[m102404]

I haven't had a G&G EBB MP5 on the bench for a while...are they the same pneumatic type system as their M4's? Or are they something different where there's actually some sort of recoil?

If they're like the chintzy system on their M4's then, IMHO...the "blowback" is nothing like a blowback/recoil effect, even a muted version because it's airsoft vs. real steel. Think of someone flicking a popcan...that'd be a closer approximation of it.

It's very much a gimmick. Essentially it's a flimsy tin plate that it's driven back and then allowed to snap forward. The tin plate weighs less than an empty pop can if that's any pointer as to how much mass is getting tossed around (and ergo any "feel" you'll feel) and how tin-y it'll sound.

Along with that setup goes the proprietary mechbox shell, cylinder and top piston (the one that drives the tin plate) setup. It's not a bad design...it's just proprietary. Unless you go with a setup that disables the gimmick noisemaker you're held to using that mechbox shell cylinder and top piston.

I had one...and it was really neat how it worked, taking it apart, how well it did what it was advertised to do. For what it's designed to do, it's very well built to do that. The novelty wore off in about 5min (probably less).

The CA MP5's will seem very "industrial" in comparison. Externally/assembly wise they are built like tanks. The "quick disassembly" or "QD" feature actually works as designed and makes for at least fewer headaches when (not IF, but WHEN...since you'll eventually need/want to work on any AEG you get) you need to get into it. Other makes/manufacturers have done something similar...I've found CA's to be consistently easy to work with, whereas others can be really tight as in "how'd they ever get this to slide together".

The CA mechboxes as so-so. They always have been. At lower power (i.e. what they used to come stock in at about 330fps w/0.02) they'd either fail right away...usually a blown piston...or else they would work forever. Mechbox shells and most other parts are ok though...so with a little tinkering and love they can last ages.

Full stock MP5's are the way to go...go with a large NiMh and you'll be set for the whole weekend. Collapsible stocks are ninja cool...but they'll get loose/floppy and or bent with really rough games. You can usually get either stock setup after the fact though and just swap it. Mini batteries suck...and, IMO, PEQ boxes on MP5's seem odd. A lipo up front in the handguard is a decent option though. A good sized 7.4v will last forever.

The CA lowers are usually well built. The only cracking I've seen has been from bad knocks/impacts. The selector switch "click-i-ness" is sometimes mushy on the CA's...but if you take the selector off and use a small drill bit to deepen/sharpen the divots (just turn it a bit with finger pressure) it's fine.

I really like the looks of the SD versions...and when a MP5 AEG is tuned nicely it's pretty quiet so the looks fit. They're a bit bulkier though...so personal preference. I'd probably go with a non-SD forend (with a light) and add a muzzle attached suppressor if needed.

There's a difference between 330 and 380...but there's no difference between 330 and 350 or 380-400. If you're just starting out get something in the sub 350 range. It can always be jacked up down the road...but it's winter season, there'll be more indoors than out. Anyways, get used to what you end up getting...use it for at least a dozen games and then really think about what you want to change.

ICS MP5's might be an alternative to consider. I wouldn't recommend the TM MP5's with so many other viable options.

I would avoid importing myself. You might save some money, you might not after you factor in shipping/duties/etc... You might not have problems with customs, you might. Personally I hate just wondering if it's going to arrive and the PITA with missing deliveries and picking stuff up from the post office. You don't state where you are so who knows if that's applicable or not.