ARCTURUS AK-12 AEG Rifle; Optical MOSFET

If you're looking for the legendary ARCTURUS AK build-quality in ultra-modern form, the AK-12 AEG Rifle; Optical MOSFET is at the cutting edge both inside and out! This full-metal AK platform is patterned after the latest Russian Army issue rifle, the AK-12, and is constructed almost entirely from steel with a pre-installed optical MOSFET offering programmable fire mode options and 2-round burst pre-programmed.

As with other ARCTURUS AEG offerings, a 6.01mm steel tightbore inner barrel coupled with a new rotary HOP-up design provides superb accuracy and constancy at long range and the version 3 gearbox is rocking 8mm ball bearing bushings for smooth, friction-free functionality. Paired with the optical MOSFET inside, this AK-12 is a real beast in the performance department with the option to program the fire selector for burst mode, binary trigger and much more!

The AK-12 improves on the original AK design by adding 20mm Picatinny rails on the handguard and newly designed receiver top cover, a fourth fire selector position for 2-round burst and a more modern tangent/aperture hybrid rear sight, curing most of the criticisms operators have of the original Russian design.

This means the AK-12 is ready for optical sights, tactical flashlights, laser aiming modules and much more with no extra adapters, parts or upgrades needed, unlike its older brothers. Whether you're going full Spetsnaz or working on your PMC loadout, the AK-12 from ARCTURUS would make a fantastic primary, especially this, the Optical MOSFET-equipped version!

Starting at the tip of the 16.3-inch steel outer barrel we have an AK-12 muzzle brake, which looks mean AF with its aggressive spiked front end, designed to help stabilise the rifle when it is pressed against a hinge or lock in a breaching scenario. You will want to keep this muzzle device on for a real-world accurate AK-12, but if you prefer to go rogue and dress the latest AK up, you can thanks to the 14mm CCW male threading concealed beneath the muzzle device and its mounting apparatus.

Removing the muzzle brake is a two-part affair, owing to its QD functionality. The muzzle device itself can be removed from its mount by holding the small detent pin found on the top down and turning the muzzle device in either direction. With the muzzle device removed you will see a thread protector with a flat cut on either side. Unscrewing this gives us access to the 14mm CCW male threads so you can get sneaky with a suppressor or streaky with a tracer unit, should the mission require it.

The muzzle device is followed by its mount apparatus, which also includes a dummy bayonet lug at the bottom. Travelling a short distance rearwards along the steel outer barrel brings us to the front sight/gas block of the AK-12, which is constructed from steel with a dummy gas adjuster at the front, and the front sight post at the top, protected on either side with protective wings. This means if you drop this hefty beast it may get scratched up, but the front sight should remain usable and intact in all but the worst-case scenario.

The gas block connects to the gas tube, which is authentically stamped from sheet steel just like the real thing. It is lovely to see this kind of authenticity, as most manufacturers settle for cast alloy gas tubes on their AK replicas, and realism nuts like us will notice this instantly! Below the gas tube, we have a single sling point which is mounted around the barrel and can swivel to either side to reduce the chances of the sling getting tangled and allow both left and right-handed shooters to sling this AK easily.

Following the gas tube back leads us to the high-density polymer handguards of the AK-12, which have integral 20mm Picatinny rails at the 6 and 12 o'clock positions and removable aluminium side rails at the 3 and 9 o'clock positions. Though this rifle may be Russian in origin, it can be kitted out like a MK18, with plenty of room for tactical flashlights, PEQ lasers and anything else you can think of mounting. Unlike previous AK rifles, the handguards of the AK-12 are free floated which prevents force applied to the handguard from being transferred to the barrel which would negatively affect accuracy.

Moving rearwards once more we come to the receiver, which follows the AK design format in a roundabout way but has some notable improvements. The fire selector is located on the right side, but unlike a normal AK, can be used without removing your hand from the pistol grip. This is achieved by adding a folded steel extension to the selector in classic Russian utilitarian style. This allows you to select your fire mode with a simple sweep downward of the trigger finger, a massive improvement over legacy AK rifles!

The fire selector provides 4 positions, sneaking an extra one in between full auto and semi-auto. The top position is the safe mode, which disables the trigger and seals the gap between the receiver itself and the top cover, functioning as a dust cover. The next position is full auto, followed by the two-round burst mode, with semi-auto being the lowermost position. Each fire mode is indicated with authentic Cyrillic markings which are stamped into the receiver, matching the real AK-12 perfectly. The pre-installed Perun optical MOSFET also allows these fire modes to be programmed, so you if want a change of pace this isn't out of the question!

The receiver top cover design is another area the AK-12 improves upon the original AK. The top cover is constructed from steel, and has a 20mm Picatinny rail riveted to the upper surface to allow for optical sights to be mounted using far more user-friendly western mounting solutions. Unlike other AKs with railed top covers this top cover is designed specifically for retaining zero effectively, and as such is mounted differently to other AKs. The battery compartment of the AK-12 is beneath the top cover and is ideally sized to fit AK 11.1V LiPo long stick batteries.

To access the battery compartment you will need to turn the top cover retention latch by 90 degrees to the vertical position, which is located on the right side of the trunnion block (between the handguards and receiver). With the latch positioned vertically, you can pull it outwards where it will be retained in the trunnion block. With the latch held clear of the pinhole, the receiver top cover can be pulled back and lifted away to reveal the Deans battery connector within.

When reinstalling the top cover it is important that you ensure no wires get trapped, and that you align the pinhole in the front of the top cover with the holes in the trunnion block before pushing the retention latch back through. The top cover needs to be slid onto the receiver from the rear to mate with the two hooks at the rear of the lower receiver to hold it securely in place.

