Umarex H&K MG4 LMG AEG

The Real Heckler & Koch MG4

The H&K MG4, also known as the HK123 and MG43,  was designed to replace legacy support weapons such as the M249 SAW and the MG3 and currently serves with the German Army, known as the Bundeswehr. First unveiled in 2001, the MG4 has since drawn a lot of interest from militaries as a replacement for their M249s which are now seen as overly heavy and complex for their role. The MG4 has an emphasis on reduced weight and modularity and can be reconfigured into short-barrelled variants and vehicle-mounted variants quickly and easily, and serves as the secondary armament on Germany's Puma armoured fighting vehicle.

Designed to be wielded by a single infantryman, the MG4 is one of the lightest LMGs in existence and was conceived based on lessons learned with the M249. The box magazine mount has been relocated to the left side rather than the bottom, allowing the shooter to take a far lower prone position and make the best use of surrounding cover. M4 mag feed capability is not present to keep the weight down, and the MG4 is equipped from the factory with 20mm Picatinny rails to allow for mission essential kit to be mounted easily.

The Umarex H&K MG4 AEG

Umarex are well known for providing the absolute highest quality Heckler & Koch replicas on the market and their MG4 is no different. Keeping in line with the real thing, Umarex has put a lot of work into keeping this machinegun lightweight and easy to skirmish with for a full day, making use of very high quality aluminium in the receiver and outer barrel instead of the usual alloys which are both weaker and far heavier.

While it is a museum-tier collector's piece on the outside, Umarex has also put a lot of thought into the skirmishability of this monster of an LMG, including features such as its internal magazine which holds 900 BBs, a cavernous battery compartment suitable for all but the absolute biggest Airsoft batteries and a 4000rnd box magazine which is powered by the MG4's battery instead of needing its own internal battery. With the high quality feel of a G&P MK46 and the weight of a Specna Arms M249, we wonder how Umarex did it!

Starting at the tip of the outer barrel we can find an aluminium H&K style birdcage flash hider, similar in design to that of the H&K G3 and G36, but with "MG4" engraved into its surface. The flash hider is not steel, but is finished in a lovely gun metal grey, giving it the appearance of steel without the unnecessary excess weight. The flash hider mounts to 14mm CCW male threading, meaning tracer units and suppressors are a go!

Moving rearwards we can see the gentle taper of the outer barrel, similar to that of an M249. Barrels like this are designed to be thick at the base to provide heat resistance, and thin at the tip to allow the LMG to be pointed quickly. The barrel gives the MG4 the appropriate LMG silhouette and is also finished in gun metal grey to provide realistic contrast with the black parts of the LMG and make it hard to distinguish from the real thing.

As we reach the gas block things start to get interesting; we have a flip-up iron sight mounted to the top, and a folding bipod on the bottom, surrounded by the highly ergonomic polymer handguard. The handguard and bipod setup is a great improvement over the M249 and is actually very comfortable to hold despite being much larger than assault rifle handguards to facilitate the bipod. Like the M249, deploying the bipod is as quick as a flash, simply squeeze the legs together and fold it down. The leg length can also be quickly and easily adjusted by pressing the steel leg locks in which are present on both legs, allowing you to get extra height over cover when needed. Unlike the M249 it is also very easy to fold away, with far larger retaining lugs inside the handguards than the M249, meaning your bipod will never spring open when you are running and gunning like Rambo!

On either side of the handguard, we have a 20mm Picatinny rail at the front end, ideally positioned for a PEQ laser unit or tactical flashlight if you want to dress this MG4 like it is in the hands of a KSK special forces operator. The rails are constructed from high density polymer to reduce weight up front and keep things in line with the real MG4. Just aft of the rails we also have a sling loop on either side which allows both left and right-handed shooters to carry the MG4 on a sling, even though it is as light as a feather. The front sling points are constructed from steel to provide the necessary strength for confident carry on a sling when things get up close and personal and you want to take some names with your sidearm.

