Tokyo Marui MP7A1: 6 Days to the Compact Big Bang February 2, 2006
(Visited 26138 times)Six days to go before Tokyo Marui releases to the world its new airsoft technological wonder, the MP7A1.
The Real Steel HK MP7A1 PDW (Personal Defense Weapon) was introduced by Heckler & Koch back in 2001 as a replacement for the military pistol, which is, ultimately, the original purpose of a PDW. It sports a “big bang” for the buck, as its 4.6×30mm hardened-steel-core FMJ (full metal jacket) round can penetrate 22 layers of Kevlar or a Kevlar helmet at 50 yards. It will also reportedly penetrate NATO CRISAT body armor with no trouble, at this distance. Coupled with this strength is its portability, especially the fact that it can be carried in a specially designed hip holster, much like a regular pistol could.
It is this portability that may appeal to many of us airsoft enthusiasts, as a powerful secondary weapon such as this would surely have us drooling to have it strapped to our hips. Although some, more purist airsoft enthusiasts will shun its contemporary lines, there will be those who will see this newcomer for what it is, a lean, mean, business-like shooting machine.
Since it was adopted by the German special operations unit KSK or Kommando Spezialkräfte in 2002, and is now available to U.S. military and law enforcement organizations, it will surely blend with most of the avid airsofter’s existing gear, and not just stay in the realm of Robocop-esque fantasy. Aside from this, all of the MP7A1’s operational controls are fully-ambidextrous, including the manual safety/selector switch, bolt carrier release lever, mag release, charging lever, and telescoping/retractable butt stock release lever. Add to this the option to fire single-handed, or from two hands, either like a pistol or using the front grip, plus the ability of the retractable stock to extend and give additional stability, and you’ve got one of the meanest babies in town!
The heart of the Marui version is based on a new micro AEG technology that sports a smaller more compact metal gearbox, much like our larger AEGs but in a more miniscule scale, and its lifeblood is in the form of a 7.2V, 500mAh Micro Battery that is inserted in the space above the barrel. Another major improvement is a new safety switch that disconnects the battery when the gun is in safe mode. Although not exactly the same weight as the real steel version, at 1.4kg it is hefty enough, and slapping on some mounts, sights, lasers, or tactical white lights onto its abundant picatinny rails, just about guarantees you to reach or exceed the 1.7kg real steel weight.
Overall, I don’t think I could sum up the MP7A1 any better than the guys at HK Defense did, when they said that it is “a technically advanced weapon, that is simple to use and provides the combination of compactness of a handgun with the range, penetration and lethality approaching that of a select-fire assault rifle“.
Writer’s Note: Thanks to HK Defense for the lovely images.
- Posted in : Airsoft News, Manufacturer, Airsoft Reviews, Airsoft Guns, AEG
- Author : ZU
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Comments»
yey!!! nice one zu!
from a non-air “softie”, i would trade my 2 pairs of fab heels for the gun.. in my 2 next lifetimes!!!!! 
Hmmm..I need to formulate a perfect alibi for my wife not to know if I’ll purchase this baby in the near future..hehehe..