CYMA Gen.2 CM.052S RPKS-74 LMG AEG

Starting at the tip of the 24-inch outer barrel, we can find a birdcage-style flash hider, but thankfully, it isn't the M4/AR-15 birdcage, but rather the RPK birdcage flash hider, matching the real RPKS-74 perfectly. The flash hider is constructed from steel and conceals 14mm CCW male threads beneath, offering the opportunity to mount a tracer or suppressor if you want to stray away from the classic Russian military look.

Immediately behind the flash hider, we can see the front sight, which is appropriately shaped to match the real RPKS-74 and can be adjusted for elevation using a front sight adjustment tool. The finish on the front sight, as well as the trunnion block and gas block, is a textured paint finish, appropriately simulating the external finish of the real rifle.

As we move down the lengthy outer barrel, we can find a mock cleaning rod running parallel with it, retained by alloy rings and the front sight body. Surrounding the barrel and cleaning rod, we can find the steel folding bipod, which mounts over the barrel and allows the RPKS-74 to be tilted when set up on the bipod to deploy it on uneven ground.

The bipod legs are spring-loaded and are deployed by unhooking the retaining catch from the right side bipod leg, after which the bipod will spring open. Including a bipod was a generous move by CYMA, though for an RPK, it is all part of the "big boy AK" look. The bipod also features wide and flat feet, granting additional stability when set up on a solid surface such as concrete or a wall.

Moving rearward, we start to notice some more familiar AK features, including the gas block, gas tube and handguard arrangement. The gas block is finished with the same texture as the trunnion and front sight, adding realism and avoiding the tell-tale signs that this is an Airsoft AEG and not the real deal.

The gas block also follows the correct form for an RPKS-74, meaning the AK fans will be satisfied with this rifle. The gas tube is constructed from steel, as are both the upper handguard caps and the rear lower handguard cap, another nod to realism from CYMA with the added benefit of increased strength.

The first of our sling points is also located on the handguard cap, on the left side, allowing the RPKS-74 to be set up with a two-point rifle sling when combined with the rear sling point. We recommend choosing a strong sling with a padded strap like the 8Fields Tactical Enhanced Two-Point Sling for optimal comfort with this hefty platform.

The handguards are constructed from real wood; this sacrifices some handling in wet weather, but the gorgeous aesthetic of the plywood makes up for the reduced grip. This furniture takes no shortcuts and matches the real RPKS-74 wooden handguards perfectly. The handguards are a bit chunkier than standard AK handguards, giving the CM.052S a more substantial feel and keeping your hands away from the spicy-hot barrel in real steel form.

As we arrive at the receiver, we come across the trunnion block, which is the part which connects the barrel to the receiver on a real rifle. This part is constructed from alloy with a realistic textured surface finish and also houses the RPK-specific adjustable rear sight.

This sight works similarly to a standard AK tangent sight but is longer to provide additional graduation marks for the increased range of the long-barrelled RPK, and also includes an adjustable open aperture which can be moved left to right without the need for tools.

To adjust the rear sight for elevation, simply press the two textured buttons on either side of the sight, and move this piece to the position which corresponds with your chosen range. The sight is marked in 10s of meters, but this is mostly for realism, and we recommend you experiment and find the best elevation that works for you.

The RPK rear sight also has adjustable windage, something the standard AK lacked to keep things simple. To adjust, simply pull outwards on the knurled drum on the right side of the sight notch, turn it anti-clockwise to adjust the notch to the left, and turn it clockwise to move the notch to the right.

With the adjustment complete, release the drum, and it will lock into place and secure your adjustment. The drum can be adjusted in increments of half a turn each time, making this sight easy to use while providing a level of precision that other AK variants simply can't match.

Next up, we reach the receiver itself, which is constructed from steel, as is the receiver top cover. This receiver includes the hallmark reinforced sections near the front that mark this out as an RPK reinforced receiver, sacrificing low weight for increased strength, improved accuracy and resistance to heat build-up.

In Airsoft terms, this makes little difference other than pleasing those with an eye for the details and a passion for realism. The top cover is a smooth design without ribs, matching that of the real RPKS-74. On the left side of the receiver, we can see an AK-style Russian side rail mount, which is compatible with standard AK-style side mounts and PSO optics designed for the AK side rail, but will not fit accessories designed for the SVD side rail.

This is a nice touch for even more realism, but also opens up DMR possibilities for the CM.052S, which would suit the role well with its massive barrel!

Over on the right side of the receiver are the fire controls for the RPKS-74. The fire selector switch is constructed from steel and is directly taken from the AK-47/74 series of assault rifles, meaning if you have experience with the AK platform, your slick operator skills will transfer straight over to the AK's bigger brother. The fire selector uses the standard AK platform layout, with the selector options being as follows: safe, full-auto and semi-auto.

Many believe this was put into the AK design due to Russian doctrine favouring full auto over accurate semi-auto fire, but the truth is this design was intended to allow a user to select semi-auto more easily with a simple sweep down of the hand and allows the selector to be operated with thick winter gloves.

