Airsoft players certainly have no shortage of options when it comes to what they should carry into the airsoft arena.

That is to say, the market for beginner airsoft guns and AEGs is about as saturated as it gets. There are countless options for various brands, all of which offer different performance and upgradability at a wide range of price points.

One of the best of them is the G&G Combat Machine Raider AEG, cousin to the infamous G&G ARP9 and ARP9 2.0.

Here are some of the reasons that the G&G CM16 Raider is a perennial favorite among airsofters.

Power and Performance

A stock G&G Combat Machine Raider offers performance you would not expect to see at this price point.

Equipped with a long-type motor and compatible with 9.6V butterfly-type batteries, the G&G Combat Machine CM16 Raider offers semi- and fully-automatic modes of firing and can produce muzzle velocities of 370-400 FPS out of the box.

It also comes outfitted with a tight-bore metal barrel that guarantees a high degree of accuracy, even without upgrading or modding.

Adjustability

The G&G Combat Machine 16 Raider is equipped with a crane-style collapsible stock that is adjustable, resulting in an overall length of between 31” and 35” depending on adjustment.

This makes this AEG airsoft rifle suitable not only for a wide range of players (and ages) but also great for CQB.

Speaking of which…

Weight: Perfect for CQB

In addition to its adjustability, the G&G Raider is also very light. At only 4 lbs, 9 oz, it’s light enough to carry all day through an airsoft event or MilSim match, and perfect for close-quarters encounters.

Durability

The G&G Raider features full metal internals as well as a remarkably tough polymer exterior.

While some of you might prefer a metal exterior, the polymer receiver both limits weight and is impervious to corrosion, so keep that in mind.

Modularity

One of the great things about the G&G Combat Machine Raider is that if you don’t like the stock specs, you can change them.

It is highly upgradeable and compatible with other M16-style magazines. The barrel and trigger can both be upgraded or swapped out, and the barrel is threaded and ready to accept attachments.

Real Estate (for Airsoft Attachments)

The CM16 Raider is equipped with a quad-rail system that offers plenty of room for airsoft attachments, as well as a full-length of Pic rail across the top of the receiver.

Quality, Upgradable Internals

The G&G Raider comes with a Version 2, full metal gearbox with brass bearings that, while it offers exceptional performance, is easily upgradeable.

Price

Finally, we have price, which might just be the most attractive aspect of this airsoft gun.

Right now, you can get one at MiR Tactical via the previous link for less than $200. If that’s not a steal on a great AEG, we don’t know what is.

And, if you find it somewhere cheaper, MiR Tactical offers a price match guarantee with no airsoft coupon code required, so keep that in mind.