WE Apache A5 SMG-5 GBB Submachine Gun Replica

The WE Apache SMG-5 has been around for some time now and has given many skirmishers a thrilling and authentic SMG-5 experience with its heavy and fast recoil and almost entirely steel construction. This new version comes with a new magazine design with some internal refinements and a less curved external shape, matching the real deal more closely and satisfying the fanboys.

The new Apache does everything the old version did, keeping the crisp and satisfying gas blowback action, the 3 round burst mode and the realistic manual of arms, but corrects the magazine design to create a true masterpiece which is perfect for serious collectors and experienced skirmishers with a focus on realism!

Starting at the front end we have an SMG-5 tri-lug muzzle device with 14mm CCW male threading at the tip, protected by a knurled thread protector. The muzzle device is constructed from steel with a gun metal grey finish, mimicking the real SMG well and providing strong and reliable threading to which you can mount a tracer unit, suppressor or any other 14mm CCW compatible device. The tri-lug system is present, though we do not have any tri-lug devices to test we can confirm that it is functional with the SMG-5 flash hider included in the box.

Just behind the muzzle device, we come to the front sight assembly which is also constructed from steel. Noticing the theme yet? The gun metal grey finish differs slightly on the front sight assembly, giving the SMG some nice visual interest and contrast which separates it from less realistic replicas with the same finish across all parts. The front sight assembly includes the front sight itself, which is a stamped steel insert set into a protective steel ring, just like the real SMG. This little detail is often missed on AEG SMG-5s which usually use a cast metal piece with no insert, further marking the Apache out as something a little different to those in the know!

The front sling point also mounts to the front sight assembly and is positioned on the left side, designed for use with HK hook-type slings. If your sling won't fit through this sling point you can add a keyring or a loop of paracord to allow any sling to be used.

Following the front sight, we come to the iconic triangular handguard of the Apache which matches perfectly with the later version of the real SMG. The handguard is constructed from high-density polymer with a textured surface finish and is rock solid with no flex to be found. The handguard can be removed by pushing the pin just behind the front sight assembly through, and it can be replaced with flashlight foregrips, RAS/RIS handguards and more modern M-LOK handguards if you want a 21st-century look for this SMG-5.

The rotary HOP-up unit of the WE Apache SMG is located on the outer barrel base and is accessible when the handguard is removed. With the handguard taken off, you will see the dial running around the outer barrel. This can be rotated to tune the Apache for ammo of different weights and extend your range. When adjusting you should seek the flattest trajectory possible with your chosen BB weight, and while the HOP-up performs well out of the box if you need more HOP-up effect than the Apache can provide we are pleased to report that the inner barrel and HOP-up rubber are VSR/GBB spec, meaning you can upgrade them to your heart's content!

Above the handguard, we can find what is known as the cocking tube, inside which the cocking handle travels. This part is constructed from steel, and unlike most AEG SMG-5s, is constructed as a single piece with the receiver, just like the real thing. The cocking handle is constructed from alloy and is a non-reciprocating design, meaning you can grip the Apache how you like without worrying about the charging handle hitting your thumb. The Apache GBB needs to be charged before the first shot, and when loading a new magazine, as is typical for a GBBR. The charging handle can also be locked up into the "safety notch" and slapped down to release in classic "HK slap" style. This isn't something you can do regularly with an AEG but with this GBB SMG-5, HK slaps are a go!

The receiver, cocking tube and stock base are all finished in a gloss black, matching the real SMG perfectly and once again, marking this GBB replica out as something a bit more special than the run-of-the-mill SMG-5 AEG. This finish is present on the real thing to help the steel receiver resist corrosion, and was particularly appreciated by Naval operators who need to use their SMGs in salty, wet environments frequently. At the top of the receiver we have mounting lugs for an HK Claw mount, and these lugs should be compatible with both the CYMA Low Profile rail mount and the ASG raised rail mount.

Just behind the mounting lugs, we have our rear sight which is a rotary drum "dioptre" style rear sight with 4 different apertures to choose from. The apertures vary in size from very fine to nice and wide, giving you the option to choose the appropriate aperture for the ambient lighting conditions and the chosen mode of fire. We recommend the finer apertures for outdoors shooting in good lighting and the wider apertures for low-light shooting and full auto fire.

Below the mounting lugs, we can see the tracks in which the sliding stock bars travel and below those we have our magazine well and what is known as the "trigger pack". On the left side of the magazine well we have engraved "Kal 9mmx19" markings, completing the realistic replica SMG-5 look. Just below the markings is a protruding hook which allows a sling to be kept tight into the weapon to avoid snagging.

The paddle-style magazine release is mounted centrally, just ahead of the trigger guard, making it great for both left and right-handed shooters. Over on the right side, we also have a secondary magazine release which works just like an M4/AR15, allowing a press with the trigger finger to release the mag. Having both options available makes the SMG-5 easy to transition to if you are used to one of the big assault rifle platforms, like the M4, AK or AR36.

