AK 47
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Real Steel
The AK-47, or Автомат Калашникова образца 1947 года (Avtomat Kalashnikova 1947 goda- Automatic Kalashnikov, model of 1947), is one of the most prolific firearms to ever be produced, if not the most prolific (it has been claimed that one AK exists for every ninety people). A gas operated, select-fire assault rifle, it was originally designed by Mikhail Kalashnikov in 1944, and initially submitted for trials in 1946. Following these trials, the design was modified and re-submitted in 1947, before being officially adopted in 1949. While the weapon has been modified and updated several times since adoption, the basic platform remains and has been used for many other weapons systems.
The AK in Airsoft
There is a huge range of airsoft versions of the AK, as it is a very popular gun with both noobs and those more experienced with the game. This is largely down to its large battery capacity (on the full-stocked version), its large magazine capacity with a high-cap (600 rounds) and its popularity in real life. The classic and somewhat simplistic styling of the AK also offers a difference to the M4 and M16 clones, are by far the most prolific weapons in terms of airsoft.
A large range of aftermarket products are also available for the AK:
- RIS rails
- Scope mounts/scopes (only the Cobra scope being designed for the AK in particular)
- Bipods
- Conversion kits/wood kits
Because of the realistic nature of airsoft guns, many of the real steel parts can be fitted to an AK with little to no modification.
Airsoft Variants
There are several variants of the AK in airsoft:
- AK-47 (full stock)
- AK-47S (folding skeleton stock, takes stick batteries)
- AK-74
- SLR-105
These copies are manufactured by several companies, including Tokyo Marui and Classic Army.
External Links
Wikipedia's main AK 47 article
There are also a number of quality AK47 full stock guns and ak47s guns on the market, from makes such as cyma. these ak's tend to have the same high quality exteriors as say TM ak47's, however they tend to be less reliable or as powerful. However they are fully compatible with CA and TM AK's so upgrades such as gearboxes, springs, metal bodies, wood piece upgrades, batteries and hi-cap mags will all fit to them. So if you are on a budget then why not try one of these and it is easy to gradually upgrade it over time. ASCUK and Ebay can be great places to find upgrade and spare parts for all AK'S, and very often at a fraction of the price you may pay through some retailers. i hope some of this information can be useful.