The added benefit is that full-auto cannot be selected accidentally, and must be intentionally moved upwards into position. Each selector marking includes authentic Russian Cyrillic lettering to denote the fire modes, which are engraved deeply and boldly into the right side of the receiver.

The pistol grip of the RPKS-74 is an AK-74-type pistol grip with diamond checkering on either side to provide a comfortable but effective gripping surface. This grip is constructed from polymer, matching the furniture issued to the Soviet military in the mid-1980s and sitting in line with many real RPKS-74 support weapons currently in service with the Russian military.

The trigger guard can be found just ahead of the pistol grip and is constructed from steel for realism and strength. The trigger guard assembly also integrates the magazine catch, which is centrally positioned, allowing for ambidextrous operation. This magazine catch also allows for the ultra-slick "mag flip" AK reload, though we don't recommend doing this as it will damage your mags!

The magazine insertion method of the AK platform is a "rock and lock" style operation, meaning you must first index the front of the magazine inside the magazine well, and then rock the rear of the magazine to interface with the magazine catch. This may seem like a hassle, but with a bit of practice, this technique can be carried out quickly and flawlessly and has the added benefit that it is impossible to "over-insert" your magazine and damage your HOP-up unit.

The HOP-up unit can be found inside the mock ejection port and is accessible when the mock bolt carrier is held to the rear. This HOP-up unit is constructed from alloy and has a slider adjustment style, known for its effectiveness in holding the chosen setting over a long duration. By moving the slider back and forth, you can tune your HOP-up for your chosen BB weight and get the flattest trajectory possible for maximum range.

One of the nicest features present on the CM.052S is its full-sized bolt carrier, which is practically unheard of in an AEG AK without purchasing aftermarket parts. This bolt carrier can be pulled all the way back, and by that we mean ALL the way back, just like a real AK!

Pulling this handle back and releasing it permeates the air with the sweet sound of metal on metal, which can only be an AK being readied for battle. CYMA absolutely did not have to include this, but the fact that they did shows how dedicated to realism they are with this stunning RPK.

As we arrive at the rear, we can find a real wood stock. This stock keeps the recognisable RPK silhouette, and it can be grabbed for additional control when firing from the prone position. The real wood looks amazing on this stock and adds some extra weight to balance the equilibrium due to the extremely long barrel. On the basis of the stock, we can find our rear sling point, which is positioned in a similar position to the standard AK-74, allowing standard AK-74-style slings to be used with the RPKS-74.

The battery compartment of the CM.052S can be found within the stock itself. For this compartment, we recommend a 7.4V 1500mAh LiPo battery for an easy fit and solid performance. The battery compartment can be accessed by removing the steel butt plate after removing its two screws with a flathead screwdriver.

Features

• Full metal construction
• 6.03mm Tightbore inner barrel - Superb accuracy potential
• CYMA Standard Gen.2 - CYMA MOSFET & reinforced gearbox shell
• 14mm CCW male threaded outer barrel - Tracer/suppressor ready
• RPK Birdcage flash hider - Steel construction, a perfect match for the real RPK muzzle device
• Mock cleaning rod - Mounts to the front sight, completes the realistic RPK silhouette
• Adjustable RPK tangent sights - Windage and elevation adjustable on the rear sight
• Integrated folding bipod - Helps support the weight of the front end when shooting in the prone position
• RPK Real wood handguards - Wider than the usual AK, authentic real wood with varnished finish
• Sling points front & rear - Front point on the left side of the handguard, rear on the right of the stock
• Steel reinforced RPK receiver - Reinforced around the front end for extra accuracy in real steel
• Steel RPK smooth top cover - Realistic top cover design, a perfect match for the real RPK
• Full-sized dummy bolt carrier - Includes mock piston, super smooth and strong bolt pull
• Alloy slider adjustable HOP-up unit - Pull back the charging handle to access
• 3-Position fire selector - Safe - full auto - semi-auto, realistic Russian markings
• Ambidextrous magazine release - Easy reloads from the left or right side
• Textured "plum" pistol grip - Grippy textured panels, authentic plum finish
• Side folding RPKS stock - Shaped for support hand bracing, folds to the side for storage
• Rear-wired: Deans connector - Recommended battery: 7.4V 1500mAh LiPo
• CYMA Standard Gen.2 Version 3 gearbox:
  • 18:1 Steel gears
  • 8mm Ball-bearing bushings
  • Polymer piston with metal full tooth rack
  • CNC Aluminium piston head
  • CNC Aluminium cylinder head
  • Stainless steel cylinder
  • Quick change spring guide
  • High torque Neodymium magnet motor
  • CYMA In-line MOSFET
• Compatible with AK-47/74 AEG magazines:
  • RPK-style 150rnd Mid-cap Bakelite Orange
  • RPK-style 150rnd Mid-cap Black
  • AK-74-style 150rnd Mid-cap Black
  • RPK 2500rnd Steel Drum Magazine

Package Includes

• CYMA Gen.2 CM.052S RPKS-74 LMG AEG
  • 2 x 800rnd High-cap magazines