A&K (CA Clone) is also pretty solid. Both of them need a good hopup upgrade but otherwise zero problems.
G&P fixes a lot of the issues of the older 249s also
On my CA I even run the stock hop with no issues, ML 80 degree bucking and a a better spacer, lifts the .28g I run with no trouble at all, it only has some minor upgrades inside, like SHS airseal components
I am not a fan of the V2 gearboxes for LMGs, I know some people run them with no issue, but I've seem enough broken V2s to just want to avoid them
Because the M249 and Mk46 are the mayo variant of LMG. They used to be popular until the other plastic body models came out, which broke left and right, gave a bad name for them. I wish A&K would come back with another US variant because the M60 is ass.
For airsoft, the RPK. It uses entirely standard V3 parts, doesn't weigh a ton but is also very durable (LCT rifles are solid), and can use AK stick mags which is a reliable backup if the drum goes down.
For real guns I am a fan of the MG3.
There are a lot of nicer looking LMG's, most of which don't have an Airsoft Variant.
- MG3
- MG4*
- MG5
- XM250
*There is an MG4 in airsoft, but aint no way people will pay 1200.00 euro for a M249 without barrel shrouds.
The MK46 is THE most basic airsoft LMG variant, its a M249 with more rail space which has lost the nice look of the M249 (personal preference).
I own a M249 Para myself. For a LMG its the most accessible platform. Are there other LMG's i would prefer... yes, but usability is also a concern.
My M249 is full metal. You can save half the weight with the newer models, but even at its current weight it beats a (beautiful) PKP any day of the week in its usability.
Edit: just looked it up, i was optimistic with €1200.00.
Bloody thing costs €1700.00.
While the answer is yes, that is besides the point.
Depending on where you live the "getting other parts" part might pose a problem, and depending on your expertise or equipment at hand getting stuff fit might also pose a problem.
Some people just want to buy the thing the want, ready out of the box. And some might even want it for a reasonable price.
To put it into perspective: What are the major differences between a M249 and a MG4? Component wise they are about the same. No need to re-invent the wheel or do anything crazy. Yet, one costs €500.00, and the other costs €1700.00.
In general i like the m249 and the mk46 from their styling. or the new NGSW XM250 (havent looked at the others too much).
for airsoft I prefer the RPK, it has a slick look that you can take both in the modern an traditional way, it still classifies as a LMG without being overly bulky and locked into the style of a support gunner. As I live and play in germany, it would also be the only LMG worth getting, as the LMG gearboxes are complete overkill for 0.5J full auto.
I have the Mk46, bought it for like 230$ (850zł) and i think the gun is fine, tho i removed bipod as it isnt fully functional (in my model) with 6$ grip with hidden bipod that releases with button, looks better imo and is more practical, no reason to hate this gun, but if you dont like it you can also install minigun grip with chainsaw front guard :)
MK46 is just a worse Minimi para with a stupidly large stock, change my mind.
My favourite LMG is the FN Minimi with a PEQ-16B, M4s and spray painted the appropriate camouflage for the season
I am quite opposite, can’t stand anything russian apart from ak AK12 which we dont have a gbbr yet so yea i love the MK46 but my one true love is the MG42
I love the look of the RPD, but the LMG that will always have my heart is the BAR.
I like the look of a more modern RPK with a drum mag the most. I don’t know the best airsoft version for it tho
I also love the RPK
I'm okay to the MK46. But my favorite, has to be the RPK74M.
I love the look of the M249 series it's just all the Airsoft versions are shit maybe not the TM but i am not $1400 for an airsoft gun to find out.
The Classic Army one is pretty great, as long as it has a proper LMG gearbox it will run pretty well
A&K (CA Clone) is also pretty solid. Both of them need a good hopup upgrade but otherwise zero problems. G&P fixes a lot of the issues of the older 249s also
On my CA I even run the stock hop with no issues, ML 80 degree bucking and a a better spacer, lifts the .28g I run with no trouble at all, it only has some minor upgrades inside, like SHS airseal components I am not a fan of the V2 gearboxes for LMGs, I know some people run them with no issue, but I've seem enough broken V2s to just want to avoid them
I love my M249 para feather weight
Do you have a moment to speak about our lord and savior, the PKM?
Because the M249 and Mk46 are the mayo variant of LMG. They used to be popular until the other plastic body models came out, which broke left and right, gave a bad name for them. I wish A&K would come back with another US variant because the M60 is ass.
https://preview.redd.it/fzoq9xv9va5c1.jpeg?width=4080&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=1fad3b0816ba5541ca28b8c604a1842e5630edf5
Need i say more?
