G&G UMG Review
After doing some research behind (also seeing and holding these first hand) both Stars’ and G&G’s version of the UMP 45 I decided to order the G&G one. I’ll start off with the reasons why. Stars’ manufacturing quality is of a high standard, though this is their first aeg release – which puts me off. That’s my main reason. I have heard problems about the G&G M14 problems, but with a good knowledge of gearbox mechs I’m not worried at all.
Placed my order with WGC and three days later it was like Christmas again. I also ordered an 8.4v 1200mah stick battery, but will explain more about that later.
On arrival first thing that struck me is that the box is quite small, beautifully done with pictures of the aeg with a nice red pencilled background. On the right of the box there is a serial number which is also on the UMP – nice touch.
I expected a shoddy insides but no, nice cut grey polystyrene which has three parts which “plug” the aeg very securely. Everything is nicely boxed and the manual is in English, again a lot of time has been put into this release.
Lifting it out of the box, there is a very nice weight which is slightly forward of the trigger. The bodywork is fantastic even though it does not support proper markings, just like the real thing. The body has very, very slight mould lines and imperfections, but so does the real thing. Nice matt black/grey dull shine to it all over, with a clear navy trigger selector pattern. Metal parts include bolt lock, front and rear sights, barrel and 20mm rails. The mag which is 70 rounds is very solid and fits the mag well without any wobble – nice to see that sorted.
I scanned through the manual and connected my battery. The detail of the manual is nice and with good pictures. Nice sharp loud sound which is crisp. Full auto is like a standard MP5, which is good. The barrel length is 225mm which is the same as the MP5 series.
Version three, standard plastic bearings, black polycarbonate piston, piston head with no bearings, reinforced gear set (standard ratio) and reinforced spring guide with no bearings. The hop system is metal and seals well with the mag and nozzle. The nozzle comes with the rubber seal inside, saves on ordering one! All the standard parts are rock solid. The good thing about this setup is that you could if you wanted to just upgrade the bushings and stick in a larger spring as the spring and piston are free and not attached. Chronos 260fps > 285fps.
I have upgraded mine with a silent piston head, systema oil less bushes, M100 spring and systema version 3 spring guide with bearings. I have also removed a cell from an 8.4v 1200mah so it is now a 7.2v 1200mah battery as I want to reduce the rate of fire. Just waiting for the silencer to arrive!!
I can confirm that when you open the gearbox nothing springs out to get you, it all stays in place. G&G’s version three is just like the TM one, which is good. The only little concern I have is that the selector switch system main gear which runs underneath the gearbox is made from plastic, while the rest of it is metal. I am sure that this is not a problem as the plastic is very tough, but would prefer it to be made from metal.
The hop up bolt can be locked via the catch on the other side of the receiver. This makes it easier to access the hop up system.
The hop up system is made of metal and G&G have made the non hopped setting with a slight hop when you look down the barrel. If you use heavier bb’s and want more accuracy then it is worth a try.
I am currently waiting for four more 70 round standard magazines and the G&G silencer to arrive.
I will / have adding the following:
G&G Silencer
King Arms sling
G&P Aim Point Red Dot Scope with a “L” Low mount
V900 or M500 flash light as it would look so cool.
6.03mm TN 229mm Barrel
Testing
The first thing I did after having lots of heads turn was to load up my 70 round magazine. Inserted and battery connected, we are ready to test. I wanted to set the hop for the best distance possible. Ten shots later, everyone was surprised by the straightness of the bb’s. So took it for a game, remember only one magazine. Got some kills then got taken out. Did the hop test again and it has started to wear in. All I had to do was to move the hop one and a half millimetres forwards. I put though 300 bb’s and the hop stayed in place.
Conclusion
If you are after an authentic looking UMP, then the Star version is for you. I do not like to tacky look of the star magazines with the fake rounds, nor that you only get only two 20mm rails. I love the G&G UMP (UMG) as it is very, very solid (I stood on it!) and everything is well made which includes the imperfections. The aeg is of a medium weight which is great for CQB and general woodland action. It’s an MP5 with a version three gear box with a sexy body!
I am very happy with what G&G have done as like many others, we have waited a very long time for someone to release the UMP 45. Thanks for reading this review.
