My initial impression of the Matrix (S&T) MG-42.
I had this on pre-order from Evike since early October,
I received one of the first batch, just after New Years.
At $630 US I was a little apprehensive.
It's not perfect........
6 mm hole in drum mag, a couple of cross threaded screws and a few mangled slot screws.
...and some strange hammer marks.
It's on par with A&K for quality as far as I can tell.
Finish is nice, paint seems sturdy, low gloss.
All non-magnetic metal except for the bi-pod, charging handle, barrel release latch (decorative) and the flashhider stop bar. It doesn’t appear to be monkey metal, my guess is aluminum. Real wood stock. It does seem to be sturdy.
The flashhider has a plastic cone on an aluminum base for the US customers. I don't know if an all metal one will be available or if the RS one will fit.
I haven't disassembled it, I'll leave that to others to do for review.
But I did remove the grips and discovered the gear box. Note the bushings.
XYT gears
The Drum feeds well and keeps up with the rate of fire.
Runs on four (4) AA batteries and I added a pressure switch to by-pass the defective sound activator.
Easy to refill
I chrono'd it with .25's and it averaged 370 fps at 1200 rounds per minute.
Overall, I'm happy with it.
I can't wait to field this.
It sure is pretty....