S&T AKS-74N Sports Line AEG

If you want the classic AK look without the extra weight of a full metal build, the S&T AKS-74N Sports Line AEG is ideal. This AK replica is patterned after the real steel AKS-74N, the night vision-ready version of the folding stocked AK-74, issued to paratroopers and mechanised infantry throughout the late Cold War era and still in service today in its modernised form.

The S&T AKS-74N is constructed almost entirely from high density polymer, with an alloy outer barrel and stamped steel stock, fire selector, top cover and trigger guard assembly. This keeps the platform light and agile, only adding metal parts where they are needed for strength. The polymer quality of this AK is top-notch, with a rough matt finish which is visually very similar to anti-corrosion finishes found on real Cold War AKs. The faux wood handguard is also spot-on, with a varied grain and realistic colour closely matching real AK-74 wood handguards.

Starting at the tip of the 16.3-inch alloy outer barrel we can find a high density polymer AK-74 muzzle brake, the perfect muzzle device for an authentic Cold War-era AKS-74. The muzzle brake mounts to 14mm CCW male threading, meaning it can be removed and replaced with a tracer unit, suppressor or flash hider of your choice. To remove the muzzle device, you will need to hold the detent pin in the front sight down to allow the muzzle brake to be unscrewed. The easiest way we found to do this is to hold the pin down with a small flathead screwdriver. If you're looking for suppressor ideas, go for the PBS4 if you want the authentic Cold War-era Ruskie look!

The front sight of the S&T AKS-74N 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.

Moving further down the outer barrel we come to the dummy gas block. This connects to the gas tube, which meets the faux wood upper handguard via an alloy handguard cap. 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 handguards are constructed from high density polymer with a faux-wood finish, and as with other S&T faux wood furniture, you would be hard-pressed to tell it apart from real wood without touching it!

The trunnion block follows just behind, providing 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 buttons on either side of the sight notch and moving the notch back and forth on its base. This sight type benefits over aperture sights in its field of view, allowing you to more effectively track moving targets and avoid tunnel vision.

The lever on the right side of the trunnion block is the handguard disassembly lever. This lever allows you to quickly remove the upper handguard and gas tube of the S&T AKS-74N just like a real AKS-74, though this isn't really any use in Airsoft terms. This is one of the many perks of using the VFC-style external construction over the TM style, you can strip it like a real AK for extra nerd points!

Next up we find the receiver, which is constructed from high density polymer with a matt finish which almost looks like the real anti-corrosion finish applied to real AKs. This is one of those receivers you have to touch to know it isn't metal! 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 automatic 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 20mm Picatinny rail mounts if you prefer a more modern Western optic. The receiver also provides several authentic dummy rivets, all found in the correct place for this AK variant.

To access the adjustable HOP-up unit of the S&T AKS-74N, 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. To increase the HOP-up 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 AKS-74N is also constructed from stamped steel and is the appropriate design for an AK-74 variant, with ribs stamped into the upper surface to provide additional strength while keeping the material thin and lightweight. The battery compartment is beneath the top cover and accessible by pressing the button at the rear of the top cover, after which it should come straight off, revealing the mini-Tamiya connector. For the S&T AKS-74N, we recommend a 7.4V 1200mAh stick battery 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 into the AKS-74N, 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 S&T AKS-74N is a standard AKM-type pistol grip, with diamond checkering on either side to ensure the rifle stays firmly in your grasp in any weather condition. Just ahead of the pistol grip, we can find the trigger guard and magazine release assembly, 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, offering both left and right-handed users an easy reload process. 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 AKS-74N is constructed from steel, just like the real thing. The classic AKS-74 style skeleton stock provides strength and keeps the weight low due to its skeletonised 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 front left of the receiver to disengage the hook, after which 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.

On the inside, we are treated to a respectable internal setup, especially considering the affordable nature of the S&T "Sports Line" range. The version 3 gearbox is constructed from alloy with a steel 18:1 ratio gearset running on 8mm slide bearings and a quick change spring system for easy power tuning to meet your local site's FPS limits. The inner barrel is also a 6.02mm tightbore, giving you an edge in air efficiency, FPS and accuracy compared to a standard 6.08mm bore.

Fans of the AK aesthetic looking for a lightweight backup or base gun for a build, the S&T AKS-74N gives you realistic VFC syle core components in a weight-reduced form, keeping you mobile, agile and hostile in game. The few pre-upgraded parts further sweeten the deal, giving you a competitive platform as it is but ready to be upgraded should you feel the need!

Features

• High density polymer/alloy/steel build
• 6.02mm Tightbore inner barrel - Great accuracy potential
• 14mm CCW male threaded barrel - Tracer/suppressor ready
• AK-74 Muzzle brake pre-installed - The perfect device for AK-74s, otherwise mount a PBS4 suppressor!
• Quick change spring system -Easy power tuning, no need to open the gearbox
• Version 3 Gearbox - Alloy shell, 18:1 steel gears, 8mm steel slide bearing bushings
• Alloy slider adjustable HOP-up unit - Great design, accessible through the ejection port
• Ambidextrous magazine release - Centrally positioned, great for lefties
• Adjustable open tangent iron sights - Great field of view
• Textured pistol grip - Appropriate for modern AK variants
• Russian AK dovetail side mount - Compatible with Russian AK optics or 20mm rail adapters
• Steel top cover, magazine release/trigger guard assembly and cleaning rod
• High density polymer receiver, front sight and gas tube - An agile AK!
• Realistic disassembly - VFC style, all pins and rivets, no screws!
• Front and rear sling points - Ideal for AK47/74 replica slings, suitable for most two-point slings
• Steel side folding AKS-74-style skeleton stock - Strong and light, perfect for Cold War loadouts
• Storage compartment in the stock - Ideal for tactical sweeties, accessory batteries etc.
• Compatible with AK side rail scope mounts: M-ETAL 20mm Scope Mount For AK | NUPROL AK Side Scope Mount
• Compatible with AK47/74 AEG magazines - 5.45 Style to please the stitch counters, but most will work

Package Includes

• S&T AKS-74N Sports Line AEG
• 300rnd High-cap magazine
• User manual