In airsoft, shotguns are definitely underrated and like their real steel counterparts airsoft shotguns truly come into their own in CQB situations (single BB shotguns are not true shotguns). Double Eagle has released a copy of TM’s Super 90 M3 springer shotgun with its M56A. A hybrid cross between the M3 Super 90 and M3 Shorty, the DE M56A has the shorter outer barrel and a full stock.
The Double Eagle M56A comes with one 30 round shell (mine came with one, I think it’s suppose to come with two), a 100 round “pistol mag” BB loader, a sling and a small bag of 6mm BBs. Since the gun is a copy of the TM system, the M56A fires three BBs at a time so each shell gives you ten shots.
TM and DE shells have the same physical dimensions and are cross compatible between the two platforms. Accessing the magazine area, there is a lever on the right side of the trigger which when pulled opens up the shell door and ejects the 30 round shell. One of the first things to break with TM shotguns is the shell door hinge and there’s no doubt the M56A will suffer from the same design problem.
As you can see besides the stock the DE M56A is the same size as the TM M3 Shorty (Smokey’s rear grip installed on the TM) and everything is placed in the same position. The M56A is slightly lighter than the TM M3 as externally the gun is completely plastic while the TM has a metal outer barrel, shell door and sights. On that note the M56A’s sights have been painted white which makes acquiring targets easier than with TM’s black sights.
I’ve been playing for years with the TM M3 Shorty, using the DE M56A is very familiar though I feel the stock is too long for someone my size (I’m 175cm or 5’8” in height) and teammates who are similar in size to me agree that the Super 90 stock is too long. The M56A uses a button safety which is great if you’re right handed however if you’re a southpaw you may have difficulty manipulating the switch.
Since the gun fires multiple BBs in a single shot, chronying the M56A is difficult but when one BB is loaded the gun comes in at 280 fps with 0.2g BBs, which is slightly higher (250 fps) than my 4 year old TM M3 shorty but then again, spring in the M56A is brand new and will settle after some use. The gun has a fixed hopup, I hear it’s set for 0.2g BBs but I find the flight path is better with 0.25g BBs.
Effective range of the DE M56A is less than a stock TM AEG but that’s alright it’s a shotgun after all. In CQB I would feel comfortable engaging targets as far as 20-25 meters, after that I have to fire the gun as a mortar. 😉 Compared to a rifle or pistol the ROF is much lower so that’s something the player has to adjust to but BB spread at 4 meters is ~ 10 cm which definitely helps make up for the low ROF. The feeling of getting a two’fer with one shot is pretty good.
In terms of a clone the DE M56A is pretty close to the TM M3 Shorty, the stock is a bit long for my liking but others might not mind. For CQB the DE M56A is a decent primary weapon once you adjust for the lower ROF. I have a TM M3 Shorty already so this is not something I would get but for the cost (even in Canada) the DE M56A is inexpensive. Shotguns are a lot of fun to use but it’s definitely a third or fourth weapon in line. If you’re new to airsoft get a decent AEG and pistol first but if you’re a veteran and want a challenge, shotguns are fun!
Hi, this is a really great review, thanks!
Hi Tom, I’m glad you enjoyed it. 🙂 I hope it serves you well if you decide to pick one up.
Hello, where have you bought your Smokey rear grip ? Thank you for your answer 🙂
Hi there.
I purchased the grip from WGCShop probably 4 years ago but i see that it’s been discontinued. 🙁 I think your only option will be trying to find it used on airsoft forums.
Sorry I couldn’t help. 🙁
hey my dad just got me one and we are trying to figure out how to turn on hop-up any help please?
Hi there.
Hop is not adjustable and preset for these guns, I believe for 0.25g BBs. How old are you? When you play, please wear full face protection.
Hi,
Where did you get this gun? I saw it in the US but didn’t get a chance to pick one up.
I picked the gun off a retailer on Airsoft Canada. Depending on where you are located though it’s probably cheaper and easier for you to find it locally.
Thank you a lot, this review was very useful for me, now i definitely know that this is the gun i want, so… again… thank you a lot for the great review!
I’m glad you found it useful Peter! Have fun with your shotgun.
Hi, I liked your review and I own the shotgun and love it! Im just curious about this one swiveling rotating lever type thing, its in between the end of the pump and the front sling mount, in your 5th picture you can see a little nub sticking out on each side, I was just wondering what that was and what’s it’s purpose. Thanks!
Hi Nick, I’m glad you are having fun with the shotgun!
The lever is completely cosmetic for the airsoft gun. In real life that lever allows you to adjust a Benelli M3 to work in either pump or semi auto mode.
thank you for your “easy to understand” review. (because my english is too bad, and english is not my main language.) :p
so, I decide to buy this shotgun because the TM is just too expensive in my country. and it looks great! thank you colin, thank you so much. 🙂
sorry for my bad english. 🙂
Hi Alldila, I’m glad that it helped and no worries about your English. It just takes practice haha like airsoft, have a good one! 🙂
Nick! THANK YOU for asking…
Colin! THANK YOU for answering…
That thing has bugged the hell out of me since I got it finally I have an answer as to what it is for….
so again, THANK YOU both! 😛
I got this gun maybe a year ago and the stock is loose how do u tighten it
I’m not 100% sure I think you take off the but cap then there should be a screw inside that attaches the stock to the gun. Try that, you may need a long screwdriver!