Double Eagle M917 UTR45 AEG Review: A Cheap and Good Airsoft SMG?
The Double Eagle M917 UTR45: A Cheap and Good Airsoft SMG?
We received our first batch of the eagerly anticipated Double Eagle UTR45s a few months ago now, and we were a bit late to the game and missed out on snagging one for review, as they all sold before we could have an in-depth look 😥.
Our latest batch has just hit our warehouse, so we grabbed one of the sexy new tan UTR45s to check it out in detail and add our opinions on what this advanced new electric Airsoft SMG can offer the world of Airsoft skirmishing! We all know it looks damned fine, but let's have a deeper dive and see what we can find that sets the UTR45 apart from the rest.
First Impressions
Upon seeing the box alone, we can see clear signs that Double Eagle is targeting a new market with this AEG, aiming for the higher end of Airsoft with the new, premium look. The box does away with cheapo polystyrene of pre-FALCON gearbox Double Eagle AEGs, and the UTR45 comes in a thick cardboard box with foam inserts to keep it snugly secure on its way to you.
Included with the UTR45 you will find a user manual, with detailed information on the FALCON EFCS and how to program your fire modes, a Deans to mini-Tamiya battery adapter, a Deans connector kit, a set of 2x 20mm Picatinny rails and 3x rail covers for the LWRC style monolithic handguard/receiver, a cleaning/unjamming rod and a 120rnd medium-capacity magazine.
*Yawn*, all this box talk is getting boring, so how does the UTR45 shoot?
Performance
Our tests will be carried out using an Acetech Chronograph which will be used to measure the rate of fire and average FPS of the UTR45 using 0.2g ASG Blaster BBs and a fully charged VP Racing 7.4V 1300mAh LiPo battery with a discharge rating of 25C. The result of the tests can be found below:
| Double Eagle M917 UTR45 AEG | FPS |
|---|---|
| Shot 1 | 330.6 FPS |
| Shot 2 | 331.9 FPS |
| Shot 3 | 331.9 FPS |
| Shot 4 | 334.6 FPS |
| Shot 5 | 334 FPS |
| Shot 6 | 333.3 FPS |
| Shot 7 | 334 FPS |
| Shot 8 | 330.6 FPS |
| Shot 9 | 331.9 FPS |
| Shot 10 | 329.9 FPS |
We used our good old Acetech Chronograph for these tests and first fired 10 shots to test the FPS. The UTR45 is remarkably consistent, with an FPS deviation of under 5FPS over the 10 shots, and an average of 332.3 FPS across all shots. Less than 5 FPS deviation between shots is our normal benchmark for a well-tuned AEG with an effective air seal, so it's a pass from the UTR in the FPS department! Perfect for skirmishing in the UK, be it CQB or outdoors, and the lack of severe deviation in FPS should grant excellent consistency and accuracy at range. What about rate of fire?
To test the rate of fire we let rip with a looong 48 round burst, which gave us the results indicated above. Our rate of fire was clocked at 11.3 BBs per second, which is around 700 BBs per minute. This is perhaps a little lower than we were expecting given how quickly the UTR45's trigger responds in semi-automatic, but is a more than serviceable rate of fire for skirmishing purposes, and is also quite realistic for a modern submachine gun chambered in.45ACP such as the UMP45 or LWRC SMG.45.
The Externals
The Front End
At the front end of the UTR45, the first thing we come across is a knurled thread protector covering the 14mm CCW male threads beneath in classic SMG style. This look reminds us of an MP5, with its compact means-business look.
Surrounding the outer barrel we come to the monolithic receiver-handguard setup of the UTR, a supremely modern feature which is only found on the most cutting-edge designs, such as the FN SCAR and SIG MC-X. This part is constructed from high density polymer with a flat finish which is non-reflective and perfect for concealment. Obviously, we would love this part to be made from metal, but with that comes additional weight, and additional cost. For where it sits on the Airsoft marketplace, the UTR45 is well optimised for an aggressive playstyle where it only benefits from the low weight and scratch-resistance of polymer.
The handguard includes a unique negative space attachment system which is similar in function to M-LOK but is not compatible with M-LOK parts without modification. Thankfully Double Eagle includes both rail covers and 20mm Picatinny rail adapters of varying lengths in the box, so we aren't out of options as far as accessorising the UTR45. As much as the UTR would benefit functionally from using M-LOK it would not be a realistic choice, as the UTR45 is based on the real LWRC SMG.45 which uses the same negative space attachment system.
