22 minute read
RED CELL: TACTICAL AK
RED CELL TACTICAL aUTOMAT KALASHNIKOVA
IN THE LAST ISSUE OF AIRSOFT ACTION RED CELL TOOK A LOOK AT SOME TRULY “KLASSIC KALASHNIKOVS” AND THIS TIME THEY’RE BRINGING IT HOME, AS THEY CHECK OUT SOME OF THEIR FAVOURITE “MODERNISED” VERSIONS TO SEE WHAT MAKES THE PERFORMANCE CUT!
Yet again, it had to be a day where only a handful of Red Cell could actually meet together but this time we did it in shifts with those already vaccinated against the C-Virus in place, whilst others visited in timeslots. Sadly, this meant that not everyone got to shoot everything but it did give members of The Cell enough time to check out the models that they really wanted to see!
Things are getting better here in the UK though, and later this month a group from The Cell are getting together for a game (YES! A real game of airsoft!) and will be putting a selection of the models we’ve liked best over the course of the last few months to work “in the wild” and oh boy, are we looking forward to that!
For now though, when it comes to the AK it’s true that we can now unashamedly put the word “tacticool” alongside them, as this is what they have become - with an emphasis on the “cool”. The day of the “classic AK” is far from over as it will always be the favoured tool of the OPFOR player worldwide, just as the real “47s and 74s” are used by irregular forces. But it’s not the “classic AK” that Red Cell looked at this month as many manufacturers actually make very good ones already (as we showed in the last issue), nor is it strictly the “FSB-inspired” models.
Although some, like the “12s” from both LCT and Arcturus had to be included, it’s actually not the “military AK” at all that we’re looking at but more Kalashnikov-based creations that have the look of something that you might see coming from the workbench of Jim Fuller of Rifle Dynamics, or Marc Krebs from Krebs Custom in the USA, the sort of thing that we discuss on “AK47 Chatterbox” or that you might see being torture-tested on “AK Operators Union”!
If you look around the real firearms industry nowadays, everyone and their dog has “tacticool” bolt-ons for the AK platform… Magpul? Check! VLTOR? Check! Daniel Defense? Check! Knights Armament? Check again! In fact, virtually every firearms accessory manufacturer worth their salt has recognised that those old “import AKs” are getting a whole new lease of life… that’s just good business!
And that is making things a whole heap more interesting for players, like me, that want something
different from the slew of “AR-based” AEGs out there! Don’t get me wrong, I still very much appreciate the graceful, yet functional appeal of the AR platform and I certainly appreciate the ease of operation and reloading that it offers. I love the fact that AR builds are almost “the sky’s the limit” when it comes to what you can bolt onto them, however, these days the same can largely be said for the good old AK.
I started building “tacticool AKs” for myself, along with my great friend Robbie, back in around 2006/7 and it’s been a labour of love searching for the perfect setup ever since! Over the years I’ve seen many prototype AK AEGs go from concept to full production, but not until quite recently have I been involved with an airsoft project from absolute “let’s sketch the AK we’d all like” inception to open market release - but now I have and more of that later!
Now though, I’ll throw things open for Red Cell to have their say about the not-so-humble-anymore AK!
Marcus: “As usual, due to my work in the shop I do tend to look critically at how AEGs are put together and what parts are used both inside and outside, so perhaps I come at things slightly differently! The CYMA CM.076A is a super, well-priced little AEG and is actually very well-made, a typical CYMA AK that works great and that has a very strong rail system; if you don’t want to spend E&L money this could be the AK for you! As for performance, it’s great, just what I’ve come to expect from the latest generation of CYMA AEGs - it’s pretty darn good for not a lot of money. The DYTAC SLR AK105, a good AEG again, and as with most new generation models it has a well-made and strong metal body and I like the design of the rail system, which is a tubular type and very strong; this will handle any kit you want to put on it too. As for the gearbox it’s of the standard V3 variety but it has an innovative quick-change spring system which is well thought out! As a whole this is a very serviceable AEG.
