The Shoot & Scoot GMPG...

by Stephen Pringle

A little comparison, to start with. The table below shows a comparison of the data between the recently released TOP M249 Minimi, the S&S L7A1 GMPG, and the real steel L7A1 GMPG.

Overview

Finally...a British support weapon!

Finally, a full review of what is, to the best of my knowledge, the first airsoft GPMG. Seen here in it's prototype form, it is now available to order from Shoot & Scoot.

The GPMG is constructed from aluminium giving a very robust gun capable of serious skirmishing. This has been designed with playing in mind, unlike the Top machine guns which seem to be collectors pieces first, game guns second. The use of tried and tested Marui internals further promises both sustained performance and longevity. Moreover, this gives a rate of fire of around 1000 rpm straight off the workbench in marked contrast to the other support weapons available to skirmishers.

The gun is shown above on its sustained fire tripod. This particular tripod is definitely a prototype and may not be offered for sale in this form. The bipod fitted is a genuine GPMG item as is the rear-sight. It is intended that the production versions of the GPMG should contain a sizeable number of GPMG parts, depending on customer requirements. The bipod is an excellent item, allowing the gun to be traversed without having to move the bipod - unlike the M60...

The attached ammo bag conceals an external battery beneath the belt of inert ammunition. This frees up space within the reciever of the gun which is easily accessed for maintenance and cleaning. Having the battery outside the gun also allows for very quick battery changes. That said, performance from the 8.4v 2000mah Ripmax has so far been excellent and there has not been a need to swap batteries out in the midst of a firefight.

The picture to the right shows the top cover raised to permit loading. Current capacity is around 1000 BBs. The hop-up can also be adjusted with the top cover raised. Weight is around 12 lbs. A genuine GPMG top cover has been sourced and will result in a more accurate top plate in subsequent guns. Accuracy is more than adequate - bear in mnd that this is intended as a support weapon - and range is on a par with other AEGs. If required, it may prove possible to upgrade the internals, however I would suggest contacting Warren directly if you have queries.

This prototype has now seen action in a number of skirmishes. The result was hugely encouraging with the gun performing flawlessly. The addition of a sling was rapidly accepted as a necessity as lugging this beast around all day gets tiring quickly. A carrying handle has been added to the barrel as per the original. In future Warren would hope that this item will be a genuine GPMG item. There are some minor changes which will be made to subsequent guns - the bipod lockup position for instance, but for a first run this particular weapon has performed well above expectation. All who saw it were impressed and it can fairly be said that it was a big hit (especially with those on the receiving end...). Suffice it to say that Warren has already had an enquiry from an M60 user.

I have used the gun throughout its development and in a number of skirmishes. From its inception it has proven to be a very solid gun and I have never had any doubts that it would stand up to being thrown around in the great outdoors. In this respect it stands above most other AEGs. As stated above, construction is almost entirely aluminium, welded and rivetted together. The result is an extremely solid weapon which give the user a high degree of confidence in its ability. The only remaining problem I have is can I make enough money by selling my kids to buy one?! (just kidding boys...)

Further information can be obtained from Warren Reynolds at Shoot and Scoot or by calling 01796-482582

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