Evolution E-104 AK-104 Paratrooper AEG

The Evolution Airsoft E-104 is the first AK platform of the Evolution "Hard Core" line, featuring full metal construction, an alloy HOP-up unit and an upgraded gearbox with ball bearing bushings, a quick change spring guide and a reinforced piston with a full steel tooth rack. To deliver BBs onto target accurately Evolution has fitted a 6.01mm tightbore inner barrel which should also improve the air seal of the platform, making for a more efficient system which makes the most of all the compressed air generated by the piston.

Starting at the tip of the outer barrel we can find an AK-104/105 style trumpet muzzle brake which serves to improve reliability in the real AK-104 by providing a greater volume of gas to help cycle the bolt carrier. The trumpet muzzle brake attaches to a 24mm CW Russian thread adapter which conceals 14mm CCW male threads beneath, giving you the option of mounting 14mm CCW threaded suppressors and tracers, or going full realism and mounting a PBS-1 or PBS-4 style AK suppressor to the 24mm CW adapter. Just make sure you remove the grub screw in the adapter before attempting to remove it!

The outer barrel of the E-104 is constructed from alloy and is 12 inches in length, putting this rifle right in the sweet spot of being short enough for CQB, but still packing a punch at longer ranges. Following the muzzle device we come to the combination front sight gas block, which is an iconic feature of the AK-104/105 and gives the venerable Kalashnikov design a fresh look. The front sight is a simple flat post which is adjustable for elevation, and the gas block/front sight assembly is constructed from alloy which keeps things light up front, saving weight for more steel as we move rearwards!

The gas tube sits just above the barrel, and is constructed from stamped steel, just like a real AK. The front upper handguard cap is integral to the gas tube, as it is with many Airsoft AEG AK rifles. Below the barrel we can find an authentic-looking cleaning rod, completing the AK silhouette. This cleaning rod is not meant to be used to clean the barrel of the E-104, make sure you use a proper polymer Airsoft cleaning rod to avoid scratching that awesome 6.01mm tightbore inner barrel.

The handguards are constructed from polymer and are finished in matt black, matching the more modern polymer furniture which equips all 21st-century AK variants. Over on the left side, we can find our front sling point which is integral to the lower front handguard cap. This can be coupled with the sling point on the stock base to mount a two point sling so you can more effectively use this AK with a sidearm in-game. The upper handguard is smooth and simple, and the lower handguard features AK-74M style linear gripping grooves to keep the E-104 easy to wield and point in wet weather.

Following the handguards we come to the rear sight/trunnion block which holds the upper handguard and gas tube on via the rotary catch on the right side, and also provides a home for the adjustable rear sight which is a tangent design. The tangent sight can be adjusted for range by pressing the button on the right side and sliding the adjuster forward and backwards. Tangent sights are often said to be harder to use than aperture sights, but they have the benefit of leaving more of your peripheral vision clear so you can more easily engage moving targets and keep your situational awareness sharp.

Next up we find the receiver, which is constructed from stamped steel, just like the real AK-1054. 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 AK.

Over on the left side, we can find an AK quick detach mounting rail, allowing for authentic Russian scopes to be mounted, or Picatinny rail mounts if you prefer a more modern western optic. The receiver also provides several authentic rivets, all found in the correct place for this AK variant. On the right side, below the charging handle, we can find the laser-engraved "Evolution International" brand marking.

To access the adjustable HOP-up unit of the E-104, simply hold the charging handle to the rear to reveal the slider adjustable HOP 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 effect, simply move the slider rearwards. Returning the slider to the front will reduce the HOP to its lowest setting. This HOP-up unit is constructed from alloy which improves its strength over polymer units, reducing the chances of a breakage down the line.

The receiver top cover of the E-104 is also constructed from stamped steel and is the appropriate design for a modern AK, with ribs stamped into the upper surface to provide additional strength whilst keeping the material thin and lightweight. The top cover also serves as the battery compartment for the E-104. 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. The E-104 is LiPo ready out of the box, and we recommend a 7.4V 1450mAh stick battery but you can also use a 9.6V NiMH stick battery if you prefer a NiMH battery.

The pistol grip of the E-104 is a standard AKM/AK-74 type pistol grip, 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. 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 side folding skeleton stock of the E-104 is constructed from steel and mimics the classic AKS-74 stock present on AKS-74 rifles issued to paratroopers and mechanised infantry. Being constructed from steel adds strength and keeps the weight low due to its skeleton design. To fold the stock to the side, simply press the button on the left side of the rear of the receiver, fold the stock to the left side and lock it on its hook. To unfold the stock, lift the locking latch on the receiver to disengage the hook, and the stock can be folded into the deployed position and locked. The right side 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.

Inside the E-104 we have a well-equipped version 3 gearbox with a chromed cylinder, steel gears running on 6mm ball bearing bushings for low friction and improved efficiency, and a steel toothed piston to increase strength and provide a platform that can be depended on in the long term. As with all of Evolution's "Hard Core" AEGs the E-104 boasts an alloy HOP-up unit and a 6.01mm tightbore inner barrel which improves air seal and gives the rifle some serious accuracy potential. A respectable feature set for an affordable full metal AK which reserves the right to be upgraded down the line thanks to its version 3 gearbox compatibility!

With the release of the E-104, AK fans will now have a much harder choice when it comes to choosing their perfect mid-length AK. The E-104 is both rock solid on the outside and within, and is a great performer straight out of the box with a smooth running gearbox with little to go wrong. Whether you plan on throwing in some more upgrades, or you are running it as it is, the E-104 is the perfect multi-role AK which can turn and burn indoors and also reach out and touch the enemy in the woodlands!

Features

• Full metal construction
• Mid-length AK variant
• 14mm CCW male threaded outer barrel
• 24mm CW adapter with Gas Booster flash hider
• Steel dummy gas tube, fire selector, receiver, top cover and stock
• Version 3 gearbox with quick change spring system
• Top wired - Mini-Tamiya connector
• Ambidextrous magazine release
• Side folding skeleton stock
• Adjustable tangent open iron sights
• Russian AK side rail  - 20mm rail adapter available here
• Sling points front and rear - Handguard and stock base
• 6.01mm Tightbore inner barrel - Great accuracy potential
• Piston with full steel tooth rack - Improved long term durability
• Chromed cylinder for reduced friction
• Steel gears with delayer running on 6mm ball bearing bushings
• Compatible with most AK platform AEG magazines

Package Includes

• Evolution Airsoft E-104 AK-104 Paratrooper AEG
• 500rnd High-capacity magazine
• User manual