Specna Arms SA-J73 CORE™ HAL¹ ETU AK-105 AEG

If you want an AK but you don't want to be at the gym constantly, maybe a full steel model isn't for you. The SA-J series from Specna Arms is designed for this exact purpose, giving you modern AK designs with realistic field stripping, based on the VFC AK design externally but with polymer parts to keep the weight down, and Specna's proven CORE™ internals to get the job done down range.

The SA-J73 CORE™ HAL¹ ETU AK-105 AEG is the latest in the SA-J lineup, equipped with the HAL¹ programmable MOSFET/ETU, a new rotary HOP-up design and the 6.03mm tightbore inner barrel of the previous CORE line to provide solid performance at long range. Modelled after the AK-105, a mid-length AK design regularly fielded by Spetsnaz troops for a variety of operations, the SA-J73 is the perfect length to both cut corners in CQB and reach out and touch the enemy at long range!

Starting at the tip of the 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 it keeps the AK typical reliability with its shortened barrel. The muzzle brake mounts to 14mm CCW male threads at the tip of the 12-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.

The gas booster mounts via a 24mm Russian thread adapter which has a grub screw to retain it so if you need to access the 14mm CCW male threads on the barrel you will need to hold the detent pin on the front of the front sight block, unscrew the gas booster and remove the grub screw from the adapter beneath, after which it can be unscrewed to reveal the 14mm CCW threading.

The front sight of the SA-J73 is integrated into the gas block, providing an adjustable front post with protective wings to ensure an accidental bump or scrape does not render your sights useless. This connects to the gas tube, which is the correct design for an AK-105 and it looks awesome. The handguards of the SA-J73 are styled after the standard AK-74 polymer type, with linear grooves for additional grip. These handguards match perfectly with the post-Bakelite era AK furniture, such as the side-folding solid stock and shortened AK-105 length outer barrel.

The lower handguard surrounds the alloy 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 trunnion block also provides the mounting point for the classic AK tangent rear iron sight, 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 notch and moving the notch back and forth on its base.

The lever on the right side of the trunnion is the handguard and gas tube disassembly lever. This lever allows you to quickly remove the upper handguard and gas tube of the SA-J73 just like a real AK-105, though this isn't really any use 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!

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 isn't intended for cleaning an Airsoft barrel and is just for the look but is constructed from steel with a gunmetal finish applied, providing a bit of subtle contrast to the overall design.

Next up, we find the receiver, which is constructed from Specna's high-density polymer, the same stuff used on their CORE and FLEX M4 series. This polymer is firm and flex-free, and has a matt textured surface which almost looks like the real anti-corrosion finish applied to real AKs. This is one of those receivers you have to touch to know it isn't metal!

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 auto, and the lowermost position is semi-automatic. Each fire mode is denoted by a crisp, moulded, 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 mounting rail, allowing for authentic Russian scopes to be mounted, or Picatinny rail mounts if you prefer a more modern western optic. The receiver also provides several authentic dummy rivets, all found in the correct place for this AK variant. On the underside of the receiver, we can find a discreetly located "SA in a box" Specna Arms logo, just forward of the magazine well. The magazine well also has an insert at the front, which helps with reloads by limiting how far the mag can go into the receiver. This is a great feature, and makes the SA-J73 less of a pig to manipulate than most AKs!

To access the adjustable HOP-up unit of the SA-J73, simply hold the charging handle to the rear to reveal the newly added Rotary-adjustable HOP-up unit. This unit shows a lot of promise, providing more direct downwards pressure on the HOP-up nub to reduce side-to-side deviation, not to mention being easier to adjust in fine increments. The HOP-up allows you to tune the SA-J73 for different ammo weights by applying backspin to your BBs, seeking the flattest possible trajectory.

