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| Online exclusive content published by The NAM: National Airsoft Magazine Q3 2011. The NAM: National Airsoft Magazine Copyright © 2011 All Rights Reserved. |
Specs:
Product Brand: Guay&Guay
Built Material: Polycarb and metal
Shooting Modes: semi and full auto
Magazine Capacity: 450 Rounds
Length: 776mm
Barrel Length: 357mm
Weight: 2,210g
Mechbox type: Ver 2
Power Source: Nun-chaku type
Hop-up: yes, adjustable
Blow-back: N/A
Power: 280-295fps w/0.20g BBs
Product Brand: Guay&Guay
Built Material: Polycarb and metal
Shooting Modes: semi and full auto
Magazine Capacity: 450 Rounds
Length: 776mm
Barrel Length: 357mm
Weight: 2,210g
Mechbox type: Ver 2
Power Source: Nun-chaku type
Hop-up: yes, adjustable
Blow-back: N/A
Power: 280-295fps w/0.20g BBs
Package & MSRP:
Within a printed cardboard box
(complete with plastic carrying
handle, I might add) is the GR15
itself, along with a bag of BBs, a
color instructional poster and
cleaning rod for the very low price
of MSRP $170USD.
Within a printed cardboard box
(complete with plastic carrying
handle, I might add) is the GR15
itself, along with a bag of BBs, a
color instructional poster and
cleaning rod for the very low price
of MSRP $170USD.
Pros:
First thing you will notice about the GR15 is the significantly reduced length when compared to the more full
size battle rifles. The shorter barrel and adjustable butt-stock make the weapon a carbine length gun,
excellent for maneuvering in tight confined spaces while still providing decent range when engaging targets in
the open. Another plus going for the GR15 Raider is its lightweight feel. Because of a generous use of
Fiber-reinforced polycarbonate plastics on the upper/lower receiver halves, the faux RIS style railing and flash
hider (yes, even the flash hider is polycarb!), the gun is VERY light and easy to handle. Players already
loaded out with gear and a heavy primary weapon will definitely love having something like this slung on their
back for a secondary! Upon taking the gun out and shooting a few rounds at the range, I was pleased to note
that G&G is listening to the US players and releasing guns that meet their higher performance expectation, as
the gun is pre-upgraded for the CQB arena, giving you descent range and power for CQB/CQC scenarios yet still
keeping it from being too powerful. G&G threw a cherry on top by including a sling attachment between the
receiver and the stock. While it's commonplace on the high-end guns, it's rarely seen on econo-line guns.
First thing you will notice about the GR15 is the significantly reduced length when compared to the more full
size battle rifles. The shorter barrel and adjustable butt-stock make the weapon a carbine length gun,
excellent for maneuvering in tight confined spaces while still providing decent range when engaging targets in
the open. Another plus going for the GR15 Raider is its lightweight feel. Because of a generous use of
Fiber-reinforced polycarbonate plastics on the upper/lower receiver halves, the faux RIS style railing and flash
hider (yes, even the flash hider is polycarb!), the gun is VERY light and easy to handle. Players already
loaded out with gear and a heavy primary weapon will definitely love having something like this slung on their
back for a secondary! Upon taking the gun out and shooting a few rounds at the range, I was pleased to note
that G&G is listening to the US players and releasing guns that meet their higher performance expectation, as
the gun is pre-upgraded for the CQB arena, giving you descent range and power for CQB/CQC scenarios yet still
keeping it from being too powerful. G&G threw a cherry on top by including a sling attachment between the
receiver and the stock. While it's commonplace on the high-end guns, it's rarely seen on econo-line guns.
Cons:
One of the first cons I found was that the gun itself was very lightweight. While also a pro, this is a
considerable drawback as a lot of MilSimmers prefer to have their weaponry as close to the real steel weight as
possible, or at least fairly close. The all polycarb construct made the GR15 feel more like a plastic toy gun
(which, technically, it is) than a serious AEG. This also draws into questions the guns ability to resist
damage from abuse and general game play usage (more on this in Durability). Another pro that also happens to
be a strong con is the Crane-stock. Because of its oversized nature, the gun is somewhat unbalanced. This
becomes even more pronounced should you be using a heavy Ni-CD/Ni-MH battery for your gun, as the weight of the
cells shift the center of gravity further back, causing you to instinctively want to hold the gun downward to
keep the barrel on your target. This might be enough to throw off your aim, not something you want to happen
in the middle of a fire fight. Lastly on the minus hit parade is the instructional poster itself. While the
concept is an interesting and refreshing change from the normally mundane manuals, the poster provided is of
the standard GR16 with circular fore-grips, which kinda sucks given it does not deal with all the specifics of
the GR15 Raider. Some guesswork and a little trial and error are necessary for installation of the battery
into the CRANE stock. No biggie for experienced players, but for newbs, definitely a potential nightmare.
