MP5 A4 - ArniesAirsoft - Review Archive

Author

casey_cole

Rock this party, dance everbody, make it hot in this party...

Registered: October 2005
Location: Gloucestershire
Posts: 1,467

Review Date: 1/6/06

Would you recommend the product? Yes | Price you paid?: �130.00 | Rating: 7

Positive aspects of the product (pros):	large battery capacity, sturdy, good sized stock, great magazine
Cons:	creaky hand grip, badly positioned fire selector, small high capacity magazine

TM MP5 A4 Review � casey_cole

Introduction
The HK MP5 is one of the most widely recognised SMGs in the world as it is used by many Special Forces units and armies. It is also used in many movies such as Die Hard, and the many James Bond sequels.

The name stands for �machinen pistole 5� which means, �machine pistol version 5� in German � the land of origin of HK (Heckler and Koch). The A4 version has the standard �A� front end as opposed to the �SD� (suppressed) front end which includes an integral suppressor. It also has a full butt as opposed to the A5 which has a sliding stock. It uses 30 round magazines of 9mm ammunition, though it can be obtained in 10mm calibre.

Other versions include the MP5K (Kurz � short) which is a compact version with a shorter barrel, vertical fore-grip but normally no stock, and the MP5SD which has a ported barrel, and integral silencer in the fore grip.

There are two types of lower receiver (or �trigger group�). The SEF receiver (so named because of the distinctive S E F markings on the fire selector), and the Navy trigger group which has cleaner lines, no ribs, and standard HK fire selector markings for safe, semi and full auto.

Manufacturer � TM
Tokyo Marui is the biggest and most widely known airsoft gun manufacturer. They make high quality, reliable guns, but use almost exclusively plastic for their receivers. This makes them lighter than other guns by such makes as ICS and CA. Spare parts are widely available, and almost all upgrades � both cosmetic and internal � are made to fit TM guns. They have a very good reputation, and most people buy a TM gun first because of the reliability. However, in my opinion, TM merchandise is over-priced when you compare it to other manufacturers� produce.

Included
I bought this gun second hand for �130 � included was the gun, a standard lo-cap magazine, a hi-cap magazine and a battery. I cannot, therefore, comment on the TM packaging.

New, the package includes:
� Gun
� 60 round lo-cap
� Cleaning rod
� Loading rod (what a joke�)
� Manual
� Magazine of products
� Some TM BBs

Impressions of the gun
I�ll work from the back.

Stock
The stock is just the right length. I originally though it was going to be too small, but then I shouldered it, and realised that HK (/TM) had made it just right. I find the sliding stock too small for me, and the folding stock is apparently even bigger than the solid stock, so I might try and search one of them out.
The butt plate is made of rubber around a solid plastic insert. It is ribbed for (pleasure, he he) grip on your shoulder and fits onto the stock very nicely. It slides off downwards with a push on the top, and is held in place very solidly.
There is room in the stock for a large battery, and the wires curl around it.
There is a sling loop on the left hand side of the gun. This cannot be �clipped� onto � it must be looped through with a strap. It is made of metal, and is very solidly attached with two big screws.
The stock attaches to the gun with a pin. This pin has a thread in it, and a screw goes into the other side. Two ridges on the receiver hold the stock on securely. Be careful when removing the stock to not rip out the wires which are held in place there. They attach with a mini Tamiya connector.

Lower receiver
This is made from textured plastic � like the RS MP5. The pistol grip is nicely contoured, and the trigger guard is big enough for gloved fingers. The motor is in the pistol grip.
The fire selector changes between safe, semi and full auto and clicks firmly(ish) into place.
Good news for left-handers, the fire selector runs all the way through and there is another lever on the other side!
However, when in full auto, the fire selector on the right hand side of the gun sticks into your trigger finger, and vice-versa if you�re left handed. This is very annoying.

Upper receiver
Made from plastic � unlike the RS. On the real MP5 the upper receiver is made from metal. However, one very nice touch is that TM has replicated the welding marks on the upper receiver with some moulding. It looks very good. The whole upper and lower receiver section feels very solid. Well done TM.
There are two lugs on the upper side onto which a scope-mount will fit.
The rear sight is very nice. It is adjustable for windage and elevation, and has a rotating, angled drum, with different sized holes in for different lights.
The mag well has a problem with it. Because of the split (running vertically up the front edge) it is liable to split open sideways if lateral pressure is put on the magazine. For this reason, I advise against using mag-clamps.
The mag release is at the back of the mag-well, and can be pulled as the magazine is grasped to change out. There is a weird loopy thing on the side of the mag-well. I do not know what it is for.