For a polymer piece, the handguard is remarkably strong and rigid, with just a tiny amount of flex, probably less than 1mm, when squeezed with fully grown adult (at least physically) strength in the central part where it is unsupported. Those who are familiar with cheaper polymer AEGs will know how off putting it can be when you squeeze a polymer handguard and you can see and feel it bend. Under normal use, the UTR feels like a rock, and even when we try to find a flex or wobble with all of our mighty strength, there is almost nothing to be found.
The charging handle of the UTR45 is positioned similarly to an MP5 but can be installed on either the left or right side for ambidextrous functionality. Installing the charging handle is as simple as pushing it through the slot on either side of the handguard, where it will lock firmly into place. Removing it only requires a forward push and it will come straight out, and if you are worried about losing it you can simply leave it in your kit bag after your HOP-up is set. This is a lovely feature, and we are very impressed that Double Eagle managed to design a system which is swappable without disassembly and also secure when installed. Very few manufacturers manage this tightrope balancing act, so congratulations to Double Eagle!
The Receiver
As mentioned, the handguard and upper receiver of the UTR45 are moulded as a single piece, eliminating the chances of the handguard developing wobble after heavy use and providing a rock solid "spine" for the AEG to which optical sights can be mounted and zeroed effectively. Across the top of the receiver, we have a 20mm Picatinny rail which is perfectly in spec and well moulded, with no signs of the seam lines which can appear on lesser quality polymers. For a short barreled SMG, the UTR45 has absolutely loads of rail space, with the upper rail being a whopping 35cm in length. This means regardless of what you mount, you will almost definitely have space.
Each side of the receiver matches the real steel LWRC SMG.45 perfectly, with the continuation of the handguard design using weight-reducing ports cut to look like negative space attachment slots. Reaching the receiver we can find some of the UTR45's more modern features, including its ambidextrous bolt release catch and fire selector.
The bolt release takes the form of the classic M4/AR15 ping pong paddle, but is present on either side and positioned within reach of the trigger finger for either left or right-handed users. Pulling the charging handle back will lock the mock bolt open automatically for HOP-up adjustment, and pressing the bolt release will send the bolt home with a metallic clank - very satisfying to say the least!
The UTR45's fire selector is positioned to match the M4/AR15 but is also mirrored on either side, with a shorter selector on the right side to prevent the control from digging into your hand if you like taking a high grip. All surfaces of the selector include linear texture to provide grip and a modern look and feel, and the selector feels smooth and positive as you rotate it through 90° to the next mode.
This selector is very well designed and fitted, and has exactly the right amount of tension ensuring it doesn't "walk" into the next mode under the vibrations of firing and remains easy to operate with speed. Each fire mode is indicated by a recessed pictogram, with a crossed-out projectile indicating safe, semi indicated with a single projectile and full auto indicated by an ouroboros ( an 8 on its side, the symbol for infinity), and the selector locks positively into each position with a tactile "click".
One of the nicer inclusions in the package is an alternative polymer magazine release which can be installed instead of the original alloy mag release to provide an additional ledge to allow you to release the magazine with your firing hand. This can allow for faster emergency reloads and makes the UTR45 handle more like an AR15, whereas the original mag release works similarly to an AK or MP5.
Unfortunately, the alternative magazine release is a real pain to install, as everything has to be done with the mag release spring under pressure. Either you get lucky with your positioning and the pin goes straight in, or you spend many frustrating minutes trying to carry out the three-handed operation of holding the mag catch in place whilst aligning and pushing the pin back into the receiver. It is very generous that Double Eagle provides this part in the box but it is not a "hot swap" style part, and we recommend choosing your favourite mag release design and sticking with that rather than planning on swapping them from time to time.
The trigger guard is an enlarged design to allow for effective use with thick gloves, and also provides quick access to the trigger whilst protecting it from accidental discharges. This trigger guard attaches to the receiver in a similar manner to the M4/AR15 but we are not currently able to confirm whether M4 AEG trigger guards are compatible. The trigger guard matches the real LWRC SMG45 perfectly, and also fits in well with the dynamic, modern look of the UTR45.
