LAYLAX SIGSAUER M17 CO2 GBB Review (P320)

This time, I'll be reviewing the LAYLAX SIGAIR Proforce M17 CO2 GBB, a hot new model that was released just a month ago.

Actually, I previously repaired a Marushin Five-seveN CO2 GBB at someone's request, but I didn't own a CO2 GBB myself. I had been wanting one, and then I heard that LAYLAX would be releasing a Japan-compatible model in the spring of 2021, so I unusually made a reservation.

However, although it was scheduled to be released in June of the same year, production and transportation were delayed due to the circumstances, and the release was pushed back to around November 10th. This delay only increased my anticipation for the product.

Outer box, contents

This is how it arrived.

Since I was there anyway, I bought two spare magazines and a set of 30 gas canisters (not pictured). The included gas canisters (10?) are apparently a bonus for those who pre-ordered.

Next, let's look at the product box.

The back has a list of airsoft gun specifications, just like a weapon selection screen in a video game.

Let's open the box. It's made by VFC, so it looks familiar.

I laid out everything that was inside. There's quite a variety of things in there.

Next is the velocity certificate, which is absolutely necessary when importing.

It would be great if it really was this much, but in reality...

Next, the first set of attached documents.

This is the instruction manual for the SIGAIR.

Next is the Japanese instruction manual.

If you have already purchased this product, or are considering purchasing it, this is a complete list of contents. Please use this as a reference to check if your product is missing or extra items.

Next is the main unit.

Main unit exterior

First, here's the usual overall side view.

It's the other side.

Next, let's look at the details of the slide.

Slide appearance

First, here's a view of the front of the slide from the left side.

It has the SIG SAUER M17 markings clearly engraved on it. Regarding the material, I believe it's a nylon-based FRP, likely for strength reasons. Therefore, the texture is probably inferior to the more familiar painted ABS parts.

Since the slide molds are being created specifically for Japan, painting them would likely be difficult considering the cost and effort involved (nylon-based paints are difficult to apply).

It's on the opposite side.

It appears to have serrations but no markings.

Let's take a look at the muzzle.

The outer barrel is made of aluminum and features rifling. The recoil spring rod on the bottom is used for hop-up adjustment, which I will explain later.

This is the front sight. It's screw-mounted. The sight itself is made of resin.

Next, let's look at the chamber section.

The extractor appears to be a separate part attached with adhesive. The black part at the top of the rear end of the slide is a cover for the hole where a red dot sight is mounted.

This is a view of the chamber from above.

It looks like a very cleverly designed shape. In reality, it likely has a positive impact on locking and ejection performance (a testament to the designer's skill).

Finally, the rear end.

Naturally, since it's a striker-type system, there's no hammer.

Operation system

The controls are based on the latest polymer automatic system, so everything except the trigger can be accessed with just one thumb.

Of course, everything is ambidextrous. The magazine catch will be replaced.

However, the slide release lever is only on the right side; this is probably fine since it doesn't affect gun control.

Next, let's look at the trigger pull distance.

First, the state where nothing is being done.

Incidentally, the trigger position hardly changes even when cocking the gun.

Just before the sheer fades

Pull-off

First, it's important to note that even when you pull back the slide and lower the hammer, the trigger position hardly changes. In many products, the trigger moves considerably, but this product is different.

Next, there is almost no trigger play from the moment the hammer-down occurs until the sear disengages. The trigger is also quite stiff when the sear drops.

Overall, the feel of the controls is quite stiff. It's not to my liking, so this is an area that needs improvement.

Next is safety.

The safety is off.

Lifting the rear lever upwards with your thumb engages the safety.

It has a safety feature, but unfortunately the lever is stiff and cannot be operated with the thumb. Its stiff and sluggish movement is definitely something that needs improvement.

Finally, here's how to determine the condition of the hammer. This product doesn't have any indicators that would readily reveal this, but I've found a way to tell.

The hammer is upright and the gun is not cocked.

Hammer down, cocked.

You can see the hammer through the gap, so you can confirm it without firing.

Finally, here's the site picture. It's a traditional 3-dot type and easy to read.

Grip, frame appearance

Next, let's take a look at the area around the grip.

It's on the opposite side.

The indentation around the magazine catch makes the grip very comfortable to hold. Unusually for a military item, it doesn't have a lanyard ring.

This is how it feels to hold. I am 175cm tall and weigh 70kg, which is on the smaller side for an average Japanese person.

You can reach all the controls without having to readjust your grip; it's truly the work of the latest polymer technology, and it's officially adopted by the US military.

The frame size was listed here.

Is the hole below the "M" meant to be a lanyard ring?

Next, let's look at the frame from the bottom.

You can see the mechanism. We'll take a closer look at the mechanism in the next disassembly episode.

Next is the engraving.

It's inscribed with the instruction to read the manual before use.

Next, it has JASG approval and the LAYLAX marking.

Apparently, you can't get warranty service without this. However, since mine has already been disassembled, it's not covered by warranty.

Slide open, hop adjustment

The slide is now open.

Other side

Hop adjustment is done in this state.

Use the included cap.

　

Attach this to the tip of the spring guide and rotate it to adjust it.

Incidentally, I found a part that reduces the muzzle velocity when the gun is held open. I'll introduce this additional part in the next disassembly episode.

Finally, the weight of the unit (without magazine).

Magazine

Next, let's take a look at the magazine.

正面です。

Despite having long feeding holes, the follower is large, so it can only hold 21 rounds according to the specifications.

