| Pros | Cons |
| ✅ Excellent value airsoft gun | ❌ Tactical M4 look isn’t an exact replica |
| ✅ Modern, very cool looks | ❌ M-LOK requires mounting rail points before adding accessories |
| ✅ Lightweight and durable | |
| ✅ Quality internals and good build quality | |
| ✅ Good all around firepower and accuracy | |
| ✅ Comfortable and easy use | |
| ✅ Very easy to add accessories like suppressors and optics | |
| ✅ M-LOK allows for accessories while keeping handguard smooth and lightweight | |
| ✅ Highly upgradable |
One of the most popular airsoft guns out there, the original G&G Combat Machine 16 Raider has developed a strong reputation as an affordable, dependable and highly capable entry level airsoft rifle.
The G&G Combat Machine 16 (CM16) Raider 2.0 is G&G’s modern updated take on the classic Raider model.
The G&G Raider 2.0 is still an AEG M4 replica, but with a fresh look and updated parts it is something of a different beast and has developed its own following in recent year.s
Big fans of the Raider ourselves, we decided to take a closer look at the Raider 2.0 to find out if it lives up to the original’s reputation.
Specifications
| Airsoft type | Rifle AEG |
| FPS | ~ 354 FPS @ .20g |
| Rounds Per Second | 13-15 RPS |
| Threaded | Threaded – 14mm CCW |
| Inner Barrel | 10.83 in (275mm) |
| Hop up | Adjustable |
| Motor | Long type |
| Gearbox | V2 – full metal |
| Construction | Polymer Upper Receiver Polymer Lower Receiver Polymer M-LOK handguard Picatinny Rail |
How closely does G&G CM16 Raider M4 AEG (2.0) resemble the real thing?
G&G CM16 Raider M4 Vs. Real Steel Colt M4
| G&G CM16 Raider M4 2.0 AEG | M4 | |
| Weight (empty) | 5.73 lbs (2.6 KG) | 6.36 lbs (2.88 KG) |
| Length | ||
| Stock extended | 31.5 in (800.1 mm) | 33 in (838.2mm) |
| Stock retracted | 28″ (711.2 mm) | 29.75 in (756 mm) |
| Ambidextrous safety | – | |
| Ambidextrous mag release | Yes | Yes |
| Construction | Polymer | Steel |
| Picatinny rail positions | 12 O’ clock, M-LOK handguard | 12 O’ clock |
While not an exact 1:1 replica, the G&G CM16 Raider M4 2.0 does match the M4’s dimension’s pretty closely.
At 5.73 lbs (2.6 KG) it is within the ballpark of the actual Colt model and, within an inch or two, is of a similar length, as well.
Like most M4s, it does come with a collapsible, multi-position crane-style buttstock, and there is good attention to detail where the external controls are concerned, with the mag release, bolt stop, safety switch and ambidextrous charging handle all where they should be.
Stylistically, the G&G Raider, with its full length Picatinny and M-LOK handguard, does tend towards more of a tactical and modern look compared to a classic M4.
In fact, we think it most resembles the Colt M4 Trooper Patrol Carbine, which is a pretty cool variant on the classic M1A1 and should serve well in most airsoft games, with perhaps the exception of strict historical milsim events.
On the downside, this isn’t a licensed M4, so you won’t see any trademarks from Colt or references to the M4, but rather have G&G’s Combat Machine logo etched into the magwell.
G&G CM16 Raider M4 2.0 AEG: How does it perform?
Build-quality and construction
The G&G Raider M4 is a polymer airsoft AEG rifle.
While the outer barrel and sights are metal, its upper and lower receivers are made of polymer material and, as such, the gun is fairly lightweight and easy to hold.
That said, it is made of modern, nylon-reinforced polymer and so is pretty durable as well, more so than your typical ABS airsoft rifles and even some pot metal-based full-metal M4s.
When we handled the G&G, it felt well put together overall, with no real looseness or rattling parts to speak of.
The flip up iron sights were firmly attached and snapped into place fairly nicely, its charging handle doesn’t rattle around and is actually functional in that it pops the dust cover open, which is a nice change of pace from most affordable airsoft replicas where you have to do so manually with your fingers.
This is an airsoft rifle that is built to withstand some abuse, being able to take the knocks and bumps of a fairly intense skirmish, and even take a few drops along the way.
It is perhaps no surprise then that the G&G Combat Machine 16 M4 is one of the most popular guns in airsoft and is even used as a rental rifle at better quality airsoft fields – it can simply take the punishment.
Interestingly the 2.0 has an upgraded barrel compared to the original G&G Combat Machine. It now has a 6.04mm brass inner barrel, compared to the older version’s 6.08mm.
It is brass, so it will need a bit more cleaning than a stainless bore to prevent oxidation, but overall it is a better choice to improve FPS and precision and is a far cry from other budget M4s out there.
Similarly, while it isn’t a super tight barrel, it is a little smaller in diameter than a standard 6.08 mm and so does have slightly less tolerance in terms of BBs.
