Specna Arms SA-J01 EDGE™ AK-74M AEG

If you're working on a modern Russian loadout, the Specna Arms SA-J01 EDGE™ AK-74M AEG is the ideal primary! A detailed replica of the modernised derivative of the AK-74 rifle, which serves with the Russian military and several others across the world to this day, the SA-J01 offers a great combination of affordability and realism, with a hefty full metal build and the proven ORION™ gearbox at its heart. 

Like the real AK-74M, the SA-J01 makes use of stamped steel for the majority of its components, giving a hefty and authentic AK experience which any AK fan will appreciate. Inside, we have Specna's well-equipped ORION™ reinforced version 3 gearbox, and a 6.03mm tightbore inner barrel with Helium™ flat HOP bucking. If you're into modern Military-style AKs, the SA-J01 EDGE™ AK-74M AEG is a fantastic choice and great value!

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-74 controllable in fully automatic. The muzzle brake mounts to a 24mm CW adapter mounted over the 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.

To remove the muzzle brake from the 24mm CW adapter, you will need to hold the steel detent in the front sight as you unthread the brake, and to access the 14mm CCW male threading, you will need to remove the grub screw in the adapter before unscrewing it.

The alloy front sight of the SA-J01 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, stored on the weapon to give the Russian soldier less to remember! This cleaning rod is constructed from steel and isn't intended for cleaning an Airsoft barrel, though it is a big part of what makes the iconic AK silhouette so recognisable.

Moving further down the outer barrel, we come to the dummy gas block, which is constructed from alloy with a convincing gun metal finish applied. This connects to the gas tube, which is the correct design for an AK-74M and is stamped from sheet steel for extra realism. The gas tube meets the high-density polymer upper handguard via a steel handguard cap, which is integral to the gas tube. The ribbed polymer lower handguard is held on using an alloy handguard cap with a sling point built into the left side, and can be removed using the same method as in a real AK; by first removing the gas tube and upper handguard via the disassembly lever on the trunnion block, then turning the lever in the handguard cap to free the handguard.

The lower handguard features horizontal ribs to improve gripping qualities over the older AK variants, which use wooden handguards, providing a comfortable but grippy support hand position, whether you wear gloves or not. The upper handguard is smooth and featureless, just like the real AK-74M and older AK-74s upgraded to this more modern configuration. While they may not look as elegant and tasteful as real wood handguards, polymer handguards have the benefit of being immune to damage from moisture and won't show damage as readily.

Next up, we reach the trunnion block, which provides the mounting point for the classic AK tangent rear iron sight. The rear sight is an open design 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 drum and moving the drum back and forth on its base. The lever on the right side is the handguard disassembly lever, and as with all AK AEGs using the VFC external design, this can be rotated upwards by 90 degrees to release the upper handguard and gas tube.

As we reach the receiver, we can take note of its stamped steel construction, giving the SA-J01 a substantial and realistic feel in the hands, just like the real AK-74M. 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.

Matching the control layout of the real AK rifle, the first position on the fire selector is fully auto, and the lowermost position is semi-automatic. Each fire mode is denoted by a crisply engraved, 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 dovetail mounting rail, allowing for authentic Russian AK scopes to be mounted, or Picatinny rail mounts if you prefer a more modern western optic. As with other AK side rails, this side rail is NOT compatible with the SVD side rail mounts and only works with AK side rail mounts.

The receiver also features several rivets in all the right places, as well as the receiver strengthening dimples present on all Russian stamped AK receivers. The top cover is also stamped from steel and has all the correct reinforcement ribs to mimic the real AK-74 family. The SA-J01, like other Specna AKs, should definitely please the stitch counters!

To access the adjustable HOP-up unit of the SA-J01, simply hold the charging handle to the rear to reveal the alloy 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. This unit is constructed from alloy instead of the usual polymer to add strength and minimise the chances of failure, and to make matters all the sweeter, the pre-installed HOP-up rubber is a Helium™ flat HOP bucking, which should improve range and accuracy considerably compared to standard rubbers.

