- Adjustable sights
- Well priced
- Sling ready
- Lots of room to accessorize
Cons
- Polymer body
- Aluminum barrel
- Weak gearbox
