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Umarexusa/ H&k


Red 2

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I have done fairly extensive research, but, practical hands on can save hundreds and say 1000 words. So. What is the overall feel/taste of this particular brand? I like the looks of it, but if it sucks, what's the point? Any hands on experience with this brand?

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The Umarex/H&K licensing agreement does both good and bad things.  The good is that H&K doesn't mess with quality, so they've always sought out the best manufacturer (well, that's up to debate as usual) - rather, a quality manufacturer for their licensed products.  The catch is prices go up.  Be careful when you buy a Umarex product though - on some items, like their MP7 and HK416, there are actually two different products - with a $200-400 price difference.  You'll see an HK416 at Dick's Sporting goods for $100, and the online priced 416 for $500.  VFC manufactures the $500 one, and I've no idea on the $100 one. 

 

Umarex also licensed out the G36 design out to KWA, and I've heard that's pretty nice.  I'd like to get that sometime.

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That's the overall vibe I've been getting from it. The Dick's near me has overpriced bbs, and overpriced "outdoors" clothes to match. Ain't nothing local, so it will be all online for me. In due time. Thanks, TP. You're a gentleman and a scholar.

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The only Umarex guns I've seen are they G36/SL9 models (OEM by Ares) which are awesome in ways of externals but garbage in the way of internals (shitty GB materials / design).

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hobby town has the vfc 416 for sell. I have a jg 416 and have had no problems with it. The $100 one at dicks is a plastic gearbox.

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Depends on actual guns as often times, Umarex is the distributor while the actual manufacturer may change (VFC for 416 and 417´s, Ares for G36´s...). Which one fancies you?

 

 

The only Umarex guns I've seen are they G36/SL9 models (OEM by Ares) which are awesome in ways of externals but garbage in the way of internals (shitty GB materials / design).

To be precise, the gearbox shell is outstanding. Gears, however, are quite crappy. The cylinder is not bad either.

Edited by Vacceo
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The USP´s are probably KWA. If that´s the case, they´re excelent sidearms.

 

It would actually depend, Umarex has two USP types they sell. There is the NBB one, it's plastic and costs about $30, and the GBB one, the one KWA makes.

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Seems I got here a little late...

 

The jist:

 

Umarex is nothing more than a licensing company for any Heckler and Koch model based guns. Umarex produces nothing at all, just hands out the licensing. It is HK's way of maintaining control of the production of any guns based upon guns that HK produces in real steel. Umarex is just a middle man really. Umarex just hands out the contract of who can build HK model guns.

 

As it stands, no variant of an HK gun that is not licensed through Umarex is legal to sell (I use the term legal very loosely). Back in the day, hell up to about a year ago, most manufacturers produced multiple versions of HK based style guns (i.e. G36, 416, MP5, etc...) so that is how you see a wide range of different brands and qualities of these versions of guns, particularly on the used gun market since retailers are no longer allowed to market unlicensed models. About a year ago, HK cracked down much in the same way that Glock did back in the day, but not before thousands of these guns were sold on the market in the decades before. Make sense? That is how many people have 416's, MP5's, G36's, etc... that are not trademarked or licensed and built by a multitude of different companies, because they bought them before the crackdown.

 

As stated before, available on the marked today may be a very cheap "sport-line" version of a gun as well a nice version (the 416 for example like mentioned above). So Most of the guns are produced by very well respected manufacturers. As it stands, and lets exclude the cheap versions, all AEG models of the 416 and 417 are produced by VFC, both internally and externally. All G36's are produced by ARES, and although there is a lot of mixed feelings about ARES, this is coming from all of my experience as well as fellow gun tech's, these model G36's are exceptionally well built. ARES also produces the high end UMP. Originally, G&G was supposed to be the sole manufacturer of the MP5, however, it seems that Umarex pulled that license and now contracts VFC to do it. All Umarex gas blow backs are KWA, from the MP7 through the entire USP, MK23 and HK.45 pistol lineup and some others. The only other guns that I know of are the gas blow back 416 and 417, which I do believe are being made through WE, however, I heard the other day that it is rumored that the gbb 417 will not be available in this country due to ATF being a bunch of cocks. There are currently no licensed G3's, PSG1's, or MG4's on the market.

 

So, what due you get out of the Umarex licensing? There is some give and take. First is price. Since HK has basically "cornered" the market so to speak, they can charge whatever they'd like. However, the prices really are not that bad when you think about it, and this is where most people lack the understanding. Most just whine about spending a lot, which sure it isn't cheap, but with the price you are paying, you are getting a solid high end base gun made by very reputable company that has been absolutely beautifully trademarked. I mean have you seen some of the trademarks they put on these guns up close? Right down to the HK on the mock bolt, to the engraved stock and beyond, they spared nothing when it came to trademarking.

 

So in the end it comes down to your personal preference. I personally am an HK fan and love the trademarks to death. But I can also see the point of others that just want a G36 and do not care about the trademarks. This is where the price point may not be right for them personally.

 

So is there a particular gun you are looking at? Or just wondering about it all? When it comes to the topic of HK in general, I know a lot and could talk for a while on it. Shoot me a PM if you've got any questions, or just post them up so others can see as well.

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HK pistols by KWA are pretty nice. The externals leave a bit to be desired when compared to their real counterparts (the polymer sections in particular) but their performance is well above average. 

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I just recently picked up a KWA USP tactical as well. After handling the RS version at the NRA convention, you can definitely tell a big difference in the feel and looks of the overall gun, especially in the polymer as Eagle pointed out. I'm very impressed with the airsoft version, it is a little more bulky than what I'm used to, but it has a hard kick,is accurate as hell and has trademarks all over it.

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Bulky sometimes is exactly what you need. Not all hands are comfortable on glocks or 1911´s. :D

 

BTW, Rated R, if you can find a decent thread cover, let me know as I need one too.

Edited by Vacceo
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Bulky sometimes is exactly what you need. Not all hands are comfortable on glocks or 1911´s. :D

I will get used to it.. :)

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