UTG

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a UTG bolt action sniper rifle

UTG or Under the Gun is an airsoft brand that is owned by Leapers. Under the name UTG, the company began making airsoft accessories, including gun cases, vests and scopes as well as rebranding lower end Chinese-made guns from WELL, CYMA, AGM, and Double Eagle and packaging them with accessories.

UTG's Product Line

Entry into the Airsoft Market

UTG began to re-brand mid-ranged AEGs and powerful spring rifles. UTG's first model was their MP5 AEG which came with both an MP5A4 full stock and an MP5A5 metal collapsible stock. As with most lower priced AEGs, the UTG MP5's are packaged with a generic battery, a charger, two high capacity magazines, a sight rail, and often a simple sling. These additional accessories are not usually included with higher priced guns. The high capacity magazines are of questionable quality and many users report feeding problems. The UTG MP5A4/A5 became arguably the first popular mid-range Automatic Electric Guns to hit the airsoft market, boasting a velocity of 260-280 ft/s and being capable of 800 RPM rate of fire. Early versions of the MP5 were plagued with problems, such as a weak fire-selector switch, and low quality hop-up parts. UTG has since released newer versions to remedy the reported problems, most recently version 3.

Other AEGs

A&K M4 S-System.

Since the debut of the MP5A4/A5, UTG has expanded their product line with an AK-47-modeled AEG called the "Warhawk," and was later followed by a Spetsnaz model with a shortened barrel and Paratrooper model with a folding metal stock. Additionally, the company has released a M14 and AK-74 -modeled rifles to complement their current host of products.

UTG's latest model, the M4 Tactical RAS, is a break-off from the company's traditional MPEG (medium power electric guns) line and is UTG's attempt to stake a ground in the high end AEG market. The M4 Tactical RAS costs $349.99 MSRP, compared to the AK-47 Warhawk ($209.99 MSRP) and MP5A4/A5. ($174.99) It is noteworthy to say that most online retailers do not sell the guns for the MSRP, for example shortyusa.com sells the M4 Tactical RAS for $299.99, while airsplat.com sells the MP5A4/A5 for $79.99. The M4 Tactical RAS features a traditional Version 2 metal gearbox (Originally made by Tokyo Marui) with a factory upgraded spring, namely an M110 replaces the normal spring. Retailers of the gun claim the gearbox is fully upgradable with all Marui-capable parts. An interesting note about the UTG M4 Tactical RAS is that unlike all of UTG's other products, the M4 Tactical RAS is hand-assembled at UTG's headquarters in Livonia, MI.

Spring-Powered Guns

Aside from the AEGs manufactured by UTG, they also produce spring-powered versions of each model, including a shotgun in full stock, collapsible stock, and pistol grip configurations, the M324 bolt action sniper rifle, L96 bolt action sniper rifle and a H&K MK23 Mod 0-modeled spring pistol. The UTG M324 Sniper Rifle recently underwent an upgrade in its bolt, barrel and piston system, debuting as the UTG Master Sniper, with an upgraded velocity. The New Master Sniper employs different bolt design than that of the previous two M324 Snipers; therefore interchangeability between the first and second generation with the third is not possible; however an upgrade kit is available from many online retailers, which includes a new inner barrel, hop-up unit, bolt, bolt handle, and locking pole. [1]. Equipped with the upgraded parts, the older M324s performs similarly to the Gen 3, receiving around a 30 feet per second (9.1 m/s) boost in muzzle velocity. With this new velocity the gun can no longer function quite as well with .2g BB's so it is recommended that one uses .23g BB's or higher. The gun also has an additional slang nick name, the "UTG M324 MAGNUM," referring to its high power, akin to that of a Magnum.

Completing their product line, UTG produces various accessories ranging from carry bags and cases to vest and holsters.

Other products

UTG bipod on Mossberg Plinkster

UTG also produces many other products including scopes, flashlights, and tactical gear, many of which are compatible with or are intended for real firearms.