G&G CM16 SRXL ETU AEG Review

This time, I'll be reviewing the G&G CM16 SRXL ETU electric airsoft gun.

This is one of the items I obtained from a 10 yen lucky bag sold by Airsoft97 in 2021.

There's an article introducing the contents of Airsoft97's 2021 New Year's lucky bag, so please take a look if you're interested.

This product is becoming a staple in airsoft games thanks to its affordable price, ETU (MOSFET), and versatile AR-15 appearance. The internal mechanism is also a versatile Ver.2 gearbox, making it perfect as a base for customization.

I'll be reviewing the classic G&G CM16 SRXL.

Box and contents

This is the outer box.

The cardboard box does not have any model-specific information printed on it (do the boxes differ depending on the price range?).

Model information can be identified by applying a sticker.

Some might say this is being stingy, but by implementing measures like these, it's possible to lower the selling price and improve the quality of the product itself. So, as a consumer, I wholeheartedly support this approach for products in the popular price range.

Next is the model sticker.

The sticker on this model is also very well-designed, and it clearly shows all of the product's specifications.

This product clearly shows the product's appearance, ETU, MOSFET, AEG (electric gun), 300-round high-capacity magazine, and "Made in Taiwan." There are also marks for the battery and charger; if these are included, they should be checked.

What surprised me personally was that "Made in Taiwan" is becoming a brand. As someone who has worked in manufacturing, I can really feel the changing times.

I'll open the box.

With overseas products, the main unit is often packaged in a plastic bag, but that wasn't the case with G&G.

This is the contents.

I'm glad that a maintenance tool, which is often omitted by overseas manufacturers, is included.

I hope this will be helpful for those planning to purchase or those who have already purchased the product, as it will allow you to check the contents.

Next is the instruction manual.

Thankfully, it's available in Japanese.

I believe that including Japanese text is essential for its widespread adoption in Japan.

Personally, I don't think adding Japanese to instruction manuals would require much effort or cost, so I find it strange that so few manufacturers do it.

This is a certificate of muzzle velocity.

The initial velocity is an astonishing 87 m/s with 0.2g BBs, demonstrating incredibly high stability.

However, we will verify whether it is actually being shown later in the program.

Next, let's look at the exterior.

appearance

This is the usual side view.

It's on the opposite side.

It seems that the basic design is compatible with the versatile AR-15 (M-16, M4) and incorporates originality through subtle design improvements.

Let's take a closer look.

Let's take a look at the muzzle.

The shape is very similar to the Knights 556, which was popular a while ago.

The muzzle has proper threading, not just a dummy. If the diameter matches, a suppressor should be easy to attach (G&G may sell a compatible one).

I suspect that G&G, since they also put a lot of effort into accessories, probably has a compatible suppressor available.

Next is the front site.

The front sight is basically a Knights-type design with custom markings.

Next is the rail on the handguard.

It's on the opposite side.

This KeyMod style reel, which was popular some time ago, is free-floating, making it very thin and easy to grip.

Regarding the manufacturing process, I believe it's done using low-pressure die casting (LPDC) of aluminum.

LPDC is a type of casting method (process) and is a fairly common method in the world of casting (other representative casting methods include gravity casting (GDC) and high-pressure casting (HODC).

Because the rails are thin, I initially thought they were made by cutting out sheets of metal, bending them, and welding them together, but there were no seams, so I think they are made of cast metal.

However, with ordinary castings that are thin-walled, I think that a little pressure is applied to the molten metal during casting to control the flow of the molten metal.

This manufacturing method is highly suitable for high-precision mass production, but the mold and equipment costs (which require a fairly large amount of equipment) are high, so it's a method that only slightly larger companies can afford.

This shows that G&G is a company with the manufacturing capabilities to produce LPDC (a manufacturing method that not just anyone can do). I think they have a very high level of skill.

I'll write more about casting in detail on my blog later.

Next, let's look at the mechanism that connects the receiver and the handguard.

opposite side

lower side

It is securely fastened with a total of three reasonably sized hex bolts on the lower left and right sides. There is virtually no looseness or wobble in the handguard.

