G&G ARP9 Carbine Airsoft AEG Review
Based on the AR-15 platform, this pistol-caliber-carbine AEG is made by G&G. The Taiwanese company has an excellent record in making airsoft guns, and the ARP9 embodies the carbine’s tactical purpose perfectly. The weapon is designed for close quarter engagements and is compact enough to stay out of your way.
The G&G ARP9 carbine has several features that allow customization. Other than the tactical rails, the MOSFET is programmable. You’ll find its controls intuitive if you have experience with an M4.
Ratings:
- Ergonomics: 3
- Ease of Use: 5
- Externals: 3
- Internals: 4
- Value: 4
- Performance: 5
The compactness of the G&G ARP9 makes it a powerful weapon in CQC that also works at longer ranges. It comes with M-LOK rails for unique accessory combinations too. You can mount anything a rifle needs onto the handguard or top rail.
However, there are also some drawbacks to the ARP9, like the polymer receiver. Some players don’t like a non-metal receiver, which is less durable than aluminum or steel. The bumper tube will only accept compact batteries, so you can’t pick a random product.
Despite these cons, the ARP9 is a new way to handle close-quarters combat.
Pros:
The lightweight and compact build works very well for all situations, especially with a longer-range optic. The stock and handguard are both comfortable to shoot with, as the former is designed to fit almost all users. The ARP9 has lots of room for customization as well.
Cons:
Some users find the receiver polymer composition to be a disadvantage, even if it helps the gun weigh less. The battery slot is relatively small, so owners must purchase smaller batteries to allow the gun to function. Without blowback, certain people find it less realistic.
Full Review
G&G’s APR9 AEG is a compact yet versatile 9mm-style AR-15 carbine, a weapon that combines pistol calibers with an assault rifle platform. A gun like this is meant for close quarter combat, where engagements become highly unpredictable, and a full-sized rifle is impractical. With this powerful AEG, you’ll find new ways to dominate in small spaces.
The weapon is mainly made of polymer, including the receiver. This configuration reduces the overall weight without compromising too much on durability since modern plastics can be highly resistant to breaking.
The whole weapon measures 23.2 inches maximum, and when the stock is completely retracted, it’s only 20 inches. The ARP9’s design has very few protrusions, a trait that prevents any objects from snagging onto the carbine. When navigating through tight and crowded locations, you’ll find the weapon is always ready for action.
At the front of the gun is a unique flash-hider that can be swapped out for another muzzle accessory. Make sure it has the proper CCW thread first.
For attachments, you have an M-LOK handguard that measures 5 inches. The side and bottom rails are for M-LOK slots, while the top Picatinny rail is seamlessly linked to the upper receiver rail.
Some of the attachments you can consider mounting are vertical foregrips, tactical flashlights, PEQ boxes, and magnifiers. The latter helps make a red dot scope hit farther if you place it in front of the optic. By increasing the magnification, you can boost long-range accuracy.
The top tactical rail comes with a pair of flip-up iron sights, but it’s spacious enough for any CQC scope you can think of.
You’ll notice that most controls are the same as on an M4 except for the magazine release. It’s not a button, but G&G replaced that with a spring tab, a piece of polymer. Everything is ambidextrous and can be used by anyone, no matter if they’re left- or right-handed.
The forward assist is entirely cosmetic, so you won’t be able to operate it.
Another part that might catch your eye is the trigger, a flat-faced competition-style that’s connected to an electronic unit and MOSFET. The MOSFET prevents battery overdraw and allows the ARP9 to fire in three-round bursts. Compared to a traditional unit, electronic triggers have better response times even when rapid firing in semi-auto mode, which gives older triggers trouble.
G&G is known for its AEG internal components, and the ARP9 comes with a Version 2 Full Metal Gearbox with 8mm bearing and bushings set. The motor is an IFRIT 25k Long Type G&G Motor with high torque and can handle an 11.1V battery.
The hop-up is plastic but adjustable, which helps when using heavier BBs.
Also, within the gearbox is the electric trigger unit. Newer-generation AEGs like the ARP9 will have the ETU inside the gearbox.
These components can be upgraded for increased muzzle velocity or other characteristics. G&G fully intends for the gearbox to receive improved parts this way.
The ETU allows for three-round bursts, but it must replace full-auto mode. To swap, switch the ARP9 to semi-auto and hold the trigger back for 10 seconds. Go back to safe and then full-auto mode for the three-round burst to activate.
Going back to the default setting works by repeating the procedure.
Specifications:
- Make & Model: G&G ARP9 Carbine Airsoft AEG
- Material: Polymer construction, metal gearbox
- Weight: 6.2 pounds or 2.81 kilograms
- Gearbox: G&G Version 2 Full Metal Gearbox with 8mm bearing and bushing set
- Muzzle Velocity: 340 FPS with 0.20g BBs
- Magazine Capacity: 300 rounds in the magazine, compatible with other 9mm G&G magazines
- Length: 20-23.2 inches, depending on stock position
- Battery Type: 7.4V or 11.1V LiPo stick battery, not included in the package
- Color: Black
- Firing Modes: Semi-auto, full-auto, and programmable three-round burst
- Hop-Up: Adjustable
- Ammunition: 6mm BBs, 0.20g and above
Pros
Besides being compact, the G&G ARP9 has a lot of potentials. The M-LOK rails and Picatinny top rail are great for making the weapon become the ideal CQC carbine. In addition, it handles like a handgun but is steady enough to hit long-range targets.
As it is a light carbine, carrying it around isn’t tiring, and you can wield it in any location. From large outdoor venues to narrow indoor hallways, the ARP9 can handle any opponent. You would need another carbine like it or a shotgun to outperform its CQC efficiency.
The internal components of the ARP9 don’t disappoint either. They work to pump out at least 340 FPS when using 0.20g BBs. With upgrades, you can improve the muzzle velocity and even increase the firing rate. The gun will become even more terrifying to opponents up close.
The ETU makes firing the gun extremely precise. You can squeeze the trigger lightly in semi-auto mode for rapid single shots. The flat-faced trigger is highly responsive and will register each trigger pull properly.
When you feel each component, it’s not difficult to see that G&G spared no expense in building the ARP9. All parts are made using stringent manufacturing processes, and there’s almost no looseness in the whole body. Everything fits precisely and securely.
Being an AR-15, users can pick up and learn how to operate it quickly, no matter their skill level. The muscle memory is intuitive for those who served in the U.S. Armed Forces, as they use M4 carbines often. These guns are practically the same when it comes to operation.
For its price range, the ARP9 is close to the zenith of CQC weaponry. It has the best characteristics of both handguns and rifles in one neat package. You’ll never want to bring a full-sized long arm to the narrow hallways again.
Cons
There aren’t any fatal drawbacks to the G&G ARP9, but it’s hard to avoid having any imperfections. The main con is not having a completely metal receiver. It’s a double-edged sword as polymer reduces the overall weight but is weaker than metal.
Another drawback is how the buffer tube is narrow. It barely fits a 7.4V or 11.1V LiPo stick battery inside, and you need a very compact model for it to work. If it’s too large, you’re left with a non-functional AEG.
Having no blowback on this weapon is also a deal-breaker for some airsoft operators. However, it still kicks enough when you fire in full-auto. This is fortunately only a minor inconvenience.
The magazines are entirely proprietary, a far cry from most M4 AEGs. You can only use G&G’s magazines with the ARP9, so you can’t get a spare reload from your comrades on the battlefield.
Of course, having a shorter barrel does reduce long-range accuracy, and optics can only mitigate part of the problem. The ARP9 wouldn’t be an excellent weapon for larger arenas as you might suffer from getting outgunned.