S&T MK46 Sportline Light Machine Gun Replica

The real MK46 light machine gun is a further modification of the M249 SPW, intended to reduce the weight of the hefty M249 platform and improve its utility with Picatinny railed accessories such as optical sights, PEQ lasers and thermal/night vision optics. The MK46 does away with the vehicle mounting lug, M4 magazine well and the barrel changing handle and adds a 20mm Picatinny railed handguard and heatshield, allowing plenty of rail space for all the mission-essential equipment special forces teams need when operating isolated from the front lines and logistics chain.

S&T's version of the MK46 stays faithful to the original design, and includes the MK46 collapsible stock, railed feed tray, railed heat shield and railed handguard, but keeps the M4 magazine well just in case you manage to drain the 2000 round box magazine with your heavy trigger finger and need to borrow an M4 mag from your rifle-toting teammates. This MK46 deviates from most other MK46 AEGs in its majority polymer construction, which keeps the weight of the LMG at a manageable level and allows it to be used all day by those of us that aren't built like a Navy SEAL. Its high-density fibre reinforced polymer construction provides greater scratch resistance than alloys and makes the MK46 feel like it's filled with helium in comparison to the all-metal versions!

Starting at the tip of the barrel we can find an M249 PARA style muzzle device, with 3 ports along each side and the bottom and top. This device isn't always seen on the real MK46, but since the MK46 retains M249 barrel compatibility this is a perfectly realistic muzzle device for this LMG. The device is constructed from high-density polymer and mounts to the 14mm CCW male threaded alloy outer barrel. The 14mm CCW barrel threading allows this muzzle device to be swapped out for an alternative flash hider, suppressor or tracer unit should the mission require it.

Moving rearwards we come to the front sight/gas block of the MK46, which is constructed from the same fibre-reinforced polymer as the muzzle device. Sidestepping the usual assumptions about the lack of strength in polymer rifles, the S&T MK46 is rock solid, using a polymer that feels like a G36 receiver, with its textured surface, scratch resistance and absolute lack of flex. The front sight has a fine front post and is also surrounded by a protective ring to prevent a bump or scrape from damaging it.

Below the front sight, we can find the bipod mounting apparatus, which is constructed from alloy and allows the MK46 to be tilted on its bipod when deployed, allowing you to take position on uneven ground and still put down effective fire. The bipod itself is constructed from high-density polymer and requires the legs to be squeezed together to deploy. To fold the bipod again, simply push the legs together and fold it back where it will hook on the rail mounted retainer. This bipod can be removed if you want to use your MK46 like a big assault rifle, which is nice as there are pictures out there of MK46s in more of an assaulter configuration. Between the bipod mount and handguard, we can see an alloy sling loop which is mirrored on either side of the weapon and allows for a rifle sling to be mounted when paired with the rear sling loops.

To the rear of the front sight, we can find the handguard and heatshield of the MK46, both of which are constructed from fibre reinforced polymer. The lower handguard is "swiss cheesed", just like the real MK46, keeping the weight low whilst retaining strength. The handguard also mounts 3 alloy 20mm Picatinny rails at the 3, 6, and 9 o'clock positions, which can be used to add accessories to the front end of the MK46, either for practical reasons or to give it the special forces look it deserves. The upper handguard, also known as the heat shield has 20mm rails built-in, offering an additional rail at the 3 and 9 o'clock position and a rail across the top.

The first thing we notice as we arrive at the receiver is an alloy lever on the left side, with a textured face for added grip. This lever is the barrel release lever and gives the real MK46 the ability to quickly swap barrels to maintain sustained fire without overheating. For Airsoft purposes, this provides a super convenient way to remove your barrel for cleaning, and whilst it can be cleaned in situ it is far easier to clean when removed from the weapon. At the top of the receiver, we can find the feed tray cover, to which our 20mm Picatinny receiver rail is mounted. The MK46 is a weapon for sustained fire, without a doubt, but this doesn't mean it won't benefit from a nice red dot sight for faster target acquisition!

Over on the right side of the receiver we can find the charging handle, which is constructed from alloy and can be pulled back around 2cm, which isn't exactly groundbreaking but is far superior to a moulded in charging handle. Unfortunately, we cannot avail ourselves of the metal on metal "clank, clank" that a full metal M249 would give when the charging handle is pulled, but the simplification of this part provides even more weight savings and allows the MK46 to maintain a similar weight to an assault rifle. Adding additional springs and moving parts would take away from where this MK46 really excels, its portability and low weight, and add very little when it comes to actual battlefield functionality.

At the rear of the feed tray cover, we can find the rear iron sight of the MK46, which is constructed from high-density polymer and is fully adjustable for both elevation and windage. This sight is an aperture sight and can be raised and lowered using the rearmost adjustment screw on the left side of the sight's protective wings and moved left to right using the foremost adjustment screw. This sight can be adjusted on the fly, without the need for tools thanks to the textured surface of the adjustment screws, meaning if the wind changes you can easily compensate and continue to keep the enemy team's heads down.

Beneath the feed tray cover is where we can find the rotary HOP-up unit of the MK46. To lift the cover, simply press the two buttons at the top rear of the receiver on either side of the rear iron sight, after which the cover will pop up under spring tension. The adjuster can be found at the front of the receiver, between the outer barrel and gearbox, and allows you to set the MK46 for your chosen ammo weight and get the flattest trajectory possible for maximum range. The battery compartment can also be found beneath the feed tray cover, behind the gearbox itself. This compartment is quite small, but still has room to fit a PEQ type7.4V LiPo 1000mAh battery with a mini-tamiya connector.

