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Airsoft veterans, when was the last time you went to an airsoft field and didn’t see someone using a G&G Armament branded rifle? Ever since their major debut into the AEG market in the early 2000s (though they had been producing airsoft accessories since the 80s,) G&G has become one of the most commonly seen flagship airsoft brands of choice for both beginners and seasoned players alike. For good reason, too. G&G's research and development into the engineering of their airsoft replicas has always been primarily focused on one thing: Performance. Even their most basic budget product line, the legendary Combat Machine, has cemented itself as a perennial favorite for starter rifle recommendations. One might ask: “What specifically is different about G&G made airsoft guns that set them apart from other brands?” Well, dear reader, in this article we seek to answer exactly that! We’ll take a deep dive into the primary features of some of G&G’s most notable airsoft replicas to unearth what makes them stand out as fan favorites.



Let’s take a look at the gun that started it all…



G&G's rise to popularity all began with the introduction of their CM16 Raider Combat Machine. A wonderful airsoft rifle that, for its time, came factory ready with a degree of range, accuracy, and reliability not met by rifles of comparable price. Though constructed of mostly polymer, the Combat Machine didn’t feel cheap or “plasticy.” In fact, its lightweight and flexible build often allowed it to take more of a beating than something constructed of a more brittle metal. The Combat Machines still have metal where it matters most, ensuring the core of the gun would be something that could last a lifetime of rough airsoft play. Their proven longevity and low price grew their popularity as field rentals, since they could be inexpensively purchased in bulk and trusted in the hands of a newer player who might be rougher with their equipment. Though a few small details have been updated, the classic CM16 Combat Machine today is still the same material and design it's rocked since its debut.

Inside the G&G Combat Machine

Jumping inside the receiver, we’re met with two primary aspects of the gun. The hop-up system, and the classic V2 Combat Machine gearbox. We’ll first dissect the hop-up and barrel!



The legendary G&G Green.


If you’ve ever dug around forums recommending upgrade parts for you AEG, you’ve likely come across a part called the G&G Hopup Bucking for Airsoft AEG w/ Cold-Resistant Material. This little piece of rubber was a work of magic in the realm of airsoft range and accuracy. Its material quality and reliable design allowed it to send 0.2g-0.28g weighted BBs consistently further than competing guns in its time. Best of all, it came stock in most G&G branded rifles, giving these guns an edge over their competitors right out the box. As long as the aluminum inner barrel was kept clean, you could expect respectable shooting performance from any airsoft gun equipped with it. Though there are arguably much better buckings on the market now for those looking to pump every inch of range out of their rifle, the good ol’ G&G Green still stands as a solid, reliable part.

While the hop-up unit itself is nothing special design-wise, it’s made of a stronger material than some other brands have to offer.

The Gearbox

Note: This gearbox was pulled from a G&G CM16 Firehawk, which uniquely features 7mm bearings as oppose to 8mm brass bushings.

At the Combat Machine’s core, you’ll find a teal-cylindered gearbox with “G&G Armament” proudly etched onto its side. Do keep in mind, these classic gearboxes do not have a quick change spring guide! FPS adjustments have to be done through careful disassembly of the entire gearbox, which can prove difficult for an untrained technician.

Key Gearbox Features:

• Nylon Piston/Piston Head


• Reinforced G&G Gearset


• Mechanical Trigger Contacts (Li-Po wear resistant!)


• Brass Bushings


• Durable Nozzle and Tappet Plate

Though its design is fairly basic, its reputation proves its longevity. Moreover, these basic fundamental parts serve as the launchpad for G&Gs higher end products down the line. The standard G&G Combat Machine is a durable and well rounded option for players looking to get into the hobby, but some players demand a little bit more than just the basics. Building upon what made the classic Combat Machines so great, G&G released a line of rifles featuring upgraded versions of their already fantastic internal designs.

I’d argue that the airsoft gun from G&G that served as the major stepping stone from a good, well rounded brand, to a brand that easily stands at the forefront of airsoft performance excellence, was the G&G ARP9.