I've been a long-time magazine follower.

Next is the gas outlet.

The exhaust port area is quite small, probably due to the high pressure from the CO2.

It's to the side.

The remaining ammunition check hole is represented by a molded detail, which is a nice touch.

This is the back.

There's a large opening for the CO2 cylinder. I was relieved to see that it's an open-type CO2 magazine, a safe design.

Next, let's take a closer look at the valve.

The valve is designed so that tools cannot be used to loosen it, preventing tampering. While it's technically possible to remove it, it's best to avoid doing so.

I previously did some strength calculations for dangerous CO2 magazines, so please take a look if you can. Several people have been injured when sealed magazines have exploded. Please read this for your own safety and the safety of those around you.

It's at the bottom.

It has a hexagonal bolt that pushes the cylinder upwards.

Next, we'll actually attach the cylinders. First, we'll use cylinders that are manufactured according to a standard shape.

Insert this into the hole in the magazine.

The tray that holds the cylinder is spherical, so it's easy to center without having to worry about it.

Next, tighten it with the included wrench.

You'll hear gas escaping as you close it, but just keep closing it and you're done. This model is quite simple and easier to install than the Marushin CO2 Five-seveN.

done.

Finally, here is the magazine weight without the gas cylinder and ammunition.

Live-fire performance and ballistics verification

This is a test of live-fire performance.

The conditions were to load 22 rounds into a CO2 cylinder that had been used up from two magazines, with a magazine surface temperature of 29°C and a room temperature of 22°C (it was able to fit 22 rounds without any problems, even though the specification was 21 rounds).

The test was conducted using VFC Bio BBs 0.2g with the hop-up adjustment set to 0.

The result was that measurement was impossible. The BBs kept falling out, making it impossible to fire properly. I'll explain the mechanism in the next disassembly episode.

Since there was no other option, we measured the results under the same conditions, adding about a quarter of the hops to the mixture.

This is the result of firing several shots in succession.

It feels somewhat underwhelming considering the amount of CO2 it produces.

Let's improve this using custom settings.

Introduction article on chronographs

Fuel efficiency

Next is fuel efficiency.

This is the weight of the magazine before firing.

This is the magazine weight after firing 22 rounds for measurement.

With 3g of BBs consumed for 22 shots, that works out to 0.134g per shot, which seems quite fuel-efficient. However, the comparison is against a gas blowback gun using HFC-134a, so a direct comparison isn't entirely fair.

According to the research, the CO2 cylinder contains 12±1g, so it should be able to fire about 4 magazines, but due to the decrease in gas pressure caused by the decrease in gas volume, the actual capacity is probably around 3.5 magazines.

It fires approximately 70 rounds per minute, which is slightly below average fuel efficiency. Theoretically, it should be possible to improve fuel efficiency by adjusting the groove in the knocker return mechanism.

Finally, here's a video of it in operation.

LAYLAX SIGAIR Proforce M17 (Out of Box)

The recoil is heavy, which is really fun.

Ballistic performance verification

Unusually for this blog, I've done a test of the ballistics straight out of the box.

The location is Field Yanex in Noda City, Chiba Prefecture.

It has a microwave-like feel.

Under these conditions, with a temperature of 12°C, even with CO2, the initial velocity will be low.

The measurement conditions at that time were: gas cylinder full, VFC 0.2g bio BBs, hop-up setting 3/5, and muzzle velocity 68m/s.

As expected, the initial velocity was too low, so it didn't shoot very far. It was below 70 m/s, about the same as a compact handgun gas blowback. Also, adjusting the hop-up was quite difficult and sensitive.

However, it worked perfectly even in this cold 12℃ temperature, which was impressive.

This area is lacking and needs improvement.

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

It's usable right out of the box. There are a few things that are a bit concerning, but if you can adjust it properly, you can get a trajectory similar to a stock Tokyo Marui Glock 19 straight out of the box.

The fact that you can get that trajectory year-round, along with the weight of the recoil, makes this a very enjoyable item.

One concern is the stiffness and weight of the controls, which is typical of overseas products. The slide, safety, and trigger are quite stiff and sluggish, so I'd like to do something about that.

Furthermore, while this wouldn't be a concern with a regular GBB (Gas Blowback) gun, the muzzle velocity is quite low for a CO2 gas gun. Since this product is expensive (over 2 yen), it would be nice if it had a bit more range. This also needs improvement.

Also, the hop setting is quite sensitive, so we'll adjust that as well.

Any concerns will vary from person to person, but if you look at the product objectively, I think it's well-made and I recommend it.

Next time, we'll be showing you the disassembly process. Please check it out if you're interested.

LAYLAX SIGAIR Proforce M17 CO2 GBB Coyote Brown
It's a good product despite some shortcomings. Furthermore, it's valuable because this is the only model officially adopted by the US military.

LAYLAX SIGAIR Proforce M17 CO2 GBB Spare Magazine
Since it's from LAYLAX, I think the supply will be stable, but given the current situation, there might not be any ships available, so I recommend buying while you can.

LAYLAX High Bullet CO2 Gas 6-Pack
Six bottles will probably be gone in no time, but I'll introduce them anyway.

LAYLAX High Bullet CO2 Gas 30-Pack
Since you'll be using them anyway, I recommend the 30-pack, which is cheaper. It's under 3000 yen, so it's a good deal.

Marushin CO2 Gas, 30-pack
It's probably usable. I think Marushin offers the best balance of price and quality.