Novritsch SSR63 A1 AR36K AEG

Novritsch has brought an Airsoft classic, the AR36 platform, into line with pre-upgraded M4 and AK platforms to give those with a taste for performance another option to build their loadout around. On the outside, the SSR63 A1 is designed to mimic the real steel AR36K in classic configuration, with a high-density polymer handguard and receiver top rail to complete the look with a few choice Novritsch enhancements.

The internals of the SSR63 A1 are equally impressive, as we might expect from Novritsch. Following suit with the SSR4, the SSR63 A1 boasts a programmable MOSFET/ETU offering a variety of fire mode options as well as low voltage cutoff, cycle control and other functions which help maintain the impressive performance of the SSR63 in the long term.

Paired with the MOSFET we have a high-torque motor to deliver the torque necessary for an ultra-snappy trigger response and a truly beastly rate of fire. Speed and fancy features aside, the SSR63 A1 also has a CNC machined HOP-up unit with a Maple Leaf flat HOP-up bucking, promising accuracy far beyond a standard AEG. If you are in the market for a pre-upgraded Airsoft AEG but are bored with the M4 and AK style platforms, the SSR63 A1 should give you the variety you seek!

Starting at the tip of the 12.5-inch outer barrel we can find the classic AR36K four-prong flash hider which mounts to 14mm CCW male threading. The four-prong device is a hallmark of the K variant of the AR36, arguably the looker of the bunch, but it can be removed and replaced with a tracer unit or suppressor if you need an instinct-aiming advantage in CQB or you are more of a sneaky skirmisher.

Beneath the handguard, AR36 fans will notice something is amiss. The mock gas block and gas piston have gone missing! This wasn't a mistake made at the factory, but these non-essential parts have been deleted to reduce weight at the front of the rifle and allow for easier battery installation and room for larger batteries than the standard AR36K. As you might have guessed, the SSR63 A1 is a front-wired platform, and the battery compartment is inside the handguard.

Removing the handguard is a simple affair, only requiring the handguard pin to be pushed through and pulled out, after which the handguard slides forward and off the rifle. Inside, you will find a Deans battery connector to which you mount your chosen battery. We recommend a 11.1V 1300mAh LiPo battery in nunchuck configuration for the SSR63 A1 but there is actually plenty more space for larger batteries, though you may be limited by the length of the pre-installed wiring.

The handguard is constructed from high density polymer and is a close match for the real AR36K, other than one notable enhancement. A QD sling socket has been added at the 12 o'clock position, allowing you to make use of a modern sling attachment interface on this now ageing platform. The handguard is also equipped with threaded holes designed for AR36 20mm rails on either side and the bottom, with a long rail pre-installed at 6 o'clock, ready for your choice of vertical or angled grip. The bottom rail can also be removed if you prefer a slick front end and the weight reduction that comes with it.

The bottom rail also has a hand stop installed in front, designed to prevent you from overshooting the handguard after a reload and avoiding the risk of accidentally shooting your digits. With a sling point built-in on each side of the hand stop, you are well catered for with the SSR63 A1 when it comes to sling options, whether you use QD or prefer a more conventional solution.

As we reach the receiver we can find a standard AR36 style layout, complete with a modular magazine well, ambidextrous charging handle and modular top rail system. The SSR63 A1 uses the original AR36 magazine well style, meaning it takes AR36 AEG magazines, including the PTS EPM-G, our top AR36 magazine. This also means the magazine release is ambidextrous, allowing access from either side thanks to its AK-like central position.

The receiver keeps the impressive ergonomics which put the AR36 platform on the map, including its ambidextrous fire selector switch, ambidextrous charging handle and side folding stock mechanism. The fire selector offers 3 modes of fire; Safe, semi-automatic and fully automatic, with a 45-degree throw between each fire mode. Having a nice short throw between modes makes the SSR63 A1 fast to use and easy to switch modes mid-firefight; an especially useful attribute for those who practice the "sights on, safety off" weapons handling doctrine. The selector has a positive click when moved into each mode, meaning even if it gets bumped or knocked in the heat of battle it shouldn't move into the wrong fire mode inadvertently.

The charging handle is located at the top of the receiver, beneath the 20mm top rail and can be folded out to either the left or right for easy access from either side. When not in use, the handle sits flush with the receiver and inside the top rail, well out of the way of potential snags which can slow you down during an energetic advance. Pulling the handle rearwards and holding it in place provides access to the rotary HOP-up adjuster which follows the standard AR36 design format but is CNC machined for precise engagement and perfect air seal.

Adjusting the HOP-up will increase or reduce the amount of backspin applied to your projectiles and allow you to extend your range and tune for different ammo weights. As the SSR63 A1 is kitted out with a Maple Leaf flat HOP-up bucking, the range you get should be a fair bit more than the average AEG and as such we recommend either 0.25g or 0.28g BBs to take advantage of this.

