WE AKS-74U GBBR

If you're into AKs but want your shoulder blasted with realistic recoil each shot, the WE AKS-74U GBBR is your dream come true! One of the hardest recoiling GBBRs on the market, the WE AKS-74U has the full metal build with a high proportion of steel a proper AK replica deserves, with a side of immersion and authenticity few other AK replicas can match.

Like other GBBRs, the WE AKS-74U will make you work hard like a real warrior for each in-game kill, but with hard work comes great reward. The external build is fantastic, and the firing experience is without equal! With each shot, this AK gives you a hard thump in the shoulder and provides the authentic "dead man's click" when your mag runs dry, requiring a snappy mag swap and a rapid rack of the charging handle to bring the AKS-74U back online, ready for its next target.

Inside, this updated AKS-74U GBBR features a 6.04mm tightbore inner barrel, providing an accuracy edge with high-quality ammo and a slight FPS boost thanks to enhanced gas efficiency. If you're after an AK and your priority is realism, the WE AKS-74U GBBR has your name on it!

Starting at the tip of the steel outer barrel, we can find the AKS-74U "Trumpet" muzzle device, which attaches to the 24mm CW AK thread adapter mounted to the 14mm CCW male threads built into the front sight/gas block. The trumpet muzzle device is a "gas booster", designed to ensure enough muzzle gases are redirected back into the action of a real AKS-74U to keep it cycling reliably. The front sight is adjustable for elevation using the included front sight tool and is housed inside the gas block/front sight block combination, a hallmark of the AKS-74U.

Beneath the 24mm CW AK threads are 14mm CCW threads, which can be accessed by removing the grub screw under the muzzle device, and unthreading the 24mm CW adapter. This adapter is held on with some form of adhesive, so please be careful not to strip any threads when removing the grub screw and adapter. The front sight/gas block also includes a sling point on the left side, which can be used in concert with the sling point on the stock to attach a two-point rifle sling.

Moving rearwards, we come to the ribbed polymer handguards, matching the updated variant of the AKS-74U issued in the early 1990s. These handguards are ribbed along the entire length, providing plenty of traction for all weather use and allowing you to steer between targets easily, even with thick gloves on. The profile of these handguards is designed to provide a stable grip and have a comfortable profile that fills out the hand to assist in controlling recoil by allowing the user to exert "downforce" to keep the muzzle rise under control.

Real wood handguards can be added to the AKS-74U to suit a guerrilla rebel loadout, an early Soviet Spetsnaz impression or an Osama Bin Laden loadout. Just be prepared for all the players dressed as SEAL Team 6 to burst into your bedroom and fill you full of plastic!

Moving down to the receiver itself, we can see authentic rivets and mock rivets, authentically positioned to match the layout of the real firearm. This is always nice to see and adds a touch of extra realism for those who want the most faithful replica out there. On the left side of the receiver, we can see the latch for the side folding stock which takes the form of a spring-loaded hook. If you have the stock folded, you need to pull rearwards on this hook to release the stock and deploy it. The next thing we notice is the dimple stamped into the steel receiver, present on either side. This is another of these features AK fans will appreciate, as it matches the shape and profile of a real stamped AKS-74U receiver. This was added to increase the strength of the magazine well while keeping the receiver thin, light and cheap to manufacture in classic Soviet style.

Moving to the rear of the receiver, we can find an AK side rail positioned on the left side of the receiver. This rail is intended for AK side mounts and should be compatible with most side mounts out there if you want to add an optical sight to your AKS-74U. This AK rail also allows authentic Russian-styled optics compatible with the AK-style side rail to be mounted if you are going for a super realistic Milsim setup, or you can add a rail adapter to run a more modern Western optic.

Behind the side rail, we can find the folding button for the stock mechanism. Pressing this in will release the locking mech, and allow the stock to be folded to the left side of the rifle for storage or extreme close quarters work. By design, the stock cannot be folded with an optic or mount installed on the side rail, but fortunately, many of these mounts are QD by nature and can easily be added and removed without losing zero.

Over on the right side is where we can find the controls of the AKS-74U. The charging handle is of a classic AK format and is machined as a part of the mock bolt carrier. The bolt carrier and charging handle are authentically coloured black, matching the AK74 bolt carrier perfectly. Being a GBBR, this hefty chunk of alloy flies back and forth when the platform is fired, giving you truly insane recoil, even other AK GBBRs struggle to match!

The fire selector switch is on the right side of the receiver, just like other AK rifles, offering safe mode at the top, semi-auto at the bottom and full auto in the middle. This layout was chosen for the original AK-47 to provide an easy and quick sweep to set the rifle to semi-automatic and ensure that when full auto was selected, it was done knowingly and intentionally. The switch design matches the real steel "X47" selector switch, an enhanced design intended to bring AK rifle handling into the 21st century. The X47 features an extension to allow you to switch modes from a firing grip using your trigger finger, along with a cutout which allows the AKS-74U bolt carrier to be locked open.

To lock the bolt back, simply flick the fire selector into semi or full auto, pull the charging handle all the way back and lift the selector back into safe mode. This makes it easy to check the chamber and ensure your platform is in safe condition, and also allows for easy access to the rotary HOP-up adjuster. The HOP-up allows you to adjust the trajectory of your BBs and tune for different ammo weights, seeking the flattest possible flight path. For a GBBR, this HOP-up adjuster is remarkably easy to access, making for easy adjustments mid-firefight!