“The Arcturus AK-12 is another well-made gun, just what I’ve come to expect from this company. It works well and has a very strong metal body and rail system that is a copy of the current Russian service rifle. The only pain in the rear-end with this AEG is the system for the battery; instead of the usual top cover catch, you use what would be the gas piston cover catch on the real AK-12. It’s a bit fiddly to release but once you get used to it, it’s okay. Other than that, it’s a heavy AEG but a great piece of kit, especially if you’re into your Modern Russian OPFOR gear! Specna have produced another very usable AK here too, although it is a bit long for my taste! It’s got a well-made metal body and rail system and a very funtional V3 gearbox. There’s not much else I can say about this gun as it works just as well as all the others, and if you like the other Specna models you will certainly like this one as it shoots straight and works well. I would certainly put a ZCI barrel and a Maple Leaf hop rubber with an Omega nub to make it really benefit from the “105” length though. I do like the G&G RK74 as it has a character all of its own! It’s solidly made, with a good gearbox, well-made body and rail system. The magazine though is proprietary so if you break it you might have a problem!
“Other than that, let’s be fair about this and say that all gearboxes, regardless of version, are fundamentally the same inside and it’s just the frock they’re dressed up in that makes them different and unique these days! Practically speaking the V3 gearbox is stronger than the V2 - and here’s the important bit… for the UK at least 370FPS/.95J on a .20g BB at about 60/70 meters is good and a hit is a hit in any book! Let’s be fair by saying there’s a good few players that couldn’t hit a barn with a bazooka and c’mon, we ALL have a friend like that, don’t we? What I’m trying to say is most airsoft guns are the “same” internally so it comes down to what you like. The performance of any AEG is capable of the same range and accuracy as any other out there if its set up by a competent smith or tech. I’ve got no problem with AKs as I’ve used both GBB and AEG versions and they work just as well as the AR platform, so anyone that says one gun is better than the other, in truth doesn’t know what he’s talking about! Set them up right to begin with and then they’re all great! Yes, some are better out of the box than others but all AEGs can still be made better with knowledge and experience… watch this space for another rant about airsoft guns in the future!”
Chris: “Tactical AKs are like the numerous AR versions nowadays, ten to a penny and very samey with very little to please my eye! I did, however, like the Arcturus AK-12 as I feel it goes that little bit
CYMA CM.076A
Price: iro UK£135.00 Age: Two Years Weight: 3000g Length: 530/740mm Magazine Capacity: 450, will accept most AK-style Cold Chrono: 1.0 Joule/328.9fps Hot Chrono: 1.02 Joule/332.9fps Taclite Compatibility: KeyMod Suppressor Compatibility: 14mm CCW Supplied By: www.taiwangun.com
E&L ELAKS74UN-A MOD A PLATINUM
Price: iro UK£440.00 Age: Two Years Weight: 3140g Length: 495/735mm Magazine Capacity: 120, will accept most AK-style Cold Chrono: 0.92 Joule/315.1fps Hot Chrono: 0.94 Joule/318.2fps Taclite Compatibility: Standard Rail Suppressor Compatibility: 14mm CCW Supplied By: www.nuprol.com
ARCTURUS AT-AK01
Price: iro UK£185.00 Age: Two Years Weight: 3300 g Length: 800/880 mm Magazine Capacity: 120,will accept most AK-style Cold Chrono: 1.03 Joule/334fps (Spring Change) Hot Chrono: 1.01 Joule/331.8fps (Spring Change) Taclite Compatibility: M-LOK Suppressor Compatibility: 14mm CCW Supplied By: www.taiwangun.com
NUPROL ROMEO NOMAD BRAVO
Price: iro UK£299.00 Age: Three Years Weight: 3500g Length: 805/875 mm Magazine Capacity: 500, will accept most AK-style Cold Chrono: 1.02 Joule/332.9fps Hot Chrono: 1.03 Joule/333.5.9fps Taclite Compatibility: M-LOK Suppressor Compatibility: 14mm CCW Supplied By: www.nuprol.com
