LCT RPK-16 AEG; ASTER II Bluetooth® ETU

The real Kalashnikov RPK-16 Light Machine Gun

Designed to replace the RPK-74M, the real steel RPK-16 began development in 2016, sharing design and ergonomic features from the AK-12 program. Based on a prototype known as "RPK-400", the new AK support gun featured 20mm Picatinny rails for accessories, an ergonomic pistol grip, a folding stock assembly, a quick-change barrel and a unique quick detachable suppressor.

The RPK-16 now serves throughout the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation, replacing the older RPK rifles, but is more commonly seen in its short-barreled "assault rifle" configuration, which LCT flawlessly replicates. Used in a similar role to the USMC's M27 IAR, the RPK-16 specialises in accurate fire at long range thanks to its reinforced receiver and heavy profile barrel, but shares ammo and magazine compatibility with the mass-issued AK-12.

Featured in Escape from Tarkov (2016), Call to Arms (2018) and STALKER: GAMMA (2022), this aggressive-looking big-boy AK is already making waves in popular culture, though its rarity is a big draw for those seeking a unique support platform with bad guy vibes!

Suggested Setups

Russian Issue Inspired: JJ Airsoft 1P87 Red Dot Sight | Rokstad Bipod with RIS adapter | Element Stubby Foregrip

Pactical & Tactical: NUPROL Grip-Pod for 20mm Rails | AIM-O MRO Red Dot Sight | WADSN M340A Scout Light Pro

Platform Details

Starting at the front, we can find the unique 3-prong flash hider of the RPK-16, a perfect match for the real deal. This device features two horizontal prongs and a larger one at the bottom, designed to prevent dust and debris backblast from obscuring the shooter's view.

The flash hider is made from steel, with the flawless finish we all expect from LCT. Beneath the flash hider, we're equipped with 14mm CCW male barrel threads, ready to be kitted out with a tracer or suppressor. The RPK-16 is used with a proprietary Kalashnikov suppressor in real steel form, but with 14mm CCW threading available, you have plenty of other options.

Behind the flash hider, we come to the gas block, a modernised design similar to the AK-12, but considerably reinforced. Sling points are located on either side, machined into the robust steel gas block for optimal strength. At the front of the gas block, you'll find the maintenance plug, a separate part, just like the real deal.

In real steel terms, this makes maintenance of the gas block and piston far easier in the field and was a necessary addition to the modernised AK format due to the single-piece free-floated handguard. For Airsoft, this part doesn't serve a function but to enhance the realistic aesthetic.

The front sight itself is on top of the gas block, an adjustable front post surrounded by a protective ring, fitted to a dovetail-style recess machined into the gas block. The front sight blade is adjustable using a front sight adjustment tool, and all parts of the assembly are made from steel for maximum strength and peak realism.

Behind the front sight/gas block, we can see the realistic stamped steel gas tube, leading back to the receiver beneath the free-floated handguard. The realistic reinforcement grooves of the gas tube are visible through the vent ports on the handguard, avoiding the realism shortcuts Airsoft manufacturers often make.

The handguard itself is made from robust fibre-reinforced polymer, with a rock-solid feed and not a hint of flex to be found. Running along the top and bottom, we are treated to a lengthy 20mm Picatinny rail, ready for a foregrip, bipod, laser aiming module or tactical flashlight. Being a hefty chunk of steel, the RPK-16 would definitely benefit from a bipod!

To aid recoil control, the handguard bulges out at the bottom, making it very comfortable and allowing downforce to be applied to control muzzle rise. In terms of styling, the aggressive linear vent ports tie in perfectly with the menacing aesthetic of the RPK-16 overall, giving it potent looks which will definitely turn heads on game day.

Moving rearwards, we come to the RPK reinforced receiver, complete with strengthening bulges on each side where the barrel and trunnion are mounted. This serves to improve the receiver's strength and allow for higher volumes of sustained fire with less effect on accuracy in the real RPK, the support gun variant of the AK.

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.

The right side is where we find the fire selector switch, which functions like any other AK but with an additional extension riveted on to allow the selector to be manipulated using the trigger finger without taking the strong hand off the grip. This selector design finds its origins in the "TDI X47" selector switch, designed to make selector manipulation possible without removing the strong hand from the pistol grip while minimising unnecessary movement for extra speed.

