Let's talk about AK47 AK74 AKM s....

[Billbo]

If you are looking to replicate Russian SF AKs then the E&l gen 2 AKs are a good base rifle, uses standard v3 gearbox so spares and repairs are not a problem, also easily upgraded or tweaked and you can purchase models that come with replica style  Russian zenitco rails out of the box, so no need to hunt round to buy the rail parts separately the AK 104PMC-E is a good starting point to try and replicate a Russian SF.

However, it must be noted that there is no general consensus as to what constitutes as Russian SF AK as they pretty much get to chose whatever they want to get the job done e.g you see reference photos of RU SF operators using  7.62x39 calibre AKs  and 5.45x39 calibre AKs  and some time the use of western optics to  if you are looking for more info regarding RU SF AKs then you could join  the Northern Pact community page: https://www.facebook.com/groups/342974125862243/?fref=nf  

If you not looking for a full-length AK then may I recommend the carbine length AKs such as  AK105 or AK 104 as an alternative.

Ah maybe I was a little confusing there. I'm not after a Spetnaz AK per se, I was more meaning a modern AK platform with more of a, for want of a better word, "tactical" appearance with rails etc. unlike the good ol' wooden stock AK's.

Thanks for the advice on those carbines, I hadn't even thought of them!

What are your thoughts on the CYMA and G&G AKs I linked.  Not worth it? Better to look for the E&Ls?

Havent had any experience with the LCT's or G&G's but the E&L's are pretty good.

Good performance out of the box, exceptional build quality, great fun to shoot.

I'd imagine the LCT feel very similar to the E&L.

Thanks, I'm looking at some of those now.

 

Edit: Hmmmm.  Those E&Ls do look VERY nice, might be a little more than I was looking for cost wise, was aiming more for £300 - £400.

 

[Sniper780]

looking at something along the lines of a G&G AEG RK74-E with ETU or CYMA CM.076A AK Full Metal Tactical.

The current line of G&G AKs are very good they come with steel bodies and other external steel parts and aluminium outer barrels.

The reason they are slightly more than the LCT AKs is the internal extras you get out of the box some come with pneumatic blowback and the electronic trigger unit ETU) which allows for a faster rate of fire, better trigger response and you can change your full auto mode to 3rd burst mode on the fly.

In my personal opinion if you are not bothered about replicating a real seel AK then they are an ideal skirmish weapons that goes for airsoft performs first over real steel details/looks.    

However, those extras can in some case complicate matters when they break or you upgrades as I personally found out while putting the etu back in my own gearbox can be a nightmare as it is not like a standard MOSFET and you can only run Etu guns on 11.1v lipos any lower voltage e.g 7.4  and they will not work. 

Cyma AKs are an excellent economical option they use standard v3 gearbox so spares and repairs are not a problem, also easily upgraded or tweaked they are generally considered (in the circle I frequent)  a base rifle where people build upon them for their own unique AK both in looks and performance. 

performance is OK out the box you can hold your own for the most part. 

However, the economical pro can be a con as certain parts such as charging handles and front and rear sights have been known to snap and break off  under use.

 

[Billbo]

The current line of G&G AKs are very good they come with steel bodies and other external steel parts and aluminium outer barrels.

The reason they are slightly more than the LCT AKs is the internal extras you get out of the box some come with pneumatic blowback and the electronic trigger unit ETU) which allows for a faster rate of fire, better trigger response and you can change your full auto mode to 3rd burst mode on the fly.

In my personal opinion if you are not bothered about replicating a real seel AK then they are an ideal skirmish weapons that goes for airsoft performs first over real steel details/looks.    

However, those extras can in some case complicate matters when they break or you upgrades as I personally found out while putting the etu back in my own gearbox can be a nightmare as it is not like a standard MOSFET and you can only run Etu guns on 11.1v lipos any lower voltage e.g 7.4  and they will not work. 

