GSG-16 New Addition to Family

thegazelle

thegazelle

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Ordered a GSG16 today - want something a little more exciting than my long standing 10/22. Looking to order some extra mags for it as well. Looks like a lot of people customize theirs, but I am a rather boring plain Jane type of guy.

So some questions based on my cursory search through any threads on this gun. Or rather, more I am looking for everyone's feedback to confirm what I have read or add extra colour from the threads I have seen.

1. It seems like the rounds not to use on this are Federal bulk, as well as the usual Thunderbolt, etc. Looks like Aguila and lower velocity 700fps or so cartridges may not work either. I have a bunch of Eley, SK, CCI Stinger/Mini Mag I plan to use on this. I know every gun is different and different and one should try various ammo, but are there some just to avoid with this gun based on consistent performance or lack thereof? Yes, I figure that Remington Thunderbolt would be on that list...

2. Seems like it doesn't need to be cleaned until maybe the 1000 round mark. I know, some people say to clean it after every range trip. Anyways, how would you rate this in terms of ease of cleaning, especially for a person who doesn't take apart a lot of things?

3. Optic or rimfire scope. I know again it is personal preference. I am leaning toward an optic.

4. I understand based on the price point, not to expect Kriss Vector quality and that the gun is very plasticky. Which is fine with me as it will remind me of some of my air rifles. How have you found the feel of the gun. The weight seems to be decent though some have complained about a heavy barrel. Which is weird, if the thing is mostly plastic.

5. Magazines - I found some GSC twin pack 22-round mags at various retailers - haven't ordered just yet. Want to see if there are any third parties that you'd recommend that make compatible mags. Also, I have read a post or two about having to hit the magazine a certain way before inserting to increase the likelihood of no issues. Fact or fiction?

Thanks very much for any feedback you can provide. I have seen this gun at various LGS before and they all sold out quickly. Had an opportunity to pick one up, so figured, why not? Kids can just eat cat food for a couple of weeks...
 
I sold mine last year. Rifle shot well with most high velocity, Mini Mags, Stingers, ect. I hated the take down process. The magazines are built better than the gun although I did have problems with the 110 round drum FTF. I ran a red dot on mine. I got bored of the feel, the trigger is a sponge but for the price point you can't really ask for a whole lot more.
 
I have had mine for a few years and it is not picky with ammo as long as you use the mags and not the 110 round drum. In my opinion stay away from the drum as mine had issues of not feeding properly.. I clean it after every range trip. I replaced the 2 screws holding the stock with MP5 quick push ones to assist with the takedown. I use a Holosun 503CU and have had success hitting steel out to approx 200 yards. Its a blast to shoot and you will appreciate the extra mags as you will burn threw ammo.
 
nitroxace said:
I have had mine for a few years and it is not picky with ammo as long as you use the mags and not the 110 round drum. In my opinion stay away from the drum as mine had issues of not feeding properly.. I clean it after every range trip. I replaced the 2 screws holding the stock with MP5 quick push ones to assist with the takedown. I use a Holosun 503CU and have had success hitting steel out to approx 200 yards. Its a blast to shoot and you will appreciate the extra mags as you will burn threw ammo.
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Thank you very much for the feedback. Do you have a source for the takedown pins where I can order?

Yes, I read not so good things about the drum. Seems more like a gimmick anyway.

You mentioned the 503U (is it the CU with the solar failsafe?) or is there a U model...I was seriously considering that one and I ended up getting a 515GM but I put it on a different gun. Would you mine sharing any thoughts on the 503U? I may pick that one up and put it on this instead of the Romeo5 that I had slated to put on it.
 
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4 stick mags total is the perfect amount. But don't load them all the way to 22 rds. I find 20 rds works better. It was having a 1st round feeding issues. It also helps if you pull the little springs on the side of the mag down while you load it.

I find its starts to have stove pipe issues around 300-500 rds. so its needs regular cleaning. I'm looking at those pins as well.

Its surprisingly accurate with iron sights. Im running a cheap red dot currently.

Its a super fun gun for new shooters!
 
Jmcc said:
4 stick mags total is the perfect amount. But don't load them all the way to 22 rds. I find 20 rds works better. It was having a 1st round feeding issues. It also helps if you pull the little springs on the side of the mag down while you load it.

I find its starts to have stove pipe issues around 300-500 rds. so its needs regular cleaning. I'm looking at those pins as well.

Its surprisingly accurate with iron sights. Im running a cheap red dot currently.

