Jing Gong JG1011 AKS-74U EBB

If you are looking for an affordable AK platform with tricks up its sleeve, the JG1011 AKS-74U may be just what you were after! This AKS-74U AEG replica is constructed almost entirely from metal, with the only exceptions being the real wood handguards and the polymer pistol grip, both of which are present on the real AKS-74U. Most of the metal parts are steel, providing a strength advantage over alloy parts and providing the hefty and authentic feel everyone expects when handling an AK replica.

But what makes the JG1011 any different to CYMA, Dboys or other AKS-74U AEGs? The inclusion of an electric blowback system is what separates this AEG from others of the same style, providing a more exciting firing experience with a reciprocating bolt carrier which moves back and forth with a satisfying metal-on-metal "clank". The EBB system really helps drown out the usual AEG gearbox noise and also provides a slight bit of recoil which makes for a more realistic feel when firing. While not quite to the levels of realism provided by a gas blowback rifle, the EBB system makes this AKS-74U perfect for the skirmisher who is getting a bit bored of their AEG but wants to keep the economic and reliability advantages of running a battery-powered Airsoft gun.

Starting at the tip of the alloy outer barrel we can find the muzzle device, known as a trumpet gas booster/flash hider, which attaches to the 24mm CW AK threads on the front. The muzzle device is the correct design for an AKS-74U of this era, complete with ribs on the exterior marking it out from earlier AKS-74U models.

The front sight is adjustable for elevation using the included front sight tool and is housed inside the gas block/front sight block combination, a hallmark of the AKS-74U. Beneath the 24mm CW AK threads are 14mm CCW threads, which can be accessed by removing the grub screw under the muzzle device and unthreading the 24mm CW adapter. This adapter is held on with some form of adhesive, so please be careful not to strip any threads when removing the grub screw and adapter. The front sight/gas block also includes a sling point on the left side, which can be used in conjunction with the sling point on the stock to attach a two-point rifle sling.

Moving rearwards we come to the handguard, which is constructed from glorious real wood for an authentic look and feel. The handguards are held onto the rifle using handguard caps, the lower of which is made from alloy with the upper handguard caps being constructed from steel.

As we reach the receiver we can see the authentic AKS-74U trunnion block, to which the steel-hinged top cover mounts. None of that "AK Beta Spetsnaz" rubbish here, only proper realistic AK design aesthetics! The hinged top cover is an excellent improvement over the original removable AK top cover, first seen in the AKS-74U. This convenient feature has since found its way onto the recently developed AK-12 and many civilian tactical AKs, such as those made by Rifle Dynamics in the US.

The top cover is a ribbed design to match the AK74 top cover variant, and its hinge also contains the rear iron sight of the AKS-74U. This rear iron sight is of the "open" style, staying faithful to the real AKS-74U and providing the choice of two apertures for aiming. The aperture marked "4-5" is intended for engaging at 400-500m, which is optimistic for the real AKS-74U, let alone an Airsoft AEG! We recommend dividing range markings by ten and treating this as being for 40-50m shots. The aperture marked with an inverted U symbol is the "combat" sight, intended for close to mid-range engagements.

The battery compartment of the JG1011 is located beneath the top cover and can be accessed by pushing the button at the rear of the top cover down, after which the cover will hinge open. Within you will find a Mini-Tamiya connector to which you connect your battery. With your battery installed inside, the top cover can be pushed back down, where the spring-loaded button will lock it back into place. For the JG1011, we recommend a 9.6V 1600mAh NiMH battery for a good fit beneath the top cover with space to spare.

Looking at the receiver itself, we can see authentic rivets and mock rivets, authentically positioned to match the layout of the real firearm. This is always nice to see and adds a touch of extra realism for those who want the most faithful replica out there. On the left side of the receiver, we can see the latch for the side folding stock which takes the form of a spring-loaded hook. If you have the stock folded, you need to pull rearwards on this hook to release the stock and deploy it.

The next thing we notice is the stamped receiver dimple, present on either side of the receiver. This is another of these features AK fans will appreciate, as it matches the shape and profile of a real stamped AKS-74U receiver. This was added to increase the strength of the magazine well whilst keeping the receiver thin, light and cheap to manufacture.

Moving to the rear of the receiver we can find an AK side rail, positioned on the left side of the receiver. This rail is intended for AK side mounts and should be compatible with most side mounts out there if you want to add an optical sight to your AKS-74U. This AK rail also allows authentic Russian-styled optics to be mounted if you are going for a super realistic Milsim style setup.

Behind the side rail, we can find the folding button for the stock mechanism. Pressing this in will release the locking mech, and allow the stock to be folded to the left side of the rifle for storage or extreme close-quarters work. By design, the stock cannot be folded with an optic or mount installed on the side rail, but fortunately, many of these mounts are QD by nature, and can easily be added and removed without losing zero.