Cyma AKs are an excellent economical option they use standard v3 gearbox so spares and repairs are not a problem, also easily upgraded or tweaked they are generally considered (in the circle I frequent)  a base rifle where people build upon them for their own unique AK both in looks and performance. 

performance is OK out the box you can hold your own for the most part. 

However, the economical pro can be a con as certain parts such as charging handles and front and rear sights have been known to snap and break off  under use.

Thank you very much for your detailed response!

I am not bothered about blow back, but other performance enhancing features are always welcome.

The main reason I am looking for an AK is that I am starting Milsims soon and already have a high performing M4 platform.

So I am looking for an AEG I can use when I play OpFor/Eastern bloc/Cartel etc.

 

[Sniper780]

So I am looking for an AEG I can use when I play OpFor/Eastern bloc/Cartel etc.

To be honest you can go for what you like if those three factions/teams are your objective to play as.

In my personal opinion, the majority of those factions would more than likely just use the tried and trust AKM wood and Steel (because there were so many built and exported) the eastern bloc might have a number of the AK74 (due to proximity with Russia) maybe they might add some embellishments such as tourniquet on the stocks for comfort  and maybe some trench art/kill marks (hit marks for airsoft) and possibly paint it or personalise it with their name. 

Not too sure how tactical they would be as procurement would be somewhat difficult but at the end of the day, it's your money and your AK.

If I was to personally recommend an AK brand (excluding Real Sword type 56) the E&L gen 2 would be my first choice because it of several factors that help with the upgrading prosses such as the QC spring gearbox and pro-win style/copy hop unit. But like you said they are expensive, after that it would be LCT good all-rounder then cyma just watch the pot metal parts and more than likely would need a bit of upgrading/tweaking to get the best out of it asap   

But one thing I would definitely recommend is weathering your chosen AK just because it would help enhance your chose team/faction weapon mentality. The two brands I find/had experience with that lend them self well to this prosses are the LCT and E&L  cyma can also be weathered but it takes more work due to the finish used on the metals.  

One Last thing have a look at some of the airsoft forums classifies sections you make find a good deal on an AK. 

 

[Billbo]

To be honest you can go for what you like if those three factions/teams are your objective to play as.

In my personal opinion, the majority of those factions would more than likely just use the tried and trust AKM wood and Steel (because there were so many built and exported) the eastern bloc might have a number of the AK74 (due to proximity with Russia) maybe they might add some embellishments such as tourniquet on the stocks for comfort  and maybe some trench art/kill marks (hit marks for airsoft) and possibly paint it or personalise it with their name. 

Not too sure how tactical they would be as procurement would be somewhat difficult but at the end of the day, it's your money and your AK.

If I was to personally recommend an AK brand (excluding Real Sword type 56) the E&L gen 2 would be my first choice because it of several factors that help with the upgrading prosses such as the QC spring gearbox and pro-win style/copy hop unit. But like you said they are expensive, after that it would be LCT good all-rounder then cyma just watch the pot metal parts and more than likely would need a bit of upgrading/tweaking to get the best out of it asap   

But one thing I would definitely recommend is weathering your chosen AK just because it would help enhance your chose team/faction weapon mentality. The two brands I find/had experience with that lend them self well to this prosses are the LCT and E&L  cyma can also be weathered but it takes more work due to the finish used on the metals.  

One Last thing have a look at some of the airsoft forums classifies sections you make find a good deal on an AK. 

I think the E&L is definitely where I am veering now.  Looking around costwise I have found a few potentials in my price range.

Again thanks for your advice and taking the time to type it out.  It really is helpful!

 

[sonofsammo]

I'm still looking for an AK that floats my boat and ended up watching this from the heresy group:

He says that TM didn't use wood, because of where the battery is. 
But I'm sure that G&G have put the battery in the front as well?
So I'm a bit confused.
Does anyone have any experience of the TM AK? The lack of wood puts me off, but I'm still curious if it's any good....
Also - has anyone run a G&G AK?

Does anyone know of any store (preferably north of Nottingham!) where they'd have an e&l, lct and g&g available?

