Double Bell MD.65 AIMS AK47/74 AEG

If you've got a hankering for an AK but you ain't Russian, check out the Double Bell MD.65 AIMS AK47/74 AEG! In its real steel form, this was the preferred AK variant for Private Military Contractors during the Global War on Terror era, partially because of its affordable nature and prevalence across the combat zones of the world but also thanks to its simple and effective side folding stock design and the ability to be stashed out of sight while packing the firepower of a full-sized rifle. 

The real MD.65 AIMS is a Romanian made licenced built AKM, issued as the standard service arm of the Army of the Socialist Republic of Romania until the 1980s and has since found its way across the world and is seen in the hands of rebels, mercenaries and other combatants almost as often as Russian and Chinese AK variants. 

The iconic Romanian "Dong" grip is appropriately replicated in real wood on the Double Bell AIMs, as is the Romy side folding stock, constructed from steel with its effective yet minimalist design. If you want a more interesting alternative to the standard AK shape, the Double Bell MD.65 AIMS AK47/74 AEG should suit you perfectly!

Starting at the tip of the barrel we can find a classic AKM-style alloy "slant" muzzle brake, which is 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 16.3-inch outer barrel and can be swapped out for a suppressor or tracer unit if required. 

The front sight of the AIMS 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, but is nonetheless essential to complete the iconic AIMS silhouette.

Moving further down the outer barrel we come to the dummy gas block. This connects to the gas tube, which meets the wooden upper handguard via a steel handguard cap. The handguards of the AIMS are both real wood and the lower handguard is the iconic "Dong" Romanian handguard, keeping the visual language in line with that of the real AIMS. This handguard includes a built-in vertical grip set at an angle to provide extra control for the front end while not inhibiting your ability to reload quickly. 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 trunnion block also provides 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 button on the right side of the sight drum and moving the drum back and forth on its base. The lever on the right side is the handguard disassembly lever, and if you are a stickler for realism you will appreciate the fact that is fully functional!

Next up we find the receiver, which is constructed from stamped steel, just like the real AIMS. 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 auto 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 AIMS. 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 adapters if you prefer a more modern Western optic.

To access the adjustable HOP-up unit of the Double Bell AIMS, 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. The HOP-up allows you to tune the amount of backspin applied to your BBs to extend your range and set the AEG up for different weights of ammo. To increase the HOP 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 AIMS is also constructed from stamped steel and is the appropriate design for an AKM/AIMS, 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. To access the battery compartment, simply press the button at the rear of the top cover and it should come straight off, revealing the mini-Tamiya connector. We recommend a 7.4V 1200mAh slim stick battery for the Double Bell AIMS AEG but you can also use a 9.6V NiMH AK stick battery if you prefer a NiMH battery. With the battery connected and installed, you can place the top cover back onto the receiver, 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 AIMS is a standard AKM-type pistol grip finished in faux wood, with diamond checkering on either side to ensure the rifle stays firmly in your grasp in any weather condition. The trigger guard and magazine release can be found just ahead of the pistol grip, and are 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, allowing left or right-handed shooters easy access to this essential control. 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.

Included in the box, we are also treated to an extended magazine catch which provides a tab on the right side allowing the mag release to be actuated with the trigger finger. This is a fantastic option to include for no extra money, allowing you to drop a spent magazine from a firing grip and reload double time. Installing the extended mag release will require you to remove the trigger guard/mag release assembly entirely, so make sure you plan for this before attempting it!

At the rear of the receiver, mounted to the alloy stock tang we can find the steel AIMS side folding stock, a convenient yet simple design which made this AK variant the one to have for PMCs during the Iraq and Afghanistan conflicts. This stock was favoured over the standard under folding AKM stock as it is far more solid when deployed and very fast to flip from stowed to ready to rock, making the AIMS the perfect companion for security details requiring an assault rifle which can easily be deployed from the footwell of a vehicle. To fold the stock, simply press the button at the rear of the folding mech and to deploy it, simply grab it and flip it open into place. 

Inside this affordable AK platform, we are surprisingly well equipped! The alloy version 3 gearbox is rocking 18:1 ratio steel gears running on 8mm slide bearings and a quick change spring system for easy power tuning. The inner barrel is a 6.05mm tightbore example, giving you a slight bump in FPS and improvements in accuracy potential when compared to the standard 6.08mm bore. Internally, the Double Bell AIMS is entirely based on the TM AK design, meaning aftermarket upgrades are a go, and its external build is based on the VFC/LCT build style, meaning maximum realism when it comes to AK AEGs!

If you're working on your PMC or rebel loadout, you couldn't ask for a more suitable primary than the Double Bell MD.65 AIMS AK47/74 AEG! Boasting superb build quality for the price and respectable internals with room for future upgrades, this iconic non-Russian AK design is almost as prolific as the original!

Features

• Full metal construction - Mostly steel
• Real wood Romanian style handguards - Authentic AIMS build
• Matt varnished finish - Looks good, not too shiny
• 6.05mm Tightbore inner barrel - Improved accuracy potential
• 14mm CCW Male threaded outer barrel - Tracer/suppressor ready
• Realistic handguard disassembly - Realism fans will love this!
• Slider adjustable HOP-up unit - Great design, very effective
• Version 3 gearbox - Steel gears running on 8mm ball bearing bushings
• Quick change system - Change the main spring without disassembling the gearbox
• Sling points front and rear - Front sling point on the handguard, rear on the stock
• Top wired to a Mini-Tamiya battery connector - Easy battery access, no tools required
• Faux wood AKM style textured pistol grip - Looks good, even next to real wood!
• Ambidextrous magazine release - Easy reloads from either side of the rifle
• Russian AK style side rail mount - Mount Russian AK optics or add a 20mm Picatinny optic with an adapter
• Mock cleaning rod stored under the barrel - Realistic looks, don't use it to clean your Airsoft barrel though!
• Side folding AIMS stock - The preferred design of PMCs using the GWOT era, steel construction
• Top wired: Mini-Tamiya connector - Recommended battery: 7.4V 1200mAh Slim Stick LiPo | 9.6v 1600mAh NiMh
• Compatible with AK47/74 AEG magazines - Ideally 7.62x39mm style but most will work fine

Package Includes

• Double Bell MD.65 AIMS AK47/74 AEG
• 450rnd High-cap magazine
• 120rnd Mid-cap magazine
• Extended magazine release