The replica came to us in a black and brown box with G&G markings and a sticker showing the replica on a white background. The back of the box shows a brief history of the company, supplemented by an extensive description of its logo, the symbolism connected with it, as well as a map of the world presenting the distribution area of the G&G brand.

After removing the replica from the box, we have the impression that the gun is indeed compact and its appearance is extremely original and aggressive. In addition, it is very light, probably due to its size and a polymer receiver. The replica is very well assembled, there is no noticeable slack.

The receiver is a modified AR15 standard with a magwell adapted to handle 9 mm round compatible magazines. There are no rounded shapes, known from the classic design, replaced by sharper, more pronounced finish. The receiver has engraved G&G markings at the height of the magazine well and a serial number above the trigger.

The 5-inch front used a the licensed M-lok system and is made of metal. It has a matt texture, pleasant to the touch, and engraved M-lock logo on both sides.

The collapsible butt stock is one of the most interesting parts of this replica. It is comfortable and functional, but unfortunately it only has two-position. By means of a button on the guide, we can extend it completely or collapse it back. Sometimes, however, one would wish there was a third position in between the other two, especially when we care about mobility in CQB environment. The designers have placed the battery compartment inside the butt stock guide where, unfortunately, besides it, we must also fit a MOSFET system and a fuse. Fortunately, this inconvenience will soon be remedied as by the BATTERY EXTENSION UNIT (BEU) will soon enter the market. It is an extension of the butt stock guide made by Airtech Studios and allows to fit a larger battery into the guide.

The replica has a one-sided fire selector switch, known from the AR15 design, with 3 settings (safe, semi and auto) and a programmable auto mode that can be turned into burst mode. The replica is equipped with a double-sided, ergonomic charging handle and an MP5 inspired magazine release lever.

The magazine included in the set is a G&G 9 mm style carbine hi-cap magazine with a capacity of 300 BBs. It is made of a plastic that is pleasant to touch. The floor plate contains the wide comfortable winding gear. Unfortunately, the whole mechanism is not stable, but it has no direct impact on its operation, yet it can be irritating during use. Fortunately, the manufacturer has a short, thirty-round and a long, sixty-round low-cap magazines available, and for those who like to saturate the field with composite, there will also be a hi-cap drum magazine with a capacity of 1500 BBs.

The replica comes with "iron" flip-up sights. They are made of metal, have serial markings and are fully adjustable. The position locks are strong enough so that they rarely fold themselves.

The outer barrel is fixed with a ring. After unscrewing it, we can easily replace it with another one. The muzzle break is plastic, has a counterclockwise thread and is shaped like a flash amplifier.

Internal parts

The replica is built based on the well known TM system. After removing the front pin, we slide the upper receiver forward, thanks to which the pin remains locked and you do not have to worry about its accidental loss. This gives us access to the hop-up chamber and the barrel. To disassemble the butt stock, we must unscrew a screw located inside the butt stock guide.

Inside you will find a polymer rotational Hop-Up chamber with G&G markings, identical to the one found in the G&G TR16 MBR 556WH. The chamber knob rotates with clearly noticeable intervals, which makes it easier to set the spacer's pressure on the bucking. The bucking is blue, soft and resistant to hardening in low temperatures. It has a characteristic split rotation inducing nub, resembling one found in the PDI W-hold bucking. This solution flattens the trajectory of fired BBs and increases the repeatability of shots. The set uses a traditional, rubber cylinder-shaped spacer. The barrel, with a length of 128 mm, is made of aluminum and has is beveled at the exiting end.

To pull the gearbox from the lower receiver we have to unscrew the pistol grip, then the butt stock, take out the rear pin and the trigger pin. The heart of the replica is a very interesting, reinforced G&G gearbox. It has a reinforcement at the bottom of the front part and groves/grinding marks at the height of the cylinder head, i.e. in places where the gearbox usually breaks. It is held together with Phillips screws. Interestingly, we unscrew them from the left side, unlike the traditional V2 gearboxes, where the screw heads are on the right side of the frame.

Inside the gearbox we have a very airtight pneumatic system. The Type 2 cylinder houses a standard polymer piston with a polymer cylinder head on which there is a green o-ring resistant to low temperatures, well known from other G&G designs. The sealed cylinder head is also made of polymer, as well as a nozzle which is 21.38 mm long. The tapped plate is black and made of relatively hard plastic.

The electrical trigger system, called the G&G Electric Trigger Unit, in the form of an electronic plate in a red plastic housing, is part of a MOSFET, which has been minimized and now occupies less space in the butt stock. We do not need any additional devices to program the trigger. It is enough that in the semi-auto mode we hold the trigger for 10 seconds to change the full auto mode into the burst mode. To return to full auto mode, we repeat the operation or unplug the battery back and then plug it back in.

The replica uses steel G&G gears with a standard ratio, mounted on eight millimeter bushings.

The replica is powered by a case a long type IFRIT 25K motor with strong magnets, which can be easily used with upgrading the replica. It has a silver casing and an orange back panel.

Shooting

ARP9 can be called an airsoft "cricket". It is very loud and fires really fast: 1160 rpm using a Li-Po 11.1V battery is a pretty good result. It does not have amazing power, because it oscillates around 375 fps, its easy to pin an opponent down using it. The manufacturer has released a drum-type magazine, which will surely heighten the psychological advantage on the battlefield. When it comes to accuracy, do not expect miracles: the stock, aluminum, thirteen centimeters long barrel is not of the highest quality, but at close range the BBs fly straight enough and with relatively good grouping. In the full auto mode, at a greater distance, we will cover an opponent with a hail of BBs, which increases the chance of scoring a hit, so "Spray and Pray" as they say.

Summary

ARP9 by G&G is an original concept, combining interesting design and a compact structure, ideal for playing CQB games. The replica is very handy and comfortable, it's a pity, however, that the manufacturer decided to used a butt stock with only two settings: it can be annoying sometimes. The simple programming of the trigger, without the need for an external programmer, is a definite plus. The replica is loud and fast-firing, which often leads to "pinning" of an opponent who is unable to lean out from behind cover. The downside may be the unusual magazines, their size and availability on the market, but the designers have also prepared an alternative to ARP9, the ARP556, based on standard AR type magazines. The ARP9 is a replica for mobile players, who appreciate the its handiness and originality. Using it gives a lot of fun and, at the same time, introduces some freshness into the airsoft market.

We would like to thank G&G Armament for making their replica available for testing