The AK-12 pistol grip is a significant ergonomic improvement over the legacy AK grip and has comfortable finger grooves with bevelled relief cuts for added comfort. The grip is set at a more vertical angle than the older AK grip to provide a more comfortable wrist position when shooting with the stock collapsed fully. AKs are not known for their comfort or ergonomics, so it is nice to see the AK-12 give us a little more home comfort to suit our pampered Western hands!

The adjustable stock of the AK-12 mounts over a buffer tube which is similar in design to the M4/AR15 but is not compatible with M4/AR15 stocks. The tube provides 5 positions of adjustment for the high density polymer stock which is an A-frame style stock with a low profile adjustment lever protected from snagging by the A-frame design. At the base of the stock we are also treated to a pair of QD sling sockets, one on either side. These can be used with QD sling swivels and paired with the sling point on the barrel at the front for a two-point sling setup or used alone if you prefer a single-point sling.

The stock is also able to fold to the side for storage, or compressed shooting in CQB situations. To fold the stock you will need to press the button at the rear of the receiver on the left side, and the stock can be folded to the left where it will lock into place. To unlock the stock and return it to the unfolded state you will need to pull the steel stock retention latch at the rear of the stock mech downwards and the stock will unlock, allowing it to be folded back out into the deployed position.

One last trick the stock has in store is its storage compartment which can be accessed by pulling the tab at the toe of the stock outwards and sliding the butt plate downwards and off. This will reveal an empty buffer tube which is used for a cleaning kit in the real AK-12, but is ideally sized for a packet of tactical wine gums, soft mints or smarties, your pick! A more skirmish-friendly solution may be to store a spare battery here, or accessory batteries, but don't forget you need calories to perform effectively on the battlefield!

On the inside, this AK-12 is equipped with a high torque motor to deliver the power needed for a swift trigger response and allow for stronger springs to be installed, keeping within the design parameters of the AEG. Like other ARCTURUS AEGs, the gearbox is filled with low-friction parts to increase the lifespan and efficiency of the system. The AK-12 also uses ARCTURUS's rotary AK HOP-up unit which shows incredible potential as the newest HOP-up unit design for the AK platform, coupled with a 6.01mm tightbore inner barrel constructed from hardened steel for enhanced accuracy through its high-quality internal finish and extra rigidity.

The most notable enhancement of the new AK-12 is its pre-installed ARCTURUS optical MOSFET which facilitates the 2-round burst function while also providing improved rate of fire, trigger response and the ability to program the fire controls for burst modes and other advanced functions. The MOSFET also improves electrical efficiency and eliminates the need for certain internal mechanical components, meaning less chance of failure in the long haul and a faster trigger response and rate of fire than you might expect!

Whether you are a fan of Russian rifles and need the AK-12 to complete the collection or you are simply looking for a change of pace and a new experience, the ARCTURUS AK-12 Optical MOSFET version will make a fine skirmish primary and is a flawless replica of the real deal. Those who value an authentic skirmish experience will love the ARCTURUS AK-12!

Features

• Full metal construction
• 6.01mm Steel tightbore inner barrel
• Rotary HOP-up unit - Great design, super easy to adjust
• Version 3 gearbox - Compatible with Gate TITAN/ASTER ETU
• Optical MOSFET pre-installed - 2rnd Burst ready, programmable fire controls
• 20mm Picatinny railed handguard - Two removable side rails, full-length top and bottom rail
• 20mm Picatinny railed receiver top cover - Ready for red dot sights and scopes!
• 14mm CCW Male threaded outer barrel - Tracer/suppressor ready
• Extended fire selector lever - Change fire modes with the trigger finger!
• Mean-looking AK-12 QD muzzle brake - Push the detent pin in, turn slightly and off it comes!
• Refined pistol grip design - More comfortable than the earlier AK-12 grip, built-in enlarged trigger guard
• 5-Position sliding stock - Similar to M4/AR15, but not compatible
• Side folding stock hinge - Fold the stock to the side for easier transportation and clearing corners
• 4 Position selector switch:
  • SAFE
  • FULL AUTO
  • 2RND BURST
  • SEMI-AUTO
• High torque neodymium magnet motor - Super fast trigger response and ROF
• Detailed mock rivets and realistic stamped receiver markings - Flawlessly realistic
• Compatible with AK AEG magazines - 5.45 style mags ideal, but 7.62/5.56 should also work
• Version 3 Gearbox - Compatible with aftermarket upgrades for V3
  • 18:1 Reinforced steel gearset
  • 8mm Ball bearing bushings
  • High torque 23TPA motor with Neodymium magnets
• Programmable MOSFET Functions:
  • Binary Trigger
  • 2 or 3 Round Burst
  • Semi-auto Only
  • Adjustable Trigger Break Point
  • Adjustable Trigger Reset Point
  • Active braking
  • Low battery warning
  • Pre-cocking
• Supplied with 2 magazines - 500rnd High-cap and 30/130 Adjustable mid-cap
• Compatible with standard AK AEG Magazines - Loads of spares available

Package Includes

• ARCTURUS AK-12 AEG Rifle; Optical MOSFET
• 30/130rnd Adjustable capacity magazine
• 500rnd High capacity magazine
• Deans to mini-Tamiya adapter
• Cleaning/unjamming rod
• ARCTURUS Sticker

Special Instructions

Please note, due to the design of the AK-12 scratches will develop in certain areas from normal use. This is unavoidable, and many of our AK-12 AEGs already have these scratches from the factory due to the testing and QC process.

An example of such scratches is the AK "selector lever scratch", a scratch which develops beneath the AK style fire selector from use.

These scratches are part of a realistic AK look and will develop over time regardless of whether they are present initially or not. Please consider this carefully before making your purchase.