 

[Sniper780]

He says that TM didn't use wood, because of where the battery is. 
But I'm sure that G&G have put the battery in the front as well?
So I'm a bit confused.
Does anyone have any experience of the TM AK? The lack of wood puts me off, but I'm still curious if it's any good....
Also - has anyone run a G&G AK?

Does anyone know of any store (preferably north of Nottingham!) where they'd have an e&l, lct and g&g available?

The G&G  GK  AK series have an 11.1v lipo built into the lower handguard depending on the model some were wooded handguard coved batteries I believe this is what you are referring to.  https://www.zerooneairsoft.com/product_info.php?products_id=4924 the more modern G&G AKs that have the key mod front ends just use a regular battery in the front but that because they do not have the gas tube part so there more room.

Tokyo Marui (TM) AKs that I have encountered have never had wood furniture or copious amounts of steel/metal from the factory there are I was told due to the laws in Japan regard airsoft weapons, there are aftermarket kit, but I do not think they will fit the TM AK47 type 3 electric blowback you linked ( I could be wrong).  My first AK was TM it just a regular faux plastic wood and plastic lower receiver with a metal top cover and outer barrel eternal it was meh and creaked and flex like no tomorrow, but internally it was one of the best as with most TM made weapons you  get excellent internal performance  but OK externals that why other airsoft companies copied their gearbox design.   

 

[sonofsammo]

So far I've found these, if anyone has any comments?

Real Sword Type 56 - £540
https://www.airsoftworld.net/real-sword-type-56-ak47-s-airsoft-rifle-with-bayonet.html#
G&G AK47 - £290
https://www.zerooneairsoft.com/product_info.php?products_id=6177
LCT AKM - £249
https://www.fire-support.co.uk/product/lct-akm-nv-airsoft-gun-aeg

LCT AK47 Ltd Special Edition - £649

https://www.fire-support.co.uk/product/lct-ak47-aeg-airsoft-rifle-limited-special-edition
E&L AKM Platinum - £435
https://www.surplusstore.co.uk/e-l-elakm-platinum-electric-assault-rifle.html
CYMA AK47 - £210

https://www.airsoftworld.net/cybergun-branded-cyma-ak47-kalashnikov-style-russian-aeg-airsoft-rifle-full-metal-and-wood-plus-free-extra-600rd-hi-cap-magazine.html 

Now I know that's one hell of a price range, but I'm interested in all of them (albeit for different reasons!).

Which represents the best bang for your buck?
I'm looking for something with decent range, as near to indestructible as possible, that feels as close to the real thing as possible and that's fun to use/shoot....
 

 

[Sniper780]

I would go for the Real sword first Type 56 series is your best bet if you want the most accurate AK in an AEG format. They designed the gearbox to fit into real AK receivers so it 1:1 not like all the other airsoft AKs you listed as they are bigger than real AKs because of the v3 gearbox.   Real sword type 56 external are seconded to none full steel and real wood. The steel has a beautiful deep blued finish even the magazine is and Real steel ak mag converted to airsoft which also has blued finish,  internal are rock solid you do not have to do any work on it internally and they disassemble very similarly to Real steel AK minus a few parts. 

Overall my favorite airsoft AK brand.  But it must be noted they are the Chinese designed and produced AK variant, not the Russian and they are expensive here in the UK.  However ehobby aisa  have the RS type 56-1 on sale I have just bought one from them and a type 56-2   https://shop.ehobbyasia.com/catalog/product/view/id/9625/s/real-sword-rs-type-56-1-aeg/  so if you want RS quality but LCT price tag get one asap. 

I would not bother with the G&G and cyma economical options you listed as they do not fit your criteria for  "something with decent range, as near to indestructible as possible, that feels as close to the real thing as possible and that's fun to use/shoot" and I have already posted my views on E&L and LCT on the previous page of this thread. 

But just to throw a spanner into the works your criteria for "something with decent range, as near to indestructible as possible, that feels as close to the real thing as possible and that's fun to use/shoot" what about gbb AK particularly the GHK AK? 

