MC51-k

First contact: I was looking for details to create a handy SMG, as a backup. As an SG1 owner it makes sense to use a G3 receiver, as you can use the same magazines and accessories. While trawling the net in search of ideas I came across this image to the right. I'm not interested in the Red-Dot sight, as I see it as rather pointless on a barrel length of that size.

This started me doing a bit of research into the possibilities of producing this replica from spare parts.

If this is your photo, please get in contact with me (especially if you would like me to take it off the site).

This image is of a replica owned by a fellow by the name of LTS in HongKong.

MC51K custom $410
MC51K whole metal body custom $555

Of course, these quotes were only current as of 24/11/2000, so the current price may change, up or down.

The 'professional' solution: It stands to reason that the more professional solution if you have the time, energy, knowledge and inclination, is to build it yourself. An airsoft colleague was kind enough to send me three photos of a magazine article.

Curiously enough the article calls it a 'G3-k', I didn't call this project that here, for the reason that there is a custom airsoft 'G3K' floating around (I think RedWolf/Dentrinity make one), which is basically an SG1 with a folding stock. MC51k emphasises the small compact carry nature of the replica. If there are any H&K professionals out there I'm sure they will email me, and correct me with the properly determined HK model name.

As I mentioned before this photo set shows some interesting features, and illustrates how a few of the issues with this project have been overcome.

The usefulness of the ammo and batteries being readily detachable/replaceable are obvious. Batteries and ammo can be changed as easily as changing a magazine (in the field). Obviously there can be issues with the electrical contacts between the top of the magazine and the receiver, but these should be overcome with careful machining of parts, and shimming to get a tight fit.

A variation upon the mag/battery theme is a double mag, with dummy rounds on the top of the secondary magazine. The battery has been hidden inside the dummy mag, and the same electrical connectors have been used to connect to the reciever. This type can be seen in the image to the left.

Foregrip / cocking-tube: Apart from the end-cap (which you can simply pinch from an MC51, and remove the folding stock from. -If you are feeling really lazy), the other complex piece of craftsmanship that needs to be overcome is the front end.

The front hand-grip is obviously from the TM MP5k, as is the front sight, and the cocking tube. These need to be modified slightly to fit the G3 reciever. The best image that show this is the image number 1, from the 4 images above. On the G3 barrel, there is a piece of steel that protrudes upwards, this has the cocking-tube, and outershell bolted to it by the matching fitted piece attached to the upper part that contains the foresight (I hope that sounds clear, but if not, have a look at the images here, and it should become obvious). To the best of my knowledge the MP5k doesn't have such a fitting on the standard parts, so this will have to be carefully machined up. It's also worth noting that the reciever has been cut back to allow for a longer pull onthe cokcing handle.

You can get the G3 endcap, and a variety of spare parts from RedWolf's accessory page. These parts are mostly made by Classic Army, so if you are in the UK, you should be able to order them from your local supplier (with a bit of luck). If you are in the UK, your best bet is to try AirsoftDynamics.