ICS CXP-ARK
Price: iro UK£365.00 Age: New Weight: 3365g Length: 638/884mm Magazine Capacity: 520, will accept most AK-style Cold Chrono: 0.87 Joule/307.4.1fps Hot Chrono: 0.88 Joule/307.8fps Taclite Compatibility: Railed Polymer Foregrip Suppressor Compatibility: 14mm CCW Supplied By: www.icsbb.com
G&G RK74E ETU
Price: iro UK£299.00 Age: Two Years Weight: 2980g Length: 690/810mm Magazine Capacity: 115, Proprietary Magazine Cold Chrono: 1.01 Joule/330fps Hot Chrono: 1.01 Joule/330fps Taclite Compatibility: KeyMod Suppressor Compatibility: 14mm CCW Supplied By: www.nuprol.com
SPECNA ARMS SA-J10 EDGE
Price: iro UK£140.00 Age: New Weight: 3370g Length: 800 - 885mm Magazine Capacity: 130 (will accept most AK style) Cold Chrono: 1.08 Joule/342.3fps Hot Chrono: 1.09 Joule/343.9fps Taclite Compatibility: None Suppressor Compatibility: 14mm CCW Supplied By: www.gunfire.com
DYTAC SLR AK105
Price: iro UK£320.00 Age: New Weight: 3200g Length: 625/800mm Magazine Capacity: 500, will accept most AK-style Cold Chrono: 1.06 Joule/338.1fps (Spring Change) Hot Chrono: 1.07 Joule/340.2fps (Spring Change) Taclite Compatibility: Standard Rail and M-LOK Suppressor Compatibility: 14mm CCW Supplied By: www.iwholesales.co.uk
ARCTURUS AK-12
Price: iro UK£220.00 Age: One Year Weight: 3480 g Length: 700/880/950 mm Magazine Capacity: 30/130 (will accept most AKstyle) Cold Chrono: 1.13 Joule/336.3fps Hot Chrono: 1.1 Joule/337.9fps Taclite Compatibility: Standard Rail Sections Suppressor Compatibility: 14mm CCW Supplied By: www.taiwangun.com
LCT LCK-12 EBB
Price: iro UK£480.00 Age: One Year Weight: 4215 g Length: 865 - 955 mm Magazine Capacity: 130, will accept most AK-style Cold Chrono: 1.08 Joule/336.7.9fps Hot Chrono: 1.08 Joule/338.1fps Taclite Compatibility: Standard Rail Sections Suppressor Compatibility: Dedicated Supplied By: www.nuprol.com
further to stand out, as it is essentially a new rifle but retains some of the classic styling. The replica itself was extremely sturdy (that is a staple of most modernised AKs) with a decent ROF on an 11.1V battery; sadly range and accuracy was only tested on a 10m range but it hit the target at that distance as one would expect. The hinged top cover is a brilliant addition and saves spending ten minutes and a lot of harsh language trying to refit a standard top cover. Being a big sci-fi lover the mag design also really pleased me, as they are quite “sci-fi” in styling and very sturdy. The handguard doesn’t go OTT with rail space either, which is nice because in reality you really don’t need 12 inches of rail real-estate, just enough for a vert grip and light. The pistol grip was also very comfortable, with finger groves in all the right places. The folding AR style stock is also nice, with a solid click into place and no wobble from the stock tube whatsoever. All in all, a very pleasing and sturdy replica I would be very happy to run for a day and the same goes for the LCT version!”
Bill W-R: “So, to report... I was only able to pop into the test day for a short while but I really wanted to check out the two AK-12s on offer and, thankfully, they both felt good and performed well! However, I am not a massive AK fan and find that an AR selector is always more positive and reassuring to know what mode you are in than the usual AK selector - and this was the same here. They both fired well and felt reasonably balanced. I do have the ICS CXP-ARK on long term test at present and am looking forward to seeing how well it does in a CQB environment and at the Red Cell team day on the 20th. What I will say though (and as BPT will testify), is I have had a bit of a crush on this rifle ever since I was allowed a little go when we first received it. Some light ranging in the garden has allowed for hop up adjustment to be fine-tuned and I am looking forward to writing up the long-term review in RELOADED in due course.”
