LCT MK-74 AEG; ASTER II Bluetooth® ETU

About the real AK-74 / MK-74 Rifle

This build is based around a customised AK-74 rifle, equipped with a Sureshot MK3-inspired M-LOK handguard, a 20mm Picatinny railed top cover, and an AK-19 pattern pistol grip and stock. Due to teething issues with the AK-12 rifle, this type of modernised AK-74 has been a popular option for Spetsnaz troops and Wagner PMCs who have more flexibility in weapon choices than the average Russian infantryman. 

The MK-74 setup deviates from the usual utilitarian AK build with M-LOK and 20mm Picatinny interfaces, a free-floated barrel, and a receiver top cover chassis designed for mounting optics. This puts it at the front of the pack, boasting similar functionality to modern AR-15 and SCAR rifles; it can be quickly configured for a variety of battlefield roles using the most modern rifle accessories.

Suggested Setups

Wagner Group PMC: 5KU Putnik Suppressor | JJ Airsoft 1P87 Red Dot Sight | 5KU K20 Angled Foregrip

US Civilian Tactical: Airsoft Artisan VR-FAST Suppressor | Theta Optics XTO Red Dot | M-ETAL TD Halo Hand Stop

Platform Details

Starting at the tip of the steel outer barrel, we can find an AK-74-style muzzle brake, which is designed to counteract the recoil forces of the 5.45mm cartridge and keep the real AK controllable in full automatic. The muzzle brake is made of robust steel with an authentic blued finish.

The brake mounts to a 24mm CW thread adapter, which hides 14mm CCW underneath. This gives you flexibility with your choice of suppressor or tracer unit. We recommend the 5KU PBS-1 Suppressor for the authentic Russian look, but due to the modernised style of this MK-47, most suppressor styles would look appropriate.

Following the beastly muzzle brake, we come to the front sight tower, a perfect match for the real AK-74. The front sight post is adjustable with a front sight adjustment tool, and both the tower and the sight blade are made of steel. On the bottom of the front sight assembly, you'll find a bayonet lug. This can be used to mount a Rubber Dummy Bayonet, but always consult the site marshals before fixing bayonets in-game.

The gas block follows behind the front sight, made from steel with a flawless finish applied. This finish matches the front sight and trunnion block, adding a hint of realistic contrast thanks to its imitation heat/corrosion-resistant coating, which closely matches real Cold War-era AKs.

Next up, we reach the handguard, which is based on the SureShot MK3 M-LOK rail. It is constructed from CNC aluminium, boasting high durability and a premium finish. There are M-LOK slots at the 3, 6 and 9 o'clock positions, as well as additional offset slots which are slightly recessed. It also has a 20mm Picatinny rail running along the top, allowing for modern attachments like flashlights or lasers.

Moving down to the receiver itself, we can see authentic rivets and mock rivets, authentically positioned to match the layout of the real firearm. This is always nice to see and adds a touch of extra realism for those who want the most faithful replica out there. The finish applied is immaculate and incredibly realistic, with a blued look which is far more authentic than the usual paint finish.

The upper receiver is another modern enhancement of the MK-74. It is CNC aluminium as opposed to the classic stamped steel and features a Picatinny rail running along the top, ideal for optic setups and making up for the lack of a side mount.

The standout feature of the LCT lower receiver is its thick, stamped steel construction. Many Airsoft AKs feature stamped steel receivers, but most use thin sheet steel to keep weight manageable and costs down. LCT take it to the next level, with seriously thick steel stamped into a flawless form. Put this next to another stamped steel AK body, and the difference is obvious. If you want the most realistic AK build around, choose LCT!

As we would expect from LCT, all of the realistic details of a real AK receiver are flawlessly recreated. Mock rivets and pins adorn either side, all separate parts with a contrasting finish, which makes the details pop. On each side, we have a reinforcement dimple, designed in the real steel to provide extra strength around the magazine well.

Over on the right side, we can find the controls of the AK-74. The charging handle is of a classic AK format and is machined as part of the steel mock bolt carrier. The bolt carrier and charging handle are authentically coloured black, matching the real AK-74 bolt carrier perfectly. Rack it back for a satisfying "clank"!

With the charging handle held to the rear, we can see LCT's new rotary adjustable HOP-up unit inside. Rotating the dial on the top of the unit allows you to tune the HOP-up for different ammo weights, seeking the flattest trajectory possible. The new HOP-up design shows a lot of potential, with its top dead centre-style design, which reduces side-to-side shot deviation.

