Introduction

General Dynamics’ Mk19-3 Automatic Grenade Launcher and Mk47 Advanced Lightweight Grenade Launcher (ALGL) are both 40mm belt-fed automatic grenade launchers. Both weapons use standard disintegrating ammo belts supplied in 32 or 48 round boxes.

Live Resin offers a number of accessory sets for their 1/35 scale Mk19 and Mk47 weapon sets. This review covers their Mk19-3/Mk47 MK93 Multi-Purpose Ammo Can Holder and PA70 60mm Ammo Cans, Ammo Belts (LRE-35083).

Review

The set is packed in a zip-lock bag with the resin pieces additionally protected between a firm cardboard backing. The CAD boxart on the front shows all the kit parts, while the one on the back displays some of the possibilities of using this set. The box states this accessory set is compatible with all Live Resin kits featuring Mk19/Mk47 grenade launchers, but also with any 40mm grenade machine guns produced by other manufacturers.

The set contains 8 pieces cast in grey resin. The cast is really good and I found no imperfections in the resin. Due to the big carrier blocks, I would suggest taking care when cleaning the pieces.

The set depicts the MK93 Multi-Purpose Ammo Can Holder and PA70 Ammo Can. The MK93 Multi-Purpose Ammo Can Holder was originally designed for Special Forces to function with the MK93 Gun Mount. It can accommodate a wide variety of ammo cans, including the standard NATO 100 round .50 Cal ammo can, 200 round 7.62mm ammo can, 32 round 40mm ammo can and PA70 ammo can. PA70 ammo can is usually used for 60mm Mortar cartridges, but it also holds 225 rounds of 12.7mm or 48 rounds of 40mm ammo. It features a hinged lid with tension clamp down, flat folding handle on top for carrying and lever-lock lid.

Four PA70 ammo cans in 1/35 scale are included in this accessory set: two are depicted closed with their lids on, one opened with its lid cast separately, while the last can is shown in MK93 Multi-Purpose Ammo Can Holder. Three 7-round 40mm ammo belts are included in the set as well. The belts in this kit feature pivoting coupling: the design is essentially a metal plug and metal loop that fits around the 40mm grenade round, allowing soldiers to easily re-link and de-link 40mm grenade belts. Soldiers can even use the pivoting coupling to attach partially used ammo belts or single rounds in a process that requires no tools and no special training or skill. The 7-round ammo belts in this kit should be trimmed to fit the opening of the PA70 ammo can.

All the intricate details of both the MK93 holder and ammo can are beautifully rendered. However, I wish Live Resin supplied the MK93 holder ammo locking mechanism as a separate piece in the set so the 40mm ammo belt doesn't have to be trimmed in order to fit well to the weapon and ammo can at the same time. I would even consider removing the top locking plate, adding the ammo belt in its full length and then making a new thin plate from scratch.

Conclusion

This accessory set represents MK93 Multi-Purpose Ammo Can Holder and PA70 ammo can. The set includes four cans in slightly different setups and three short 40mm ammo belt segments. If you are thinking of adding a "special touch" to any type of US Special Forces vehicles, this is a great set for you.

References

MilSys Group
Browning MGS