Jimmy: “As BPT was prepping the test AEGs, one really caught my attention as it was a lovely looking rifle and sported the perfect magazine. Perfect magazine? I hear you ask, yes there is such a thing for me - and it comes in the form of a drum mag (bring on the the h8 lol!). An electric 2,000BB mag to be precise, so, technically, it’s a support gun. I’m talking about the LCT LCK16, which is a modern version of the RPK. If I were going to own a tactical AK then this is the one for me without question and although the 16” was there for “show and tell” only, I really did like
it! The LCT range are really quite perfect in all honesty and from what I understand, LCT use the same solid reliable internals across the range of different variations. I love the fact that the “modern LCT AKs” are all black and that no trees have been harmed in the making, as the furniture is a solid fibre reinforced polymer and it feels right, with no sharp edges for you to injure your hand (unlike some of the other tactical AK models).
“The LCT ergonomic pistol grip on both the 12 and the 16 is the perfect size for my hand and is a whole world better than the older, thinner style grips and it just looks so much better. The collapsible AR style stocks get a thumbs up from me, giving you not only adjustment at the shoulder but also allowing you to get a little more up close and personal without the worry your weapon will be too long for slicing the corners. How can you tell it’s tactical? Answer… Rails lol!!! Both have been fitted with a full-length top rail and a shorter rail underneath the handguard, which give you the option to fit attachments should you feel the need to. The workings of the LCTs were spot on, as I was expecting them to be sluggish with an overly long trigger pull when, in actual fact, is was quite the opposite. They are really very responsive, allowing quite a fast ROF on semi auto and a very respectable ROF on full auto. Not being an “AK guy” I STILL kept getting full and semi mixed up which is a pain. I can’t understand why they continue to use that configuration on the fire select. I’m used to safe… semi… full. OOTB though they were spot on and a real influence on my opinions of AKs. These aren’t budget AKs; they do have quite a high price tag against them but you are getting one mean AK!
“The ICS was another tactical one that appealed to me, as it doesn’t look like your average AK. ICS have done a marvellous job with this and I am very impressed by both its physical presence and its operational prowess. The response of the trigger is instant and offers a very light pull, making semi auto fire pretty rapid. Sporting some nice features, such as an adjustable and folding stock is a very nice touch, it’s just a shame they made it look like a SCAR stock - which I’m not a fan of as it reminds me of an UGG boot! There is also room for the amount of wire and the battery but it just seemed very cramped. It has a quick-change spring but, sadly, you need to remove the gearbox from the body in order to change the
spring, which can be a pain should you need to drop the velocity on game days. These are all little niggles and doesn’t detract from the fact I like it, and that it performs well.
“The E&L Tactical, like their AKM last month, is a beast of an AEG, a short but sweet heavyweight contender that actually feels like you are holding the real deal. Everything about this screams “Spetz”. An actual pleasure to hold and shoot, the E&L is not the most responsive but it isn’t a slughead either and I’m not going to worry about this thing failing on me as everything felt 100% solid. Fire select was very exact yet easy to select with one finger, although I STILL kept mixing up semi and full. I will get there eventually, haha! Velocity was REALLY consistent though, iro 330fps, so you know you’re site friendly with this one!”
Bill: “I’m going to wrap things up this time, as (being completely honest) a lot of the models featured here are actually from my own personal OPFOR collection! Overall, the Arcturus AT-AK01 is one hell of a package. It’s beautifully put together and finished, the parts are completely bombproof and it shoots really, REALLY well. And the best bit? It costs under 240 quid! Yup, you heard that right, a top-of-the-line “tacticool” AK with everything you need to get in the game for UK£237.56 at the time of writing. If you’re not an “AK Guy” already, then this AEG could well change your mind! That, for me, set a benchmark on what to expect from Arcturus and over two years on - and after some pretty abusive use both in game and on the range - the AT-AK01 is still rockin’ and rollin’! Test AEGs don’t have a happy life with me but after being pleased with the AT-AK01 I couldn’t resist the AT-AK12 when it came out!
“As a lover of simple, no-nonsense “military style” AEGs, the AT-AK12 ticks all the right boxes for me and the fact that it’s also based on the very latest “issue AK” rifle of the Russian Forces endears it to me even more! As an AEG it shoots fast, well, and accurately, it’s built like a tank and it’s a great length for both CQB and woodland use. If you’re following that “Ratnik Route” then the Arcturus AT-AK12 is going to be a “must have” item to complete your loadout but if you fancy something bang-up-to-date as a general skirmish AEG then it will not disappoint you either. As a self-confessed “mate of Mikhail” this AEG makes me smile!
