EMG Strike Industries AK-TRAX CQB AEG; Kestrel Basic ETU

If you're after an AK which leans into modernity, the EMG Strike Industries AK-TRAX CQB AEG; Kestrel Basic ETU is a fantastic choice! A full metal build with plenty of steel in the mix, the AK-TRAX is a complete AKS-74U build equipped with licensed Strike Industries parts throughout; a considerable advantage when it comes to accessory options and ergonomics!

Inside, the AK-TRAX is very well equipped, boasting 13:1 ratio high-speed gears, a ball bearing spring guide, a polymer piston with a full steel tooth rack and a high torque motor to deliver the power, resulting in an ultra-rapid trigger response and killer rate of fire. 

Also inside is the EShooter Kestrel Basic ETU, offering 3-round burst and binary trigger, adjustable pre-cocking, active braking, cycle completion, low battery warning and low/high voltage protection. AKs with programmable triggers are a bit of a rarity; it's great to see CYMA keeping the AK platform competitive with modern ARs!

Starting at the front, we can find a muzzle brake pre-installed, starting the build off with a hint of aggression, a sign of things to come! The muzzle brake mounts to 14mm CCW male barrel threads, meaning if you're a sneaky skirmisher or want to improve your instinct aiming edge, you can add a tracer unit or suppressor of your choice. The front sight post/gas block follows behind, finished in an imitation anti-corrosion finish which closely matches real AK milled steel parts. 

The handguard is an ultra-lightweight design and a close replica of the real steel Strike Industries TRAX handguard, made from CNC-machined aluminium featuring M-LOK slots at the 3, 6, and 9 o'clock positions, ready for M-LOK accessories. On top, we are treated to a 20mm Picatinny rail in the ideal spot for a forward-mounted red dot sight, tactical flashlight or laser aiming module. The skeletonised design of the TRAX makes the front end extremely fast to point, pairing well with the compact size of the build and making for a beast of a CQB platform. 

Between the handguard and receiver, we can see the trunnion block, a hint of old-school AK poking through the ultra-modern exterior. The trunnion block matches the real steel AKS-74U in shape, and the finish perfectly matches CYMA's imitation anti-corrosion finish present on the front sight. This gives the build a bit of much-needed contrast, correctly mimicking real steel tactical AKs, which combine original AK components with cutting-edge modern enhancements; parts which are usually finished with different methods. 

As we reach the receiver, we can take note of its stamped steel construction, giving the AK-TRAX a substantial and realistic feel in the hands, just like the real AK. The receiver has standard AK-style controls on the right side, with an extended X47-style 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. The X47 switch includes a finger ledge to allow it to be operated with the trigger finger, meaning you don't need to remove your hand from the grip to change fire modes. 

Matching the control layout of the real AK rifle, the first position on the fire selector is fully automatic, and the lowermost position is semi-automatic. Each fire mode is denoted by a crisply engraved authentic Russian Cyrillic marking, adding some realism to this already very realistic AK. 

The receiver also features several rivets in all the right places, as well as the receiver strengthening dimples present on all Russian stamped AK receivers. The top cover is also stamped from steel and features a 20mm Picatinny rail running along the top, ready for your choice of red dot sight or scope. 

To access the HOP-up unit of the AK-TRAX, simply hold the charging handle back to reveal the alloy slider adjustable HOP-up unit. The slider unit is known as one of the best designs out there. 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.

Being a top-wired design, the battery compartment of the AK-TRAX is beneath the top cover. To access the battery compartment, simply press the button at the rear of the hinged top cover, and it can be lifted, revealing the Deans battery connector. 

We recommend an 11.1V 1500mAh LiPo battery in AK stick configuration, but you can just about squeeze in certain stick batteries designed for AR buffer tubes if you are very careful when reinstalling the top cover. With the battery connected and installed, simply push the top cover back down and pull the charging handle to index the button if needed. The hinged top cover makes battery installation far easier, saving you the fiddle of reinstalling the standard AK top cover. 

The pistol grip replicates the Strike Industries AK Enhanced Pistol Grip, a far cry from the usual AK grip based on 1940s ergonomics! This grip is an ergonomic design with Strike's unique texture style on the flanks and linear grooves on the front and rear, ideal for wet-weather operations, with or without gloves. The grip also features thumb index points on either side and a palm ledge at the base, providing a comfortable fit for hands of most sizes. 