Cocking tube
The cocking tube runs from the top of the upper receiver into the front sight. It contains the spin loaded cocking handle. This cocking handle can be �HK slapped�, but it is weak. To testify to this weakness, mine is broken. Steel replacements can be bought � allowing you to �slap� to your heart�s content. They are easily fitted.

Hand guard
The hand guard is made from textured plastic, similar to the lower receiver. It attached at the back by two ledges, and at the front with a spring loaded pin � which will stay in very securely. It can hold a mini battery � though my gun is wired to the back.
The hand guard is a little creaky � though this can be solved by bulking out the rear clips with black electrical tape.
At the top of the hand guard is a little lever. This is the hop-up adjustment lever � forwards for off, backwards for on. A bit small � but if it was any larger it would get in the way.

Front sight
This is a large block of metal with three circles in it.
The bottom one has the barrel running through it.
The middle one has the cocking tube running into it.
The top one is the sight hood. The sight is painted white, and is big and visible. I like it.
The sling loop is also attached here � this one can be clipped onto.
The flash hider is the standard navy three-lug hider, which is attached by a grub screw into the lover circle of the sight. It slides in. It has a atandard 14mm CCW threaded section at the front, which is covered by a screw-on ring. This thread can mount suppressors etc.

Trademarks
Overall, I was very impressed. TM has a reputation for plastering its name all over its products - but I thought that this gun had less manufacturers trades than my ICS M4. The only TM trades I can find are:
On the right of the mag well (engraved, small, black): �Made in Japan / Tokyo Marui�
On the base of the pistol grip (embossed, small, black): �MARUI�, �Type EG700 / MP5 SERIES�

Other trades:
On the back right of the lower receiver (engraved, very small, black): �ASGK�
On the top of the upper receiver (engraved, medium, black): �HK MP5�, �32569�, �[symbol] 210 [symbol]�
On the left of the mag well (engraved, medium, black): �Kal. 9mm x 19�

The Accessories
I don�t have the loading rod, cleaning rod, magazine, manual or BBs.

Loading rod � standard Marui fare � e.g. crap.
Cleaning rod � uninspiring, wobbly, for cleaning.
Manual � I downloaded it off the internet, seems fairly comprehensive, not too bad on the Engrish stakes.
Magazine � metal, 60 rounds, well constructed, very hefty.
High capacity magazine � bought separately, 200 rounds, metal, hefty, very rattly � but it is old, excellent filling design � very easy to channel BBs in with one hand despite the small filling hole. It doesn't feed very well though.

Metal Bits
Rear and front sights
Rear and front sling loops
Weird loop on mag well
Trigger
Mag release catch assembly
Mag release lever
Flash hider
Body pins
Magazine

Firing

Power
I estimate around 265 fps with .20g BBs � based on shooting through varying numbers of playing cards.

EDIT: Recently chrono'd at 275. My home chrono sorta works!

ROF
750-800 rpm (EG 700 motor)

Sound
Quieter than my ICS M4 � but that�s not surprising. A nice �zap� instead of a �thwack�.

EDIT: having recently changed out my ICS M4 bushings from (awful, AWFUL) nylon to self-oiling metal, it now also goes "zap".

Feed and Fit.
Good. No problems here with feeding. Magazine internals are a bit loose � but this may be due to age.

EDIT: having lots of problems with the high-cap feed.

Skirmishing
Haven�t skirmished yet � but I feel that I will enjoy it: Good accuracy, good Marui hop-up, sturdy and capable.

Stock Specs

FPS: 270
Length: 680mm
Barrel Length: 227mm
Weight: 1500g
Ammo Capacity: 60 (200. 240 round high caps available � unadvised: lopsided construction pulls mag well apart.)
Cost: �155 (www.zerooneairsoft.co.uk)

Upgrade Potential
+ Internals � lots of internal upgrades available as this is a common gun.
+ Some externals � a few RIS kits, front-sight flashlight-mounts, extra stocks.

- Overrated

7/10

Build Quality
+ Lovely �weld� lines
+ Good metal where it is
+ Good plastic�

- ...but it ain�t metal
- Cocking handle is weak
- Creaky hand guard

8/10

Value for Money
+ Good Accessories�
+ Especially the standardmag � it�s great.
+ Cheap�

- But still a little overpriced.
- ICS MP5�s aren�t much more money for a metal body.

7/10

Overall
+ Looks good
+ Performs good

- A few niggles, and construction errors � a proper steel cocking handle wouldn�t have hurt that much, would it TM?

