Strike Industries ARK17 Blowback 4.5mm BB CO2 Air Pistol by EMG/KWC
The matte black ARK17 is the more restrained version of an otherwise very unrestrained design. It keeps the aggressive Strike Industries styling, cut-out slide, fluted barrel, and heavily textured grip, but tones things down visually into something a bit more usable day-to-day.
It’s still not subtle. Just less likely to shout about it.
Build & Finish
This version pairs a matte black slide and frame with a polished fluted barrel, which gives it just enough contrast without going full display piece.
The finish is far more forgiving than the polished model. It’ll still wear over time, because it’s a blowback pistol with moving metal parts, but you’re not going to be constantly chasing fingerprints or surface marks.
The weight sits around 800g with the magazine in, which gives it a solid feel without becoming cumbersome.
Handling & Operation
The grip texture is aggressive but usable, and the overall ergonomics follow the familiar Glock-style layout.
Blowback is snappy enough to keep things interesting, and like most pistols in this category, you’ll notice:
- Slight slide movement/play
- A bit of rattle
That’s normal. If anything, this design hides it better than most.
The 17-round drop-out magazine houses the CO2 capsule, keeping things simple and familiar.
Features
- Licensed Strike Industries ARK17 design
- CO2 blowback system
- Cut-out slide with fluted barrel
- Adjustable hop-up system
- 14mm CCW threaded muzzle
- Raised iron sights
- 17-round drop-out magazine
Performance / Use Case
This is a short-range plinking pistol with a bit more usability than most, thanks to the hop-up system.
Adjustable hop-up gives:
- Flatter trajectory
- Better usable range
- More flexibility with BB weights
It’s not about raw power. It’s about making the most of what it has.
Practical Notes
- Suppressors will fit, but mostly for looks
- Avoid heavy or overly long attachments
- Expect normal wear on contact points over time
- Rail-mounted safety can interfere with some accessories
Specifications
- Calibre: 4.5mm BB
- Power Source: 1x 12g CO2
- Magazine: 17 rounds (drop-out)
- System: Blowback
- Barrel: 90mm smoothbore
- Muzzle: 14mm CCW
- Length: 210 mm
- Weight: 800 g
- Safety: Slide safety
Included
- Pistol
- 1x magazine
- Allen key
The matte black ARK17 is the sensible option. Same performance, same features, just without the high-maintenance finish.
If you want something that looks a bit different but still holds up to regular use without needing constant attention, this is the one that makes the most sense.
