Evolution E-74 AKS-74 Paratrooper AEG

If you're looking for a solid full metal AK, the Evolution E-74 AKS-74 Paratrooper AEG is one to watch. A full metal build styled after the real steel AKS-74, the skeleton stock AK-74 issued to VDV paratroopers and mechanised infantry, the E-74 is ideal for any Russian or Opfor loadout from the Cold War era right up to the present day. 

Fitted with an alloy HOP-up unit and an upgraded gearbox with 6mm ball bearing bushings, a quick change spring guide and a reinforced piston with a full steel tooth rack, this AK is simple yet solid, with all parts made to TM AEG spec, ready for aftermarket customisation. To deliver BBs onto the target accurately, Evolution has fitted a 6.01mm tightbore inner barrel, which improves the air seal of the platform, making it more efficient and consistent, translating to great accuracy with high-quality BBs. 

Starting at the tip of the outer barrel, we can find an orange birdcage flash hider mounted to 14mm CCW male barrel threads. Fear not, a realistic AK-74 muzzle brake made from alloy is included in the box, along with the appropriate 24mm CW Russian thread adapter to mount it. The 14mm CCW barrel threads allow for the easy mounting of most common tracer units and suppressors, enabling you to customise your E-74 to suit the mission at hand. If you want the most realistic-looking tracer unit for this platform, check out the Acetech Blaster AK.

The outer barrel of the E-74 is constructed from alloy and is 16.3 inches in length, making it ideal for outdoors skirmishes but still capable of taking tight turns thanks to its side folding stock. Following the muzzle device, we come to the front sight, the correct shape for the AKS-74 and made from alloy to provide ample strength. The front sight blade is a simple flat post which is adjustable for elevation, and below the sight, we can find a mock cleaning rod, completing the realistic AK silhouette. The cleaning rod is friction-fitted, so we recommend removing it before hitting the field if you're worried about it going missing. 

Following the ribbed outer barrel back, we come to the gas tube, made from alloy and a dead-on match for the real AKS-74 in shape. The gas tube follows just behind, 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. 

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-74 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 AKS-74. 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 selector 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.

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-74 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-74. 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-74 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-74 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-74 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 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 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 AK-47/74 sling.

Inside the E-74, 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-74 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 full TM version 3 gearbox compatibility!

If you're looking for an AK with Russian vibes based around proven, TM-compatible internals, the Evolution E-74 AKS-74 Paratrooper AEG is a great choice. It's full metal build, alloy HOP-up unit and version 3 gearbox make the E-74 simple, reliable and solid, just like the real AKS-74!

Features

• Full metal construction - Plenty of steel parts
• 6.01mm Tightbore inner barrel - Great accuracy potential
• 14mm CCW male threaded barrel - Tracer/suppressor ready, recommended tracer: Acetech Blaster AK 
• 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
• 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 side rail mount - Compatible with Russian AK optics or 20mm rail adapters
• Realistic disassembly - VFC style, all pins and rivets, no screws!
• Front and rear sling points - Ideal for AK-47/74 replica slings, suitable for most two-point slings
• Side folding AKS-74 skeleton stock - Steel construction, super strong
• Version 3 Gearbox: 
  • Alloy shell
  • 18:1 steel gears
  • 6mm ball bearing bushings
  • Quick change spring guide
• Compatible with AK side rail scope mounts: M-ETAL 20mm Scope Mount For AK | CYMA 20mm AK Side Rail Mount
• Compatible with AK47/74 AEG magazines - 5.45 Style to please the stitch counters, but most will work

Package Includes

• Evolution E-74 AKS-74 Paratrooper AEG
• 500rnd High-capacity magazine

Special Instructions

As you receive it, the Evolution E-74 may have scratches beneath the fire selector lever and surrounding the gas tube disassembly lever. This is due to the assembly process at the factory and cannot be avoided. Please consider this carefully before making your purchase.