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View Full Version : Utg Mp5 A4/a5


mr7q
12-21-2005, 06:40 PM
This gun seems to be taking the airsoft world by storm, simply because a good many forums are now contaminated with "How do I upgrade my UTG MP5 to 400 fps" and other such crap by people who can now afford an AEG. This isn't generally a good thing, but since I have one, I figured I might as well review it.

The major reason I bought this was as a loaner piece, and it was cheap. I paid $89 for the package, plus shipping. It's common to find this for $99 now rather easily. The package comes with 1 MP5, two stocks, battery, trickle charger, two hicaps, claw mount and the standard crap like some BBs and a cleaning/unjamming rod. Pretty much everything, outside of a mask, to get started playing airsoft.

Aesthetically, the quality of the gun leaves something to be desired. Everything about it feels cheap. The foregrip feels crappy, the selector switch sticks, the grip is somewhat lousy, and both stocks feel flimsy. But, it's less than half the price of a Marui or an ICS, so I can forgive it somewhat for that.

I evaluated it as a pistol replacement last time I was at CQB, so I was using it with the folding stock collapsed, and a craptacular red dot on the claw mount. It was relatively small and mobile, at least compared to my G36c (mainly because of the 3 point sling I have on it). It chronoed consistently at 260 at ACQB, which is respectable, given the price. However, accuracy left quite a bit to be desired. When zeroing the sight, I grew terribly frustrated because at distance (jail to the phone booth), I couldn't reliably hit one of the aluminum half torso targets that ACQB has. Perhaps one out of every four rounds hit on target. Compare that to the TM G36c where every one was where I wanted it.

But, it's cheap. If you're curious about Airsoft, I'd recommend it, as long as you realize that this gun is on the very bottom end of AEGs. If you have fun, you can relegate it to a backup/loaner weapon and get a higher quality AEG.

Supposedly, it can take the same upgrades as a Marui. However, quite a few of the stock components would have to be replaced to even get it on the same base as a TM/ICS/CA etc..., so you'd rapidly approach the same price point as you start trying to improve it. If you're looking to get a gun to upgrade, this one isn't probably worth it.

If you're curious as to the quality of the gun as a backup or loaner, I usually have it in my bag, so just ask me if you want to screw around with it.

jawinn
12-21-2005, 06:47 PM
I'll admit that I've seen this gun (not necessarily mr7q's) and snickered. For me the price makes the gun look bad. There is something psychological about buying a $100 AEG. However this review makes me change my mind a little. I can't see myself buying one, but the feedback is valuable to have and keep here in the forum.

I guess it was inevitable that more inexpensive guns would make it to the market given that there are still people that complain about the low, low price of the sport in general.

mr7q
12-22-2005, 11:07 AM
I think the main problem is the marketing campaign behind the gun. A lot of retailers are saying "Marui quality for half the price!" and other such nonsense. Once at ACQB some guy with full UTG kit was talking about how he got so much for his money, and chuckled that my gun alone cost more than he paid for everything. Slightly frustrating if people start judging the quality and accuracy of airsoft weapons with this one.

If it brings new players to the sport, I'm all for it. But unlike paintball, the difference between a $100 gun and a $500 gun is actually quite a bit (as opposed to just ROF). The tactical difference of a spray of bbs (UTG) and a stream of bbs (Marui/ICS/CA) is quite a bit, and gives one a tremendous advantage at longer ranges.

I have a sneaking suspicion that there's going to be a lot of the UTG products at ACQB, if there aren't already. On the bright side, it'll be easier to avoid return fire if it's got a three foot spread at 15 yards.

Bob the Angry Potato
12-26-2005, 10:37 AM
Hmm... I've noticed something a lot like this. The newbie kids who refuse to use the Search function have finally upgraded to something that won't just put their eye out, like their previous CYMA LPEGs, to something that'll lodge much furthur. I don't like UTG, personally. They'd make decent cheap project guns, but in my opinion, this isn't something that should be distributed to the general public for them to obsess over... especially on boards such as Airsoft Retreat, where a large amount of 13-16 year olds go to rant to each other, and ask "Which Gun/Does this take Green Gas or Propane/How can I upgrade this to 450 FPS/". Personally, I think a minimum-age of 16, with parental consent, should be placed on Airsoft internationally.