 

[sonofsammo]

Overall my favorite airsoft AK brand.  But it must be noted they are the Chinese designed and produced AK variant, not the Russian and they are expensive here in the UK.  However ehobby aisa  have the RS type 56-1 on sale I have just bought one from them and a type 56-2   https://shop.ehobbyasia.com/catalog/product/view/id/9625/s/real-sword-rs-type-56-1-aeg/  so if you want RS quality but LCT price tag get one asap. 

But just to throw a spanner into the works your criteria for "something with decent range, as near to indestructible as possible, that feels as close to the real thing as possible and that's fun to use/shoot" what about gbb AK particularly the GHK AK? 

Shame it's got the folding stock. So that's £221 before delivery / taxes etc - How much does that add generally?
 

As far as the GHK goes, I'm not sure.
I like gas guns. Well, actually, I love them.
But they don't love me back.
I have an MWS, which was awesome - 9 mags. And to field it, that's one heck of a weight for an overweight fatty to wobble round with all day. 
I can cope with a decent weight rifle, but when you add in that much weight in mags things become an awful lot less fun.
Which is a shame, cos I love the recoil on my MWS and it's so much fun to shoot.

 

[emilianoksa]

I went LCT over E&L for two reasons: cheaper and much less prone to rust.

E&L AKs have a thin semi- blued finish which is not really authentic and requires regular oiling with firearns products.

They rust very easily and quickly. LCTs have a matte black coating and rarely show signs of rust. The bloke I spoke to at Fire Support claimed he had never seen rust on one. 

It would be worth googling LCT vs E&L and reading some American reviews. That's what I found very helpful when making my choice.

 

[Sniper780]

Shame it's got the folding stock. So that's £221 before delivery / taxes etc - How much does that add generally?
 

As far as the GHK goes, I'm not sure.
I like gas guns. Well, actually, I love them.
But they don't love me back.
I have an MWS, which was awesome - 9 mags. And to field it, that's one heck of a weight for an overweight fatty to wobble round with all day. 
I can cope with a decent weight rifle, but when you add in that much weight in mags things become an awful lot less fun.
Which is a shame, cos I love the recoil on my MWS and it's so much fun to shoot.

For one Real Sword AK from ehobby it cost me $320.99 that included their fast shipping ( which is the only option you have  at the checkout) there going through customs at the moment so will let you known how much that will cost me when I get the info.  

E&L AKs have a thin semi- blued finish which is not really authentic and requires regular oiling with firearns products.

They rust very easily and quickly.

I have never experienced the quick rusting on my e&l AKs even when using them in wet weather and then I just dry them off with a rag can I ask when you bought your E&L AK?  

 

[Iceni]

Does anyone know of any store (preferably north of Nottingham!) where they'd have an e&l, lct and g&g available?

If you have a car it's only about 60 miles to Fire support in Peterborough. If you don't have a car ask if any of your shooting mates fancy the drive over if you'll pay for fuel. Chances are one of them will jump on it. 120 mile round trip.

45MPG is 10MPL 1L is £1.30. So £15 should cover it for most cars.

Once you have an LCT in your hands you'll want it. I said the same thing to @emilianoksa. And it proved true for him as well.


You could get one of the others and they will also be perfect. The LCT does almost as much, costs half as much and leaves a whole heap of budget left over for a side mounted scope rail, Real sling, Mags, Mosfet, And a chest rig, Oh and probably camo as well... £250 difference goes a long way.


The LCT  have daytona kits available as well.... Shouldn't of mentioned this

https://www.daytonagunairsoft.com/collections/aeg-body-conversion-kits/products/daytona-hpa-lct-ak-rpk-kit

 

 

[Huxley]

I have an lct as val, and I love it, not sure about the ak platform and mag availability can be an issue.

Parts are plentiful and there very easy to work on being V3 guns.

Hop up wise use lonex, had a pro win and it sucked hard.

Sure weigh a bit, but you'd know that seeing as they're all metal or near as.

Great range and built like a tank, you'll love it.

