Matrix Real Wood M1938 WW2 Model / Modello 38A Airsoft AEG Sub-Machine Gun by Snow Wolf

"Just like the real MAB 38a, it's no shocker that this airsoft version is really good as well. This model tries to be faithful to the early "Moschetto Automatico Beretta Modello 1938" gun with a few components missing unfortunately, such as the slot for the sliding door that's on the mag insert, but when it comes to airsoft, that feature is not really important. Just like the original, there are 2 triggers, however, 1 trigger is meant for full auto whilst the other is meant for semi. In this particular model however, only 1 trigger functions as a full auto, while the other just stays in the back of the trigger guard, which is a great design choice since you don't want the shooter to accidentally pull a nonfunctional trigger. As for the magazines, again, very faithful to the original, as the mags are able to fit my original MAB 38 Samurai Magazine Vest and even my MP40 pouches. This airsoft model is also compatible with original MAB 38 slings. Overall, I'd say this gun is very close to being comparable to an original MAB 38a in terms of it's design.

Now for the performance of the gun, I run it with a Matrix High Performance 7.4V Stick Type Airsoft LiPo Battery which is really not the best battery on the market, but despite that, the gun performs superbly. Honestly, adding along the real wood stock just adds in more reasons to buy this gun. This thing is absolutely fantastic, and it's all thanks to the amazing Italian engineers at Beretta that created this gun to be made into an airsoft gun in the future. Absolutely worth it!

"I thought a long time before I decided to try airsoft (as in years) and this gun was my introduction, why not start with a good one? I already have a dozen real guns - 2 AK's, an M4gergy, M1 carbine, a couple Glocks et. al. along with a Walther LGU .22 pellet rifle and a couple cheap pistols - so the urge to try airsoft was not something I felt too often. But it's a lot of work and trouble going to the range, not to mention the expense, and all that tedious cleaning afterwards... when I realized I could actually own cool guns I'd only seen in books was what changed my mind. This gun was one of 'em and for airsoft, it is quite a brick! The wood is heavy and the steel parts are pretty sturdy too, people that know nothing about guns complement it since it is rather a pretty smg when you get right down to it.

It's fun to shoot full auto, even though it has no semi auto setting ala' the real thing - I figure if the original operators can do without so can I. The rate of fire is fast enough and it empties stick mags shockingly fast - even with 2 spares I'm doing constant reloading but since nobody makes a drum (again per the real thing) there's nothing to be done about it except maybe buy more mags. The sling that comes with is adequate, better than none, but not ideal so I sent off for a leather MP38/40 repro sling. Same for the mag pouch, I only wanted 3 not 6 size pouch so I found a thin leather repro one that fits the mags like it was made for them.

The battery location is less then ideal, not so much the location but the access... you need a hex wrench to remove the screws in the butt plate to get to it, I thought of reworking the butt plate to use magnets instead someday, it could be done without too much trouble. As it is I don't think there is any danger you will wear out the screw holes in the butt, the maker thoughtfully put in a steel insert where the bolts go, so I'd anticipate those would outlast the gun.

This is not a cheap gun, but you do get a lot of gun for your money and there is no cheapness or cut corners anywhere.
PROS:
- good materials and workmanship
- WW2 repro slings and mag pouches work
- period gun
- high rate of fire
CONS:
- not cheap.
- cannot use optics without modding the gun
- battery access is a bit of a PITA
- empties mags very fast, no high cap mags available
- so pretty you might be afraid to shoot it!

"This gun works very well for firing, exactly how you expect it to. The craftsmanship is good, the weight is nice (weighted but not heavy) and the materials (the wood and metal) feel good in the hand. The only issue i had is that my hand must be too small (an issue ive never faced before) as holding the gun by it's stock grip makes my thumb hurt after a short time, as the grip is really wide. This is of a very minute detail, though.