To the rear of the charging handle, we find the AK fire selector, which also serves as a dust cover in the "safe" position, preventing dirt and debris from entering the AEG. This selector is a bit different to most other AEG designs but sits in line with other AKs perfectly with its realistic "Safe - Auto - Semi" layout.

This layout was chosen for the original AK-47 to provide an easy, quick way to set the rifle to semi-automatic and to ensure that, when full auto was selected, it was done knowingly and intentionally. This layout allows you to slap the selector between safe and semi-auto rapidly for "sights on, safety off" manipulation, and its steel build means it's ready for a lifetime of heavy use.

Below the receiver, we can find the steel trigger guard/mag release assembly and the authentic plum coloured polymer pistol grip. The pistol grip is a modern AK-12 style of grip, another modern enhancement that the MK-74 has over a standard AK-74. It has grooves on the front and a linear texture on the flanks and rear to provide the optimal grip at all times during use.

The magazine release is accessible from either side, centrally positioned to facilitate ambidextrous use for left-handed users. Naturally, this assembly is made from steel and riveted onto the receiver, just like a real AK.

The LCT MK-74 AEG also boasts an AK-style stock. It is constructed from polymer with a low-profile design, much less bulky than the typical AK-74 fixed stock. Having this style of stock also means it is adjustable, with six different lengths to choose from, ideal for fitting comfortably with any loadout. To adjust the stock, push the lever to the right of the platform and slide the butt plate to your desired position.

Internals

Inside, this flawless AK build is based around the version 3 gearbox with TM-compatible internals, ideal for the techy types. Gearbox internals include 18:1 ratio steel gears running on 9mm ball bearing bushings, a steel ball-bearing quick change spring guide, a POM piston with a full steel tooth rack and a powerful 22K RPM motor. The result is a super-smooth running gearbox, with little left to improve!

This version of the LCT MK-74 AEG builds on LCT's usual robust internals by adding the advanced Gate ASTER II Bluetooth® ETU, the latest variant of Gate's optical trigger system. The ASTER II provides a wide range of programmable fire modes, trigger sensitivity settings and adjustable parameters, all of which can be adjusted through the Gate Control Station (GCS) app via Bluetooth. Having an ASTER II on board is a hallmark of a premium build, the perfect pairing for LCT's incredible external quality.

Features

• Steel / full metal build - Unparalleled realism
• Realistic AK-74 Muzzle brake - Iconic Krinkov looks
• 24mm CW Male threaded outer barrel - Choose 24mm CW suppressors & tracers
• Steel gas block / front sight - Adjustable front sight post, flawlessly realistic shape
• Bayonet lug - Add a Rubber Dummy Bayonet for melee kills
• Steel handguard caps - Maximum authenticity and strength, sling point built-in
• SureShot MK3 style handguard - M-LOK attachment interface, CNC aluminium construction
• Adjustable tangent iron sights - Adjust by pressing the drums on each side & sliding back and forth
• Railed top cover - Very modern, ideal for mounting full optic setups
• Steel bolt carrier - Rack it back for a satisfying metal-on-metal "clank"
• Rotary adjustable HOP-up unit - Updated design, improved setting retention compared to the slider
• 3-Position fire selector switch - SAFE - FULL AUTO - SEMI, just like a real AK
• AK-12 Textured pistol grip - Comfortable angle with excellent gripping qualities
• AK-12 Style adjustable stock - 6 positions of adjustment
• Top-wired: Deans connector - Recommended battery: 7.4V 1000mAh LiPo
• Version 3 gearbox:
  • Steel ball-bearing quick-change spring guide
  • 9mm Ball-bearing bushings
  • Chrome-plated brass cylinder
  • POM Piston with steel tooth rack
  • 22K RPM Motor
  • Gate ASTER II Bluetooth® ETU
• Suggested Accessories:
  • Airsoft Artisan VR-FAST Suppressor
  • 5KU Putnik Suppressor
  •  JJ Airsoft 1P87 Red Dot Sight
  • Theta Optics XTO Red Dot

Package Includes

• LCT MK-74 AEG; ASTER II Bluetooth® ETU
  • 130rnd Medium-capacity magazine

Special Instructions

LCT AKs have a very tightly fitted fire selector switch, and most of our examples have the classic AK fire selector switch scratch. This is an unavoidable consequence of testing at the factory, and will develop over time, regardless of how careful you are. Please consider this carefully before making your purchase.