Behind the sling points, we can find the folding carry handle which is designed to help remove a scorching hot barrel from the real MG4 after a long stint of rapid fire. The carry handle is well constructed with a steel arm and polymer handle, but even though it feels nice and strong we do not recommend carrying the MG4 using this handle alone. A better use for it would be to support the LMG during hip firing or walking fire which may not be the most effective use of the MG4, but it sure is fun!

On the left side of the receiver, we can see a lever with a texture on its surface. This is the mock barrel release catch and serves to release the barrel from the trunnion on the real MG4 to swap it out for a fresh one, keeping it cool and accurate in its role as a support weapon. This catch does not release the barrel of the Umarex MG4 but can be pressed and is a separate moving part for added realism.

The receiver of the MG4 has a bit more going on than the average assault rifle. At the top front, we can see the hinge for the top cover which can be lifted up using the ambidextrous release catch behind the upper 20mm Picatinny rail. Under the top cover at the front of the receiver you will see the rotary HOP-up dial which allows you to adjust the HOP-up of the MG4 and set it up for different ammo weights. The rotary unit design is based on that of the G36, and rotates smoothly, holds its setting well, and provides a wide range of adjustments so you can get the MG4 set up just right regardless of your choice of ammo.

On the real MG4, this cover needs to be lifted up to load in an ammo belt, and the same is true for the Umarex version. With the top cover lifted you will see the 900rnd internal magazine of the MG4 which allows you to either use the box mag or run the MG4 Rambo style, with a mock ammo belt (available separately).

Loading the magazine is a bit different to many Airsoft magazines and requires you to first draw back the follower which is found at the centre of the magazine. Pulling the follower back will lock it in place and open the feed port. With the feed port open you can pour BBs in, just like you would with a high cap magazine, and when you can't cram any more inside, press the button at the rear to lose the feed port and tension the magazine. You can now get shooting, but if you want to add another 4000rnds of capacity you can now mount the box magazine using the steel cradle on the left side. The cradle is shaped so that the box mag can only be mounted in the correct orientation, minimising the chances of a mid firefight fumble.

With the box mag mounted, you will need to connect the feed chute to the internal magazine. There is a small polymer plug which seals the feed chute entrance found at the front left of the internal magazine, this can be removed and stashed in the kitbag for safe keeping. On the side of the box mag which faces the weapon you will see a polymer piece in the centre, this can be pulled out and connected to the internal magazine to allow the box mag to feed through the internal magazine. The internal magazine needs to be filled in order to feed from the box magazine but once done the box mag will be powered through the conductive mount using the AEGs battery, meaning no weird balance issues and no extra battery to remember to charge!

The receiver itself is constructed from very high quality aluminium with a flawless matt black finish applied, allowing the delicately engraved Heckler & Koch trademarks to shine through. The right side of the receiver is devoid of markings, just like the real thing, and on the left we have an "H&K" logo in their signature font, followed by "MG 4" and "Kal 5.56mmx45" in smaller text. Below the engraved markings we also have laser engraved markings in white, reading "Licensed Trademark of Heckler & Koch GmbH" with "WARNING REFER TO OWNER'S MANUAL". Each MG4 also has its own unique serial number laser engraved below which is perfect for theft prevention and telling your MG4 apart from others. At the top rear of the receiver, we have the rear sling points which are present on either side, just like the front sling points, and are also constructed from steel to provide the prerequisite strength.

The charging handle can be found on the right side, positioned similarly to other support weapons such as the M249 and M240. The charging handle folds flat against the receiver when not in use to minimise snags and keep it out of the way. Pulling the charging handle back will open the ejection port on the bottom of the AEG which serves no purpose, other than as a wiring route for the powered box mag mount. The charging handle is fitted very tightly to the receiver so we don't recommend using it too often to avoid scratches developing, so if you need access to the ejection port you can instead press the upper section of the latch on the right side which will open the dust cover without pulling the charging handle.