One point to note is that the rail connection mechanism uses a proprietary standard, so if you're thinking of replacing the handguard, you need to be careful as it might not fit (G&G may sell a compatible part).

Incidentally, the gas block and gas pipes are not omitted and are present as is.

Next is the receiver.

The basic receiver shape is a slightly modified version of the AR-15 (M4, M-16). A typical feature is the ambidextrous magazine catch.

The material is a nylon-based resin.

It's on the opposite side.

What's interesting is that while most of the functions are ambidextrous, the selector switch is not.

The reason is likely that making the selector switch ambidextrous would require changes to the receiver and gearbox shapes, as well as the addition of gear components, so it was not included, or was not possible, from a cost perspective.

Next is the grip.

It has a very distinctive shape.

I, a person with an average Japanese build (175cm tall, 70kg), will try gripping the club.

It was very easy to grip, and personally, I found the shape to be a perfect fit.

However, this varies from person to person, so if you don't like it, you can just replace the grip (it should be easy to do).

Next is the trigger pull distance.

Initially, it's just a matter of touching it.

Next is the maximum pull state.

The pull distance is neither short nor long; it's an average length. The force required to pull is also an average load.

So, in normal mode, the semi-automatic rapid fire is neither particularly good nor bad.

Next is the rear sight area.

The rear sight is a Knights-type sight with custom markings.

The charging handle is ambidextrous.

Pulling this charging handle opens the ejection port, allowing you to adjust the hop-up.

The hop dial is a bit stiff and requires some force to adjust, but I don't think it will shift while you're playing.

Unfortunately, it does not have the bolt stop function that is becoming increasingly common these days.

This is a flat-top rail that spans from the racy bar to the handguard.

The rails are perfectly flat with no steps or unevenness at the joints.

This is a site view.

It's the same way that so-called Knights-type glasses look.

Next is stock.

Stock viewed from above

The basic shape is similar to a crane stock, but the finer details have been customized with original designs.

We will expand the stock.

Since the length can be adjusted in 6 stages, I don't think there will be anyone for whom the length is unsuitable.

Press the button in the section of the next photo in the stock image.

Pressing it will open the small storage compartment.

I think it probably holds two or three CR123 batteries. I don't think you'll actually use them very often.

Next is the bat plate.

I personally like the thick butt plate.

Removing the stock reveals the battery compartment and the ETU.

The stock pipe has a slit in it, which makes routing the wiring easier when the battery is installed (it's a huge help).

This is an ETU (Endpoint Tuning Unit) board.

Other side

From what I can see, it appears to be a circuit based on MOSFETs with a simple control device added. Therefore, I think complex control (such as various fine settings like precocking) would be difficult with this board.

There's a page explaining MOSFETs, so please take a look if you're interested.

The fuse is properly installed and is a 20A fuse, so it can handle a decent amount of current.

Regarding battery space, a stick-type battery that fits in the stock should definitely fit. Also, if you make good use of the stock space, you should be able to fit a higher-capacity battery.

However, the butt plate is secured with bolts, so it cannot be removed without tools.

Considering the hassle involved, using a stick-type battery that can be stored in a box is probably the easiest option for operation.

There's a swivel at the base of the stock pipe.

I personally find the single-point sling very useful, so this is a welcome piece of equipment. However, my only question is that while all the other functions are ambidextrous, the swivel is only on the left side.

Next is the included magazine.

The magazine's basic shape is that of a standard M4 magazine, but it incorporates unique features in various places. It's a 300-round spring-wound high-capacity magazine.

Due to its unique shape, I don't think it will fit older HK416s with longer magwells.

This unique shape makes it easier to hold the main body when a magazine is attached.

Personally, I don't think the magazine retention method for AR-15s (M4 series) is very strong, so from a feeding perspective, I wouldn't actively recommend this method.

Next, let's look at the actual firing performance.

Live-fire performance verification

We will test the shooting performance under the usual conditions.

The conditions are room temperature of 22°C, and the battery used is a DCI GUNS 7.4V 1000mAh with a storage voltage of 7.6V, operating at 25-50°C.

Measurements were taken with the hop-up adjustment set to 0 and using VFC bio BBs weighing 0.2g.

