Originally published in Issue #16 of The NAM: National Airsoft Magazine Q4 2007. The NAM: National Airsoft Magazine Copyright © 2010 All Rights Reserved.
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Specs:
Manufacturer: Tokyo Mari
Length: 295mm (stock collapsed)
548mm (with suppressor and
stock extended
Weight: 1400g
Build Material: ABS/metal
Fire Selection: semi/full-auto
Mechbox Type: AEP
Power Source: 7.2v battery
Motor: EG100
Hop-up: adjustable
Blowback: N/A
FPS: 238fps w/.20bbs
Mag Capacity: 65rnd
Package & MSRP:
MSRP is $250 USD. Seem like a lot?
Not when you consider just what
comes with this AEP. You get the
big’n’beefy Mac 10, a magazine, mock
suppressor, hand strap, battery,
charger, bag of 100 TM .20bbs,
suppressor key, barrel plug, musket
loader, cleaning rod, manual and TM
catalogue.
Pros:
As with the other AEPs, you get most of the benefits of an AEG in a relatively small size. The fact that the
Mac 10 runs on batteries means you don’t have to shell out cash for gas. This gun is also ideal for CQB places
that allow them as it replaces the GBB with as close an AEG as you can get without violating any rules.
Additionally, the consistent full-auto ROF is a big help too. As with the MP7, the MAC 10 floats BBs easily 30
yards with some pretty surprising accuracy. The inclusion of the Suppressor means you won’t have to worry about
hours of online searching to locate a suppressor for it (as is the case with KWA’s M11). Believe it or not, the
suppressor actually does make the Mac 10 more muffled when shooting (not considerably, but enough to notice).
TM also incorporated a nice feature here. The front of the suppressor can be removed and their tracer unit can
be easily and neatly installed into the suppressor’s front to be fully incorporated and concealed. The safety
is easily within reach of the index finger and the battery placement is extremely similar to that of the MP7.
By removing the front of the gun, it’s as easy as slipping out the old one and in with the new. Mastered, it’s
less than 4 seconds. Since TM also included a battery, charger and BBs means you’re ready to rock-and-roll
right out of the box. Deciding to utilize the 45cal MAC 10 really gives the user the feeling that they get
their money’s worth. It’s not just another GBB, this feels like a big, beefy SMG. The battery is the standard
that TM has been using for their AEP SMGs, which means that you can easily pick up spares (or swap between if
you own any of TM’s other AEPs) if you plan on doing a lot of shooting. The sliding stock provides some
stability for the shooter who prefers to shoot from the shoulder and the sights are instantly usable and quite
accurate.
Efficiency:
As far as AEPs go, I found the MAC 10 extremely effective for what it’s designed for. As is expected with TM,
the MAC 10 fired flawlessly, with nary a double-feed or misfire. Mag changes were smooth as well. While
performance isn't on par with AEGs, distance and accuracy easily rivals most GBBs on the market. ROF was a
little low, but with the limited battery potential, it's just about as good as it gets. The only area of
concern is the battery life. Again, if you shoot a lot, you really want to pick up an extra battery or three.
Design:
Though upgradability (FPS and ROF) is limited, with the AEP, you have all the benefits of an AEG, literally, in
the palm of your hand. The fact that it’s battery powered means that not only will magazines be easier on the
wallet, but the overall performance will be equal, versus the varying accuracy and FPS of a gas version. The
only real annoying thing here, is the hand strap. Again, it’s redundant and really of no use other than
cosmetic.
Durability:
Although it’s mostly ABS, the MAC 10 is compact
and dense. I wouldn’t run around seeing if it’
ll bounce off of pavement, but this piece should
stand up to the rigors of everyday skirmishing.
The moving parts, including the collapsible
stock are all clean and sturdily constructed.
Upgradability:
While I really haven’t seen any upgrades on the
market yet, as with all of TM’s AEPs, I’m sure
it’s just a matter of time before we see 8-ball
barrels, STAR flash hiders and the like.
Final Thoughts:
It goes without saying that this is another excellent release in TM’s line of AEPs. It utilizes all of the
good aspects of the MP7 AEP and steers clear of any real issues like the Skorpion’s battery placement/cover.
If you’re in the market for a CQB SMG, this is a perfect option. It’s also worth picking up to flesh out that
early SpecFor loadout. And, of course, it goes without saying, you can fully realize your awesomeness, and
inner badassery by picking up a pair of them, forking over the cash for a custom dual-shoulder harness, rock
the bowl-cut dew and lumberjack beard, and releasing your inner Chuck Norris to deliver that mighty roundhouse
to the air and kick butt Invasion USA style. Airsoft terrorists beware and be warned!
Nowadays, the forums are alive with the great debate, are AEGs and AEPs the wave of the future or is gas making
a comeback in the airsoft community? While Escort has released a mean M249 blowback, TM seemed to throw a
couterpunch with their new blowback AK variant. Meanwhile, under the radar, they’ve also released another
phenomenal inclusion in their line of AEP SMGs, the MAC 10. In releasing the MAC 10 vs. the MAC 11, which was
released in a gas version by KWA, TM opted for the bigger, beefier SMG from Ingram, and it really shows. They
pulled no stops in making certain to not only include the goodies that have become standard with their SMG AEPs,
but even included a hand strap and a suppressor…
Cons:
The first straight-up con is the hand strap. After putting it on the gun, all I could think was WTF?! WHY?!
Most people will utilize the suppressor option and will hold the suppressor vs. the hand strap. Additionally,
it makes more noise than the chains of the Ghost of Christmas Past, when attached and not held. Add to this
the fact that it really isn’t comfortable and pulling down on it while shooting feels awkward. The kick on the
real steel version makes this piece understandable on said version, but here, it’s nothing if not redundant.
The second con, as with all of TM’s AEPs is the battery life. While you can pull out a combat load (9 standard
mags), the battery won’t sustain enough juice if you plan on playing a full day’s worth of games. This is even
more obvious if you’re a hicapper. The stock is also a con. While it’s nice to have the option, I found it to
be a little short to shoulder and given the options, collapsed or fully extended, there isn’t much compromise
at all. By design, the selector switch is near the front of the gun. This is easily utilized by your opposite
hand but makes it difficult if utilizing the MAC 10 as a machine pistol as it is entirely out of reach of the
shooting hand. The MAC 10’s body and suppressor are all ABS. It’s really a shame here, considering we were
teased with the metal receiver TM utilized with their Skorpion. It’s just a small detail, but it would’ve
added to the AEP’s authenticity. The nature of the MAC 10’s bulkiness might see some finding it hard to locate
a holster that will actually fit this little beast. The only other point worth mentioning is to be careful
when the safety is in the “on” position. A pin holds the front of the gun, the battery cover, in place and can
only be moved while the safety is on. I would caution to make certain it’s in its closed position otherwise
you might end up losing the entire front end. While it’s highly unlikely, it’s still a possibility and if it
happens, you’re FUBAR if you can’t relocate it.