One of the first cons I found was that the gun itself was very lightweight. While also a pro, this is a
considerable drawback as a lot of MilSimmers prefer to have their weaponry as close to the real steel weight as
possible, or at least fairly close. The all polycarb construct made the GR15 feel more like a plastic toy gun
(which, technically, it is) than a serious AEG. This also draws into questions the guns ability to resist
damage from abuse and general game play usage (more on this in Durability). Another pro that also happens to
be a strong con is the Crane-stock. Because of its oversized nature, the gun is somewhat unbalanced. This
becomes even more pronounced should you be using a heavy Ni-CD/Ni-MH battery for your gun, as the weight of the
cells shift the center of gravity further back, causing you to instinctively want to hold the gun downward to
keep the barrel on your target. This might be enough to throw off your aim, not something you want to happen
in the middle of a fire fight. Lastly on the minus hit parade is the instructional poster itself. While the
concept is an interesting and refreshing change from the normally mundane manuals, the poster provided is of
the standard GR16 with circular fore-grips, which kinda sucks given it does not deal with all the specifics of
the GR15 Raider. Some guesswork and a little trial and error are necessary for installation of the battery
into the CRANE stock. No biggie for experienced players, but for newbs, definitely a potential nightmare.
Efficiency:
Much like any M4 AEG produced over the last 10 years, getting the weapon operational and functional is largely
easy and second nature. All the traditional weapon features are within easy reach of the pistol grip. The
fire select lever is easily reached with the thumb, allowing you to switch modes in an instant while keeping
your hand on the pistol grip. The mag release is located on the right side just in front of the trigger area
and is easily reachable by just extending the trigger finger to push the button. Magazine loading/reloading is
done quickly with the wide mag well mouth, ensuring a secure hold once the mag is inserted. G&G decided to
take a page out of Classic Army’s approach by keeping the ejection port cover in the closed position with a
tension spring. Getting access to the hop-up adjusting dial can be slightly problematic when attempting in the
field as you need to hold the cover down while making your adjustments. Adjusting the CRANE butt-stock is just
the same as the standard LE one, with an angled pivot lever pulling up the retaining pin to allow you to move
the stock to your preferred positional setting. Installing the battery in the CRANE stock is simple with the
dual access options provided. Batteries can be installed vial the removable rear butt-stock panel. You can
either slide them in (LiPos) or by removing the whole stock completely and fitting them in carefully (more
likely for Ni-CD/Ni-MH).
Much like any M4 AEG produced over the last 10 years, getting the weapon operational and functional is largely
easy and second nature. All the traditional weapon features are within easy reach of the pistol grip. The
fire select lever is easily reached with the thumb, allowing you to switch modes in an instant while keeping
your hand on the pistol grip. The mag release is located on the right side just in front of the trigger area
and is easily reachable by just extending the trigger finger to push the button. Magazine loading/reloading is
done quickly with the wide mag well mouth, ensuring a secure hold once the mag is inserted. G&G decided to
take a page out of Classic Army’s approach by keeping the ejection port cover in the closed position with a
tension spring. Getting access to the hop-up adjusting dial can be slightly problematic when attempting in the
field as you need to hold the cover down while making your adjustments. Adjusting the CRANE butt-stock is just
the same as the standard LE one, with an angled pivot lever pulling up the retaining pin to allow you to move
the stock to your preferred positional setting. Installing the battery in the CRANE stock is simple with the
dual access options provided. Batteries can be installed vial the removable rear butt-stock panel. You can
either slide them in (LiPos) or by removing the whole stock completely and fitting them in carefully (more
likely for Ni-CD/Ni-MH).
