Specna Arms SA-J71 CORE™ AK-74M Carbine AEG

If you want an AK but you don't want to be at the gym constantly, maybe a full steel model isn't for you. The SA-J series from Specna Arms is designed for this exact purpose, giving you modern AK designs with realistic field stripping based on the VFC AK design externally but with polymer parts to keep the weight down, and Specna's respectable CORE internals to get the job done down range. The SA-J71 replicates the real steel AK-74M, a modernised full-length AK74 with a polymer folding stock, making it easy to transport and allowing it to be shortened down for close quarters when necessary.

Starting at the tip of the barrel we can find an AK-74M style muzzle brake, which is intended in the real AK-74M to reduce recoil to allow more stability during full auto fire or rapid semi-auto shots. The muzzle brake mounts to 14mm CCW male threads at the tip of the 16.3-inch outer barrel and can be swapped out for a suppressor or tracer unit if you are going for more of a Spetsnaz look for your AK.

The muzzle brake mounts via a 24mm Russian thread adapter which has a grub screw to retain it so if you need to access the 14mm CCW male threads on the barrel you will need to hold the detent pin on the front of the front sight block, unscrew the muzzle brake and remove the grub screw from the adapter beneath, after which it can be unscrewed to reveal the 14mm CCW threading.

The front sight of the SA-J71 is constructed from polymer and provides an adjustable front post with protective wings to ensure an accidental bump or scrape does not render your sights useless. Following the outer barrel backwards for a short duration brings us to the gas block and gas tube, which is the correct design for an AK-74M and although it is made from polymer, has the appearance of stamped steel. Running just below the outer barrel we have a steel mock cleaning rod, giving this AK-74M the iconic AK silhouette we all know and love.

The handguards of the SA-J71 are styled after the standard AK-74 polymer type, with linear grooves for additional grip. These handguards match perfectly with the post-Bakelite era AK furniture and make this AK a great choice for modern loadouts.

The lower handguard surrounds the alloy 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 trunnion block also provides 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.

The lever on the right side of the trunnion is the handguard and gas tube disassembly lever. This lever allows you to quickly remove the upper handguard and gas tube of the SA-J71 just like a real AK-74M, 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 Specna's high density polymer, the same stuff used on their CORE and FLEX M4 series. This polymer is firm and flex free, and has a matt textured surface 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 auto and the lowermost position is semi-automatic. Each fire mode is denoted by a crispy moulded 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 dummy rivets, all found in the correct place for this AK variant. On the underside of the receiver we can find a discretely located "SA in a box" Specna Arms logo, just forward of the magazine well. The magazine well also has an insert at the front which helps with reloads by limiting how far the mag can go into the receiver. This is a great feature, and makes the SA-J71 less of a pig to manipulate than most AKs!

To access the adjustable HOP-up unit of the SA-J71 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. The HOP-up unit is constructed from alloy to give it extra strength.

The receiver top cover of the SA-J71 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 battery compartment for the SA-J71 is beneath the top cover. 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. For the SA-J71 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. With the battery connected and installed, you can place the top cover back into the rifle, 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 SA-J71 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 stock of the SA-J71 is constructed from polymer, and is a realistically slim design to facilitate side folding functionality. The stock features a storage compartment within its butt plate, which can be opened using the large polymer button on the butt plate. This compartment is rather small and is intended for a cleaning kit, but could also be used to store batteries for any accessories on your AK, or any documentation you might need. 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, press the button on the butt plate 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 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.

Those looking for a realistically built modern AK that doesn't make the arms burn after a day skirmishing with it, the SA-J71 would be perfect for you. Its low weight and high strength polymer keep the overall build light and agile and the respectable CORE internals represent a lot of value for a very low price. If you have been AK-curious for a while now and are looking for something to get you started, you can't go wrong with an SA-J71!

Features

• High density polymer/alloy/steel build
• 6.03mm Tightbore inner barrel
• 14mm CCW male threaded barrel w/24mm Russian adapter
• ESA2 Quick change spring system -Easy power tuning, no need to open the gearbox
• Version 3 Gearbox - Alloy shell, steel gears, 8mm slide bearings
• 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 adapters
• Steel top cover, magazine release/trigger guard assembly and cleaning rod
• High density polymer receiver, front sight and gas tube
• 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
• Side folding polymer stock - Storage compartment inside
• Compatible with AK47/74 AEG magazines - 5.45 Style to please the stitch counters, but most will work

Package Includes

• Specna Arms SA-J71 CORE™ AK-74M Carbine AEG
• 450rnd High capacity S-MAG magazine
• User manual