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| Online exclusive content published by The NAM: National Airsoft Magazine Q2 2010. The NAM: National Airsoft Magazine Copyright © 2010 All Rights Reserved. |
Specs:
Product Brand: A&K
Built Material: Aluminum alloy
and ABS plastic
Shooting Modes: Full auto only
Magazine Capacity: 3500 rounds
Length: 940mm
Barrel Length: 475mm
Weight: 6,600g
Power Source: 9.6 or 10.8v,
external battery.
Hop-up: yes, adjustable
Blow-back: n/a
Power: 350fps w/0.20g BBs
Product Brand: A&K
Built Material: Aluminum alloy
and ABS plastic
Shooting Modes: Full auto only
Magazine Capacity: 3500 rounds
Length: 940mm
Barrel Length: 475mm
Weight: 6,600g
Power Source: 9.6 or 10.8v,
external battery.
Hop-up: yes, adjustable
Blow-back: n/a
Power: 350fps w/0.20g BBs
Package & MSRP:
Full metal AEG, Manual, 3500rnd
electric drum mag, Cleaning rod,
and Bipod for a measly $300 USD.
Might seem like slim pickings,
especially from a Chinese company,
but considering that these babies
usually run in the $1200-$1400
range, that's one hell of a deal!
Full metal AEG, Manual, 3500rnd
electric drum mag, Cleaning rod,
and Bipod for a measly $300 USD.
Might seem like slim pickings,
especially from a Chinese company,
but considering that these babies
usually run in the $1200-$1400
range, that's one hell of a deal!
Pros:
First thing you’ll notice about the MK43 Mod0 is that when compared to the full size variant the weapon is
considerably smaller, making it ideal for maneuvering in CQB environments without having to sacrifice any
performance. Also, the use of heavy metal and thick ABS plastic provide incredible amount of strength to the
entire weapon, making it very rock solid and virtually indestructible. Curiously enough, (just like the real
weapon) the gas cylinder knob can be adjusted (electronically) to vary the electric timing on the rate of fire,
allowing for faster or slower rates depending on your preference/needs. The mechbox included in the M60, is
virtually the same design concept for most AEG mechboxes but expanded to fill in the entire space of the body,
simplifying the design while greatly improving the reliability as well as performance. A nice little feature
(especially for maintenance) is the quick removable outer barrel, (much like the real weapon) to allow easy
access to the hop-up unit. Also included is an integrated foregrip and Bi-pod, present mainly to assist the
shooter in maintain maximum control of the weapon in both standing and prone positions. Something that really
impressed me were the Authentic Features included on the weapon, with every feature on the gun being physically
identical to the real thing, especially the bolt guide tray on the inside underside of the receiver dust cover,
something collectors and milsim enthusiasts will insist upon. One more extra bonus in the package is the high
capacity 100 rnd box magazine, which carries a huge capacity of 3500 BBs as well as having plenty of space for
that high-powered battery you are going to need for this rifle to crank over (9.6v-10.8v).
First thing you’ll notice about the MK43 Mod0 is that when compared to the full size variant the weapon is
considerably smaller, making it ideal for maneuvering in CQB environments without having to sacrifice any
performance. Also, the use of heavy metal and thick ABS plastic provide incredible amount of strength to the
entire weapon, making it very rock solid and virtually indestructible. Curiously enough, (just like the real
weapon) the gas cylinder knob can be adjusted (electronically) to vary the electric timing on the rate of fire,
allowing for faster or slower rates depending on your preference/needs. The mechbox included in the M60, is
virtually the same design concept for most AEG mechboxes but expanded to fill in the entire space of the body,
simplifying the design while greatly improving the reliability as well as performance. A nice little feature
(especially for maintenance) is the quick removable outer barrel, (much like the real weapon) to allow easy
access to the hop-up unit. Also included is an integrated foregrip and Bi-pod, present mainly to assist the
shooter in maintain maximum control of the weapon in both standing and prone positions. Something that really
impressed me were the Authentic Features included on the weapon, with every feature on the gun being physically
identical to the real thing, especially the bolt guide tray on the inside underside of the receiver dust cover,
something collectors and milsim enthusiasts will insist upon. One more extra bonus in the package is the high
capacity 100 rnd box magazine, which carries a huge capacity of 3500 BBs as well as having plenty of space for
that high-powered battery you are going to need for this rifle to crank over (9.6v-10.8v).
