S&T Armament Full Metal AK-74M AEG

If you like modern military-style AKs, the S&T Armament Full Metal AK-74M AEG should be right up your street. Based on the most recently manufactured AK-74 variant issued to the Russian armed forces, this AK features a modernised polymer side-folding stock for improved comfort and a Russian AK-spec side rail for mounting an optical sight. As far as AK go, that's some advanced technology!

Inside, the S&T Full Metal AK-74MN is equipped with a 6.02mm tightbore inner barrel and an alloy HOP-up unit to get the job done downrange, along with a metal version 3 gearbox with 18:1 steel gears running on 8mm slide bearing bushings for a smooth, unlaboured gearbox sound. The gearbox also features a quick-change spring system, allowing easy power tuning without opening the gearbox.

Starting at the tip of the 16.3-inch alloy outer barrel, we can find a dense alloy AK-74 muzzle brake, the perfect muzzle device for an authentic Cold War-era AK-74MN. The muzzle brake mounts to 14mm CCW male threading, meaning it can be removed and replaced with a tracer unit, suppressor or flash hider of your choice.

To remove the muzzle device, hold the detent pin down on the front sight to allow the muzzle brake to unscrew. The easiest way we found to do this is to hold the pin down with a small flathead screwdriver. If you're looking for suppressor ideas, go for the PBS4 for the authentic Cold War-era Ruskie look!

The front sight of the S&T AK-74MN mounts directly to its outer barrel and provides an adjustable front post with protective wings to ensure an accidental bump or scrape does not render your sights useless. As part of the classic AK aesthetic, we can find a dummy cleaning rod running parallel to the outer barrel, through the front sight block and gas block. This isn't intended for cleaning an Airsoft barrel; it's just for the look.

Moving further down the outer barrel, we come to the dummy gas block. This connects to the gas tube, which meets the upper handguard via an alloy handguard cap. The lower handguard surrounds the 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 handguards are constructed from high-density polymer.

The trunnion block follows just behind, serving as the mounting point for the classic AK tangent rear iron sight, which offers 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. This sight type offers an advantage over aperture sights in its field of view, allowing you to track moving targets more effectively and avoid tunnel vision.

The lever on the right side of the trunnion block is the handguard disassembly lever. This lever allows you to quickly remove the upper handguard and gas tube of the S&T AK-74MN, just like a real AK-74, though this isn't really useful 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 steel with a matt finish which almost looks like the real anti-corrosion finish applied to real AKs. The steel gives this replica an authentic weight, making it feel just like the real thing! 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 automatic, and the lowermost position is semi-automatic. Each fire mode is denoted by a crisp, engraved, authentic Russian Cyrillic marking, adding realism to this already highly realistic AK.

On the left side, we can find an AK quick-detach mounting rail, allowing authentic Russian scopes to be mounted, or a 20mm Picatinny rail if you prefer a more modern Western optic. The receiver also includes several authentic dummy rivets, all in the correct locations for this AK variant.

To access the adjustable HOP-up unit on the S&T AK-74MN, pull the charging handle rearward to reveal the slider-adjustable HOP-up unit. The slider unit is considered one of the best designs out there, which is why it has not changed since the original Tokyo Marui AK-47 AEG. To increase the HOP-up effect, move the slider rearwards. Returning the slider to the front will reduce the HOP-up to its lowest setting.

The receiver top cover of the AK-74MN is also constructed from stamped steel. It is the appropriate design for an AK-74 variant, with ribs stamped into the upper surface to provide additional strength while keeping the material thin and lightweight. The battery compartment is beneath the top cover and is accessible by pressing the button at the rear of the top cover. After that, it should come straight off, revealing the mini-Tamiya connector.

For the S&T AK-74MN, we recommend a 7.4V 1200mAh stick battery, but you can also use a 9.6V NiMH stick battery. With the battery connected and installed, you can place the top cover back into the AK-74MN, 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 S&T AK-74MN is a standard AKM-type grip with diamond checkering on both sides to ensure the rifle stays firmly in your grasp in any weather. Just ahead of the pistol grip, we can find the trigger guard and magazine release assembly, constructed from steel to provide solid magazine locking and ample rigidity.

The magazine release is located in the centre of the receiver and is accessible from either side of the AEG, making reloading easy for both left- and right-handed users. The magazine retention system on the AK platform uses a "rock and lock" motion: first, index the front "hook" of the magazine into the receiver, then rock the magazine to engage the catch.

As we arrive at the rear, we come to the stock of the AK-74MN, constructed from high-density polymer and featuring a realistically slim design to facilitate side-folding functionality. The stock features a storage compartment in its butt plate that can be opened with the large polymer button on the butt plate. This compartment is rather small and is intended for a cleaning kit, but it could also be used to store batteries for accessories on your AK or any documentation you might need.

To fold the stock to the side, press the button on the left side of the rear of the receiver, fold the stock to the left, and lock it into its hook. To unfold the stock, press the button on the butt plate to disengage the hook, then fold the stock into the deployed position and lock it. The right side of the stock also features a sling loop that pairs well with the front sling point on the lower handguard cap, providing a suitable mounting point for a two-point sling, but ideally suited to an AK47/74 sling.

On the inside, we are treated to a respectable internal setup. The version 3 gearbox is constructed from alloy, with a steel 18:1 ratio gearset, 8mm slide bearings, and a true quick-change spring system for easy power tuning to meet your local site's FPS limits. The inner barrel is also a 6.02mm tightbore, giving you an edge in air efficiency, FPS and accuracy compared to a standard 6.08mm bore.

If you're building a modern Russian loadout or appreciate modern AKs, the AK-74MN from S&T is ideal for a fast-moving playstyle. With realistic looks, pre-upgraded internals, and a lightweight, agile build, this is the AK for fast movers and makes a perfect backup to your full-metal AK when your arms get tired!

Features

• Full metal construction - Steel receiver and top cover
• 6.02mm Tightbore inner barrel - Great accuracy potential
• 14mm CCW male threaded barrel - Tracer/suppressor ready
• AK-74 Muzzle brake pre-installed - The perfect device for AK-74s, otherwise mount a PBS4 suppressor!
• True quick-change spring system - Easy power tuning, no need to open the gearbox
• Version 3 Gearbox - Alloy shell, 18:1 steel gears, 8mm steel slide bearing bushings
• 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 dovetail side mount - Compatible with Russian AK optics or 20mm rail adapters
• Steel top cover, magazine release/trigger guard assembly and cleaning rod
• 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 AK-74M style stock - Great for storage and close quarters
• Storage compartment in the stock - Ideal for tactical sweeties, accessory batteries, etc.
• Compatible with AK side rail scope mounts
• Compatible with AK47/74 AEG magazines - 5.45 Style to please the stitch counters, but most will work

Package Includes

• S&T Armament Full Metal AK-74M AEG
  
  • 300rnd High-cap magazine