Reviews

LCT Airsoft’s LK-53A3 AEG

Master Chief

LCT Airsoft LK-53A3 AEG Review

LCT Airsoft is well known at manufacturing period or shall I say replicas of rifles in the past. Their latest release is a blast from the 60s, with the LK-53 series modeled from the Heckler & Koch HK53.

In the 1960s, HK or Heckler & Koch released the HK53A3 which they classified as a sub-machine gun due to its compact size and was a short version of the HK33. The HK53 looks very similar to the MP5 apart from the obviously bigger magazine and it actually derives its forearm from the MP5. Apart from the magazine, the front assembly of the HK53A3 is longer than that of the MP5. It chambers a 5.56x45mm NATO round and uses a 25 round metal magazine and later on had a 40 round magazine added an option.

LCT Airsoft have sent us the AEG version (an EBB version is also available) of the LK-53A3 for us to review.


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The LCT LK-53A3 came in a sturdy cardboard box with the LCT logo in the middle of the lid and an image of the two LK5-3 variants they have released. Inside the box you will get a certificate which details the test firing results and an average muzzle velocity in joules. According to the certificate, this particular replica energy is under 1 joule.


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An LCT product catalog is also included together with a very useful user’s manual. A Styrofoam covers the replica inside the box. Underneath, you will find the replica in all its glory, a metal magazine, and some other bits and bobs.

LCT stayed true to the design of the original rifle with the replica made of mostly metal parts. The replica feels very solid and has a very good weight to it. Even though it is heavy, it feels very balanced when shouldered to a shooting position.


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The flash hider is metal and again stayed true to the original design. The front and rear sites are standard HK metal sights found in similar designs firearms with the rear sight fully adjustable by rotating it to the desired setting. The charging handle locks back when pulled and retracts the fake bolt which will then reveal the rotary style hop-up adjuster. Since the replica is mostly made of metal, it will handle the “HK Slap” to release the charging handle back.


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The front handguard is made of polymer and also serves as the battery compartment. Removing the front pin will enable you to pull the handguard off and reveal the small Tamiya battery connector underneath. Be warned though that the battery space is quite challenging and needs specific-sized lipo batteries to fit. LCT Airsoft recommends the 11.1v Lipo stick 3-piece and the 7.4v Lipo stick 2-piece batteries for better and comfortable fit. When putting back the handguard, make sure not to pinch the battery wires as this can cause damage.


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The LK-53A3 has three firing modes: Safe, Semi and Full Auto (S-E-F). The markings do not quite align with the fire selector lever but the lever does lock into place when set. Firing is crisp and responsive although you can still hear the sound of the motor turning. I found it best to use an 11.1v lipo battery as it gives a faster rate of fire.


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The package comes with a 100-BB round mid-capacity steel magazine and airsoft players can also opt for the 300-BB round high capacity magazine. Inserting and realesing the magazine is a cinch.


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The LK-53A3 has a sliding stock with the butt plate made of polymer. Although the surface has very deep texturing, it is not uncomfortable to shoulder. The sliding mechanism is controlled by a swivel arm at the rear of the rifle. The stock only has two positions, short and fully extended. It does lock in place on both positions but as with any sliding stock of this type, it needs a lot of getting used to in order to adjust it using one hand.


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The replica also features a quick spring change system. With this model, simply remove the rear body pin and gently wiggle the entire stock assembly out. Once this is detached, the rear of the gearbox will be visible. Using a large flat head screwdriver, rotate the spring guide bad align the locks along the space where they can pass and the spring should pop out. Be careful as the spring may fly out.


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I have yet to put the LK-53A3 to its paces as I have not had a chance to take it out for a skirmish yet. But the quality on this replica is very good. It feels very solid and stayed true to the design of its real steel counterpart which makes it a really good choice for players who prefer period weapons. There are certain things to consider though. One is battery type and size due to the limited battery space and also its weight. The quick spring change system is a great feature and will make it easy for the user to adjust the replica depending on site rules.

I will update this review once I get the shooting footage available.

There are two variants of the LK53 that were released by LCT Airsoft: the LK-53A3 with the sliding stock as the LK-53A2 with the fixed stock. Both have standard AEG and Electric Blowback Versions. These AEGs should be at authorized resellers worldwide soon as LCT Airsoft has started shipping these last month.

Many thanks to our friends from LCT Airsoft for sending us this replica for review.

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