Design:
Beginning from the unique duck bill flash hider, followed immediately by the very tall front sight post, we
encounter directly below them the “gas tube”. Interestingly enough, A&k engineers installed a voltage
adjusting knob, allowing the shooter to manually control the amount of power being feed from the battery to the
motor. This works to vary the rate of fire (RoF) much like an adjustable light switch, from high to low, very
much like the real steel equivalent. A little bit behind the gas block is the bi-pod with its adjustable
extending legs, allowing the shooter to set up the weapon at whatever desired height best suits you, in either
the prone position or on an elevated position. A quick push on the spring loaded legs allows for the user to
place the bi-pod legs in either the deployed or storage position. Attacked on the left side of the bi-pod is
the front sling loop to latch whatever sling you desire to assist in carrying this (appropriately nicknamed)
“Pig.” Behind them is the plastic U-shaped heat shield/fore-grip with the integrated slanted vertical
foregrip. This is great for two-handed handling, especially considering the size and weight of this
monstrosity! Moving back to the outer barrel (a thick, one-piece tube of metal!) we encounter the curved
carrying handle, which is a somewhat improved design over the Vietnam variant, with the the barrel release
lever (similar in concept to the one found on the M249 series AEGs) immediately behind that. While on old TOP
guns this was just a visual feature, on the A&K one it actually works! Just a push on the spring loaded bar to
the right and a twist upward and the entire barrel assembly, bi-pod and all, slides out of the receiver (just
be sure to disconnect the RoF adjuster wiring before you pull it out too far!!). Right behind the barrel
release lever is the fully adjustable flip-up rear sight. What’s nice about this feature is that unlike most
others AEG replicas, all the parts to help adjust the rear sights actually work, making the gun that much more
realistic (even if the sights are largely ineffective in airsofting). Next, we arrive at the receiver. As
with all M60s to date, the hinged upper feed trap flips up and forward once you twist the release latch on the
right rear near the butt-stock, giving you access to the internals and also allowing you to insert any 7.62
x51mm dummy shells you might like to add for realism. Unlike most other M60 replicas, A&K was meticulous
enough to include a very detailed bolt travel rail on the underside of the feed tray, really showing that their
engineers put great effort into making this piece as real as they could get. Stationed at the bottom of the
narrowing receiver we get to the signature pistol grip. It’s thick width and trigger guard is appropriate for
such a heavy and bulky weapon, ensuring that the user will indeed keep positive control of the Pig. Next is
the Fire-safe lever, located immediately behind the trigger itself, making it very easy to either safe or
activates the weapon with just a flick of the thumb.
Beginning from the unique duck bill flash hider, followed immediately by the very tall front sight post, we
encounter directly below them the “gas tube”. Interestingly enough, A&k engineers installed a voltage
adjusting knob, allowing the shooter to manually control the amount of power being feed from the battery to the
motor. This works to vary the rate of fire (RoF) much like an adjustable light switch, from high to low, very
much like the real steel equivalent. A little bit behind the gas block is the bi-pod with its adjustable
extending legs, allowing the shooter to set up the weapon at whatever desired height best suits you, in either
the prone position or on an elevated position. A quick push on the spring loaded legs allows for the user to
place the bi-pod legs in either the deployed or storage position. Attacked on the left side of the bi-pod is
the front sling loop to latch whatever sling you desire to assist in carrying this (appropriately nicknamed)
“Pig.” Behind them is the plastic U-shaped heat shield/fore-grip with the integrated slanted vertical
foregrip. This is great for two-handed handling, especially considering the size and weight of this
monstrosity! Moving back to the outer barrel (a thick, one-piece tube of metal!) we encounter the curved
carrying handle, which is a somewhat improved design over the Vietnam variant, with the the barrel release
lever (similar in concept to the one found on the M249 series AEGs) immediately behind that. While on old TOP
guns this was just a visual feature, on the A&K one it actually works! Just a push on the spring loaded bar to
the right and a twist upward and the entire barrel assembly, bi-pod and all, slides out of the receiver (just
be sure to disconnect the RoF adjuster wiring before you pull it out too far!!). Right behind the barrel
release lever is the fully adjustable flip-up rear sight. What’s nice about this feature is that unlike most
others AEG replicas, all the parts to help adjust the rear sights actually work, making the gun that much more
realistic (even if the sights are largely ineffective in airsofting). Next, we arrive at the receiver. As
with all M60s to date, the hinged upper feed trap flips up and forward once you twist the release latch on the
right rear near the butt-stock, giving you access to the internals and also allowing you to insert any 7.62
x51mm dummy shells you might like to add for realism. Unlike most other M60 replicas, A&K was meticulous
enough to include a very detailed bolt travel rail on the underside of the feed tray, really showing that their
engineers put great effort into making this piece as real as they could get. Stationed at the bottom of the
narrowing receiver we get to the signature pistol grip. It’s thick width and trigger guard is appropriate for
such a heavy and bulky weapon, ensuring that the user will indeed keep positive control of the Pig. Next is
the Fire-safe lever, located immediately behind the trigger itself, making it very easy to either safe or
activates the weapon with just a flick of the thumb.