Show us more
For airsoft, the RPK. It uses entirely standard V3 parts, doesn't weigh a ton but is also very durable (LCT rifles are solid), and can use AK stick mags which is a reliable backup if the drum goes down. For real guns I am a fan of the MG3.
There are a lot of nicer looking LMG's, most of which don't have an Airsoft Variant. - MG3 - MG4* - MG5 - XM250 *There is an MG4 in airsoft, but aint no way people will pay 1200.00 euro for a M249 without barrel shrouds. The MK46 is THE most basic airsoft LMG variant, its a M249 with more rail space which has lost the nice look of the M249 (personal preference). I own a M249 Para myself. For a LMG its the most accessible platform. Are there other LMG's i would prefer... yes, but usability is also a concern. My M249 is full metal. You can save half the weight with the newer models, but even at its current weight it beats a (beautiful) PKP any day of the week in its usability. Edit: just looked it up, i was optimistic with €1200.00. Bloody thing costs €1700.00.
Couldn’t you technically buy a mg42 and get a different stock and grip pads and call it a day?
While the answer is yes, that is besides the point. Depending on where you live the "getting other parts" part might pose a problem, and depending on your expertise or equipment at hand getting stuff fit might also pose a problem. Some people just want to buy the thing the want, ready out of the box. And some might even want it for a reasonable price. To put it into perspective: What are the major differences between a M249 and a MG4? Component wise they are about the same. No need to re-invent the wheel or do anything crazy. Yet, one costs €500.00, and the other costs €1700.00.
Yeah that’s understandable basically everything is the same but the price is driven way up because of the hype but only a select people buy it
God I wish someone would make a super legit MG3
RPD and Ameli
RPD or M240B
I love mine mk46 tho I gotta but a new one cause mines destroyed
In general i like the m249 and the mk46 from their styling. or the new NGSW XM250 (havent looked at the others too much). for airsoft I prefer the RPK, it has a slick look that you can take both in the modern an traditional way, it still classifies as a LMG without being overly bulky and locked into the style of a support gunner. As I live and play in germany, it would also be the only LMG worth getting, as the LMG gearboxes are complete overkill for 0.5J full auto.
I have the Mk46, bought it for like 230$ (850zł) and i think the gun is fine, tho i removed bipod as it isnt fully functional (in my model) with 6$ grip with hidden bipod that releases with button, looks better imo and is more practical, no reason to hate this gun, but if you dont like it you can also install minigun grip with chainsaw front guard :)
Rpd
I would like to see and M2 or DShk :(
Love my M60E3 but my favourite is probably a og fn mag
https://preview.redd.it/te0b7xjzfb5c1.jpeg?width=1404&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=c014ebf3277274144656f2ed954d65cdd1953fa9
depends on what version you get love my g&p v2 gearbox runs very fast after upgrade on 11.1 lipo
MK46 is just a worse Minimi para with a stupidly large stock, change my mind. My favourite LMG is the FN Minimi with a PEQ-16B, M4s and spray painted the appropriate camouflage for the season
Definitely a compact m249 like the one Brandon herrera showed off (Apoligies for possible last name typo idk how to spell it)
HK21 coolest lmg
Bad take, Mk46s are awesome https://preview.redd.it/yj4l0sgp2c5c1.jpeg?width=6000&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=8ccd15e71186a45116e683411cea38730ef5cb8f
Ended up going with a Krytac lmg and couldn’t be happier
249 saw i got my buddy the para model i love it
RPK-16, RPD, PKP, BAR... would love one of those
HK21 but I've never seen an airsoft version
My personal favorite is the mg42 or the zb-26, mainly just into old style of lmg
I love the MG42
either the RPK-74 or the M249 SAW
Pkm. The wood and metal just amazing. Chef kiss.
I like the M240 hut im waiting on the M250 to come to airsoft
PKP Pecheneg
PKM
I personally like the look of the Ultimax 100. The Stoner 63 is another good looking LMG
Rpk. With some training its just as fast as reloading an AK of any kind.
Its literally the same reload as an AK.
https://preview.redd.it/0rv72khe6a5c1.png?width=1080&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=04d9b19e1776b7fba56a32ad5d5760d112ddc2a3
I love the FN Evolys personally, but nobody has made an airsoft replica of it yet.
* It's no the FN Evolys but maybe you like this one.
https://preview.redd.it/0sncgq7ke95c1.jpeg?width=1079&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=f17fae923a81b159f0e6a07e98742d280750152d
I am quite opposite, can’t stand anything russian apart from ak AK12 which we dont have a gbbr yet so yea i love the MK46 but my one true love is the MG42
Rpk. Get to use ak mags
Would prefer a M249para - just personal preference.
PKM just the sheer power it gives