You will need to be a little more careful with avoiding super-cheap, no-name BBs,since imperfections in their size and shape can cause jams or even damage to the barrel
The outer barrel comes threaded (14mm CCW), so it’s simple to attach your favorite suppressor or tracer unit to the rifle, which is something we like to see on these rifles, especially those with a more tactical look to them.
Where things get interesting is with the Raider 2.0 AEG’s internals.
Most affordable airsoft rifles, unfortunately many ARs, generally put a lot of effort on their looks but use fairly basic gearboxes and hop ups.
The Raider, on the other hand, includes a solidly built, full metal V2 gearbox with pretty respectable 8mm bearings, something usually found on higher priced replicas, so it will survive some harder use and stay functional for quite some time, even if you decide to customize it for higher FPS output later on.
Which is a good thing, since the G&G Raider’s V2 is fully upgradable and compatible with most V2 parts on the market so tinkerers should be able to go to town on the internals without much of a problem.
In addition, the G&G Raider has an adjustable gear hop up that’s easily accessible and protected by the functional dust cover.
One thing that does make this replica stand out is it can include a reinforced polymer M-LOK handguard.
Usually added as an aftermarket accessory on airsoft M4s (and costing a pretty penny to boot) the M-LOK acts as an additional mounting system on the 3,6 and 9 o clock that is in addition to the extended top picatinny rail.
It gives the Raider a cool skeletonized look and saves some weight compared to a solid polymer handguard with quad picatinny rails.
It also makes the Raider’s handguard smoother, since you only need to add rails where you want them, meaning it’s less likely than a fixed rail to snag on clothing or other items when handling it, which is especially good for outdoor play and CQB. .
On the downside, it does add an extra step of needing to add rails into one of the slots before mounting an accessory.
Finally, the G&G CM16 Raider M4 2.0 AEG supports a standard 9.6v NiMh battery and is LiPo ready, supporting a 7.4v LiPo, which is nice.
It also is wired to a Deans connector, which is helpful in reducing resistance due to their wider surface area and helps deliver a slightly improved ROF over a typical Tamiya.
That said, it also comes with a mini Tamiya adaptor, which is nice if you don’t have a Dean’s battery pack on hand.
And that flexibility is important because those interested in the G&G Raider M4 2.0 should be aware that, like many other airsoft AEG guns, it does not come with batteries included.
Performance and Accuracy
As a relatively inexpensive airsoft M4, we wouldn’t normally expect the Combat Machine to be anything special on the field.
Yet with the Raider M4 2.0’s tighter bore barrel, 18000 rpm long type motor, adjustable hop up and solid V2 gearbox with 8mm bushings, it does deliver pretty impressive performance, which raised a few eyebrows considering its price.
Straight out of the box, in terms of FPS, we averaged around 355 FPS using 0.20 g BBs at around 13, 14 RPS.
Although there are more expensive guns that hit well over 400 FPS, the G&G hits pretty hard while still being usable in any reasonable field or airsoft game, making it a good choice as a go-to primary weapon for most users, especially for those new to the game.
And it is quite accurate, especially given the price. It hit pretty bang on and reliably at 100 feet (30 m) and got some pretty decent hits at 150 feet (45 m), so we have no doubt that it will do the job in pretty much any airsoft game style.
There are a couple variants on the market that improve on this performance – the L and Le versions.
Essentially these have some upgraded parts to help it hit harder and be a little more responsive – the L has a longer inner barrel (363mm) and more ergonomic (and nicer) PDW stock, while the E version has an ETU and MOSFET with 3 round burst mode, which helps with trigger response significantly.
Otherwise, the standard G&G CM16 Raider 2.0 AEG should do a fine job, especially as an entry-level model, and, with an upgraded bucking, r-hop and spring, should easily be able to keep up with the big dogs on the field.
Handling
The Raider 2.0 is pretty lightweight and easy to carry.
Its use of polymer in its construction and the M-LOK handguard go a long way in reducing its overall weight, especially since it contains a full-metal gearbox.
It is fairly well balanced overall and comfortable to use for extended periods , although we felt it was slightly weighted to the rear although we didn’t think it was too significant on the whole.
The flip up rear sights do work pretty well and are pretty standard M4 flip ups. They are removable and can be replaced with something a little more to taste if users so desire.
As with a standard M4, the Raider 2.0 comes with a multi position collapsible crane stock. It is a six position crane stock, so it can help users shoulder the weapon a little more comfortably and more in a way more tailored to their particular arm length.
Maintenance
Overall, there isn’t anything particularly difficult about the G&G Raider 2.0 AEG in terms of maintenance.
It is a AR-style replica and so popping the body pins should allow the uppers and lowers to come apart easily.
It is an AEG, so you’ll want to clean the barrel thoroughly from time to time (especially with its slightly smaller diameter), keep things lubricated and clean the hop up from time to time.
Adjusting hop up is quite simple as well.
Pop the dust cover and your piston and hop up are exposed, letting you easily increase or decrease spin as you’d like.
