G&G GMG-42 / MG-42 Airsoft Electric Machine Gun w/ Real Wood Furniture, Battery, and Charger

"I purchased this secondhand after light use, and I just wanted to put some information out for those considering this replica or having issues with theirs:

-This GMG42 is heavy, weighing in around 23 lbs, its an absolute pain to carry all day at a game. However when in a good firing position, its also some of the most fun I've had suppressing enemy movement.

-Between the quick change barrel function and the split second gearbox removal, this is by far the easiest gun I've ever worked on.

-The AGM/Matrix MG42, while much more affordable, uses a light aluminum/zinc pot metal alloy for most of its construction, and I eventually retired my AGM due to warping on the barrel shroud, after replacing a cracked gearbox shell(also pot metal). This G&G is a full steel build, and suffers none of those issues. The build quality and finish are the best I have ever seen on an airsoft gun, and I have no doubt the G&G will hold up to many years of abuse.

-The gun comes with a brass inner barrel, which is a bit disappointing for the overall price, and the barrel design is completely proprietary due to the quick change system. Replacement parts are very rarely, if ever available online, and I had to contact a G&G dealer and have him reach out to source a spare barrel assembly.

-The G&G uses a notch style hop-up wheel, where a spring and ball holds the hop wheel in position. This can be irritating to get a hop setup right for whatever BB weight you are using--I've had to try several different nubs and buckings to get the performance where I want it; Eventually settling on a 4uatum friction pro and a Modify Flat Hop-up spacer. This setup runs flawlessly hopping .32g very consistently

-The gearbox seems to be very high quality, although I cannot speak to its longevity since I almost immediately swapped to a Polarstar F2 with a 3d printed shell (you can find the .stl online). The AEG box has a nozzle offset from the cylinder position(to line up with the QC barrel), and it should take most V2 gear sets and motors. It also uses a proprietary tappet plate, which would have to be sourced through G&G since no retailers seem to carry replacement parts for this gun.

-Sling options are fairly limited due to the older design of the MG42/3 and lack of sling mounting points, but I've had decent success with a WW2 reproduction leather sling.

-The stock drum mags are advertised to hold 1700 rds, but they have to be loaded through a small 15mm port, and they are very noisy. On a realistic MG42 fire rate, these mags empty quite quickly and I had issues getting all 3 of mine to feed consistently. However, there are upgrade kits sold online, and these work much better.

-By far the biggest negative point on the gun for most people is the price. As a WW2 nerd who lives in the US and will likely never get their hands on an actual MG3, this is the next best thing. But I can understand why most would not want to put down that kind of money for an airsoft gun. That being said, I have had an absolute blast using it.

"I play airsoft occasionally, so this is more of a perspective of a collector.

This thing is a BEAST.
I carried an M60 and a M240 from time to time during my military service......and this thing is as solid and robust as a real MG. The attention to detail is incredible....down to the aircraft sight on the rear sight block and attachment point for the spider web aircraft sight in front. Even opening the side gate, removing the barrel, and charging the gun again are extremely fun and historically accurate. I was amazed at the detail and precision of the craftmanship.

Extras
The MG comes with a self-winding drum which fits on the side of the MG just as the original assault drum did. It comes with a balancing charger as well as the battery for the gun and a battery for the drum. It also comes with a fake 50 round belt that attaches to the feed tray to give it an even more authentic look. You can add a real belt and dummy rounds as well. I stained the pistol grip wood to look more like bakelite and stained the buttstock darker to better match the actual color during WWII.

As far as play......
The rate of fire is amazing. However this is DEFINATELY a support weapon. You will be best of using it from a fixed position, because it is heavy and somewhat unwieldy. BRING EXTRA AMMO.......you can rip through a lot of BB's in no time with this thing.

For the price.........this is a hard call.
If you are going just for the "look" get the cheaper version. However if you like precise historical detail, collecting, and playing......go for it. Given that the real steel version is nearly unobtanium for most of us in the US.......this is about as close as you will ever get. I would feel better if it was priced around $1700......but that is business. I looked at this thing for about 2 years before getting the nerve to buy it.....and once the wallet shock wore off I was extremely happy.

"I already wrote a review but after using it all year in battles I need to say some more things about it. This is literally the heaviest gun you can imagine. But it shoots like a laser beam. I have to carry extra ammo on me. One game I went through reloading the drum 4 times in battle. Also you’ll need to buy at least another battery because it won’t last 2 one hour games of not stop firing. The trigger handle is a bit wobbly. But over all don’t buy the he AGM version if this is one of your dream guns. I’m glad I bought this one. By far if your like me and this is your favorite WW2 gun it is 100% worth the money. I would recommend buying at authentic mg42 leather Carrying strap on the front.com they run about $100 but it’s worth it.