Durability:
G&Gs decision to use polycarb materials for the
receiver body, RIS, CRANE stock and flash hider
is a curious but logical choice. The extensive
use of polycarb throughout the gun allows gun
to be very lightweight yet retain a fair amount
of strength to resist most forms of abuse and
usage. Granted, more extreme abuse will most
likely render the gun unusable, but for an
entry level economy gun, it provides enough
resistant to keep newer players going for a
short period at a relatively low cost. To
offset the disadvantage of having a largely
plastic weapon, G&G engineers have used
aluminum alloy metals for the buffer tube,
outer barrel, rail holding brackets, front
sight post and removable rear sight post, most
likely in an attempt to offer some lever of
rigidity on secondary parts to support the main
body. Sadly, despite all these efforts, it
still comes down to the fact that the weapon is
largely plastic and even the sturdiest plastic
will break given enough abuse. You definitely
will NOT be mounting a RIS M203 on this puppy!!
G&Gs decision to use polycarb materials for the
receiver body, RIS, CRANE stock and flash hider
is a curious but logical choice. The extensive
use of polycarb throughout the gun allows gun
to be very lightweight yet retain a fair amount
of strength to resist most forms of abuse and
usage. Granted, more extreme abuse will most
likely render the gun unusable, but for an
entry level economy gun, it provides enough
resistant to keep newer players going for a
short period at a relatively low cost. To
offset the disadvantage of having a largely
plastic weapon, G&G engineers have used
aluminum alloy metals for the buffer tube,
outer barrel, rail holding brackets, front
sight post and removable rear sight post, most
likely in an attempt to offer some lever of
rigidity on secondary parts to support the main
body. Sadly, despite all these efforts, it
still comes down to the fact that the weapon is
largely plastic and even the sturdiest plastic
will break given enough abuse. You definitely
will NOT be mounting a RIS M203 on this puppy!!
Upgradability:
There is a whole slew of upgrade options for
players who want more from this gun.
Compatible metal bodies are available, and the
mechbox follows the standard TM AEG specs, so
performance upgrades are always a possibility.
Tight bore barrels can easily be fitted in the
weapon, but due to the design of the rail
support bracket, only S.I.R.s and free-floating
tube RAS types are compatible with this weapon
(unless the body is switched out).
There is a whole slew of upgrade options for
players who want more from this gun.
Compatible metal bodies are available, and the
mechbox follows the standard TM AEG specs, so
performance upgrades are always a possibility.
Tight bore barrels can easily be fitted in the
weapon, but due to the design of the rail
support bracket, only S.I.R.s and free-floating
tube RAS types are compatible with this weapon
(unless the body is switched out).
Final Thoughts:
While I really tried hard to want to like this gun and give a higher score, I couldn’t overlook the issues
resulting in the rank (which isn’t bad in and of itself, but definitely leaves room for improvement). Although
the weapon was very light and affordable, the performance was a bit disappointing, given other brand
alternative out there which offer a higher FPS. It was extremely difficult to overlook the large percentage of
plastic utilized in the gun design, which brings up durability concerns, especially if you intend on mounting a
lot of accessories on it. Given the nature of most US players and their rather reckless methods of play, you
just have to question the gun’s ability to hold up to the abuse. One of the few saving graces of the gun was
the cheap price and compatibility with most other M16 style guns on the market. However, as an inexpensive
back-up or non-committal entry gun, the GR15 will serve you well.
While I really tried hard to want to like this gun and give a higher score, I couldn’t overlook the issues
resulting in the rank (which isn’t bad in and of itself, but definitely leaves room for improvement). Although
the weapon was very light and affordable, the performance was a bit disappointing, given other brand
alternative out there which offer a higher FPS. It was extremely difficult to overlook the large percentage of
plastic utilized in the gun design, which brings up durability concerns, especially if you intend on mounting a
lot of accessories on it. Given the nature of most US players and their rather reckless methods of play, you
just have to question the gun’s ability to hold up to the abuse. One of the few saving graces of the gun was
the cheap price and compatibility with most other M16 style guns on the market. However, as an inexpensive
back-up or non-committal entry gun, the GR15 will serve you well.
