G&G UMG Version 3 Review

            By Jason Hills

The early versions of the G&G UMG were beset with issues, not the least of which was its tendency to double feed on semi-automatic.  Although G&G introduced numerous stop gap measures to combat the problem, like a replacement tappet plate, the problem persisted.  For the Version 3 UMG G&G took their gearbox design back to the drawing board and redesigned it for improved performance.  All the latest UMG received have been tested for double feeding and so far all have passed with flying colors.

Internally the Version 3 UMG is vastly superior to its predecessor’s apparently poor design.  Inside the gearbox alone we found metal bushings, improved metal gears, and a metal ball bearing spring guide. Outside the gearbox the version 3 UMG features a 6.04mm tight bore inner barrel like all the new version 3 AEG released by G&G.  The purpose of a tight bore inner barrel being to create better compression, improved accuracy, and in some cases slightly increase muzzle velocity.  This is a relief in some ways due to the fact that short SMG style AEG like the UMG and the MP5 series often times have decreased accuracy.  Also, in the past to combat the problem it was often necessary to purchase a G&G UMG Barrel Extension Kit and a barrel extension, no longer the case but still an option.  Also, like the other version 3 AEG, the UMG has a fuse included, which I do not find all that necessary.  Whether to address a legitimate problem or just to compete with other manufacturers the fuse should not impact performance.  These and possibly other changes to the gearbox have solved the double feeding issue of past models.

Externally the G&G UMG is essentially unchanged and retains all the features of the previous models.  That is not to say that the externals are of poor quality, on the contrary like most G&G guns the UMG has some of the most accurate external and is a faithful airsoft reproduction.  G&G has replicated every detail down to the body push pins.  Like its “real steel” counterpart the body or receiver of the version 3 UMG is constructed from polymers, what G&G refers to as nylon/fiber.  The trigger group has an ambidextrous navy style selector lever similar to the more familiar versions of the MP5.  The outer barrel is one-piece and free floats like the real article and the muzzle is designed to except a quick detach barrel extension.  These features add to the realism of this airsoft reproduction but are by no means its most astounding features.

            An increasingly popular feature on polymer based guns such as the FN SCAR and G36 are removable picatinny rail panels.  Picatinny rails give the user the ability to mount equipment such as flashlights, lasers, grips, and many more onto their firearm, the same being true for airsoft.  The advantage of having removable panels is if the user chooses to not attach accessories they may remove these panels and have a smooth and comfortable surface for their hands without the use of rail covers that can feel bulky for many.  The G&G UMG comes with one attached to the top of the receiver that can be used to mount an optics system and one attached to the bottom of the hand guard that seems less useful for anything but a vertical foregrip while the forward sling mount is attached.  Included are two additional rail panels for each side of the hand guard.  These rails and the accessories that can be mounted give the UMG an almost unbeatable flexibility in CQB.

            Within the first glance of opening the box the UMG looks ready for CQB; its small size is impressed upon the user when they see the UMG sitting in the box with its stock folded.  The stock when locked in position and put against the shoulder feels sturdy and has little play, as it should.  With the push of a button on the left side at the rear of the body the stock folds to the right and locks in place by hooking on just forward to the ejection port.  Its compact size while folded makes it simple to quickly switch hands and to maneuver around corners in CQB.  While it is folded the hatch to the battery compartment is visible and can be accessed.  Opening the battery compartment reveals one of the few negative aspects of the UMG; it is only able to accommodate a stick type battery or a custom battery pack like the 9.6v 1650mah UMG custom battery carried by Airsoft GI which requires some modification to the compartment.  For extended game play I would recommend either wiring it out the back to a battery pouch or to the front into a battery box, but that is your own decision based on your needs.

            That brings us to what I consider the most attractive feature; the functional charging handle and bolt stop/release.  By pulling back on the charging handle and locking it in position the bolt within the ejection port should slide open to reveal the metal hop-up chamber within.  By pressing on the bolt release at its base and releasing the charging handle the bolt should remain locked back till the user slaps or pushes the top of the bolt release. While the bolt is locked open the user can adjust the hop-up without interference.  This function brings a level of realism to the UMG that is not seen in many other AEG on the market.

            The improved design of these latest G&G UMG is pleasing to say the least.  Not only does it show a commitment to the quality of its externals, it shows what I hope is G&G’s new commitment to the quality of internals.  After taking their design back to the drawing board G&G has come out with a gun that works for an affordable and competitive price.  If they continue with this same dedication to quality I can see them rising back to a place of honor among other high end airsoft guns such as the likes of Classic Army, TSD, ICS, STAR, and more.