Arrow Arms APC9-K Submachine Gun AEG w/Folding Stock

If you like the size of the MP5K but you want something a bit more modern then who can blame you? It is 2022 after all. With that in mind allow us to introduce you to the APC9-K from Arrow Arms. This AEG is based on the latest subcompact PCC/SMG to serve with the US Military in the VIP protection role, being carried by the Personal Security Detachments of the US Army and US Airforce. The APC9-K was chosen for this role for its compact size, low weight and modern ergonomics, and while Airsofters will rarely be tasked with protecting a General visiting a theatre of war there are other ways such a portable SMG can be a real asset to any Airsoft skirmisher.

For use in CQB, or as a backup weapon for a Sniper, you couldn't ask for anything better. The APC9-K packs a lot of functionality into an AEG which is a mere 37cm long when the stock is folded, making it well suited for compressed shooting or carrying as a secondary weapon paired with a shotgun or bolt action rifle. While boasting full metal construction the APC9-K weighs very little and is very easy to carry on a sling, thanks to its plethora of sling points and low-snag ambidextrous controls.

At the tip of the outer barrel, we can find no threading. Instead, we have tri-lug suppressor attachment points machined directly into the aluminium outer barrel itself, matching the real APC9-K and its slick H&K inspired suppressor attachment method. This means suppressor options are limited, but Arrow Arms kindly produce a suppressor specifically for the APC9-K which is quick detachable and looks awesome when mounted. We hope for a tracer version of this suppressor in the future; Arrow Arms, if you are listening, make it happen!

Moving rearwards we come to the receiver which is a monolithic design machined from a single piece of aluminium using CNC technology. This receiver is similar in layout to a SCAR rifle but far smaller to suit the nanoscopic size necessary for the APC9-K's role. The top of the receiver has a full length 20mm Picatinny rail built in making the APC9-K ready for a red dot sight and even a magnifier, which is a feat considering the super compact nature of this SMG. The rail comes with flip up aperture iron sights pre-installed, but these can be removed if you want a bit more space to squeeze a PEQ box on your 12 o'clock rail.

The APC9-K also has a 20mm rail built into the receiver at the 6 o'clock position, and two removable polymer side rails, granting you a bit more space to add your choice of vertical foregrip and a tactical flashlight if you choose to run the APC9-K fully decked out. A 20mm handstop/sling point comes pre-installed to the 6 o'clock rail, though this can be removed and replaced with an alternative should the mission require it.  Just above the side rails, we can see two ports on either side of the receiver which serve to reduce weight and provide additional cooling on the real SMG. These vents help give the modern blocky yet functional shape some visual interest, making the APC9-K look like a miniaturised SCAR or CZ BREN.

To the rear of the vents we come to the dual folding charging handle setup, which is a non-reciprocating style design to match the latest real steel variants of the APC9-K. The charging handles actuate the mock bolt carrier, and pulling them back all the way will lock the mock bolt on the right side open for HOP-up adjustment.

The APC9-K has a rotary HOP-up unit, lying right in line with the most up-to-date Airsoft AEGs boasting the latest HOP-up design, known for its consistency and ease of adjustment in fine increments. The HOP-up provides backspin to your BBs to extend their range and can be tuned for different ammo weights, looking for the flattest possible trajectory.

With your HOP-up adjustment complete you can release the mock bolt using the bolt release catch located on either side of the APC9-K, just above the magazine well. The bolt catch sits well within reach of the trigger finger when you hold the APC9-K in a firing grip, signalling its advanced design principles and enviable ergonomics.

The other controls of the APC9-K are also ambidextrous; the magazine catch is similarly positioned to an M4/AR15 on either side of the magazine well, and the fire selector lever is found just above the pistol grip, on either side of the SMG. The engagement surfaces of the controls are all equipped with linear serrations to provide extra grip when shooting in bad weather.

The fire selector has been re-designed to provide additional purchase in a similar manner to aftermarket M4/AR15 selectors, and is similar to G36 and CZ Scorpion EVO selectors which are great for those with smaller hands who may struggle to reach the standard M4 selector when it is in "full auto".

The extended selectors allow the trigger finger to be used to sweep the selector back into safe rather than having to really stretch with the thumb as you would with an M4/AR15. The selector provides 3 modes of fire; safe, semi-automatic and full automatic, though the fire modes can be programmed using an Ares EFCS programmer to provide burst modes of varying duration.

The APC9-K's pistol grip is an M4/AR15 style grip, just like the real thing. Where this grip differs is that it is an Ares "Slim" pistol grip, which is intended to match the dimensions of a real M4/AR15 grip more closely than standard AEGs which use a wider grip to house the motor. The motor is still in the grip of the APC9-K, but it is an Ares Slim High Torque motor intended for this pistol grip specifically. This gives the APC9-K the realistic feel that is usually only possible with a GBBR or PTW system, and is a more accurate simulation of the real thing when compared to most AEGs on the market. The grip has a filled-out back strap and linear grooves for added grip, and is very comfortable to hold.

