When it comes to Sub Machine
guns, Airsofters have plenty of choice, From the Venerable Micro Uzi, Through
to the MP5K, the ubiquitous M11a1, there is an amazing level of choice,
Most of these Sub machine guns are made by Maruzen, Followed by KSC and
Tokyo Marui. But which one is the King of SMG's?
Well, If we discount the Electric
powered AEG's such as the P90, any of the MP5's and simply look at the
range of gas powered Sub machine guns the answer seems obvious doesn't
it, the M11a1 as made by either Maruzen (recommended) or KSC (not recommended)
After all, Thousands of skirmishers every weekend cant be wrong now can
they?
Well, Yes, they can be completely
wrong actually, there is one GBB SMG that took was crowned the King of
all SMG's a good few years ago, and nothing has come close since then,
Step forward the KSC Steyr TMP, Tactical Machine Pistol.
The TMP is a polymer framed beast
of An SMG made by Steyr Mannlicher of Austria, A direct competitor to the
MP5K it was initially priced well below its German competitor, About the
same size as a Large pistol, it is smaller then An MP5K or Mini Uzi, while
retaining a lot more accuracy then the smaller micro UZI. Originally it
was designed to be used with Swedish Armour piercing 9mm rounds, in the
Personal Defence Role, for second line troops, in direct competition with
the FN-P90. Steyr Also produced a Semi Automatic Version called the SPP
or "Sporting Purpose Pistol" for the American market, but it was eventually
banned for being an "Assault Pistol".
The Airsoft Version is a completely
different kettle of fish, it may look like a sub machine gun, but it is
as accurate and usually more powerful then a comparative AEG, In fact many
expert Airsofters prefer to use the TMP as a primary weapon, leaving their
AEG's at home during the summer.
This is due to the fact that the TMP
has an incredible Rate of fire, coupled to an incredibly efficient blow
back and magazine valving mechanism that ekes out every last ounce of power
from its gas source, This allows the TMP to acheive muzzle velocities of
~320 fps with 0.2g BB's on "weak" HFC134a gas alone. Easily putting it
on par with a well upgraded AEG. In fact a TMP should outperform most stock
out of the box AEGs which can only spit out BB's at around 280 fps! Having
said that the TMP does have a short barrel which means that it cannot translate
all that power into a massively extended range. It gives it a go though!
And ends up being incredibly accurate at medium ranges. The Massively over
engineered bolt also offers incredible reliability compared to some smaller
SMGs.. KSC M11a1, ahem!..
The Recent re-release of the TMP saw
the addition of a HARD KICK unit that ups the felt Recoil from previous
generations of TMPs, a "Click Drum" adjustable HOP unit that is easier
to set as well as being more reliable and more likely to hold the hop setting.
As well as upgraded magazines.
If you are in the Market for the Best
SMG in the World, as used by Lara Croft, in the film of the same name,
then the TMP is the SMG for you. It may be ugly, but its effective.
Airsoft DolphiNs Southampton.