The lower receiver, known in the SMG-5 as the "trigger pack" contains the trigger mechanism, fire selector, trigger guard and pistol grip in a single modular unit which can be quickly swapped in the real thing for various different fire modes, trigger weights and grip shapes and sizes. The "Navy" grip itself is an ergonomic design which is well suited to almost any hand size and has since been mimicked by the AR36, and later the MOE and MIAD grips for the M4/AR15 from Magpul, a true testament to its comfortable angle, shape and size. The trigger guard is also enlarged to allow for fast access when wearing gloves, which are essential for CQB skirmishes unless you enjoy knuckle shots!

The fire selector offers 4 modes of fire; safe, semi-automatic, 3-round burst and fully automatic with an ultra-short and quick throw between each mode. The throw is slightly longer between 3 round burst and full auto which was designed in to make sure you only use full auto when you intend to, and the switch cannot be accidentally bumped. Each fire mode is denoted with red and white colour-coded pictograms, with a crossed-out projectile in white for safe, a single projectile in red for semi-auto, three projectiles in a closed box in red for 3 round burst, and a chain of projectiles in an open box in red to denote the full auto mode. The fire selector on this more modern "Navy" trigger pack is also raised and extended, making the selector easy to find and actuate in low light and when working under pressure.

Arriving at the rear we come to the sliding stock of the Apache which is a perfect fit for the SMGs issued to the US Navy, with a low profile textured polymer butt plate, alloy stock bars and a steel stock base finished to match the receiver and cocking tube. On the left side of the stock base, we also have our rear sling point which is a steel sling bar designed for HK slings. Any sling can be mounted, however, like the front sling point if you find your sling hook is too big to attach you can add a keyring or paracord loop to extend it.

The stock can be extended into 2 different positions and can also be used fully collapsed for exchanges of fire at kissing distance. The fully extended position is great for shooting in less cramped situations, and the middle position is a happy medium which is great for use with bulky plate carriers and body armour vests. The stock can be extended by pushing the lever between the stock base and the butt plate to the left, which will pop the stock off its locking mech, then you can pull the stock out to the desired position where it will lock in place. Deploying the stock is remarkably quick and easy and when in place there is practically no wobble whatsoever.

So, if you have SMG-5 fever combined with recoil deficiency, there is only one cure. The WE Apache A5 SMG-5 GBB combines flawless build quality with snappy performance and remarkably heavy recoil and is built far better than every other WE GBBR we have checked out. If you need a high-end SMG-5 replica to complete your collection, the Apache is hard to beat!

Features

• Full metal construction - Mostly steel
• 14mm CCW threaded muzzle device - Tri-lug compatible
• Sling points front and rear - Ready for single/two-point slings
• Ambidextrous magazine release - Easy access from either side
• Ambi-friendly charging handle - Easy to reach for left or right-handed shooters
• Ambidextrous fire selector - Great for shoulder-to-shoulder transitions
• 3 Position sliding stock - Set it up to suit your body type and loadout
• Secondary AR style magazine release on the right side - Familiar for M4 users
• Ergonomic pistol grip - Very comfortable for a variety of hand sizes
• Rotary drum "dioptre" iron sights - Awesome sights, 4 apertures to choose from
• 4 Position selector switch -  SAFE - SEMI - 3RND BURST - FULL AUTO
• Gloss black receiver finish with "Kal 9mmx19" markings - Very realistic externals
• Stops firing on empty - Dead man's click means reload!
• 30rnd Capacity magazine - Perfect for Milsim and ammo-restricted skirmishes
• Dryfire mode - Hold the rod on the rear of the mag down, push the switch on the top forwards
• Realistic manual of arms - Requires cocking before the first shot and after reloads
• Heavy and snappy recoil - Fast cyclic rate, extremely fun to shoot!

Package Includes

• WE APACHE A5 SMG-5 GBB Submachine Gun Replica
• 30rnd Green Gas Magazine
• Loading tool

Special Instructions

During our tests with 0.2g BBs and ASG Ultrair Green Gas, we found the Apache fired around 380 FPS on the first shot with no HOP-up applied. The FPS settled to around 350 after the first few shots but as such we recommend you consult your local site staff and chronograph with the HOP-up already set. Alternatively, you can use VORSK V6 or NUPROL 1.0 gas to reduce the velocity or install an NPAS or velocity restrictor disks into the nozzle.

As with other GBBRs, the WE Apache is not designed to be cocked when in safe mode. Please ensure you avoid this as it can cause damage to the trigger group parts.

To fire the Apache you will need to push the rod on the rear of the magazine down once it is loaded with BBs, otherwise, the "stop firing on empty" function will prevent the valve knocker from hitting the magazine valve. If you want to dryfire the Apache you will need to hold this rod down and push the switch on the top of the magazine forwards. This will deactivate the "stop firing on empty" function. To reactivate this function, simply push the switch on the top back into the rearmost position.