I fired a few shots.

It offers excellent performance with remarkable stability.

The initial velocity is also close to the 87 m/s stated on the certificate.

While it might feel a little lacking if you only consider outdoor play, I think it's a good compromise when you consider the regulations for various types of fields, including indoors.

Add hops to the maximum level.

The initial velocity has dropped significantly, so I think the hop-up is working properly.

Next is the launch cycle.

The rate of fire is 11.5 rounds per second, which is about the same as a typical standard electric airsoft gun.

With a fully charged battery, I think the rate of fire will be around 13-14 rounds per second.

Introduction article on chronographs

Next is a video showing the operation.

It's semi-automatic.

G&G CM16 SRXL ETU Standard Semi-Automatic

It fires in three-round bursts.

G&G CM16 SRXL ETU Standard 3-Round Burst

It's fully automatic.

G&G CM16 SRXL ETU Standard Full Auto

While there's no noticeable sluggishness in its operation, the noise from the pinion gear is quite noticeable.

I was surprised because I didn't notice any issues with the sound in the company's FN F2000, which I reviewed previously. Sound is greatly affected by the shape of the receiver and other components, but this is more noticeable than that effect would suggest. Since the price ranges are different, the assembly lines are also different, so it may be an assembly process more suited to mass production than that of the FN2000.

Incidentally, to switch between 3-round burst and full auto, put the selector in semi-automatic mode and hold down the trigger for 10 seconds or more. The switch is difficult to tell from the outside as there is no external signal (sound, light, etc.).

The circuit board lights up as a signal that the switch has been made, but it's not visible from the outside, so it's not very meaningful.

G&G ETU switching behavior

The video has been edited, so the 10-second transition time has been cut to make it shorter.

G&G Bio-Bullets 0.2g
It's inexpensive and accurate, so I use it for a wide range of purposes, from performance testing to airsoft games. It's been my favorite since it first came to Japan (around 2008). It lasts a long time for a biodegradable product.

G&G Bio-Bullets 0.25g
It's 0.25g. I generally use 0.25g BBs when playing airsoft.

Summary

As expected from G&G, I was impressed that they offer this level of performance and quality, plus the inclusion of an ETU board, at a market price of 32000 to 35000 yen.

In terms of appearance, it is based on the versatile AR-15 (M-16, M4 type), but various ingenious touches can be seen to prevent the design from becoming indistinguishable from others.

Furthermore, the use of metal for parts requiring rigidity and resin for others demonstrates a clever balance of lightweight design and cost-effectiveness, resulting in a surprisingly solid feel despite its light weight.

The internal structure follows the versatile STD gearbox ver.2, while its value is enhanced by the ETU, which is its selling point.

Since it's a G&G product, it's perfectly usable right out of the box, but its versatile appearance and structure make it ideal as a base for customization. G&G probably puts a lot of effort into optional parts, so I think there are plenty of compatible replacement parts available.

If it were me, I'd aim for improved response and firepower by setting the rate of fire to 25 rounds per second with 0.9J (initial velocity of 95m/s or less with 0.2g BBs) and applying pre-cocking with a Perun ETU (sorry for repeating the same old pattern).

Therefore, I think this is a product that you can enjoy for a long time if you buy it as your first gun, play with it in its normal state for a while, and then, once you get bored, learn how to customize both the appearance and the contents to make it to your liking.

Thank you for reading this far.

This is the G&G CM16 ETU series. I believe it's almost identical except for the barrel length.

G&G CM16 SRS ETU
This is the shortest version in the series. I think it's exceptionally easy to handle. However, because the inner barrel is short, you'll need to be creative to achieve a muzzle velocity that will give you an advantage outdoors.

G&G CM16 SRL ETU
This is the medium-length version in the series. It might be just the right length considering the balance between outdoor and indoor use. Personally, I think it's short enough.

G&G CM16 SRXL ETU
This is the version with the longest barrel in the series featured on this site. Even though it's long, it's about the same length as an M4, so I don't think it's a disadvantage in terms of handling. Personally, I think the longer barrel provides more leeway in various areas, making it a good choice if you're considering customization.