AKs in airsoft are popular for those who want something that is not an M4 or maybe for players who like Russian weapons and want to build kits around it.
If you ask anybody on the internet for a good AK recommendation for beginners and serious players on a budget alike, the brand CYMA always comes up and is definitely a good recommendation. Today we are going to talk about the latest AKs from Lancer Tactical, which are OEM by CYMA.
Generally, our comment section is pretty helpful, but I would like to head off any non-constructive comments about the brand or this gun that are made without merit. First, if you want to get into brand politics, you’ll often read comments about rebrands, why it’s better to buy the cheapest version of something, and so on. Having worked behind the scenes with manufacturers and distributors prior to coming here to Fox, let me tell you it matters very little for you, the buyer of the final product -- however, the level of service you get from where you get it from will vary.
The only thing you need to understand is that through some exclusivities, you may or may not be able to gain access to CYMAs. CYMA also OEMs several other brands for certain models. This only matters if buying the least expensive original models is a priority rather than having brand support. Brand support matters when it comes to buying something from somewhere else and having a problem with it, then coming to another place hoping for some free help. This is taking advantage of others' time and resources in a way that, hopefully, you will go through a good and reputable seller who can back their products. If not, we’re happy to help, but ultimately, it will be a lesson in you get what you pay for. Airsoft ain’t cheap though, so if saving money is your bottom line and you can handle your problems, shopping for the best price might be the way to go.
With this option through Lancer Tactical here, you can support us or one of your local US-based small business airsoft retailers by getting a version they can offer you. Doing so means putting money back into the business that will put money back into growing your airsoft community. Shopping straight up at Amazon or directly from overseas does not happen, though I do understand some things you just can’t always find at your local retailer. But that’s the conundrum of supporting your local store, so consider that when you spend some money and put your money where your mouth is if you are wondering why there is a lack of airsoft in your area. You are entitled to spend your money where you want to.
OK, without further delay, let’s talk about this AK. This is based on an AK-104 style gun, which is a carbine version of a modern AK with a folding stock. You will find that this gun is all steel on this version rather than cast pot metal. Metal guns aren’t always equal, but in this case, you get the better version of what’s available compared to cheaper AKs. The externals are solid, though this tester model does have a slight wiggle in the stock. That can be solved with tape. A funny thing new players complain about on AKs is when things might be loose or wobbly on an airsoft AK, but ironically, a real military-issued one is sometimes worse.
You have a scope mount on the left that will accept specific types of mounts. AKs, in general, are more of a pain to customize and add airsoft accessories, too, if you go with an older style-looking AK. On the right side is your fire control. The first setting is safe, the second is semi-auto, and the third is full-auto. The magazine well has a plastic plate that prevents over-insertion of the airsoft magazine, a common problem you might encounter with any brand of airsoft AK. The flash hider is metal as well and is a 24mm positive type with a 14mm negative thread underneath.
The gearbox is the newest revision from Lancer, and it is quite nice. The gearbox is version 3, which is generally a very robust form factor that can stand up to a lot of use. Though I don’t often liken an airsoft gun’s reputation for reliability to the real counterpart of an AK-type gun, regardless of brand, this is generally true.
The changes that you will find here against the most available AKs for this price would be the addition of a new MOSFET and trigger system and the quick-change spring guide. The quick-change spring system allows quick upgrades or downgrades, and on an AK, it is pretty easy to get to the gearbox if you know what you are doing. This is achieved quicker than on an M4 with a version 2 type gearbox, which requires a more intense disassembly for most models with the same feature (there are some exceptions). This gun shoots 405 fps with hardly any deviation, which is great. This is perfect for outdoor fields, and the quick change spring can take you down to CQB limits if you are mechanically inclined. The CYMAs that you buy out in the wild always come shooting harder than what is allowed at outdoor fields, but it’s always been a major pain for new players who buy the gun and take it to the field only to be turned away because their guns shot over the limits. This can at least be addressed easily enough were that the case, but this rifle that we tested here comes in at the correct useable velocity. At 405fps with a .20g, it’s gonna cut it pretty close for some field rules, so consider that before purchasing.
The airsoft MOSFET and microswitch system is not something you find in an AK at all, so this is actually far ahead of what is offered to AKs. This makes the rifle Lipo-ready, and it should last a long time in addition to the bulletproof internals that these AEGs are known for.
Typically, what I like about AKs is that when you shoot them, they have a more deep thud and sound better than other AEGs. This hearty sound is present here when you shoot. You can tell trigger response and rate of fire are improved over standard CYMA AK offerings with the addition of MOSFET.
