MG RGM-79[G]

GM Sniper

Kit Review

Straight build +
partial painting + panel lining + decals

MG GM Sniper - The universal standard for size comparison — next to a cigarette pack.

The universal standard for size comparison — next to a cigarette pack.

MG GM Sniper (1/2) MG GM Sniper (2/2)

MG GM Sniper - Upper body close-up. The official color scheme is so simple...^^;

Upper body close-up. The official color scheme is so simple...^^;

MG GM Sniper - The newly added GM Sniper backpack.

The newly added GM Sniper backpack.

MG GM Sniper - The power cables connect like this — four lines running in pairs, routed through the backpack as a relay point

The power cables connect like this — four lines running in pairs, routed through the backpack as a relay point.
The rubber power cables are a bit stiff, though.

MG GM Sniper - On top of the already generous Ground Type GM weapons loadout, a generator and camouflage net are also include

On top of the already generous Ground Type GM weapons loadout, a generator and camouflage net are also included,
making for an incredibly packed accessories lineup.

MG GM Sniper - The existing long-range beam rifle is joined by a dedicated backpack, generator, and cables, completing a prop

The existing long-range beam rifle is joined by a dedicated backpack, generator, and cables,
completing a proper sniper system.

MG GM Sniper - The generator's detail... decent enough.

The generator's detail... decent enough.

MG GM Sniper - Cockpit hatch open. As you can see, gate marks are pretty visible due to the molded color. T_T

Cockpit hatch open. As you can see, gate marks are pretty visible due to the molded color. T_T

MG GM Sniper - Outer armor removed

Outer armor removed

MG GM Sniper - Internal frame

Internal frame

MG GM Sniper - The backpack can be assembled as either the standard Ground Type GM backpack or the Sniper backpack. Since the

The backpack can be assembled as either the standard Ground Type GM backpack or the Sniper backpack.
Since the inner frame and verniers are shared and only the outer casing is a choice build, you can't build both at the same time —
you have to pick one.

MG GM Sniper - The backpack assembled each way — Ground Type GM version and Sniper version.

The backpack assembled each way — Ground Type GM version and Sniper version.

MG GM Sniper - As with the base kit, arm articulation is excellent, while the legs are pretty average.

As with the base kit, arm articulation is excellent, while the legs are pretty average.

MG GM Sniper - Action po~se. Using the camouflage net as a ground mat actually works pretty well...^^;

Action po~se. Using the camouflage net as a ground mat actually works pretty well...^^;

MG GM Sniper - This kit exists to recreate exactly this pose.

This kit exists to recreate exactly this pose.

MG GM Sniper - Realistic power cables. (1/2) MG GM Sniper - Realistic power cables. (2/2)

Realistic power cables.

MG GM Sniper - Draped in the camouflage net.

Draped in the camouflage net.

MG GM Sniper - The camouflage net is made of soft material, so it drapes naturally.

The camouflage net is made of soft material, so it drapes naturally.

MG GM Sniper - A bridal veil...^^;

A bridal veil...^^;

MG GM Sniper

MG GM Sniper - Configured as a normal Ground Type GM. (1/3) MG GM Sniper - Configured as a normal Ground Type GM. (2/3) MG GM Sniper - Configured as a normal Ground Type GM. (3/3)

Configured as a normal Ground Type GM.

MG GM Sniper (1/2) MG GM Sniper (2/2)

MG GM Sniper (1/2) MG GM Sniper (2/2)

MG GM Sniper - Borrowing the Ground Type Gundam's "refrigerator" (;;) for a moment. The colors really don't go together at al

Borrowing the Ground Type Gundam's "refrigerator" (;;) for a moment. The colors really don't go together at all.

MG GM Sniper - Compared to the Ground Type GM from five years ago. The structure is of course identical.

Compared to the Ground Type GM from five years ago. The structure is of course identical.

MG GM Sniper - MG Ground Type set of four.

MG Ground Type set of four.