For the past few years, a big change has sweep across the sport. Of late, name brand airsoft companies have
found themselves on the wrong end of the market with the advent of cheaper, better performing “clone” AEGs
coming out of China. This change, compounded by the global economic downturn, is putting a serious crimp on the
general airsofter’s buying power, as well as retail sales. With so many Chinese guns flooding the market at
affordable prices and ever increasing quality, many former powerhouses have seen their market shares shrink at
an alarming rate. To compete and regain lost market shares, many of them have taken a page from their new
competitors and created their own brand of economy-line guns. One name brand company to make that jump is Guay
Guay (G&G). Their Combat Machine economy line is intended for the low to mid level airsoft player on a budget
while still delivering improved performance that most US players have come to expect. One of their first
entries into this economy minded market is the GR15 series AEGs. We were fortunate enough to receive one for
testing purposes. I was more than pleased to get my masochistic little hands on one of their Raider line guns
and have my evil little ways with it....
found themselves on the wrong end of the market with the advent of cheaper, better performing “clone” AEGs
coming out of China. This change, compounded by the global economic downturn, is putting a serious crimp on the
general airsofter’s buying power, as well as retail sales. With so many Chinese guns flooding the market at
affordable prices and ever increasing quality, many former powerhouses have seen their market shares shrink at
an alarming rate. To compete and regain lost market shares, many of them have taken a page from their new
competitors and created their own brand of economy-line guns. One name brand company to make that jump is Guay
Guay (G&G). Their Combat Machine economy line is intended for the low to mid level airsoft player on a budget
while still delivering improved performance that most US players have come to expect. One of their first
entries into this economy minded market is the GR15 series AEGs. We were fortunate enough to receive one for
testing purposes. I was more than pleased to get my masochistic little hands on one of their Raider line guns
and have my evil little ways with it....
Pros Cont'd:
The next plus is the CRANE Stock. Because of its size and design (mainly due to the RIS being a one piece and
too small to hold any batteries), a LiPo or Nun-chaku Ni-CD/Ni-MH battery can be easily inserted in the stock,
either by the removable rear butt-plate or by taking off the entire stock. The storage compartments, while
mainly used to accommodate a Ni-CD/Ni-MH battery, can easily be converted to carry other small items when used
with a LiPo instead, giving you a few more options. The wide base of the stock also makes it an excellent
cheek rest when sighting in on targets for extended periods. A surprising bonus included in the package was
the color instructional poster in place of the more traditional instruction manual. On both sides of the
poster are detailed images of assembly and disassembly of the gun to utilize all its features. I found this to
be a nice change from the usual manual as it gave very precise step-by-step instructions on how to do just
about everything with the gun, from installing the battery to adjusting the stock to setting the hop-up. The
poster design also makes it great for pinning on the wall for instant reference when necessary, so you don’t
have to go looking for it later! Finally, small little extra plus I have noticed with G&G is that their
magazines are the correct length as the real steel mags, unlike 90% of the others on the market that copy the
Tokyo Marui magazine, which is actually shorter than the real deal. Not largely relevant, but something worth
noting for all your anal retentive MilSimmers out there.
The next plus is the CRANE Stock. Because of its size and design (mainly due to the RIS being a one piece and
too small to hold any batteries), a LiPo or Nun-chaku Ni-CD/Ni-MH battery can be easily inserted in the stock,
either by the removable rear butt-plate or by taking off the entire stock. The storage compartments, while
mainly used to accommodate a Ni-CD/Ni-MH battery, can easily be converted to carry other small items when used
with a LiPo instead, giving you a few more options. The wide base of the stock also makes it an excellent
cheek rest when sighting in on targets for extended periods. A surprising bonus included in the package was
the color instructional poster in place of the more traditional instruction manual. On both sides of the
poster are detailed images of assembly and disassembly of the gun to utilize all its features. I found this to
be a nice change from the usual manual as it gave very precise step-by-step instructions on how to do just
about everything with the gun, from installing the battery to adjusting the stock to setting the hop-up. The
poster design also makes it great for pinning on the wall for instant reference when necessary, so you don’t
have to go looking for it later! Finally, small little extra plus I have noticed with G&G is that their
magazines are the correct length as the real steel mags, unlike 90% of the others on the market that copy the
Tokyo Marui magazine, which is actually shorter than the real deal. Not largely relevant, but something worth
noting for all your anal retentive MilSimmers out there.
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