I have to say, after playing from some time now, that there lies in airsoft an under appricated set of guns. The G3's.

Now this excludes the dill hole child of a G3, deemed the MC-51, and the wanna-be-sniper (my apology to those who can pull it off...but you know it's true) rifle the PSG-1. And ofcourse, the ever coveted HK 51. I'm centering on the G3A3, G3A4, And the G3 SG-1.

The G3A3 and G3A4's are wonderful weapons, and great alternatives to the mainstream weapons of choice. My first AEG was a G3A4, and it was magnificant. Good barrel length, good magazines capacity (standard and hi-cap), and good cosmetic looks to it. Upgraded, they're even better! G3A3 is already primed to take the large batt, and the G3A4's large front forgrip and take either a custom batt or be dremeled down a bit to accept SD batteries. It was a dream of mine, though it never came to fruition, to create a G3A4 based counter-sniper rifle. 450 Fps with a TN innerbarrel, Hi-Cap mag, and a scope. The retractable stock would give you flexibility in your enviroment, tho it was stable for accurate shooting. Maybe someday....it'll happen...


And let's not forget the G3 SG-1. Those few and proud that do buy this gun use it in the above role, either sniper or counter-sniper. Yet there lies in the SG-1 an innate calling few realize. The SG-1 can be a wonderful squad gun. That's right boys and girls, the cheap man's SAW. 500 rounds of spewing power, with a bipod already installed! Kicks the M-16s and MP5s heads down (granted AK holds more rounds....shhhhhhhh!!!!). Great idea was posted on Arnie's Airsoft for a box mag out of a hi-cap, and the G3 mag would be perfect for it. My team's squad gunner carries and SG-1, and it has saved our skins countless times. Plain and simple, it's just a good gun.


Now why aren't these guns more popular?
1.) Not "spec op's ish enough" (GSG-9 anyone?)
2.) Too big for indoors (Ok, I'll give you that...)
3.) Not as many upgrade parts (Every internal upgrade in the realm, silencers, lasers, and scope mounts not enough for ya?)


So next time your looking for a feild rifle, atleast give the G3's a look, they're excellent weapons.

Greetings:

Let me add my $.02 worth here. My first AEG was the G3SG1. Yes, it's a pig to carry. Yes, it's long as heck, and not suited to CQB. However... excepting the problem of body flex due to length, they are darn good weapons. My G3SG1 is still in use after 5 years (!), and a gun to be feared. All I have to do is point it at someome within 50 feet and call "Surrender!" and they do. It has extra built in testicles. Mind you, mine has been upgraded to shoot at 435 fps, and has a reputation for accuracy, its still a very viable squad support weapon. Due to the range that it can achieve, it keeps heads down so the rest of the squad can advance, as well as providing ranged support. If you don't mind the weight and length of the weapon, I highly recommend it.

The airsoft version is very much like the real steel gun. There is a reason that it is the main battle rifle for many nations... power and reliability. I can give any new owner a few tips to maximize the potential of their G3, as the TM versions do have a few... problems.

Overall, it's an outstanding gun, both for assault and support roles, as Shadow has stated. It'll keep their heads down as your squad advances, as well as give you the accuracy you need to take out your opponents in a direct confrontation.

Let me add one point here. Cosmetic modifications to a gun do not make it shoot better. The operator of it makes it shoot better. Many people prefer the M4 and MP5 because there are so many external things that you can add to it, it can make a dime store owner jealous. Skill will overcome a weapon any day of the week. Know your gun, know your role, and you will overcome any (ch)airsoft player who only boasts about the modifications to their weapon.

Thanks for the advocation of one of the great overlooked guns in airsoft, Shadow.

Dughal

PS.. that's me with my pig (G3SG1) in the pic.

Yes, very nice post Shadow...and thanks for your added input Dughal.... I got a chance to hold the G3SG1 this weekend... and it was one sweet airsoft replica...

what about the MC51? none of you guys would be able to tell me much about that, would you? I like the gun, as far as it goes, but there are no reviews for it. Little help??

Greetings:

Honestly? IMHO it has all the limitation of the the MP5 and none of the benefits of the G3, other than the 500 round hi-cap mag. And, there are almost no cosmetic upgrades available. I't basically an MP5 that can use the G3 mags, as far as Airsoft is concerned. Real steel is another story, but we are talking airsoft here. Internal upgrades are the same as any other airsoft gun. External and cosmetic upgrades are expensive, but it's a very viable gun, much like the MP5 that is is, in essence.

Dughal

What about this G3 SBS? Or even that red wolf custom G3 I think its the blitzen. Have you heard anything about them?



There on this page: G3 SBS

Ok. Even though I expressly excluded the MC-51 because it is not an "under appriciated gun" as I've seen it. But here we go...

The MC-51 is a strange weapon to say the least. In it's solid stock version (Most notible are the "G3 Neo" by Den Trinity and the HK 51 customs out there) it is basicly the German answer to the M4 in the Airsoft Realm. Functionally brilliant with a 500 rnd Hi-Cap pushing 200 round over it's M4 counterpart, but lacking the abundance of accessories.

In standard form, it's probobly not a wise choice.I can here the GASP! of hundreds of airsofters out there, but hear me out. Consider the following factors: Large mag increases the possibility of sustained fire, sliding stock not as stable as solid, and the kicker with number one is the mini batt that powers the works. If your going to buy an MC-51, get the solid stock. Some ppl opt for the first factory large handgrip but having fired from an A4's sliding stock, I'd take a solid stock anyday.

The G3 SBS is yet another custom peice. Major advantage? Better Battery. Sure that little plastic silencer looks nice, but it's really not that functional. The SD forgrip allows the SD battery, an inprovement over the mini but more of a pain then a large.

jeez..I was planin on gettin a Sg1 but now I think ill get it sooner. Thanks for all the input. Oh and I just wanna be clear , body flex is no big deal right?

after having the worst spring gun I can imagine (a g3a3) I will never really like the g3 series, But that psg1 is a pretty sexy beast. :bleh

psh , the springer has notin to do with the AEG , thats like comparing the minis to the full size