The receiver top cover of the SA-J73 is also constructed from stamped steel and is the appropriate design for a modern AK, with ribs stamped into the upper surface to provide additional strength while keeping the material thin and lightweight. The battery compartment for the SA-J73 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. For the SA-J73, we recommend a 7.4V 1000mAh slim stick battery for an easy fit and flawless performance. With the battery connected and installed, you can place the top cover back into the rifle, 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 SA-J73 is a standard AKM/AK-74 type pistol grip, with diamond checkering on either side to ensure the rifle stays firmly in your grasp in any weather condition. 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-J73 is constructed from polymer, and is a realistically slim design to facilitate side folding functionality. The stock features a storage compartment within its butt plate, which can be opened using the large polymer button on the butt plate. This compartment is rather small and is intended for a cleaning kit, but could also be used to store batteries for any accessories on your AK, or any documentation you might need. To fold the stock to the side, simply press the button on the left side of the rear of the receiver, fold the stock to the left side and lock it on its hook. To unfold the stock, press the button on the butt plate to disengage the hook, and the stock can be folded into the deployed position and locked. The right side of the stock also features a sling loop which pairs well with the front sling point on the lower handguard cap, providing appropriate mounting apparatus for a two-point sling, but ideally suited to an AK47/74 sling.

Inside the HAL¹-equipped SA-J73, we have an alloy V2 gearbox shell with 18:1 ratio steel gears running on 8mm bushings. The spring guide is an ESA quick change example, making power tuning a breeze for those who want to get as close to site limits as possible. The inner barrel is a 6.03mm tightbore paired with a rotary HOP-up unit, giving you superb accuracy potential and the most up-to-date HOP-up unit style for M4/AR-15 AEGs. All internal parts are Tokyo Marui AEG spec, meaning aftermarket upgrades are a go for the performance seekers!

The HAL¹ adds a whole lot of functionality into the mix, with programmable fire controls, 6 levels of pre-cocking adjustment and 5 levels of trigger sensitivity adjustment. Available fire modes include 3 or 5-round burst, binary trigger, AUG mode aka two-stage trigger, semi-auto only and sniper delay, giving you loads of options for how you use your FX01. Features like these are usually only present in high-end replicas; we simply cannot believe the wealth of functionality inside the HAL¹-equipped SA-J73, especially considering the price!

If you're after a modern AK for an affordable price with no performance compromises, the Specna Arms SA-J73 CORE™ HAL¹ ETU AK-105 AEG is a fine choice. An authentic build made from strong polymer to keep you agile in game, the SA-J73 is great value and a great shooter too!

Features

• High density polymer/alloy/steel build
• 6.03mm Tightbore inner barrel - Superb accuracy potential
• 14mm CCW male threaded barrel - Tracer/suppressor ready
• 24mm CW Russian adapter - Compatible with Russian-style suppressors (PBS-1/4/PUTNIK etc)
• AK-105 Gas booster "Trumpet" flash hider - Suits the build style perfectly
• Rotary HOP-up unit - An innovative new design from Specna
• Ribbed AK-74M handguards - Modern AK handguards, plenty of traction for wet weather
• 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 side rail - Compatible with Russian AK optics or 20mm adapters
• Side folding stock - AK-74M style, press the button on the left rear of the receiver to fold
• 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
• Storage compartment in the stock - Ideal for tactical sweeties
• Top-wired: Deans battery connector - Recommended battery: 7.4V 1000mAh LiPo in Slim Stick config.
• Version 3 Gearbox:
  • Alloy shell
  • 18:1 Steel gears
  • 8mm Bushings
  • ESA2 Quick change spring system
• HAL¹ Programmable MOSFET/ETU functions:
  • 3 or 5-round burst
  • Binary trigger
  • Semi-auto only
  • Sniper delay
  • Two-stage trigger (AUG mode)
  • Adjustable pre-cocking (6 levels)
  • Active braking
  • Low-voltage alarm
• Compatible with AK47/74 AEG magazines - 5.45 Style to please the stitch counters, but most will work

Package Includes

• Specna Arms SA-J73 AK-105 CORE™ Carbine AEG
  • 450rnd High capacity S-MAG magazine x 2
  • HAL Programming card
  • Allen key
  • Sticker pack