Though the G&G ARP9 markets itself as another “Combat Machine,” it comes pre-equipped with a number of upgrades that set it apart from its predecessors. Most notably, it comes with G&G E.T.U. trigger system, which is an electronic microswitch that replaces the mechanical trigger contacts. This E.T.U allows for an incredibly quick semi-automatic action, as well as programmable three round burst selectability. Pairing this advanced trigger unit with the incredibly torquey 25000RPM Ifrit Motor the ARP9 comes stock with, the ARP9 delivers a lightning quick trigger response that can stand up to most custom-built AEGs for a fraction of the price. Additionally, this was one of the first airsoft guns that G&G included their new hop-up design with. The new design features a black rotary style hop-up unit and a blue hop-up bucking with a more modern design than the old green one.


The newer G&G Blue.

What are some of G&Gs Best Rifles as of 2023?

G&Gs dedication to quality, reliability, and innovation has kept them moving forward in the evolving airsoft market. Even with incredibly tempting brands like Specna Arms and Arcturus tussling over who can produce the most innovative and inexpensive high-performance AEG, G&G’s middle-end market still retains its spot as a top choice for those looking for straight performance. Many of their products now feature an updated E.T.U system for better trigger response, a quick-change spring system for easy FPS adjustments, and a steel-tooth piston for maximum gearbox longevity. Here are what I would consider some of the best options from G&G’s catalog!

For those who love the look of the 9mm AR platform but demand the best of what out-the-box performance can be, I highly recommend the G&G ARP9 3.0 Compact Airsoft AEG Rifle (Model: 4.5" Metal RIS)



For those who want to sling BBs as far as possible with a marksman rifle that shows you mean business, I highly recommend the G&G Knight's Armament Licensed SR25 Airsoft AEG Rifle w/ M-LOK Handguard and G2 Gearbox (Model: SR25 E2 APC)



For those who want a unique SMG with all the high-end functionality and customizability of an M4, I highly recommend the G&G PCC45 Airsoft Electric SMG (Color: Blue)

Rifles aren’t all G&G has to offer

G&G is no stranger to the GBB world. Though not their predominant focus, G&G’s gas blowback systems still come equipped with the same degree of industry leading innovation that drives their mainline AEGs. We’ll take a look at three of my top picks for G&Gs GBB market. Though these options are all internally proprietary to the G&G system, I find that their standalone design is often of high enough quality to run without the need for upgrades.

Easily a fan favorite for it’s sleek design and impressive performance, I highly recommend the G&G Armament SMC-9 Gas Blowback Pistol Caliber Carbine (Color: Black).



Though technically just the pistol variant of the SMG-9, this standalone handgun offers a wide array of features that help it stand out and be competitive in the airsoft pistol market. It comes with a hard case and, strangely, one of the highest quality speed-loaders I’ve ever seen in airsoft. I highly recommend the G&G GTP9 Gas Blowback Airsoft Pistol (Color: Black).



If you prefer a handgun with a bit more realism to it but still want to enjoy all the quality features the GTP-9 comes with, I highly recommend the G&G GPM92 GP2 Gas Blowback Airsoft Pistol (Color: Black)

What are some commonly asked questions about G&G Branded rifles?

Q: Are G&G branded AEGs internally proprietary?
A: Comparatively to other brands, not really. Their M4 systems are Tokyo Marui spec friendly and can accept a wide array of aftermarket parts. At least, except for the tappet plate, though there isn’t much reason to swap that out anyway.

Q: What’s the difference between Combat Machine line and regular line airsoft guns from G&G?
A: The most important distinction is that the Combat Machines are typically polymer bodied. Other than that, not much. There are some small internal changes; In the regular line guns, the cylinder and inner barrel are brass instead of aluminum, and the gearbox uses bearings instead of bushings.

Q: Are the G&G gas blowbacks compatible with other branded magazines?
A: Unfortunately, they do only work with the specific G&G magazines. Thankfully, these magazines are cooldown resistant and come with metal feed lips for extra insurance in case of drops.

One could make the case that G&G’s impact on the airsoft market reshaped the hobby as a whole. Without such a trustworthy intro-level friendly platform like the Combat Machine, less players may have jumped into the hobby in the first place. When you need something that will get you on the field to immediately show your competitive side with, G&G is the answer. Take a look through G&G’s catalog on Evike.com and find the model that’s perfect for you!