Over on the right side, we can find the controls of the RPK-16. 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.

The magazine release assembly is located on the bottom of the receiver and is constructed from steel, just like a real AK. The mag release can be accessed from either side, making weak-side reloads easy and allowing for effective left-handed use.

Up top, we have one of the biggest improvements made to the latest generation of AK rifles, including the standard-issue AK-12. The receiver's top cover has been redesigned to facilitate the mounting of optical sights, something which is a challenge with standard AKs, due to their loosely fitted top covers, not designed with optics in mind.

The top cover is stamped from sheet steel, just like the original AK, but features a 6061 aluminium 20mm Picatinny rail riveted to the top cover, along with additional hooks at the rear which engage with a bar inside the receiver. The top cover is held on at the front with a captive pin, which needs to be rotated counterclockwise by 90 degrees before it can be pulled out.

The battery compartment is inside the top cover, requiring a slim AK stick-style battery with a Deans connector. We recommend a 7.4V 1000mAh LiPo for an easy fit and solid performance. When installing your battery, we recommend taking your time and being careful not to trap wiring, as reinstalling the top cover and aligning the pinholes requires patience and should not be done in a hurry!

Mounted to the receiver rail, we can find the rear iron sight, an improved version of the original AK tangent sight. The new sight design features an aperture instead of the open notch of previous AKs, but retains the tangent format. Elevation is adjusted by pressing the drums on either side of the sight ladder and sliding it back and forth. New to this sight style, windage is also adjustable by pulling the drum at the rear right outwards, and turning it to move the aperture from side to side.

At the rear of the receiver, we come to the AK-12 stock tube, a similar design to that of an M4/AR-15, but sadly, not cross-compatible. The stock offers 6 length of pull adjustment positions and a grippy rubber butt plate for optimal wet weather traction. The stock also features a QD sling socket, ready for a QD sling swivel to be fitted.

The adjustment lever is inside the A-frame design of the stock, keeping it well clear of your sling or gear to reduce snags. The butt plate can also be removed to access a storage compartment inside the stock tube. To do this, pull the captive latch at the toe of the stock outwards, then slide the butt plate off.

Internals

Inside, this beast of an RPK-16 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 RPK-16 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 / real wood build - Unparalleled realism
• 2000rnd Auto-winding dum mag included - Requires 3 x AA cells (not included)
• RPK-16 3-prong flash hider - Steel build, matches the real thing perfectly
• 14mm CCW Male threaded outer barrel - Tracer/suppressor ready
• Ambidextrous front sling point - On either side of the gas block
• Stamped steel gas tube - Runs beneath the handguard, authentic stamped steel construction
• High-density polymer free-floated handguard - No contact with the barrel for improved accuracy
• 20mm Picatinny railed handguard - Rails at 12 & 6 o'clock, ready for 20mm Picatinny accessories
• Adjustable tangent aperture iron sights - Adjustable windage & elevation, rear sight is removable
• 20mm Picatinny railed top cover - Steel cover with CNC aluminium rail riveted on
• Stamped steel RPK reinforced receiver - Authentic rivet detail, reinforced at the front for sustained fire
• 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
• Extended 3-Position fire selector switch - SAFE - FULL AUTO - SEMI layout, finger ledge for fast manipulation
• Finger-ridged pistol grip - AK-12-style grip, perfectly matches the real steel RPK-16
• Side-folding retractable stock - 6 Length of pull positions, folds to the side for storage
• 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:
  • Russian-style Suppressors: 5KU DTKP Silencer (choose 14mm) | 5KU PUTNIK Suppressor
  • Russian-style Optics: JJ Airsoft 1P87 Russian Red Dot Sight

Package Includes

• LCT RPK-16 AEG; ASTER II Bluetooth® ETU
  • 2000rnd Auto-winding drum magazine (3 x AA batteries required)
  • 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.

To install batteries inside the drum magazine, you'll need to remove the rear plate by unscrewing the thumb screw on the rear. Inside, you'll find the battery cradle, which requires a small crosshead screwdriver to open. The lever to prime the magazine is on the front. 3 x AA cells are required to power the magazine (not included).