On the left rear of the receiver we come to our stock folding mech, and the receiver sling point of the APC9-K. The sling point is quite narrow as it is on G36 style AEGs, so we recommend either a loop of paracord or a keyring be threaded through for a broader range of sling compatibility. The stock folding button is located just behind the sling point, and has deep serrations on its surface for slick functionality with gloves.

Pressing the button will unlock the stock and allow it to be folded to the right side of the SMG, where it will be retained via a magnet on the rear right of the stock. This is a lovely feature, and not only does it allow you to deploy your stock in a split second, but it also absolutely eliminates the chances of the stock retention wearing down over time and leaving you with a wobbly stock. Nice one Arrow Arms!

The battery compartment of the APC9-K is located in the rear of the receiver and is accessible when the stock is folded to the side. With the stock folded you will see a small door, and inside is where the mini-Tamiya battery connector can be found. There is quite a lot of space inside the APC9-K receiver which is perfect for stick batteries, though with some of the longer examples you may inhibit the functionality of the charging handles and potentially damage your battery.

We recommend a 7.4V 1300mAh LiPo stick battery for the best combination of ease of fitment and performance, though you may be able to fit a longer battery in we suggest exercising the utmost care if you choose to do this, as the consequences of puncturing a LiPo battery cell inside the AEG will almost certainly mean it will be destroyed.

The stock is positively littered with sling points; boasting one sling point on the bottom which is perfect for a single-point sling, and two at the butt which can be paired with the front sling point for a two-point setup. There is an additional hole above the first stock sling point, though we believe this hole is for storing your rear body pin during disassembly to prevent it from going missing.

The butt plate is integral to the stock, but has linear protrusions to positively lock it into your shoulder, whether you run body armour or choose a "high speed, low drag" setup. The stock length of pull is slightly shorter than comparable folding stocks which is ideal for CQB where you may want to keep your stock deployed but still be able to turn and burn up close and personal.

Inside the APC9-K we are well catered for with a 6.03mm tight bore inner barrel, high torque slim motor and electronic trigger unit. The trigger response of this AEG is exceptional thanks to the ETU and high torque motor, and it is capable of impressive accuracy despite its short overall length thanks to its tight bore, which also helps claw back a few FPS lost by using such a short inner barrel. As previously mentioned, the fire controls can also be programmed via the EFCS system and the Ares EFCS Programmer (available separately) for the advanced user who wants the additional flexibility of burst modes.

An interesting function present in the Arrow Arms APC9-K is its quick power change function, which allows the FPS of the AEG to be tuned by a small amount by loosening/tightening the threaded spring guide to reduce or increase spring tension, and thus FPS. This means you can fine tune the APC-9K to suit the limits of your local site, and easily tune the FPS down if you end up slightly too hot with the current spring. The spring guide can be turned using an Allen key and is located on the rear of the gearbox, accessible through the door of the battery compartment.

If you are after a CQB primary that departs from the norm but is also super modern and fashionable at the same time, the APC9-K would be a fine choice. Included with the APC9-K are 3 magazines; a shorty 65 rnd mag, a medium length 80 round mag and a 110 round long magazine, giving you a magazine for any situation, whether you spend most of your time prone in the woods or standing and clearing rooms in CQB. With plenty of rail space, pre-upgraded internals and innovative features like its slim pistol grip, the APC9-K is a fantastic choice whether you are a close-quarters fanatic or you are a modern-era sniper looking for a modern secondary weapon to suppress the enemy as you relocate.

Features

• Full metal construction
• High density polymer parts
• Tri-lug suppressor attachment method
• Easy access battery compartment
• Several sling points on the stock
• 6.03mm Tightbore inner barrel
• Slim pistol grip with Ares Slim high torque motor
• Side folding stock - Easily stowed/carried
• Rail mounted handstop/slingpoint pre-installed
• Rear sling point on the left side of the receiver
• Ambidextrous fire selector switches
• Ambidextrous dual charging handles
• Ambidextrous mock bolt release catch
• M-pro Style flip-up iron sights included
• 20mm Picatinny railed handguard - 3, 6 & 9 o'clock rails
• 20mm Picatinny railed monolithic receiver - Ready for an optic
• Magnetic retention for folding stock - No chance of wearing over time
• Spare magazines available in boxes of 5 - Short - Mid - Long
• Quick power change system - Slight FPS adjustments without swapping springs
• Subcompact SMG - Great for super tight CQB or as a sniper's backup weapon
• Electronic trigger - Programmable fire modes with Ares EFCS programmer (available separately)

Package Includes

• Arrow Arms APC9-K Submachine Gun AEG w/Folding Stock
• 110rnd Medium capacity long magazine
• 80rnd Medium capacity mid length magazine
• 65rnd Medium capacity short magazine
• User manual