 

[FreeFrag.UK]

I have an LCT AKMS which has been incredible so far, admittedly out of the gate I had upgrade done prior to shipping. I had the barrel exchanged for a Prometheus tightbore, a different hop rubber put in, gate titan and a higher spec motor. The rumour mill reports the motors tend to be a weak point on the LCT's but the two I own have had different motors put in immediately (something I do with most my guns).

I run LCT magazines with my AKMS and have had zero feeding issues, as a matter of fact it's probably the best gun I have for feeding BB's. The overall build quality is superb and they're a steal for the price. From the look of it you've got quite a decent budget so upgrading out the box could be a viable option for you. If you wanted to anyway.

If it has any bearing I can tell you that I'll be considering LCT for any future purchases when it comes to new RIF's.

 

[Greg147]

I've owned one of the G&G RK47s, and it wasn't much to shout and scream about. I ended up selling it. While I don't own any other AKs, I do have an LCT SR3M, which I believe has the same internals as their AKs. Assuming the quality is the same, then LCTs externals are fantastic for the price (I paid £210 for a full steel AEG that hasn't so much as creaked in two years), and internally, it's one of my most accurate AEGs I've got, and the only one I haven't had the desire to open up and tinker with.

Basically, I've got an AKM on the shopping list, and it'll be an LCT while the time finally comes around. 

 

[cropzy]

E&L all the way

 

[clumpyedge]

On 06/10/2018 at 10:35, sonofsammo said:

I'm still looking for an AK that floats my boat and ended up watching this from the heresy group:

Dat bolt lock doe!

personally until TM bring out the NGRS 74u with bolt lock etc id just stock to LCT

 

[Immortal]

I have a GHK LCT AK74UN, it's bullet proof rock solid model. It's small and maneuverable, easy to use with the stock folded or locked in place. It's not firing real rounds so the whole keeping it steady etc with the stock folded is irrelevant tbh. And in some occasions it's beneficial to fold it up.

There''s very few parts so is easy to service and strip (and fun to do so due to the realistic strip).

It's good out the box, with a 3rd party hop it's even better (but just as fun and effective without).

The mags are expensive and the metal ones can require a bit of tweaking - minor filing maybe required to feed better).

I added a TNT hop and a hi-speed buffer. It doesn't really need these but they do improve ROF, ability to hop heavier BBs and accuracy.

It's a RIF that will make you smile and stroke it like a Bond Villain.

One thing, with 5 mags and an AK it is a heavy load! With mods and mags it'll cost about £1000 all in... ouch!

 

[EvilMonkee]

Having owned all of these brand AKs (incl Real Swords and GHK) think I have a fairly good idea of what I am talking about....so here goes.  Ranking in order...

1. LCT - Lovely externals, not as prone to rust.  But the main plus point for LCT is that they are a bog standard V3 gearbox and setup and hence upgrade and replacement parts are readily available if you so wish.

2. E&L - second - BUT ONLY JUST - again superb externals, the Gen.2 have quick change springs etc but even the Gen.1 are nice too.  The only reason LCT are higher ranked is that the gearbox air seal parts (nozzle etc) are slightly different to standard V3 lengths.

3. Real Sword - strictly speaking not an AK but ho hum - very nice externals - standard V3 internals.  Not made anymore and therefore a hefty price tag.  Great gun though if you can find one for a decent price.  Regret selling mine....

4. CYMA - Good budget option - if you can find one you like.  The standard CM048M is their version of the AKM but getting harder to find.  Anything in the CM40 and CM50 range is based off the VFC AK design that has become standard - avoid anything in the CM20 or CM30 range as they are based off the inferior TM design.

5. GHK - LCT do the externals so they are excellent.  Mags are expensive. Hop up isnt great.  Expensive but I would love to buy mine back again as they are a barrel of laughs.

Can't comment on TM or G&G.  But to be honest, LCT and E&L are neck and neck so why bother with TM or G&G.  If you check out Airsoft Entrepot you can find a better price for E&L AKs.

Any q's blast away....