If you have been to an airsoft site in the last couple of years, you have very likely seen an ARP9. The small, compact "pistol calibre carbine" from G&G Armament has for good reason become one of the best-loved rifles in the airsoft world — and it is just as popular in Denmark, where we are based, as it is globally.
But what makes the ARP9 so special? And which version should you choose? We take you through it all.
What is the G&G ARP9 — and why is it different?
The ARP9 is not a traditional M4 rifle. It is designed as a pistol calibre carbine (PCC) — a compact rifle built for short range and fast manoeuvring. The receiver and magazine are styled after 9 mm designs, which gives it a distinctive, unique look that stands out from the sea of black M4s on the field.
The rifle itself is extremely compact — overall it measures from 500 to 590 mm, depending on whether the stock is extended. It weighs only around 2 kg, and the short inner barrel of approx. 150 mm makes it a perfect CQB tool that can be turned and manoeuvred even in tight rooms and narrow corridors.
But it is not just the looks that have made the ARP9 a phenomenon. It is the combination of size, accuracy and price — and the fact that G&G has fitted it with serious internals from the factory.
What do you get in the box?
Even in the base version, the ARP9 comes with what many other rifles in its price class only offer after upgrades:
- Full metal V2 gearbox — upgradable and serviceable
- Integrated MOSFET — battery protection and the option to program 3-round burst or full auto
- ETU (Electronic Trigger Unit) — noticeably sharper trigger response and faster cycle time
- G&G rotary hop-up — easy and precise fine adjustment of the BB trajectory
- 5" M-LOK rail — mount a light, a foregrip or whatever else you need
- PDW stock — collapsible and light, with room for the battery
The muzzle velocity is approx. 101–107 m/s with 0.20 g BBs, which suits most CQB sites well, as many of them have an upper limit of around 107 m/s.
The ARP9 family: which version suits you?
Over time G&G has released a whole family of ARP9 variants. Here are the most important:
ARP9 (original / 2.0) The classic version that started it all. Reliable, compact and packed with features. The 2.0 version came with a slightly extended buffer tube for larger batteries and an updated front end. It is the one most people think of as "an ARP9", and it is still a strong choice.
ARP9 Super Ranger G&G's answer for those who want a bit more personality. The Super Ranger series comes in five colour editions — Fire (red), Amber (orange), Ice (white/silver), Jade (green) and Sky (blue) — with coloured accents on the rail and stock. The internals are identical to the standard model, but it looks seriously good on the field and has become hugely popular, especially among younger players. If you want to stand out from the crowd of black rifles, the Super Ranger is the obvious choice.
ARP9 3.0 The most modern version of the ARP9, and in many ways the most refined. It has a redesigned front end with a shorter M-LOK rail and a lighter profile, a more sharply angled pistol grip for a more natural hold, and a new CHFS stock design that is hinged and folds completely flat — and the rifle can still fire with the stock folded. It also comes with a vertical grip and a mock suppressor. The gearbox has been upgraded to G&G's MIG system with a quick-change spring. The 3.0 is for you if you want the most modern and compact ARP9 setup without compromising on features.
Is the ARP9 only for CQB — or can it be used outdoors?
We get asked this a lot. The answer is: mainly CQB, but it does surprisingly well outdoors.
The short inner barrel and the low muzzle velocity make it best suited to close environments, indoor sites and dense woodland. But G&G's hop-up system is of good quality, and with the right BBs (0.25 g or 0.28 g) and a well-set hop-up you can easily hit targets at 40–50 metres with good accuracy. It is not a DMR — but it is not helpless outdoors either.
For mixed-terrain games, where you go through buildings and open fields on the same day, the ARP9 makes an excellent secondary rifle or sidekick to your main long-range platform.
Is there anything you should know before buying?
Yes — a few practical things:
Magazines: The ARP9 uses its own 9 mm-style magazines, which are not compatible with standard M4 magazines. It is important to buy ARP9-specific spare magazines. G&G's own mid-cap magazines are noticeably more reliable than the supplied hi-cap magazines, so we recommend adding a couple of mid-caps from the start.
Battery: The rifle is designed for a 7.4 V LiPo in stick format that goes in the stock. If you use an 11.1 V LiPo, you get a sharper response and a higher rate of fire, but it slightly increases wear on the internals. Run 7.4 V if you want a long, trouble-free service life.
Upgrades: The ARP9 is a popular platform with a large world of upgrades. A replacement precision inner barrel, an upgraded bucking and a red dot sight on the Picatinny rail are the most obvious first steps when you are ready to take it to the next level.
Conclusion: why the ARP9?
The G&G ARP9 is popular for exactly the reasons that count: it is compact, it is fast, it is reliable, and it looks seriously good. It is neither too simple for experienced players nor too complex for beginners. It is an ideal CQB platform.
At Handelshuset Aulum we carry the G&G ARP9 series — find your version here → See all ARP9 models
Got questions about which ARP9 variant suits your play style, your site or your budget? We are happy to help — get in touch.