Being a top-wired design, the battery compartment of the SA-J01 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 Deans battery connector. We recommend a 7.4V LiPo battery in AK stick configuration for the SA-J01, but you can just about squeeze in certain stick batteries designed for AR buffer tubes if you are very careful when reinstalling the top cover. With the battery connected and installed, you can place the top cover back into the SA-J01, 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 is a standard AKM/AK-74 type pistol grip, with diamond checkering on either side to ensure the SA-J01 stays firmly in your grasp in any weather conditions. 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-J01 is a side-folding polymer stock, matching that of the real AK-74M and allowing for easy storage in smaller gun bags as well as allowing for greater utility in tight quarters. The stock makes use of the same mechanism found on the AKS-74, the early AK-74 variant issued to paratroopers and vehicle-mounted infantry, the difference being that the AK-74M stock is polymer, reducing weight and increasing comfort over the older steel skeleton stock. Folding the stock requires that you press the button on the rear left of the receiver, and to unfold it again, you will need to press the protruding button on the butt plate of the stock to disengage the hook on the side of the receiver and release the stock from its locked position. This folding mechanism is excellent, and it is no surprise the Russians chose to only change it minimally; once the stock is locked in either position, it is there to stay, with no chance of inadvertent folding or unfolding of the stock when working under pressure.

Just like it is on the outside, the SA-J01 is impressively equipped internally, boasting Specna's ORION™ reinforced version 3 gearbox equipped with an aluminium piston head and cylinder head, a steel-toothed polycarbonate piston and reinforced steel 18:1 ratio gears. The spring guide is equipped with ball bearings in its base to reduce rotational stress on the spring, piston and gearbox shell, and is also quickly removable to allow for easy power tuning via the ESA™ quick change spring system. The inner barrel is a 6.03mm tightbore paired with the Helium™ flat HOP-up bucking and mounted into an alloy slider HOP-up unit, promising above-average range and accuracy.

If you're browsing AKs looking for a top-notch build, plenty of upgradability and reliable internals straight out of the box, the Specna Arms SA-J01 EDGE™ AK-74M AEG is exactly that. As ideal for Russian-themed loadouts as it is for an AK rifle collection, the SA-J01 is a fantastic value, full metal AK!

Features

• Full metal construction
• 6.03mm Tightbore inner barrel - Improved FPS and accuracy downrange
• 14mm CCW male threaded barrel - 24mm CW adapter pre-installed
• AK-74 Muzzle brake pre-installed - Iconic AK-74 looks
• Steel mock cleaning rod - An essential part of an authentic AK
• Polymer ribbed handguard - AK-74M/AK-105 style modernised furniture
• Russian AK dovetail side rail - Allows for Russian AK optics and 20mm rail adapters to be mounted
• Alloy slider adjustable HOP-up unit - Stronger than polymer units, little chance of failure
• Helium™ flat HOP-up bucking pre-installed - Serious range and accuracy potential
• Steel outer barrel, gas tube, receiver, trigger guard, selector & top cover - Hefty!
• Sling points front and rear - Ready for a two-point rifle sling
• 3-Position steel fire selector - Safe - Full auto - Semi-auto
• Realistic disassembly - VFC style; All pins and levers, no screws
• Textured AKM/AK-74 pistol grip - Plenty of grip for wet-weather work
• Side-folding polymer stock - Great for storage and close-quarters battle
• ORION™ Reinforced version 3 gearbox:
  • Reinforced shell
  • Polymer piston with full steel tooth rack
  • Aluminium cylinder head
  • Aluminium ball-bearing piston head
  • Ball bearing ESA™ quick-change spring guide
• Includes 2 Specna Arms S-MAG AK Mid-caps - Generous!
• Top-wired: Mini-Tamiya connector - Recommended battery: 7.4V 1300mAh LiPo in AK Slim Stick Config
• Compatible with AK AEG platform magazines  - Plenty of spare magazine options

Package Includes

• Specna Arms SA-J01 EDGE™ AK-74M AEG
  • 130rnd S-MAG AK Medium capacity magazine x 2