Double Bell BY-023 AKM AEG; Real Wood Furniture

If you need an AK in your life for the unbeatable feel of steel and real wood, Double Bell has you covered with the BY-023 AKM AEG! This Airsoft AEG is modelled after the real steel AKM rifle, the modernised version of Kalashnikov's Automatic Rifle, aka the AK47. The real AKM improved on the original AK with more ergonomic furniture, lighter and more affordable stamped steel construction, the introduction of a side mount for scopes, red dot sight and night vision devices and a new muzzle device which helps keep the recoil of the rifle controllable in the fully automatic mode.

These rifles entered service in the 1970s but are still seen in conflict zones across the world to this day in the hands of rebel groups, PMCs and even special forces units during what is known as "deniable operations". The Double Bell AKM would be a fantastic choice for those who like to change things up from time to time and play as "OPFOR", a rebel group or a Pakol-wearing SF operator. What would Airsoft be without some lovely "bad guy" guns?

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 you are going for more of a Spetsnaz look for your AK. The PBS-1 suppressor is the perfect muzzle device for an 80's Spetsnaz AKM, just saying!

The front sight of the BY-023 AKM 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 none-the-less essential to complete the iconic AKM 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 BY-023 AKM are both real wood and there is a bulge in the lower handguard to fill out the hand and provide a comfortable firing grip, and to keep the visual language in line with that of the real AKM. 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 AKM. 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 AKM. 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 BY-023, 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 BY-023 AKM 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. 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 stick battery for the BY-023 AKM AEG 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 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 BY-023 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.

The stock of the BY-023 is constructed from real wood with has an authentic colouration for AK furniture and the recognisable central groove present on AKM stocks but absent on earlier AK variants. The wood is coated with a matt varnish and has a deep and varied, giving the appropriate AK look without reflecting too much sunlight and giving your position away. 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 style sling.

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!

Features

• Full metal construction - Mostly steel
• Real wood handguards and stock - Authentic AKM build
• Matt varnished finish - Looks good, not too shiney
• 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
• Authentic mock rivets, Cyrillic markings across the design - Very realistic externals
• 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!
• Compatible with AK47/74 AEG magazines - Ideally 7.62x39mm style but most will work fine

Package Includes

• Double Bell BY-023 AKM AEG; Real Wood Furniture
• 500rnd High capacity magazine
• User manual