Its a super fun gun for new shooters!
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Thanks for the tip regarding loading 20. Assume this is for the OEM mags. I haven't seen much third party mag offerings for this.

So the stove pipe I guess is not ammo-specific, if cleaning resolved the issue.

I got this for the kids when they come out with me but just something different that is semi auto, so for me too in terms of a cheap plinking alternative. I know there are other options, but the price was right and the gun was there.
 
thegazelle said:
Thanks for the tip regarding loading 20. Assume this is for the OEM mags. I haven't seen much third party mag offerings for this.

So the stove pipe I guess is not ammo-specific, if cleaning resolved the issue.

I got this for the kids when they come out with me but just something different that is semi auto, so for me too in terms of a cheap plinking alternative. I know there are other options, but the price was right and the gun was there.
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I haven't seen any aftermarket mags. Buy a 2 pack of additional OEM and be done :)

I have run a few kinds of ammo: Golden bullet and thunderbolt. because they were on sale. No noticeable dif between them.

Oil it before you go first time and keep it clean.
check that you don't have jams in 1/2 way down the mag. Pulling the spring a bit to see they are are move free is good habit to get into. Those little 22's get one some interesting angles
those were 99% of my issues. (all my fault)

The adjustable stock was a big winner for my kids. Some guys do them up in MP5 dressing. Looks super cool but removes some of the functionality I bought it for.

I guarantee it will be your kids #1 pick
mine don't want to use anything else now
 
Jmcc said:
I haven't seen any aftermarket mags. Buy a 2 pack of additional OEM and be done :)

I have run a few kinds of ammo: Golden bullet and thunderbolt. because they were on sale. No noticeable dif between them.

Oil it before you go first time and keep it clean.
check that you don't have jams in 1/2 way down the mag. Pulling the spring a bit to see they are are move free is good habit to get into. Those little 22's get one some interesting angles
those were 99% of my issues. (all my fault)

The adjustable stock was a big winner for my kids. Some guys do them up in MP5 dressing. Looks super cool but removes some of the functionality I bought it for.

I guarantee it will be your kids #1 pick
mine don't want to use anything else now
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I would say you hit the nail on the head my friend. My kids seem to really enjoy the Savage bolt action for .22 - my son called it an "old man's gun" (for which I will accept inference since he was looking at me direct as he said it...lol)...

Golden Bullet - I just recently picked that up on the recommendation of my LGS. They said to me why bother going through all the good stuff like Eleys and SKs when I am just plinking. The manager said that the Golden Bullets have never given him a single problem and is much more affordable.

Yeah, no MP5 dressing for me. You will never see me post anything in a modification thread or a "post pictures of your gun" thread, since my only contribution is just to upload a stock photo from the manufacturer, since that is what my guns all look like.

Shall report back after the weekend to advise how shooting this went.

Thanks everyone for the feedback.
 
thegazelle said:
I would say you hit the nail on the head my friend. My kids seem to really enjoy the Savage bolt action for .22 - my son called it an "old man's gun" (for which I will accept inference since he was looking at me direct as he said it...lol)...

Golden Bullet - I just recently picked that up on the recommendation of my LGS. They said to me why bother going through all the good stuff like Eleys and SKs when I am just plinking. The manager said that the Golden Bullets have never given him a single problem and is much more affordable.

Yeah, no MP5 dressing for me. You will never see me post anything in a modification thread or a "post pictures of your gun" thread, since my only contribution is just to upload a stock photo from the manufacturer, since that is what my guns all look like.

Shall report back after the weekend to advise how shooting this went.

Thanks everyone for the feedback.
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When I had mine stock, I could put 5shots in a nickel, I did like the light weight. But you will enjoy it.

After modifying mine to look more like a MP5. There some neat things people did with theirs, that I wish that I did. But I'm at the point on mine, I spent way too much on it. Including buying another and warranty one. Hmmmm ( shutup brain ) I spent more on my GSG than I did on my Shadow, and all the work I done on it, and machine work, and optic.
 
thegazelle said:
Thank you very much for the feedback. Do you have a source for the takedown pins where I can order?

Yes, I read not so good things about the drum. Seems more like a gimmick anyway.