The pistol grip of the UTR45 is another of its superb ergonomic attributes and is based on the real LWRC SMG45 grip, complete with a rubberised surface with gripping panels at the front and rear. This grip is excellent and is effective either with or without gloves thanks to its rubberised finish. Whilst the UTR45 appears to be compatible with any M4/AR15 AEG pistol grip, it is unlikely you will find one that is more comfortable than this. The rear strap of the grip is filled out in a similar manner to a Magpul MOE grip which encourages a consistent and stable grip and is comfortable for practically any hand size. The UTR45 design puts a lot of emphasis on ergonomics and comfortable handling and it shows in features like this.
The Stock
The stock of the UTR45 is a fine choice, and as much as some would prefer to see an M4/AR15 buffer tube here the ACR style stock used looks awesome, provides a wealth of functionality and provides loads of space for your batteries. This stock is adjustable in length, offering 6 different positions to suit any shooting stance, loadout or body type. It also has an adjustable cheek riser to provide effective sight alignment and a good cheek-weld for consistent shouldering of the SMG.
For shooting in tight spaces, and for transport, the UTR45 stock can be folded to the right side of the AEG which shortens the overall length to a mere 44cm, making it short enough for even the most cramped CQB skirmish sites. The stock does not lock in the folded position but stays in place firmly enough for effective use thanks to tension in the hinge mechanism. This is the same way the real ACR stock works and is a good design choice as it minimises weak points in the folding mechanism whilst still allowing the SMG to be used in folded condition.
The downside to the folding stock mechanism is that there is a wire running through the folding hinge which is necessary due to the location of the UTR45 battery compartment. This doesn't inhibit functionality though it is definitely something to watch out for as if you get the wires trapped when unfolding the stock they may get damaged and require that the SMG is rewired. Just remember in the heat of the skirmish not to slam your stock open too violently, and instead have a quick glance at the wiring to ensure it is not in the way before deploying your stock.
At the rear of the stock, we are treated to a sling slot for a traditional sling and a QD socket for a QD sling swivel, as well as a large alloy sling bar at the stock base on the left side. We can confirm that the QD socket is in spec and works perfectly. This variety of sling mounting apparatus is always appreciated and means no matter what your existing sling setup is you will be able to use it with the UTR45 if you fancy it.
The butt plate of the stock is rubberised and includes deep grooves to provide ample grip when you shoulder the UTR45 when wearing body armour. This part is comfortable and effective but is another part of the UTR45 to keep an eye on as the butt plate is only held on by friction and an indexing groove, and may fall off inadvertently if you like to play rough with your AEGs. We recommend wrapping an elastic band through the sling slot at the toe of the stock and around the butt plate to ensure it doesn't budge. This also adds a realistic "in use" look to the UTR, as we all know special forces have elastic bands all over their weapons for various reasons.
The Internals
The gearbox of the UTR45 is a version 2 gearbox, the same type which is used in M4/AR15 AEGs. This comes with the benefit that spares are easy to source should the worst happen, and upgrades are a very real possibility if you want to push your UTR45 to the max. As it comes from the factory, the gearbox sounds very smooth and well-tuned in operation thanks to the 8mm ball-bearing bushings on which the steel gears run. The gearbox also includes a quick change spring system, which means you don't need to take the gearbox apart to upgrade or downgrade your spring. Those of us with gearbox experience will appreciate how much time and messing around this saves when it comes to tuning your gun's FPS for the performance you want.
Ever the innovator, Double Eagle has chosen to include an "air cushion" inner barrel in the UTR45 which operates with the principle of providing an ultra-smooth internal surface to encourage a consistent air cushion around the BB, preventing it from impacting the walls of the inner barrel which can interfere with accuracy. This principle gave birth to "wide-bore" barrels, as well as the fabled Maple Leaf Crazy Jet. This style of inner barrel should provide similar performance to a tight bore inner barrel but with the added benefit that you are considerably less likely to experience a jam.
Paired with the air cushion inner barrel we have a unique rotary style adjustable HOP-up, which is easy to adjust and has plenty of resistance to prevent your setting from being lost over time. The rotary type adjuster is really taking off in recent years, and thanks to its more direct application of pressure on the HOP-up nub and rubber it provides a greater HOP effect with less side to side deviation and minimal fliers. Unique though the chamber design may be, the UTR45 is still compatible with standard AEG HOP-up buckings, nubs and inner barrels, so you always have the option to upgrade if you need a bit more reach from your UTR.