Design Cont'd:
Inside the bowels of the receiver is the much reveared mechbox and hop-up unit, nearly identical to the M249
variant made famous by PGC (with a few dimensional modifications to fit in the M60). The quick spring guide
release option offers the user the ability to change out springs quickly with little effort (although some
disassembly of the butt-stock is required, but more on that later). Because of the dimensional dissimilarity
between the M249 and M60 designs, A&K engineers had to be creative when it came to overcoming the straight butt-
stock vs the M249s angled removable butt-stock. Curiously, they came up with a very crafty solution. A
removable bracket just behind the mechbox allows for the entire butt-stock section to slide off the receiver
end to allow fast spring guide removal. Not only did they make this marvel, they also included a faux recoil
buffer piston, which helps dampen the recoil on the real firearm, but is just an extra part in the replica
(still nice to see the level of detail A&K put into this product). While we’ve arrived at the “end” of the
weapon (pun intended) let’s talk about its features. The butt-stock has a flip-out wire bracket intended to
assist in keeping the weapon in place against the shoulder when being fired and can easily be deployed and
stored with no effort at all. Also at the top of the butt-stock is a bracket build into the stock itself to
allow the other end of a sling to loop thru for helping carry the weapon when not in use or with any other
specialty sling you can fit through it. Returning to the receiver, over on the left side is the loading
bracket for holding the accompanying box mag in place. An interesting (and sadly necessary) deviation from the
usual box mag that most M249 users are probably use to is that the box mag for the M60 must be mounded onto the
feed tray directly and that the coiled BB feed tube must be screwed directly into the left side of the receiver
(with a female port just above the trigger group). Given the amount of concentration needed to attach the box
mag to the gun, this makes for an all but frustrating experience when trying to attach the feeding tube to the
receiver.
Inside the bowels of the receiver is the much reveared mechbox and hop-up unit, nearly identical to the M249
variant made famous by PGC (with a few dimensional modifications to fit in the M60). The quick spring guide
release option offers the user the ability to change out springs quickly with little effort (although some
disassembly of the butt-stock is required, but more on that later). Because of the dimensional dissimilarity
between the M249 and M60 designs, A&K engineers had to be creative when it came to overcoming the straight butt-
stock vs the M249s angled removable butt-stock. Curiously, they came up with a very crafty solution. A
removable bracket just behind the mechbox allows for the entire butt-stock section to slide off the receiver
end to allow fast spring guide removal. Not only did they make this marvel, they also included a faux recoil
buffer piston, which helps dampen the recoil on the real firearm, but is just an extra part in the replica
(still nice to see the level of detail A&K put into this product). While we’ve arrived at the “end” of the
weapon (pun intended) let’s talk about its features. The butt-stock has a flip-out wire bracket intended to
assist in keeping the weapon in place against the shoulder when being fired and can easily be deployed and
stored with no effort at all. Also at the top of the butt-stock is a bracket build into the stock itself to
allow the other end of a sling to loop thru for helping carry the weapon when not in use or with any other
specialty sling you can fit through it. Returning to the receiver, over on the left side is the loading
bracket for holding the accompanying box mag in place. An interesting (and sadly necessary) deviation from the
usual box mag that most M249 users are probably use to is that the box mag for the M60 must be mounded onto the
feed tray directly and that the coiled BB feed tube must be screwed directly into the left side of the receiver
(with a female port just above the trigger group). Given the amount of concentration needed to attach the box
mag to the gun, this makes for an all but frustrating experience when trying to attach the feeding tube to the
receiver.
Durability:
With such heavy use of aluminum alloy metals
throughout the entire frame and thick
polycarbonate plastic being used on the
supporting furniture, this Pig screams with
durability. There is virtually no rattling of
any sort as the entire weapon is precision made
and a lot of effort was put into making it not
only resistant to any type of external
punishment and abuse but also to keep it
realistic in regards to its weight.
With such heavy use of aluminum alloy metals
throughout the entire frame and thick
polycarbonate plastic being used on the
supporting furniture, this Pig screams with
durability. There is virtually no rattling of
any sort as the entire weapon is precision made
and a lot of effort was put into making it not
only resistant to any type of external
punishment and abuse but also to keep it
realistic in regards to its weight.
Upgradability:
Theoretically, you can further upgrade this LMG
with an even higher tension spring and better
gears, but overall, it already performs
beautifully straight out of the box.