You mentioned the 503U (is it the CU with the solar failsafe?) or is there a U model...I was seriously considering that one and I ended up getting a 515GM but I put it on a different gun. Would you mine sharing any thoughts on the 503U? I may pick that one up and put it on this instead of the Romeo5 that I had slated to put on it.
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The MP5 take down pins I picked up from a fellow CGN'r. I have read that the take down pins for the airsoft MP5 will work as well. In regards to the Holosun it is a 503CU. Within Holosun lettering system the C indicates the unit has a solar panel feature. The U indicates that the turrets for elevation and windage are shrouded - protected from both sides. I had a Romeo 5 but sold it for this unit. I like the ability to switch from a 2MOA to a 65MOA circle or have both appear at the same time.
 
nitroxace said:
The MP5 take down pins I picked up from a fellow CGN'r. I have read that the take down pins for the airsoft MP5 will work as well. In regards to the Holosun it is a 503CU. Within Holosun lettering system the C indicates the unit has a solar panel feature. The U indicates that the turrets for elevation and windage are shrouded - protected from both sides. I had a Romeo 5 but sold it for this unit. I like the ability to switch from a 2MOA to a 65MOA circle or have both appear at the same time.
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Thanks for the info. I love the big circular reticle too. So what if it reduces the battery life from 50000 to 20000 hours...haha...

My 515GM has flip down lens covers that are made of glass. They are so clear I don't even need to flip them down - I can see right through them.

The honeycomb (killflash) thing - not sure what the value is in keeping this - almost expecting to see a bee flying around it...
 
There are a ton of modifications you can do to this unit. Just watch because your 500.00 purchase can quickly spiral out of control. Woo hoo.

In regards to cleaning there is a small slide catch spring that is easily lost and will cause you unnecessary grief. I speak from experience. There are several video on this but this article is excellent. It explains the cheap fix if it happens and it works as I have tried it. I hope it assists.

https://www.reddit.com/r/canadaguns/comments/ej6dpo/gsg16_watch_your_slide_catch_lever_spring/
 
Just picked it up. Cute little gun. Definitely plasticky, but everything feels solid - it doesn't feel cheap. I got an extra two-pack of the magazines while I was there.

It's pretty light for sure. I like the ambidextrous safety. The charging handle I think I will have oodles of fun with hearing the satisfying noise of slapping the handle down. The ghost sights on it are pretty nice. LGS owner said great choice, and he has one too.

Love the short length after retracting the stock, though I think I will extend it since I am so used to the "regular" length.

Pic rails everywhere seem nice (as is the faux can), though I think I'll just throw a red dot on this one as the only accessory. Gun is light enough that I don't need to put any fore grip on it.

It did come with a small baggie of tiny parts (looks like bits from a model car set) - haven't read the manual through yet, so not sure what those bits and pieces are.

Think I'll keep the little nubby chamber flag thing. Cute. GSG sticker inclusion is nice. I am a sucker for stickers.

LGS mentioned to me though, to try to shoot ammo 1200 FPS or higher. Some of the standard velocity offerings may cause issues - he didn't say they will but higher velocity rounds should cycle with no issues.
 
It is interesting the poster who talked about putting 20 instead of 22 rounds in the mag. I was just pulling those side handles down on the magazine and maybe I am wrong or I just haven't filled it up yet, but the follower doesn't appear to go past round 19-20, at least when the side handles are pulled down. Maybe that's because the handle is hitting the bottom of the see through area and the follower can still be depressed from the rounds without the handle going past it. I guess I can load it to be sure, but too lazy right now.
 
it holds 22 :)
you need to look at the tiny markings on the follower, not where the 1st bullet is. It 100% confusing and had me to when you first look at it.

And im not saying you need to only load 20. Try 22 and see if you have many 1st round issues. It may just be my gun. <insert shrug>
but if you do have 1st round issues, there is an easy fix :)
 
My 10 year old loves it for reasons listed by others.

The mags tend to swell/split if loaded to their 22 round capacity. They can also be picky with how the round sits. You want to ensure that the follower has each round on a slightly upwards angle - dont let any bury their nose, or it may have trouble feeding. Give the back spine of the magazines a couple quick taps after loading, to ensure that all rounds are seated properly.

I took the side rails off of mine and used some magpul mlok rubber inserts. Makes the gun feel less plastic-y and fits the hands better.

Consider replacing the charging handle as the pot metal one will only last for so many "slaps".

Shoot plenty and shoot often!
 
I agree stick to 20 rounds in the mags, they have been trouble free for me that way. I've run 1000+ rounds of Aguila through it with no gun issues. I'm not going to bother putting any RWS or SK through it. Just not worth it to me.
 
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