The Magazine
The UTR45 magazine is styled after the H&K UMP 45 magazine and is a straight design with a mock witness window on either side revealing decently realistic mock cartridges inside. We love magazines like this, as they really add a nice touch of immersion and make the AEG look more like it is the real deal. The magazine is constructed from high density polymer with a rough matt finish, similarly to that on the stock. The flared magazine well makes insertion smooth and positive, and the magazine locks firmly in place with no wobble or movement whatsoever.
Currently, the only available magazine for the UTR45 is a 120-round medium-capacity magazine, which is great for Milsim players or those concerned about the dreaded "battle rattle" of high-cap mags giving them away during an energetic advance. We expect a wheel wound high-cap to be released soon, but until then we will have to make do with mid-caps.
The magazine is large in overall form, which is great for realism but has a slight disadvantage in-game as it will require specific magazine pouches which are long in form and may require some additional thought when it comes to setting them up on a MOLLE tactical vest. In our tests, the UTR45 mags fit perfectly in pouches designed for UMP or P90 AEG magazines, such as this Viper Tactical example.
Battery Space
The battery space provided in the UTR45 is where it really shines, and outdoes the vast majority of competitors in its class. The ACR style stock can simply be slipped off to the rear with the adjustment lever held down, and inside we are treated to 13cm of depth x 2.5cm width battery compartment in the lower section of the stock which can fit up to a 7.4V 1300mAh LiPo battery inside. If you are willing to keep your stock slightly extended you may even be able to fit something bigger, and you may also be able to squeeze a larger nunchuck style battery inside if you are very careful when reinstalling the stock. Any battery will be super easy to install in the UTR45 when compared to an M4/AR15 and requires no awkwardness, no pins to be punched out and no fingernail breaking tabs or levers to mess with.
The only downside to this setup is the loose wire running through the stock hinge being at risk of getting trapped and damaged, though this wire has a thick protective coating and is generally tight enough that it won't get in the way in most cases. We recommend being cautious when folding and unfolding the stock, but other than that the UTR has a lot going for it as far as battery space is concerned.
FALCON EFCS
The FALCON EFCS is the crowning feature which makes the UTR45 such great value for money, offering the kind of functionality Airsofters had to pay many times more for in previous years. The EFCS allows you to program each position on the selector lever to a fire mode of your choice.
The fully automatic position can be reprogrammed to provide bursts of 1-5 rounds, and the semi-automatic position can be swapped out for a function known as "binary trigger". This function fires a shot when the trigger is pulled, and another when it is released, effectively doubling your semi-auto fire rate!
Don't get too excited, many CQB sites have already caught wind of this and do not allow binary fire, but there is nothing stopping you from using this advanced feature to increase your hit probability when skirmishing outdoors. The EFCS also allows you to adjust your trigger sensitivity to one of three different levels, ranging from a standard AEG style long and positive pull to a super fine hair-trigger, which should give you a serious advantage in a CQB setting.
Amongst the less exciting but equally impressive features of the EFCS are battery protection, which will prevent the UTR45 from draining your LiPo battery fully and damaging its cells, and active braking which will ensure the motor does not overspin and that the gearbox is timed perfectly, completing a full cycle with each trigger press.
Having a MOSFET included in your AEG is rapidly becoming commonplace, but the FALCON EFCS has another level of functionality when compared to CYMA Platinum AEGs or other AEGs in its price range with basic MOSFETS for active braking and battery protection. To get this kind of functionality from a standard AEG would require the installation of an advanced MOSFET such as the GATE ASTER or TITAN, which cost nearly the price of the UTR on their own!
Final Thoughts
We have been very impressed with the latest Double Eagle releases since we got our first batch of the M904 with the FALCON EFCS installed, and the UTR45 is even more exciting thanks to its unique SMG styling which gives it a look that cannot be mistaken for anything else. Given its price point and its feature set, we can confidently say that this is one of the best value for money AEGs we have ever seen on the market.
Its combination of lightweight yet robust fibre-reinforced polymer bodywork with innovative internal features makes this AEG a great tool for skirmishing that would do equally well hanging up on the wall on display. Hanging this AEG up would be a waste though, in our opinion, and it would be much better served playing to its strengths by putting bursts into the enemy on the field or rapidly hammering semi-auto fire down a corridor of a building with its trigger sensitivity set to high.
For an aggressive playstyle, the UTR45 would be perfect but only adds to the plethora of choices available for compact Airsoft SMGs, making the decision on what to buy that much harder. If you would like to see how the UTR45 compares to the legendary ASG CZ Scorpion EVO 3A1, check out our comparison between these two highly advanced Airsoft SMGs right here!