Review & pics by: Fred Meyer

Marauder Gun Runners Series 6 - Page 3


  Review & pics by Fred Meyer
 

 

G-18 Automatic Pistol:

G18 Automatic pistol

The fully automatic Glock 18 is another weapon that has seen use in films, television and video games. (While not listed on the Internet Movie Firearms Database, I’m willing to bet this is what Lara Croft carried in the first Tomb Raider film. It was featured in two films in 2003- Terminator 3 and Matrix: Reloaded.) Lightweight and compact, it’s a perfect choice for someone who prefers pistols over bulkier SMG’s and doesn’t need to focus on “spray and pray” to take down an opponent. Honestly, what MGR has done with the G-18 is produce the perfect accessory for someone like the Baroness or even Agent Helix—characters that move fast and prefer to end their gun battles with quick precise hits. The sculpted long clip works to convey the impression of a greater ammunition capacity while not making the gun seem completely implausible. A very solid choice for someone outfitting more recent figures as opposed to Generation 1 ARAH era sculpts.

M200 Sniper Rifle with scope, silencer, and bipod:

m200 sniper rifle

Did you ever feel that the BBTS Slaughter’s Marauder’s version of Lowlight just wasn’t carrying a large enough rifle? Look no further than the MGR M200—a long lean rifle that includes a removable scope, silencer and bipod. Modeled after the Cheyenne Tactical M-200 Intervention rifle, this is a perfect replica of the rifle that was featured in both “Shooter” and the television series “The Unit”. (If you’ve not seen the second season episode “Dark of the Moon” you really really should.) I’ve found that this is an easy weapon to pose a figure with due to the smaller nature of the stock and the length of the scope. In fact, one of my Joe Troopers has already been assigned the call sign “Shooter” and has had this weapon added to his standard kit—that is until I go back to putting in the Marauder’s Low-light’s hands. With a removable scope and silencer, this weapon is perfect for any of the more tactical shooters in your 1:18 collection.

M240 Bravo machine gun with bipod and ammo case:

M240 bravo machine gun

The M240 was first deployed to members of the US Armed Forces in the 80’s as a reliable infantry weapon. As such, it’s a natural fit for a line of weapons designed to work with 1:18 real American heroes. Included with this item are a foldable bipod and a snap on ammunition box which eliminates the need for a sculpted ammo belt. (Those have always been dicey in my eyes as a figure collector as the materials used are typically too rigid to be believable.) One of the issues I had with the Gen3 “modern era” Rock-n-Roll figures was that the included machine gun was far too large to be practical. The MGR version of the M240 is logical replacement and work well with the gimpy hands used by Hasbro to replicate Greg O’Connell in updated form. This replica, like all of the MGR items, is loaded with detail—far more than is found on mass-produced items of this scale.

MP40 machine gun:

MP40

I have a confession to make: I don’t just collect G.I. Joe figures. As a “child of the 80’s” I went a big nuts for Hasbro’s ill-fated Indiana Jones line so you can imagine my surprise to see the MP40 included in the line-up for series 6. Designed in 1938 and used by Nazi paratroopers, copies of this submachine are still in limited use today—which leads me to an interesting thought. If the first-release Retaliation Cobra Troopers are designated as paratroopers and are equipped with WW2-style helmets, why not take the homage further and equip them with MP40’s? The Marauder weapon fits surprisingly well in their soft plastic hands and looks incredibly appropriate—in a retro sort of way. I’ve also tried it out with my Indy Desert Troopers and the weapon looks great with either one.

Ninja star:

1:18 ninja star

Have you ever tried to photograph an item THIS SMALL? Okay, have you ever tried to photograph an item this small with a very curious 1 year old cat nosing around? Once again, Marauder John shows fans that there is no accessory too small for him to try and produce! Up to now, the only 1:18 throwing star that I’m aware of came packaged with the Pursuit of Cobra Desert Battle Storm Shadow. Those tiny pieces of plastic were nicely done and attached to the figure’s “skirt” but had a strong potential for being lost and eventually being fed to the vacuum cleaner. With the MGR versions, you can easily re-equip Storm Shadow as well as the Retaliation Red Ninjas which are sadly lacking on appropriate gear. When shooting pics for the review I was able to place on of these easily between the splayed fingers of the crimson warrior with little to no problems. In fact, the throwing star stayed in place even when the figure fell over due to poor positioning on my part. Possibly one of the smallest pieces ever to be offered from MGR and yet something that will work incredibly well as diorama fodder as well a figure accessory.

Conclusion:

All-in-all, this is another great wave of Marauder gear. While the sheer number of small parts in the accessory kit can prove initially daunting, the versatility that they offer is more than worth any hassle of keeping track for something as small as a handgrip. I would recommend, and I cannot stress this enough, that fans worried about losing parts once they’ve put together a modular weapon should keep a small tube of super glue handy. Seriously—if you’re not going to be taking it apart again, just slap down a small drop of the wonder adhesive and you’re as good as gold. However, aside from that—I can find a use in my collection for EVERY single piece shown. (Okay, maybe not the MG34 ammo drum but that’s only because I don’t own an MG34 from MGR… yet.) While some will get far more use than others for the price, you simply cannot beat Marauder Gun Runners for a quality product at an affordable price.

m200 sniper rifle

Rock 'n Roll M240

MG34 ammunition drum

Indiana Jones German soldier with MP40

Red Ninja with throwing star

m200 sniper rile with Soap McTavish Joe Trooper

m240 with Python Copperhead

MP40 with Cobra Trooper

Agent Helix with G18 automatic

Lynch with M200 Sniper rifle

 

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