Specna Arms SA-J09 EDGE™ AK-105 AEG w/Gate ASTER™ MOSFET

The AK-105 was conceived based on the need for a more compact alternative to the full-sized AK-74M but with the same reliability which made the full sized AK legendary. Designed for issue to Spetsnaz GRU, Russian Special Forces, the AK-105 has also become a staple for US civilians with a passion for AKs upgraded with modern western parts and formed the basis for the now forgotten but still beautiful MAG-K custom AK-105.

Specna's AK-105 comes in the form of the SA-J09, constructed primarily from steel as any authentic AK should be and outfitted with a selection of upgraded parts, ranging from a tightbore inner barrel and Helium™ flat HOP bucking to the advanced Gate ASTER™ MOSFET. The Specna Arms ORION™ reinforced gearbox is at the core of this beast, boasting reinforced parts throughout, as well as the ESA™ quick change spring system for easy power tuning. As far as mid-length AK AEGs go, the SA-J09 is the best value option out there right now, with bomb-proof externals and no need to consider upgrades!

Starting at the tip of the steel outer barrel we can find an AK-105 style gas booster muzzle brake, which is intended in the real AK-105 to direct additional gas back into the operating mechanism to ensure the rifle keeps the AK typical reliability with its shortened barrel. The muzzle brake mounts to a 24mm CW adapter mounted over the 14mm CCW male threads at the tip of the 12.4-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, which is very fitting for a -105 as this is the variant they are most commonly sighted wielding.

To remove the muzzle brake from the 24mm CW adapter you will need to hold the steel detent on the right side of the front sight down as you unthread the gas booster, 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-J09 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. The sight is a fine post which aligns well with the rear tangent sight, providing a wide field of view so you can effectively track and engage moving targets. The front sight block of the AK-105 is combined with the gas block, reducing the weight and allowing the -105 to use the same length bolt carrier/long stroke piston setup as a full length AK, unlike its super short sibling, the AKS-74U. This both simplifies logistics for real world use and is a big part of what makes the AK-105 such a looker. Many call this "the prettiest AK" and we agree!

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-74 and is stamped from sheet steel for a realistic look. The gas tube meets the polymer upper handguard via a steel handguard cap which is integral to the gas tube.

The modernised 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 up. This may not be needed for an AK AEG but the realism fans should get a kick out of this!

The handguards themselves match those of the real steel AK-105 and are ribbed to encourage positive grip even when wearing thick winter gloves. The handguards are bulged slightly at the front just like the real wood handguards they replaced in service with the AK-74, filling the hand for greater comfort and allowing for "downforce" to be applied to help keep the muzzle under control when firing the real thing in full auto.

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-J09 a substantial and realistic feel in the hands, just like the real AK-105. 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 crispy 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. As with the other members of Specna Arms' AK family, the SA-J09 should definitely please the stitch counters!

To access the adjustable HOP-up unit of the SA-J09, 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 HOP-up 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 thanks to its flat contact surface providing more consistent lift to the entire upper surface of each BB.

Being a top-wired design, the battery compartment of the SA-J09 is beneath the top cover, as it is in all "top wired" AK AEGs. Accessing the battery compartment is quite simple, all you need to do is press the button at the rear of the top cover and it should come straight off, revealing the Deans battery connector inside. We recommend a 7.4V LiPo battery in AK stick configuration for the SA-J09 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 AEG, 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-J09 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, making reloads simple for both left and right-handed shooters. 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-J09 is a side folding polymer stock, the same stock setup used on the real steel AK-74M and AK-105. This stock allows for the rifle to take a more compact form 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-105 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-J09 is fully kitted out 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 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.

Last but certainly not least, the Gate ASTER™ MOSFET takes pride of place inside, replacing the original trigger contacts and the fuse for improved electrical efficiency, a higher rate of fire and a snappier trigger response. Being a programmable ETU, the ASTER also allows for burst modes of various durations to be programmed in using the fire controls of the AEG, and also allows for binary trigger mode. With the "expert" firmware and the Gate Control Station app, you can unlock even more functions from the ASTER, including rate of fire adjustment, trigger sensitivity adjustment and pre-cocking. This is a seriously advanced ETU and we are always happy to see it pre-installed into more and more platforms straight out of the box.

So, those looking for an AK in a more compact form suited to both CQB and outdoor skirmishes, the AK-105 is the one to get! As far as AK-105s go, the SA-J09 is the best in its price range, offering a perfect combination of robust and realistic steel construction with internals bristling with pre-upgraded parts and including our favourite ETU, the legendary Gate ASTER. Whether you appreciate the AK-105's pure, natural beauty or you plan to add some Zenit to this beast for an up-to-date GRU look, the SA-J09 has what it takes to contend with the best!

Features

• Full metal construction
• 14mm CCW male threaded barrel - 24mm CW adapter
• Gate ASTER MOSFET pre-installed - Click here to find out what it does!
• Steel gas booster muzzle brake - The correct device for AK-105
• Steel mock cleaning rod - An essential part of an authentic AK
• Polymer ribbed handguard - AK-74M/AK-105 style modernised furniture
• Side folding polymer stock - Great for storage and close quarters battle
• Shortened 12.4-inch steel outer barrel - More compact and easier to manoeuvre
• 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
• ORION™ Reinforced version 3 gearbox - Steel toothed piston, aluminium cylinder head & piston head
• ESA™ Quick change spring guide mounted on ball bearings - Reduced stress on the guide & spring
• 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
• 6.03mm Tightbore inner barrel - Improved FPS and accuracy downrange
• Russian AK dovetail side rail - Allows for Russian AK optics and 20mm rail adapters to be mounted
• Includes 2 Specna Arms S-MAG AK Mid-caps - Compatible with AK AEG platform magazines

Package Includes

• Specna Arms SA-J09 EDGE™ AK-105 AEG w/Gate ASTER MOSFET
• 130rnd S-MAG AK Medium capacity magazine x 2
• Deans to mini-Tamiya adapter
• Cleaning rod
• User manual