LCT MPi-AKS-74NK AEG; ASTER II Bluetooth® ETU

About the real East German (DDR) MPi-AKS-74NK Rifle

One of the rarest AK builds around, the MPi-AKS-74NK is a specific AK variant manufactured by the former East Germany (DDR) for use by paratroopers and other specialists. Building on the full-length MPi-KM and MPi-AK-74, the MPi-AKS-74NK uses classic East German 1980s Bakelite handguards and the iconic "coat-hanger" wire-folding stock.

Unlike the Soviet equivalent, the AKS-74U, the MPi-AKS-74NK retains a standard-length bolt carrier. The front sight was moved back to the gas block location, and the two were combined. This configuration was later used in the modern AK-104 and AK-105 rifles, and is widely regarded as the best format for an AK carbine. The "K" suffix in the name denotes Kurz (short) in classic German style.

East German AK builds are prized collector's items in the real steel world, regarded as one of the highest quality AK builds around, alongside Russian, Polish and Finnish AKs, while being extremely rare and sought-after. The MPi-AKS-74NK is the most unique of the DDR AKs, and LCT is the only brand reproducing this historical piece in Airsoft form.

Platform Details

Starting at the front, we can find the unique multi-port flash hider, flawlessly matching the real MPi-AKS-74NK. The flash hider is made from steel and mounts to 14mm CCW male barrel threading. While the real MPi-AKS-74NK was not used with a suppressor in the real world, the 14mm barrel threading means you can dress the front end up with a tracer unit or suppressor if it suits your build objectives.

The barrel itself is made from steel, providing realistic weight distribution and the appropriate heft to do the real thing justice. Mounted to the barrel, we have the unique front sight/gas block combo of the MPi-AKS-74NK, matching the real thing perfectly with its gorgeous mock anti-corrosion finish. The front sight post is adjustable using a front sight adjustment tool and is protected on either side with integral wings. 

Below the barrel, we have a mock cleaning rod, made from steel and mounted through ports in the front sight and gas block, just like the real deal. It goes without saying that you should never use this to clean an Airsoft barrel, but it is nonetheless an important part of the realistic MPi-AKS-74NK look.

Behind the gas block, we can find the stamped steel gas tube, made with the same processes as the real deal. Below, we can find the unique MPi-AKS-74NK bayonet lug, designed for standard AK-74 bayonets. This means you can add a Rubber Training Bayonet, but make sure you clear it with site marshals before fixing bayonets in-game.

Next up, we reach the handguards, one of the most recognisable features of this unique East German-inspired build. The handguards are made from strong, high-density polymer, but are finished to mimic real steel Bakelite polymer. Bakelite is the first purely synthetic polymer, invented in 1907 and used for AK pistol grips, magazines and furniture, in the case of DDR AKs.

While it is much lighter than wood and requires less maintenance, Bakelite was not known for its strength, as you'll see from this TFB Article about real DDR AKs. Thankfully, LCT uses ultra-strong reinforced polymer for its faux Bakelite, with a smooth, glossy finish, just like real DDR Bakelite parts.

Between the handguards and receiver, we have what is known as the "trunnion block", a milled steel component which connects the barrel to the receiver. This is where you'll find the rear tangent sight, which is adjustable by pressing the drums on either side of the sight and sliding it back and forth to raise and lower the open notch.

On the right side of the trunnion, you'll see a small lever. This is the disassembly lever, allowing you to remove the gas tube for maintenance in the real steel by rotating it clockwise. This is fully functional on this super-realistic LCT build, and while you won't need to clean the gas tube as part of your regular maintenance, it is very satisfying to mess around with.

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 standout feature of the LCT 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.

On the left side of the receiver, we can find a Russian AK side rail, realistically riveted onto the receiver. In real steel form, this makes this build an AKMN technically, with its -N prefix added to denote Nochnoy (Ночной), which means "night time", aka, night vision capable. In Airsoft terms, this rail is intended for either 20mm Picatinny rail mounts or Russian optics designed for the AK-type side rail.

Over on the right side, we can find the controls of the AKM. 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 AKM 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 top of the unit lets you tune the HOP-up for different ammo weights to achieve the flattest possible trajectory. 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 can find the AK fire selector, which doubles as a dust cover when 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.

An easter egg for those in the know: the fire selector markings match perfectly with the real MPi-AKS-74NK, featuring no marking for safe, an ourroboros/infinity symbol (∞) for full auto and a "1" for semi-automatic. This shows LCT goes the extra mile to provide the realistic details collectors and firearms enthusiasts love.

The selector layout was chosen for the original AK-47 to provide an easy and quick sweep to set the rifle to semi-automatic and 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 unique MPi-AKS-74NK faux Bakelite polymer pistol grip. This grip design puts far more thought into ergonomics than the standard AK grip, amd featires dot textured panels on the corners to enhance wet-weather traction. The gloss finish of the grip matches perfectly with the faux Bakelite handguards, doing justice to the real material with the strength of modern polymer. 

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.

At the rear, we come to the stock of the MPi-AKS-74NK, designed for the MPi-KMS(72) but more famous for being favoured by PMCs during the Iraq and Afghanistan conflicts, used with Romanian AIMS rifles. Known as the "coat hanger" or "wire folder", this stock type is East German in origin, intended as a stronger alternative to the Soviet "underfolder" AK stock, and was later adopted for Romanian AIMS-74 rifles in the 1980s.

To fold the stock, simply press the button at the rear of the folding mech and to deploy it, simply grab it and flip it open into place. This stock type was appreciated by PMCs who operate from vehicles, being fast to deploy and minimalist in form, ideally suited to a "footwell gun". The stock mounts to milled steel stock tangs, a hallmark of an LCT build, which means you'll never experience a broken tang, unlike alloy equivalents.

Internals

Inside, this flawless MPi-AKS-74NK replica 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 MPi-AKS-74NK 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

• Full steel external build - Unparalleled realism
• MPi-AKS-74NK Multi-port flash hider - Steel build, authentic looks
• 14mm CCW Male threaded outer barrel - Tracer/suppressor ready
• Steel gas block / front sight - Adjustable front sight post, flawlessly realistic shape
• Bayonet lug - Add a Rubber Dummy Bayonet for melee kills
• Mock cleaning rod - Steel construction, completes the authentic AK silhouette
• Steel handguard caps - Maximum authenticity and strength, sling point built-in
• Faux Bakelite handguards - Flawless looks, far stronger than real Bakelite
• Adjustable tangent iron sights - Adjust by pressing the drums on each side & sliding back and forth
• Ribbed top cover - A perfect match for the real MPi-AKS-74NK, ribs stamped in to add strength
• Stamped steel receiver & top cover - Authentic rivet detail, thicker than usual stamped steel receivers
• 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
• DDR/East German fire selector markings - "∞" Denotes full auto, "1" denotes semi-auto
• Russian AK-style side rail - Mount Russian AK optics or 20mm Picatinny rail mounts for optics
• Faux Bakelite textured pistol grip - A perfect match for the unique MPi-AKS-74NK grip
• Steel side folding "coat hanger" stock - East German design, very slim & compact
• Rear-wired: Deans connector - Recommended Battery: 7.4V 1500mAh 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

Package Includes

• LCT MPi-AKS-74NK 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.