As a whole, we feel its relative simplicity in maintenance really helps make it a pretty good option for those new to airsofting, who can get into trouble with the more complicated construction and maintenance schedules of more exotic airsoft options.
Magazine type and capacity
The G&G CM16 Raider 2.0 AEG comes with a 450 round hi cap STANAG magazine, which gives users some pretty good shooting time right out of the box.
In general, however, the G&G Raider 2.0 is fairly cross compatible with other magazines, such as with Matrix, G&G, Tokyo Marui, so users shouldn’t have any issues finding replacements or spares.
In fact, it fits most typical STANAG/ AR style magazine that can be found with pretty much all AR-15 class airsoft replicas (M4, M16, CAR, HK416, etc), and given the popularity of the M4 in airsoft, means there is a lot to choose from and users won’t have to spend a long time hunting around on Amazon to find what they need.
It also means that there are a lot of opportunities to try out different mag options with the G&G, such as flash mags, tracer mags, and even drum mags if you feel like terrorizing your local airsoft field a bit more.
Price
The G&G CM16 Raider M4 2.0 AEG is a sub-$200 airsoft replica, which puts it on the upper end of an entry-level M4.
That said, its stylish looks, high quality internal, durable construction, accuracy, fire power and high customizability does mean that it is one of the best value for money M4s on the market.
Which also means, it does go out of stock quite frequently, so it’s best to check availability (and any special offers).
G&G Combat Machine 16 Raider M4 2.0 AEG: Pros and Cons
Advantages
Excellent Value
The Raider 2.0 AEG is a well-performing and reliable airsoft rifle that uses quality parts and comes in at entry-level price, making it an excellent value proposition as an airsoft gun.
In fact, there are very few airsoft guns out there that deliver the performance, durability and reliability of the G&G at this price point.
Looks pretty cool compared to other M4s
With its skeletonized M-LOK handguard, flip up sights and extended picatinny rail, the Raider 2.0 looks a little more tactical, a little cooler and a little more modern compared to a standard M4A1.
Lightweight, durable construction
The G&G Raider 2.0 is a polymer airsoft gun, which keeps the weight down and makes it easy to handle. That said, it is made of reinforced polymer, which does make it more durable than a standard ABS airsoft gun and lets it stand up to the rigors of an airsoft game pretty well.
Solid internals and build
Despite being at an entry level price, the G&G Raider 2.0 doesn’t use entry level components.
It comes with a full-metal and upgradable V2 gearbox, 8mm bushings, decently torquey 18,000 rpm long type motor, Dean’s connectors, a tighter 6.04 mm bore barrel and an easily adjustable gear hop up.
Very decent firepower and accuracy
These decent quality internal components help the Raider 2.0 deliver a pretty good punch for an entry level airsoft M4, with 350 + FPS and decent accuracy at range.
Comfortable to use
Lightweight, smooth, decently balanced and with an adjustable stock, the Raider 2.0 is also quite comfortable to hold and use for extended periods of time.
Multiple rail options make it easy to accessorize
The G&G Raider 2.0 AEG comes standard with an extended picatinny rail and a M-LOK handguard, which allows users to add components at the 12, 3, 6 and 9 positions (and offsets, as well, with proper rails), while still maintaining a lightweight and relatively smooth profile.
Highly upgradable gearbox and internals – easy to customize
The V2 and many of the components of the Raider 2.0 are highly customizable and can take advantage of the many, many replacement parts and upgrades available for it on the market.
From upgrading the bushings, hop up, gearing, piston, spring and, obviously, MOSFETs and LiPo batteries, there’s a ton that can be done (and has been done) with this gun for those interested in doing so.
Drawbacks
Isn’t the most ambidextrous gun out there
Like the original M4, while the Raider 2.0 does include an ambidextrous mag release, the safety selector is only located on the left side, which can be a little tougher for left handed users.
M-LOKs, while useful and cool, can be a bit fiddly compared to picatinnies
While cool to use, lightweight and less likely to snag on your clothes, the M-LOK handguard does require an extra step to attach accessories, requiring users to attach a rail first, which can slow things down a bit.
Battery not included
While it does support regular NiMH batteries and LiPos, and does support both Dean’s and Tamiyas, sadly the G&G doesn’t come with batteries.
Although not all that uncommon with AEGs, it is annoying.
Bottom Line
As a whole, we have to say that the G&G CM16 Raider M4 2.0 is a fantastic gun for the money.
For beginners and even intermediate players it has plenty of features and qualities that make it easy to pick up and use and offers solid, reliable performance across the board.
While more experienced airsofters might want something a little more powerful or a little fancier, the G&G is extremely customizable and with a few easy upgrades the Raider can be modded to keep pace with much more expensive airsoft rifles.
Overall, we highly recommend the Raider as an entry level airsoft rifle but also believe it has enough to offer to be a great option for pretty much anyone who’s looking for an affordable, dependable and durable airsoft M4.
Will Martin – Will has been into airsoft and paintball for well over 10 years, and has done it all – from upgrading and fixing gearboxes as a tech to building custom airsoft loadouts for his friends to supporting off those friends as a DM.