Theoretically, you can further upgrade this LMG
with an even higher tension spring and better
gears, but overall, it already performs
beautifully straight out of the box.
Final Thoughts:
Much like fine wines, the M60 has gotten better with age. Since TOP introduces the M60E3 waaaaaaaaaay back in
1997, much has changed. Improvements in technology and design are obvious in A&Ks release.
The metal body and overall design are very sturdy and durable while also adding to the heft and weight of this
“Pig”. The thick plastic furniture add a lot of visual appeal and practicality as well. Its size is more
manageable then the full length version and definitely offers better handling thanks for the integrated
vertical fore-grip. Internally, the mechbox offers a lever of reliability, performance and longevity often
desires but rarely delivered. While the weight make it heavy and suitable mainly for large/strong players and
the awkward feed mechanism make the M60 an odd bird to utilize, the rather compact size and sheer intimidation
factor do give it a certain level of leverage. Walking on the field with this beast will definitely strike
some serious fear into the hearts of your opponents. All in all, for a replica of one of the most hotly
contested LMGs in modern firearms history, the overall price, size, weight and durability of this item will
make it a very worthy addition to your arsenal/collection. (Just make sure not to point it at me, ok?).
Much like fine wines, the M60 has gotten better with age. Since TOP introduces the M60E3 waaaaaaaaaay back in
1997, much has changed. Improvements in technology and design are obvious in A&Ks release.
The metal body and overall design are very sturdy and durable while also adding to the heft and weight of this
“Pig”. The thick plastic furniture add a lot of visual appeal and practicality as well. Its size is more
manageable then the full length version and definitely offers better handling thanks for the integrated
vertical fore-grip. Internally, the mechbox offers a lever of reliability, performance and longevity often
desires but rarely delivered. While the weight make it heavy and suitable mainly for large/strong players and
the awkward feed mechanism make the M60 an odd bird to utilize, the rather compact size and sheer intimidation
factor do give it a certain level of leverage. Walking on the field with this beast will definitely strike
some serious fear into the hearts of your opponents. All in all, for a replica of one of the most hotly
contested LMGs in modern firearms history, the overall price, size, weight and durability of this item will
make it a very worthy addition to your arsenal/collection. (Just make sure not to point it at me, ok?).
Light Machine guns have been a staple on the battle field since WWI. Their devastating power and rate of fire
make them critical weapons on the battle field, providing a level of suppressive firepower and mobility that is
unrivaled by any assault rifle. Many nations have produced various models to suit their preferred military
needs, but very few of them have as long a proven history (some would say infamy) as the US-made M60 LMG. Over
the years, many models of this weapon have been released with varying levels of satisfaction. One of the most
popular nowadays is the US Navy SEAL version, the MK43 Mod0. We were fortunate enough to acquire the recently
released A&K version of this weapon and have joyously thrown it into our torture testing chamber. Let’s see
what results out group of expert masochists have uncovered, shall we?
make them critical weapons on the battle field, providing a level of suppressive firepower and mobility that is
unrivaled by any assault rifle. Many nations have produced various models to suit their preferred military
needs, but very few of them have as long a proven history (some would say infamy) as the US-made M60 LMG. Over
the years, many models of this weapon have been released with varying levels of satisfaction. One of the most
popular nowadays is the US Navy SEAL version, the MK43 Mod0. We were fortunate enough to acquire the recently
released A&K version of this weapon and have joyously thrown it into our torture testing chamber. Let’s see
what results out group of expert masochists have uncovered, shall we?
Cons:
On the minus side, there is a reason that the M60 series of LMGs are often referred to as “Pigs.” This is
primarily because this beast is big and bulky, which is actually to be expected from a machine gun of this
caliber. Another detraction I found was the rather awkward placement of the box mag on the weapon, which,
sadly, due to its belt-fed origins, is held strictly on the left side of the gun by the feed tray, making it
somewhat off-balance and ungainly to handle. If you don't already have a larger voltage battery, be prepared
to spend a bit more to pick up a 9.6v or 10.8v battery. Since the single battery powers both the box magazine
and the rifle, the larger voltage is needed.
On the minus side, there is a reason that the M60 series of LMGs are often referred to as “Pigs.” This is
primarily because this beast is big and bulky, which is actually to be expected from a machine gun of this
caliber. Another detraction I found was the rather awkward placement of the box mag on the weapon, which,
sadly, due to its belt-fed origins, is held strictly on the left side of the gun by the feed tray, making it
somewhat off-balance and ungainly to handle. If you don't already have a larger voltage battery, be prepared
to spend a bit more to pick up a 9.6v or 10.8v battery. Since the single battery powers both the box magazine
and the rifle, the larger voltage is needed.
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