The lower receiver, also known as the "trigger pack" in H&K terminology, is constructed from high density polymer, and as we expect, has the classic H&K colour coded bullet pictograms to indicate each fire mode. The safe mode is indicated with a white crossed-out projectile symbol, and the full auto mode is denoted with a red multi-projectile symbol. The fire selector is present on either side allowing for intuitive use for both left and right-handed shooters, and the grip angle is similar to that of the G36 with linear texture on the sides and grippy crackle texture on the front and rear straps. The grip also has a finger ledge at the bottom to help you keep a firm grip on the MG4 as you sprint. This selector is a big improvement over the M249's push-through selector, adding to the many improvements H&K have made to the usual LMG format.

At the rear of the receiver, we come to the stock and its folding mechanism which is fashioned after the G36 with its large and easily accessible button, but unlike the G36, the MG4's stock folds to the left side instead of the right. The button to fold the stock is on the right side and pressing it will unlock the stock and allow it to be folded to the left side of the receiver where it can be locked on the protruding lug in the centre of the receiver. Having a folding stock is a bit of a rarity in a support weapon and allows the MG4 to be more easily transported in smaller gun bags and cases.

The stock is slightly shorter in length than an M249 full stock to allow for easier use with modern body armour, a characteristic which will be very useful for most Airsofters. On the butt plate, we can find a flip-up stabilising extension which can be used to help keep the MG4 firmly in your shoulder when firing from the prone position. There is no catch to press to deploy or fold the butt plate stabiliser so it will never cost you precious killing time in game!

The battery compartment of the MG4 is located inside the stock, which is great news for those who like a big ol' battery for longevity and performance. To access the battery compartment you will need to hold the tab at the base of the butt plate rearwards, after which it can be pulled downwards to remove. Inside you will see a wealth of space, and a Deans battery connector to which you connect your battery of choice. We recommend a 7.4V 2600mAh LiPo battery in nunchuck/crane configuration to make the most of the massive battery compartment and keep the MG4 running all day long.

If you are an H&K fan in the market for an LMG, or you use a more old fashioned support weapon currently and you want something lighter and more modern with some nifty advancements such as an internal magazine and a powered box magazine mount, the MG4 has your name on it! Stepping aside from the usual AK-like ergonomics of other light machine guns, the MG4 takes the best from the assault rifle world and combines it with the big boy looks and performance of a true LMG. For a more elegant and luxurious volume of fire solution, the MG4 is the only choice!

Features

• High quality aluminium receiver, outer barrel, trim parts
• High density polymer stock, trigger group and top cover
• H&K Style birdcage flash hider with "MG4" marking
• 14mm CCW Male threaded outer barrel - Suppressor/tracer ready
• 20mm Picatinny rails at 3 and 9 o'clock - Perfect for a PEQ and flashlight
• Integral bipod - Quick to deploy and fold, adjustable leg length
• Engraved Hecker & Koch trademarks - Crisp engraving, very realistic
• Internal 900rnd magazine - Use it with or without the box mag!
• 4000rnd Box magazine - Side mounted, great for use in the prone position
• The box magazine does not require its own battery - Conductive mount, very advanced design
• Ambidextrous fire selector - Accessible from either side, great for left or right-handed shooters
• Folding charging handle - Reduced chances of snagging, easier to carry on a sling
• Folding carry handle - Great for walking fire (use with care!)
• Flip-up aperture iron sights - No buttons to flip up, rear sight is rail mounted
• 20mm Picatinny railed top cover - Ready for a red dot sight or scope
• Ambidextrous top cover latch - Easy to reload from either side
• Ambidextrous sling points front and rear - Perfect for HK hook slings
• Unique Gearbox shape - Upgrade compatibility to be confirmed
• Rotary HOP-up unit - Accessible with the top cover lifted up
• Mock barrel release catch - Non-functional but looks great
• Textured ergonomic pistol grip - Comfortable design, similar angle to the G36
• Side folding stock - Great for storage
• Rear wired to a Deans connector - 7.4V 2600mAh LiPo recommended
• Humongous battery compartment - Seriously, it is MASSIVE!

Package Includes

• Umarex H&K MG4 LMG AEG
• 4000rnd Box magazine
• User manual
• Deans to mini-Tamiya adapter