“Sticking with “Mil” I have to admit that I’ve been following LCT Airsoft ever since their tremendous “Eastern Bloc” AEGs started to arrive in the UK, and since that time I’ve added a couple of their excellent AK replicas to my OPFOR armoury, as well as having tested pretty much all of their range! The only criticism I can make of their take on the “AK-12”, is that I wish that they had added the two-round burst setting of the real thing. Yup, that’s it, my one and only criticism! So, if you like your Russian gear, are a regular OPFOR player, or are really on the “Ratnik” train then the LCT LCK-12 will be the right RIF for you. It has all the benefits of existing AKs with the added utility of a thoroughly up-to-the-minute design, along with all the benefits of a top-quality AEG. You really can’t go wrong with this one and I will say that the wait for mine was 100% worthwhile!
“Although I’m a huge fan of all of the family “Automat Kalashnikova” I have to say that my personal favourite, both in real and replica form, is the smallest member, the AKS 74U. Over the years there has always been one of these in my personal airsoft collection, although my absolute favourite (closely followed by the classic BOLT recoil version) has to be the E&L ELAKS74UN-A MOD A PLATINUM! With a retail price iro UK£300 this is one hell of a performer. Okay, I am biased because I love the SU so much as a model but after owning many, I have to tell you that this is genuinely one of the very best AEG versions I’ve ever encountered. The externals are absolutely spoton, the internals are the very best they can be and the performance is first rate. In truth I can say that I will never need to buy another SU-style AEG as this has seen me through many a game and is still every bit as good as when I first got it!
“Although they’re pretty quiet, CYMA are one of the biggest manufacturers of RIFs and airsoft products in the world. You really don’t hear a lot direct from CYMA themselves about new models and new advances, instead they leave their products to speak for themselves and their AKs most certainly do this. Whilst not the most accurate of AEGs straight from the box, they are easy to work on and little tweaks of the hop and bucking can make a world of difference to them. They are, however, built like tanks and stand up to massive amounts of abuse. Just like a real AK you can drag a CYMA through the mud and it’ll happily continue to spit BBs as long as your battery lasts! I bought the CM.076A on a whim several years back, as I wanted a short AK with a buffer tube for a project and I have to say that with minimal work this has turned out to be an absolutely stunning little AEG. It’s seen a significant amount of game-time and has never, EVER let me down and for the price I can only 100% recommend this “suchka” to you!
“Finally I have another admission to make about an airsoft AK that I love with a vengeance and that’s the NUPROL ROMEO. I’ve been lucky enough to have been involved in the airsoft world for a LONG time and therefore my relationship with certain manufacturers goes back a LONG way and one of the manufacturers I work very closely with is NUPROL. You may well ask how this has any relation to the ROMEO AK series of AEGs? When I first looked at their then “new” series of DELTA AEG prototypes back in 2015, I asked Ross if there would be a “proper AK” and even back then he told me that this was something he would love to do. Fast forward to November 2018 and after a tremendous amount of hard work, much travel to the Far East on Ross’ part, wide-ranging commitment from the NUPROL team, along with a little input from yours truly, “Project AK Series” finally came of age, and the “ROMEOs” were born! Ross sent me a picture of the very first ROMEOs to be unpacked from the container at the NUPROL warehouse and I sat back in my office chair and breathed a sigh of relief as the finished production models looked to be absolutely stunning!
“In action the ROMEO is an absolute “beast from the east”, chronoing at 1.02Joule/332fps. The ROMEOs come with a totally unique polymer HiCap of NUPROL’s own design which feeds happily and unerringly but it works just as well on other brands. Are the ROMEOs what I hoped to see from NUPROL? Yes, they are - and more! If I still lived in the USA this is pretty much exactly what I would build for myself in 7.62x39mm, right down to the neat little sling plate under the buffer tube! The models feature superb high-strength and high-quality parts that have been used to the very best effect and the net result, in my mind, is a stunning, up-to-the-minute AK. The ROMEO series is already another enormous success for NUPROL and brings the fully-specced-from-the-box “modern airsoft AK” into the reach of all players!” AA
COVERT BOOT
BLACK / BROWN / TITANIUM / SRP: £49.95