7/10

CC

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Current Armoury:
ICS M4 A1, Star M14 SOPMOD, HFC M190, WE 1911
Guides:
WE 1911 disassembly, M4 SD fore-end, G3 adapted stock

http://i87.photobucket.com/albums/k146/casey_cole/m4sig.jpg

svvander

Registered: August 2006
Posts: 9

Review Date: 28/11/06

Would you recommend the product? Yes | Price you paid?: None indicated | Rating: 9

Positive aspects of the product (pros):	Large battery, looks like the real steel, TM-quality.
Cons:	Range... , out of the box FPS

This is an amazing toy! It is/was my first replica and I still play with it. It's easy to manage (small size), it shoots well (but not far enough) and yes it looks like the real thing!

Like the other TM-products, this replica has a high quality finish.

The only negative aspect that enters my mind: the range (short barrel=short range).

Still, I'm in love with this replica.

Blitz1000

Registered: May 2008
Posts: 103

Review Date: 2/5/08

Would you recommend the product? Yes | Price you paid?: None indicated | Rating: 9

Positive aspects of the product (pros):	great upgrade platform,accessories,battery
Cons:	stock body creaks, stock fps not powerful enough

This gun is a great all around gun & with some upgrades and accessories it can be made even better. I got this gun from WGC shop with a 350 fps upgrade for around $300 dollars. Then later put a full metal body on which is amazing and rids the gun of any creaks that the gun in stock form was prone to. I also purchased a red-green dot sight for the gun which also works very well. When upgraded this gun can definatly hold its own in woodland skirmishes against M4s and M16s and has a good range an ROF. I highly recommened this gun to anyone new to airsoft or experienced players who want to expand their arsenal.

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Sig limit 400 x 100 maximum

zapman

Registered: July 2006
Posts: 65

Review Date: 12/10/08

Would you recommend the product? Yes | Price you paid?: �70.00 | Rating: 9

Positive aspects of the product (pros):	Accuracy, Range, Lightness.
Cons:	Very few

I was lucky at the recent Military Odessy event near Maidstone. Arriving on the last day a number of bargains were available and this was one of them.

Although described as brand new I think it had been used as a display model in a shop, and showed some signs of wear and tear. However I was more than happy as I have allways trusted TM models.

Being a very early TM design I was interested in testing the FPS and other elements and seeing if TM had kept pace with competing manufacturers.
Initial FPS tests with my Skan chrono indicated higher velocities than expected, my first string of ten showed an aveage of 298 FPS with 0.20 BB's.

Skirmish testing followed at the CAGE site at Dover which has mixed woodland and open playing areas. The superb hop up allowed ranges you would only expect to reach with a more powerful gun from other manufacturers. The short barrel does not seem to effect accuracy, and the '5' really came into its own in woodland games.

Overall I am highly impressed with this little AEG, and would have no problem going up against the M4 brigade in any enviroment. In addition the MP5 has become more attractive because of the increase in availability of reliable higher capacity mags, some boast as many as 500 BB's and work faultlessley and are now very cheap.

I have now used this little AEG in a number of games both urban and woodland, despite having a veritable arsenal of AEG's at my disposal. The FPS has remained as high as when first tested and I see no reason to upgrade.

Edit.
After examining another TM MP5 I noticed that the cylinder is vented in the same position as an M4, therfore a longer barrel of up to 360mm could be fitted without issue. Having a spare 6.04 barrel in my spares box I duly cut this down to about 350mm.
Some modification was required to the muzzle of the outer barrel to allow the longer 6.04 to exit and be held snugly in position, and this was completed in about 10 mins with a circular file. The longer barrel was enclosed in a short silecer that screwed onto the existing muzzle.
When chronoed the fps returned has jumped from the high 290's to the low 320's. Accuracy is superb and easily outranges most AEG's, in fact during one game at CAGE's Lydden bunker site I was positioned with another player who was using a clone MP5 purportedly firing at over 1 joule. My humble TM easily outranged him by several meters and enabled us to keep attackers out of (their) range.
Heartened by the above I fiited a longer 6.04 barrel to another upgraded TM MP5 that I have in my collection, this I know with a 6.04 standard length barrel gives 345fps. This is just inside the velocity allowed in most UK sites.
Using a 6.04 Systema barrel of M4 length, about 363mm, this now returns fps in the high 370's. This is far too high for use however it illustrates the point that to achieve maximum efficiency, you need to use the longest length barrel that your cylinder will allow. I will now replace the m100 spring and use a m90, this will allow still high fps but reduce fatigue on the version 2 box.