MG GM Sniper - As a bonus — alongside three of the camo-painted Ground Types from the 9-piece camo variant set. Honestly, if

As a bonus — alongside three of the camo-painted Ground Types from the 9-piece camo variant set.
Honestly, if this kit had come out in a camo paint scheme instead of that plain green molded color, it would've been a massive hit...^^;

MG GM Sniper - Group shot of the Ground Type series. After building 13 kits with the same structure, I'm starting to get a li

Group shot of the Ground Type series. After building 13 kits with the same structure, I'm starting to get a little tired of it... T_T

MG GM Sniper - Straight-built state (1/2) MG GM Sniper - Straight-built state (2/2)

Straight-built state

MG GM Sniper - The molded color is a bit... well, somehow it looks way cooler in black and white. ^^;

The molded color is a bit... well, somehow it looks way cooler in black and white. ^^;

When the Ground Type GM came out back in July 2001, a lot of people — myself included — figured the GM Sniper would follow pretty soon after. After all, the long-range sniper rifle was already included, so all Bandai would need to do is swap the molded color to green — there's no way they'd pass that up. ^^;

Well, it did eventually come out — just over five years later. And maybe they felt a little awkward just dropping it as a straight color variant, so they threw in 500 yen worth of extra goodies and some fun new options.

For starters, the original kit only came with the long-range rifle, but this one goes all the way with a dedicated Sniper backpack, generator, and cables — fully realizing the design as intended. That gives it a strong sense of originality despite being a rehash kit. And as a bonus, a camouflage net is thrown in too — the cherry on top!

The added dedicated backpack and generator show decent detail and parts breakdown, and the power cables have a nice texture — though they're a bit too springy to droop naturally. It almost feels like they made them too stiff, but they still look good in their own way. The camouflage net, on the other hand, turned out to be made of surprisingly soft, quality material that drapes quite naturally. It's a huge contrast to the MG Crossbone's cape, which was so stiff it was almost embarrassing.

Since the base body is completely identical to the existing Ground Type GM, for detailed construction info please refer to the MG Ground Type Gundam reviewand the MG Ground Type GM review. The base body on this kit is essentially just a molded color change — but since the official color scheme is basically all green to begin with, there wasn't really any color separation to worry about in the first place.

That said, the actual molded color feels quite different from the subtle, battle-worn look of the box art. I was hoping for something more muted and understated, but the molded color on this kit ends up looking a bit bluish and garish, to be honest. It may be accurate to the official specs, but it's not a green I'm particularly fond of... T_T

The base body was already excellent to begin with, and now it's loaded up with a luxurious accessories package — so it's definitely a good kit, no question. The extra 500 yen feels well worth it given what's been added. My only gripe is that it could've come out a lot sooner. For anyone who'd been waiting for this kit for ages and eventually just painted their GM Sniper green themselves — yeah, this variation kit might sting just a little. ^^;

MG RGM-79[G]  GM Sniper
CategoryRatingAnalysis
Seam Lines★★★★★Almost no seam lines to deal with. One-piece parts parade~
Molding Color / Color Separation★★★☆Monochrome by nature. But the molded color is a bit... garish. T_T
Proportions★★★★★The base body was excellent to begin with...
Articulation★★★★Pretty decent for a variation on a 6-year-old MG...
Joint Strength★★★★★Joint strength just right.
Internal Frame★★★★Full frame on arms and legs only.
Detail★★★★☆Overall excellent. Frame is a little plain though.
Weapons / Accessories★★★★★The already well-stocked Ground Type GM, now with backpack, cables, tank, AND a camouflage net!!
Parts Count / Price★★★★★377 parts total. Parts per ¥1,000: 107.7. A kit with a seriously high part count.
Uniqueness★★★★☆A long-awaited Ground Type variation. A great treat for those who've been waiting.
Dalong's Point : 91 pts.

MG GM Sniper | 2006. 11 | ¥3,500

AIThis page was translated by Claude Sonnet.