The pistol grip mimics that of the real AR36K and is a fantastic ergonomic design which is set at the perfect angle and fits the vast majority of hands perfectly, as the real rifle was known for. The trigger guard is built into the pistol grip assembly, known as the "trigger pack" in real steel terms, and is enlarged to allow gloved shooters easy access to the trigger. Speaking of the trigger, Novritsch saw fit to install a flat "speed" trigger on the SSR63 A1 which combines with the ultra-short trigger travel for a seriously impressive trigger response on semi-automatic. Novritsch claims the trigger response is 25 milliseconds from pull to cycle, and although we aren't able to confirm this it seems about right!

The top rail of the SSR63 mounts to the AR36 modular optics mount system, meaning it can be swapped out for alternative top rails, including those with built-in scopes. With 20mm Picatinny rail along its entire length, the top rail provides plenty of room for even the biggest scopes and red dot sights combined with magnifiers. The top rail also has low-profile aperture iron sights built in, the rear of which is fully adjustable for both windage and elevation.

At the rear we can find the SSR63 A1 side folding stock which is patterned after the original AR36 skeleton side folder but with an ambidextrous QD sling point built-in, just above the folding mechanism. This gives you yet another sling mounting option and can be used as an alternative to the rear receiver sling point which is just in front of the folding mech on the left side. The original AR36 hit the market before QD sling sockets became prevalent so we are very pleased to see the SSR63 A1 has been updated by Novritsch to facilitate more modern sling setups.

Folding the stock is as simple as the legacy AR36; simply press the button on the base of the stock and fold it to the right side where it can be locked in place over the mock brass deflector. The stock locks in place very firmly and can take a fair bit of force to unlock but this means you can shoot with the stock folded in cramped conditions with confidence that your stock won't loosen as you shoot. With the stock folded to the side, you will notice the rear of the gearbox is visible through the receiver. This provides access to the quick change spring guide of the SSR63, allowing you to tune the power in barely more than a minute without disassembling the AEG or taking the gearbox apart.

Inside the SSR63 A1, we are treated to a full internal upgrade, with the highlights being the 24K RPM high torque motor and the programmable MOSFET/ETU. The MOSFET allows for programmable fire modes including burst mode and binary trigger and also offers 5 different settings for pre-cocking. The MOSFET also protects the battery from full discharge and overheating and provides full cycle control and active breaking; keeping your internals healthy and functional in the long run. The high torque motor pairs perfectly with the MOSFET to give the SSR63 A1 the torque needed for trigger response which puts most other AEGs to shame, and rivals the best in the business.

If you have a need for a high-performance platform that isn't an M4 or an AK, the Novritsch SSR63 A1 is perfect for you. With the classic AR36 look and pre-upgraded internals to rival the best, the SSR63 A1 is perfect for those with a refined taste looking for a game changer of a primary!

Features

• Full metal construction - Mostly polymer like the real thing
• 14mm CCW Male threaded outer barrel - Tracer/suppressor ready
• Rotary adjustable HOP-up unit - CNC machined HOP-up unit, Maple Leaf flat bucking
• Programmable MOSFET pre-installed - Burst fire, binary trigger and pre-cocking capable
• AR36K Length polymer handguard with 20mm bottom rail - Ready for a vertical or angled grip
• Side rail holes on each side - Add extra AR36 side rails for more rail space
• 20mm Picatinny top rail - Rigid and precise, a massive improvement over polymer
• Aperture iron sights - Built into the top rail, fully adjustable via rear sight
• Ambidextrous charging handle - HOP-up adjustment is easy for left or right-handed shooters
• Ambidextrous fire selector switch - 45-degree throw between modes, easy and fast mode changes
• Side folding skeleton stock - QD sling socket on either side and standard sling loop at the toe of the stock
• Ergonomic pistol grip with enlarged trigger guard - Comfortable design with plenty of space for gloves
• Flat "speed" trigger - Snappy double taps, nice short trigger pull
• 24K High torque motor - High rate of fire, super fast semi-auto trigger response
• Receiver sling point on the left side: Ideal for single-point slings, may require a keyring or paracord loop
• ETU/MOSFET Features:
  • 5 Pre-cocking levels to choose from
  • Active Breaking
  • Full cycle control
  • Overheat protection
  • Low battery warning alarm
  • Programmable fire controls: Burst/binary trigger
• Front wired to a Deans/T-Plug connector - Recommended battery: 11.1V 1450mAh LiPo
• Compatible with AR36 AEG Magazines - Our favourite: PTS EPM-G

Package Includes

• Novritsch SSR63 A1 AR36K AEG
• 150rnd Mid-cap magazine
• User manual