01/31/2026
Upgrading an EMG CGS Historical line GBBR. PART 1
Since its release, customers have asked about the CGS and its viability as a TM-ish spec GBBR. With over 10 years of experience using and maintaining GBBRs sceptical is an understatement when the term budget option is thrown out there. But fixed carry handles are drippy so for science we must try.
Initially this replica could not hop .25s. Not off to a great start. However thats what we'll focus on today.
-Slide 2 you will find that the nozzle length of a TM vs CGS nozzle is slightly different. This contributed heavily to the hop issue. The OEM nozzle does not make a perfect seal.
-Slides 3 & 4 while simply putting a new nozzle in it will help. It could never be that easy. The CGS BCG does not use the same nozzle retention system as the OEM or aftermarket TM parts. Meaning you need to take a new TM spec nozzle, disassemble both that and the CGS parts. Swap the nozzle retainer parts, as well as the nozzle return spring. Then reassemble the bolt. This also means if your return spring breaks you must use a CGS specific spring.
-Slides 5 though 10 Highlight the spec difference between the TM and CGS hop up parts. The CGS using a completely different spec hop up arm, the adjuster is also larger. This removes the ability to use after market TM hop up parts. However the bucking can be swapped. We opted for a bucking, as with every GBBR we build. This is our go to.
-Slides 11 to 14 you will see the visual differences between the PH+, stock TM, and CGS hop up setups. The PH+ is a go to option for us, but the CGS can not use this setup at all. However the good of the CGS is that you can take the barrel, and hop up out without disassembling the upper. Thats a huge quality of life improvement.
Conclusion.
The CGS is not a bad gun. But justifying the purchase by saying its cheaper than a TM is not a valid reason after the cost of parts, labor and time to make it a field ready replica. BUT, fixed carry handles are cool again and for that reason it is a good buy if you're willing to invest in the parts required.
Should we do this with the new MWS line?