On the left side of the receiver is where we can find the M4 magazine well, and the mock belt feed arrangement. The magazine well sits just below the feed tray cover and is compatible with most M4 AEG magazines as well as the included electric auto winding box magazine. This is a useful function for Airsoft purposes, as almost everyone uses an M4 so the likelihood is that if you somehow use all 2000 rounds the included box mag can hold, you can be back in the action with a borrowed magazine. The magazine well also includes a folding dust cover, which is pushed out of the way as a magazine is inserted and also serves as the magazine catch. With a magazine, or your box magazine feed-block inserted, the tab protruding just above the magazine well can be pressed down to remove the mag. The box magazine also connects below the receiver, locking into a notch using it's built in magazine catch. The box magazine can only be inserted from the left side and can be released by pressing down on the catch on the top of the box magazine.

The feed tray and mock belt feed arrangement also allow for a dummy ammunition belt to be added to heighten the realism of this LMG, which can be attached between the feed tray cover and the left side of the magazine. This is a great way to hide the fact that this LMG is an Airsoft AEG, and conceals the feed tube leading from the magazine to the magazine well perfectly.

The fire selector of the MK46 can be found just above the pistol grip and takes the form of a push-through button that can be actuated from either side of the LMG. This selector provides a trigger lock, and a fully automatic fire mode, with no semi-auto to be seen. This stays faithful to the real MK46 and M249 platforms, both of which are sustained fire support weapons with no need for a semi-auto function. With the button protruding on the left side, we can see a helpful red ring surrounding the button denoting that the weapon is in "fire" mode. Pushing the button in will activate "safe" mode and lock the AEG's trigger. The trigger itself is a curved design which is optimised for long strings of full-auto fire, preventing your finger from slipping off the trigger when the weather is less than perfect.

The pistol grip of the MK46 is the classic "support" type grip, which originated on the M249 as a development of the FAL pistol grip, and has since found its way onto several other support weapons, as well as the AK platform. This grip is set at a comfortable angle for both standing and prone use and includes deep linear texture to assist in keeping the pistol grip firmly in your hand. The grip also includes a relieved area on the left side to allow your thumb to more easily reach the fire select/safety button.

As we reach the very back of the AEG we come to the sliding stock, which is a similar design to the M4/AR15 buffer tube type system. The stock mount comes as a separate part inside the box, as does the stock itself, and can be installed by aligning the pin holes in the stock mount with those of the receiver and pushing the included steel pins through. We advise you to proceed with caution when installing these pins, and do not hit them with a hammer as this may weaken or break the pin holes. With the stock mounting apparatus attached, you can slip the stock itself over the buffer tube in the same manner as you would install an M4 stock; by pulling the adjustment lever (found on the bottom of the stock) all the way out, and sliding the stock onto the tube. This buffer tube provides 5 positions of adjustment for the included stock, but is also compatible with standard M4/AR15 style sliding stocks, though the full range of adjustment will not be available due to the shortened length of the buffer tube. The stock mount also includes a sling loop present at the top, which is intended to be used with one of the two front sling loops present between the bipod mount and handguard to mount a two or three-point rifle sling.

The MK46 stock is heavily based on the collapsible design of the M4/AR15 but is shorter in overall length, and includes both a raised cheekpiece for better sight alignment and a folding steel shoulder brace to prevent the stock from sliding off your shoulder. The shoulder brace can be deployed simply by pulling it backwards and up, where it will snap into the locking grooves in the stock itself. To fold it again, simply slap it back down where it will lock into place. The butt plate also includes aggressive serrations to provide perfect grip, even for body armour/plate carrier users. The stock also offers a sling loop, as an alternative to the one present on the stock mount to add flexibility and options when slinging the MK46.

The box magazine of the MK46 can hold up to 2000 rounds, allowing the MK46 to be used to lay down a monstrous volume of fire that is sure to hold the enemy team back from achieving their objectives, and send a fair few of them back to regen! The magazine can be loaded through the fill port on the left side of the magazine body, which can be opened by pulling the polymer tab just above the snap button and zip, which will hinge open and allow BBs to be poured directly in. This magazine is an electric auto winding magazine and requires 2x AA batteries to power. The battery compartment can be found on the bottom of the magazine, as is the mode switch and is accessible when the fabric cover is unzipped. The mode switch provides the option between auto winding and sound control, with the central position being the "off" position. To load this magazine, the feed block first needs to be connected to the M4 magazine well, and then the magazine needs to be installed into its mount below the receiver.

So, for those who want a big gun but don't have big "guns", or for those who seek fun when skirmishing rather than a workout, and want to rock the current LMG of choice for special forces, the S&T MK46 would be a great choice. As a bonus, its use of the common version 2 gearbox design leaves plenty of options open for future upgrades, just in case the S&T MK46 rate of fire isn't already enough for you!

Features

• Alloy outer barrel and trim parts
• Fibre-reinforced polymer construction
• Includes electric auto-winding 2000rnd box magazine
• Up to date MK46 collapsible stock - Also fits M4 stocks!
• Folding bipod pre-installed
• Folding steel shoulder brace on the stock
• Compatible with M4/AR15 AEG magazines
• Fully adjustable aperture rear iron sight
• Support type pistol grip
• Sling loops at the front, rear and on the stock
• Space for a mock ammunition belt for extra cool points
• Ambidextrous push-through safety switch
• Quick release barrel - Convenient for cleaning
• Impressive rate of fire - Keep heads down!
• 20mm Picatinny rails all over the place - No shortage of space

Package Includes

• S&T MK46 Sportline Light Machine Gun Replica
• 2000rnd Electric auto-winding box magazine
• Stock mount
• Stock
• Stock pins
• User manual