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, perfect for left or right-handed shooters. 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 rearward to engage the catch.

At the rear, we are equipped with a modern stock setup to match the modern front end, replacing the usual fixed or side folding stock with an M4/AR-15 buffer tube adapter, a 6-position buffer tube and a slimline crane-style stock. This stock adapter perfectly mimics the real steel Strike Industries AK to AR Stock Adapter, offering a pair of QD sling sockets on the stock base, one on either side, along with Strike's aggressive, angular styling. 

The buffer tube follows the stock base and is constructed from aluminium, offering 6 positions of adjustment for the Strike MOD1 stock. Adjusting the stock is as it is with any other M4/AR-15 stock; simply press the adjustment lever on the bottom and slide the stock into your desired position. The stock itself is a perfect match for the real steel Strike Industries MOD1 stock, a modern low-profile design with a QD sling socket on either side and a rolled toe, perfect for modern shooting stances when wearing body armour. 

Inside, the AK-TRAX is kitted out with pre-upgraded parts, including 13:1 ratio high-speed gears, a ball bearing spring guide, a polymer pistol with a full steel tooth rack and a powerful high-torque motor, delivering an incredible trigger response and rate of fire. The spring guide is also a quick change example, meaning power tuning is an absolute breeze compared to older designs. 

Also inside is a 6.03mm tightbore inner barrel paired with an alloy HOP-up unit, providing the parts needed to get the job done, either at close or long range. The EShooter Kestrel Basic MOSFET is the icing on the cake, offering 6 levels of adjustable pre-cocking, options for 3-round burst and binary trigger, along with low battery warning, cycle completion, active braking and low/high voltage cutoff.

If you've been eyeing up AKs but you're a Westerner at heart, the EMG Strike Industries AK-TRAX CQB AEG; Kestrel Basic ETU should keep you happy. A dynamic, aggressive build perfectly hybridising Eastern Bloc utilitarianism and Western ergonomics and accessory options, the AK-TRAX is ready to rock!

Features

• Full metal construction
• 6.03mm Tightbore inner barrel - Superb accuracy potential
• 14mm CCW Male threaded outer barrel - Tracer/suppressor ready
• Muzzle brake pre-installed - Aggressive, modern styling
• Open iron sights - Wide field of view, non-adjustable back-up sights
• M-LOK handguard - Ready for M-LOK accessories at 3, 6, & 9 o'clock, 20mm rail up top
• 20mm Picatinny railed top cover - Ready for a red dot sight or scope
• Ambidextrous magazine release - Easy reloads from the left or right side
• Extended fire selector lever - "X47" style, change modes with the trigger finger
• Ergonomic "AK Enhanced Pistol Grip" - A very comfortable design with Strike Industries trademarks
• Fixed stock tangs - Rare for an AKS-74U, stronger stock mounting than side folders
• Strike Industries "AK to AR Stock Adapter" - CNC Aluminium build, a perfect match for the real thing
• 6-Position M4/AR-15 buffer tube - Adjust the stock to suit your body type & loadout
• Strike Industries MOD1 Stock - Completes the build, low-profile design which works well with body armour
• Version 3 gearbox:
  • 13:1 Ratio high-speed gears
  • Ball bearing quick-change spring guide
  • Polymer piston with full steel tooth rack
  • High-torque motor
  • Kestrel Basic ETU
• Kestrel Basic MOSFET/ETU functions:
  • Low/high voltage cutoff
  • Low battery warning
  • Adjustable pre-cocking (5 levels)
  • Binary Trigger
  • 3-Round burst
• Top-wired: Deans connector - Recommended Battery: 11.1V 1500mAh LiPo in Slim Stick config. 
• Compatible with AK-47/74 AEG magazines - Plenty of spares available
• Recommended spare magazine: CYMA 150rnd Mid-Cap Magazine for AK-47/74 AEGs

Package Includes

• EMG Strike Industries AK-TRAX CQB AEG; Kestrel Basic ETU
  • 150rnd Mid-cap magazine