Over on the right side is where we can find the controls of the AKS-74U. The charging handle is of a classic AK format and is machined as a part of the mock bolt carrier. The bolt carrier and charging handle are authentically coloured black, matching AKs of the modern era.

With the charging handle held to the rear, we can see the adjustable HOP-up slider inside. Moving this piece back and forth will vary the amount of HOP-up applied to your BB and allow you to tune the CM.045 High-Speed for different ammo weights.

To the rear of the charging handle, we can find the AK fire selector which doubles as a dust cover when in the "safe" position preventing dirt and debris from entering the AEG. This selector is a bit different to most other AEG designs but sits in line with other AKs perfectly with its "Safe - Auto - Semi" layout. This layout was chosen for the original AK47 to provide an easy and quick sweep to set the rifle to semi-automatic and ensure when full auto was selected it was done knowingly and intentionally.

Below the receiver, we can find the steel trigger guard/mag release assembly, and the polymer pistol grip. The pistol grip is a classic AK74 pattern grip complete with diamond checkering on either side to ensure the AKS-74U does not slip from your grasp, even in poor weather. The magazine release is accessible from either side, facilitating ambidextrous use for left-handed users and allowing those uber-tactical operators who like to shoulder-to-shoulder transition to reload from their left side (if they practised enough!).

The magazine insertion method for an AK rifle is a "rock and lock" motion as opposed to a straight insertion, meaning you first need to index the front of the magazine into the magazine well, then rock the rear of the magazine to meet the mag catch and lock it into place. This can take practice, but once you are familiar, the AK platform can be manipulated with impressive speed. This magazine release also allows for a "mag flip" style emergency reload, though we don't recommend that unless you are okay with damaging your magazines!

At the rear of the rifle, we can find its steel folding stock; the authentic design for an AKS-74U of the Soviet era. This stock includes a sling point on the right side which can be used with a single-point bungee sling or with a two-point sling using the sling point on the front sight/gas block. The butt plate of the stock is steel but includes linear texture to prevent the stock from slipping out of your shoulder if you wear body armour.

The stock folding button is a bit hard to press on the JG1011 but it is located on the left side of the receiver at the rear. A firm press on this button will allow the stock to be folded to the side for close quarters work or transportation, and the stock can be deployed again by releasing it from the locking latch at the front left of the receiver.

Internally the JG1011 makes use of an alloy version 3 gearbox shell with steel gears running on 7mm steel ball bearing bushings for smooth running and reduced friction. The barrel is a 6.05mm tightbore which offers improved accuracy potential and air seal qualities, making sure you get the most out of the pre-installed spring. While the electric blowback is the star of the show, the JG1011 has plenty to offer to those seeking performance along with an exciting firing experience.

So, if you are bored of standard AEGs but you aren't ready for the expense, technical hurdles and reliability issues that come with running a gas blowback rifle, the JG1011 is the perfect happy medium, boasting AEG performance and reliability with a lovely metal on metal clank each time the trigger is pulled. Backed up by full metal construction, real wood handguard and a majority of steel parts, the JG1011 AKS-74U is perfect for those looking for something a bit different without compromising on anything!

Features

• Full metal construction
• 24mm CW Russian adapter mounted to 14mm CCW male barrel threads - Tracer/suppressor ready
• Electric blowback system - As you fire the mock bolt reciprocates with a "clank clank clank"
• Steel receiver, top cover and stock - A hefty and realistic build!
• Real wood handguard - Feels great, looks even better
• 6.05mm Tightbore inner barrel - Improved air seal and accuracy potential
• Slider adjustable HOP-up unit - Adjust the HOP-up to suit your ammo weight of choice
• Open iron sights - Adjustable front sight post, 2 rear notches to choose from
• Side folding stock - Allows for easy transportation and use in tight CQB situations
• Ambidextrous magazine release - Easy reloads for lefties or righties
• Russian AK side rail - Compatible with AK side rail mounts and AK side rail optics
• Textured AK74 style pistol grip - Diamond checkering for extra grip
• Sling points front and rear - Ready for a single-point or two-point sling
• Top wired to a mini-Tamiya connector - 9.6V 1600mAh NiMH recommended
• 3 Position steel fire selector - SAFE - AUTO - SEMI configuration
• Compatible with AK47/74 AEG magazines - Spare mags are prolific!

Package Includes

• Jing Gong JG1011 AKS-74U EBB
• 380rnd High-cap magazine
• Instruction manual
• Cleaning rod

Special Instructions

While other AKS-74U and AK AEGs can accept 7.4V LiPo stick batteries we do not recommend using anything other than a 9.6V NiMh with the JG1011. This is due to the battery compartment being a cylindrical shape and the EBB system requiring that the battery is pushed into the gas tube and not positioned on top of the bolt carrier as it is in a standard top-wired AK AEG. If you attempt to push a 7.4V LiPo stick battery through the gas tube you risk damaging the battery and causing a catastrophic failure if the battery cannot fit cleanly without being squashed in.