S&T AKMN Sports Line AEG

If you're a fast-moving skirmisher with a taste for AKs, the S&T AKMN Gen.3 Sports Line AEG is one of the few AK replicas that can keep up! Tipping the scales at only 2.5 kg, the S&T AKMN is considerably lighter than full metal AKs and the ideal companion for a skirmisher who appreciates an authentic build but prioritises mobility when it comes to gameplay.

Constructed primarily from high density polymer with choice alloy and stamped steel parts for strength where needed, the S&T AKMN replicates the modernised AK-47 in its night vision-ready iteration, used by Spetsnaz GRU during the Soviet-Afghan War and still found in conflict zones across the world to this day. As it translates to Airsoft, the "N" simply denotes that this AKM has the Russian side rail, meaning it is ready for Russian AK side rail mounted optics or 20mm rail adapters.

Starting at the tip of the barrel we can find a classic AKM style "slant" muzzle brake, intended in the real AK to counteract the jarring recoil forces of the massive AK bolt carrier by redirecting the muzzle blast. The brake may look like it is not on straight, but we assure you this is all part of the utilitarian AK design. The slant brake mounts to 14mm CCW male threads at the tip of the 16-inch outer barrel and can be swapped out for a suppressor or tracer unit if you are going for more of a Spetsnaz look for your AK. We recommend a PBS-1 Suppressor if you want the authentic look!

The front sight of the S&T AKMN mounts directly to its outer barrel and provides an adjustable front post with protective wings to ensure an accidental bump or scrape does not render your sights useless. As part of the classic AK aesthetic, we can find a dummy cleaning rod running parallel to the outer barrel, through the front sight block and gas block. This isn't intended for cleaning an Airsoft barrel and is just for the look.

Moving further down the outer barrel we come to the dummy gas block. This connects to the gas tube, which meets the faux wood upper handguard via an alloy handguard cap. The lower handguard surrounds the outer barrel and is retained by its own handguard cap which includes a sling point on the left side, ideally for hook-type slings. The handguards are constructed from high density polymer with a faux-wood finish, and as with other S&T faux wood furniture, you would be hard-pressed to tell it apart from real wood without touching it!

The trunnion block follows just behind, providing the mounting point for the classic AK tangent rear iron sight which provides multiple graduations for adjustment and a fine rear sight notch to align with the front sight post. The sight can be adjusted by pressing the buttons on either side of the sight notch and moving the notch back and forth on its base. This sight type benefits over aperture sights in its field of view, allowing you to more effectively track moving targets and avoid tunnel vision.

The lever on the right side of the trunnion block is the handguard disassembly lever. This lever allows you to quickly remove the upper handguard and gas tube of the S&T AKMN just like a real AKMN, though this isn't really any use in Airsoft terms. This is one of the many perks of using the VFC-style external construction over the TM style, you can strip it like a real AK for extra nerd points!

Next up we find the receiver, which is constructed from high density polymer with a matt finish which almost looks like the real anti-corrosion finish applied to real AKs. This is one of those receivers you have to touch to know it isn't metal! The receiver has standard AK-style controls on the right side, with a fire selector lever which doubles as a dust cover when in safe mode, and a charging handle attached to an authentic black dummy bolt carrier. In typical AK style, the first position on the fire selector is fully automatic and the lowermost position is semi-automatic. Each fire mode is denoted by a crispy engraved authentic Russian Cyrillic marking, adding some realism to this already very realistic AK.

Over on the left side, we can find an AK quick detach mounting rail, allowing for authentic Russian scopes to be mounted, or 20mm Picatinny rail mounts if you prefer a more modern Western optic. The receiver also provides several authentic dummy rivets, all found in the correct place for this AK variant.

To access the adjustable HOP-up unit of the S&T AKMN, simply hold the charging handle to the rear to reveal the slider adjustable HOP-up unit. The slider unit is known as one of the best designs out there, and that is the reason this unit has not changed in design since the original Tokyo Marui AK-47 AEG. To increase the HOP-up effect, simply move the slider rearwards. Returning the slider to the front will reduce the HOP-up to its lowest setting.

The receiver top cover of the AKMN is also constructed from stamped steel and is the appropriate design for an AKM, with ribs stamped into the upper surface to provide additional strength whilst keeping the material thin and lightweight. The battery compartment is beneath the top cover and accessible by pressing the button at the rear of the top cover, after which it should come straight off, revealing the mini-Tamiya connector. For the S&T AKMN, we recommend a 7.4V 1200mAh stick battery but you can also use a 9.6V NiMH stick battery if you prefer a NiMH battery. With the battery connected and installed, you can place the top cover back into the AKMN, align the button with the hole in the rear of the top cover, and pull the charging handle to lock the cover down if necessary.

The pistol grip of the S&T AKMN is a standard AKM-type pistol grip, with diamond checkering on either side to ensure the rifle stays firmly in your grasp in any weather condition. Just ahead of the pistol grip, we can find the trigger guard and magazine release assembly, constructed from steel to provide solid magazine locking and ample rigidity. The magazine release is placed in the centre of the receiver and is accessible from either side of the AEG, offering both left and right-handed users an easy reload process. The magazine retention system of the AK platform is a "rock and lock" motion, requiring you to first index the front "hook" on the magazine inside the receiver, then rock the magazine to engage the catch.

The stock of the AKMN is constructed from polymer with an imitation wood effect and has an authentic colouration for AK furniture, with a varied grain effect and satin finish. The faux wood both looks great and keeps the rifle lightweight and manoeuvrable, not to mention cost-effective and maintenance-friendly. The bottom of the stock also features a steel sling loop which pairs well with the front sling point on the lower handguard cap, providing appropriate mounting apparatus for a two-point sling, but ideally suited to an AK47/74 sling. The butt plate is constructed from steel and is appropriately untextured to match the real thing. Those used to textured rubber butt plates; there is no room for comfort in this utilitarian design, though you can add a rubber butt plate extension to get a taste of Western luxury!

If you like the classic AK silhouette but want to speed around like you're rocking an ARP9, the S&T AKMN Sports Line is the best way to go. Boasting some tasty pre-upgraded parts at an unbeatable price, if the weight of full metal AKs has ever put you off running one, you now have no excuses not to jump on the AK train!

Features

• High density polymer/alloy/steel build
• 6.02mm Tightbore inner barrel - Great accuracy potential
• 14mm CCW male threaded barrel - Tracer/suppressor ready
• Quick change spring system -Easy power tuning, no need to open the gearbox
• Version 3 Gearbox - Alloy shell, 18:1 steel gears, 8mm steel slide bearing bushings
• Alloy slider adjustable HOP-up unit - Great design, accessible through the ejection port
• Ambidextrous magazine release - Centrally positioned, great for lefties
• Adjustable open tangent iron sights - Great field of view
• Textured pistol grip - Appropriate for modern AK variants
• Russian AK dovetail side mount - Compatible with Russian AK optics or 20mm rail adapters
• Steel top cover, magazine release/trigger guard assembly and cleaning rod
• High density polymer receiver, front sight and gas tube - An agile AK!
• Realistic disassembly - VFC style, all pins and rivets, no screws!
• Front and rear sling points - Ideal for AK47/74 replica slings, suitable for most two-point slings
• Fixed stock with steel butt plate - Detailed faux wood effect finish with sling point built-in
• Compatible with AK side rail scope mounts: M-ETAL 20mm Scope Mount For AK | NUPROL AK Side Scope Mount
• Compatible with AK47/74 AEG magazines - 7.62 Style to please the stitch counters, but most will work

Package Includes

• S&T AKMN Sports Line AEG
• 300rnd High-cap magazine
• User manual