Below the receiver, we can find the steel trigger guard/mag release assembly and polymer pistol grip. The pistol grip is a classic AK-74 pattern grip complete with diamond checkering on either side to ensure the AKS-74U does not slip from your grasp, even in poor weather. If you're going for a modern AK build, you'll be pleased to learn you can swap out the WE grip for any real steel AK grip. The magazine release is accessible from either side, facilitating ambidextrous use for left-handed users and allowing those uber tactical operators who like to shoulder-to-shoulder transition to reload with their left hand (if they practised enough!).

Mounted to the mag release assembly, we are treated to a magazine well guide, designed to help guide the magazine into the magwell during a reload. Think of this as "stabilisers" or "training wheels" for AK reloads. This makes the AK platform a fair bit easier to handle when working fast under pressure while the adrenaline is pumping, but the AK pros will be happy to learn it can be removed by unscrewing the two Allen screws on the right side of the trigger guard so they can showcase their skills!

The magazine insertion method for an AK rifle is a "rock and lock" motion as opposed to a straight insertion, meaning you first need to index the front of the magazine into the magazine well, then rock the rear of the magazine to meet the mag catch and lock it into place. This can take practice, but once you are familiar, the AK platform can be manipulated with impressive speed. This magazine release also allows for a "mag flip" style emergency reload, though we don't recommend that unless you are okay with damaging your magazines!

At the rear of the rifle, we can find its steel folding stock, which is the correct design for an AKS-74U of the Soviet era. This stock includes a sling point on the right side, which can be used with a single-point bungee sling or with a two-point sling using the sling point on the front sight/gas block. The butt plate of the stock is steel but includes linear texture to prevent the stock from slipping out of your shoulder if you wear body armour. If you need more traction, add the Element Rubber Butt Pad!

The most outstanding feature of this authentic AKS-74U replica is its astonishing recoil, making it easily one of the hardest-recoiling GBBRs on the market, hot on the heels of the Umarex HK417 GBBR. In semi-automatic, the recoil is very noticeable and very satisfying, but in full auto, it really throws you about!

In terms of rate of fire, the WE AKS-74U is a bit on the slow side due to its hefty bolt carrier and ultra-long "full-travel" bolt, but it's a whole lot of fun as a party trick! In semi-auto, the AKS-74U cycles fast enough for rapid fire and suffers far less than other designs in terms of cool-down, especially considering the significant mass of its full-length bolt carrier with built-in mock "long stroke" piston system. The magazine also has a neat built-in trick, the ability to run it in realistic "stop firing on empty" mode or "dry-fire mode", meaning you can give it the gas for a laugh without loading BBs and switch to full realism when it's time to hit the field.

A platform for the pros who want the most realistic experience possible in Airsoft, this AKS-74U is fantastically made on the outside, with a firing experience which makes it hard to put down. If you're ready for the hard recoiling GBBR life, the WE AKS-74U is ready for you!

Features

• Full metal construction - Almost entirely steel!
• Gas Blowback Rifle - Heavy recoil, maximum realism - A platform for the pros!
• 6.04mm Tightbore inner barrel - Great accuracy potential
• Steel "Trumpet" gas booster muzzle brake - An AKS-74U wouldn't look right without it!
• 24mm CW Russian AK thread adapter - Ready for 24mm CW Russian suppressors (PBS-1/4, PUTNIK, etc)
• 14mm CCW Male threaded barrel - Remove the thread adapter and rock a 14mm CCW tracer or suppressor!
• Ribbed polymer handguards - Matches the early 1990s AKS-74U build perfectly
• Open iron sights - Two apertures to choose from, front sight is adjustable for elevation
• Sling point on the gas block & stock - Ready for a two-point sling
• Magazine well guide - Helps guide the magazine during adrenaline-pumped reloads
• Hinged top cover - Easy access to the internals for maintenance
• Steel receiver & top cover - Authentic Cyrillic fire selector markings, correct stamped receiver shape
• "X47" Extended fire selector lever - Easy manipulation from a firing grip, allows the bolt to be locked open
• Rotary adjustable HOP-up unit - Accessible with the bolt locked back for easy mid-game adjustment
• SAFE-AUTO-SEMI fire selector configuration - Just like a real AK rifle
• Ambidextrous magazine release - Easy reloads for left or right-handed shooters
• Russian AK Side rail - Add an optic using an AK side rail mount or mount Russian-style AK optics
• Side folding skeleton stock - The classic AKS-74 side folder, steel construction
• Compatible with WE AK GBBR magazines - Fits AK-74 and AKM style mags

Package Includes

• WE AKS-74U GBBR
  • 30rnd Green Gas Magazine
  • Loading tool

Special Instructions

In our tests, the first two shots from a freshly filled mag (NUPROL 2.0 Green Gas) produced FPS readings above 350 FPS using 0.20g BBs, with the remaining shots staying between 315 and 350. We recommend dry-firing the first few shots before loading BBs to keep FPS within skirmish site limits or using a low-pressure gas like NUPROL 1.0 Blue Gas.

This is a Gas Blowback Rifle. GBBRs require maintenance and careful handling and we do not recommend them for new skirmishers. Things to watch out for if this is your first GBBR:

• The HOP-up adjuster for the WE AKS-74U is inside the chamber, accessible with the bolt locked back via the "X47" fire selector.
• When the magazine runs dry, you will experience what is known as the "dead man's click". This is by design, intended to replace what happens when a real AKS-74U runs dry. To recommence shooting, refill your mag with BBs and you're ready to rock!
• GBBRs need to be cocked before the first shot, just like a GBB pistol. It is important that you do not double-load a GBBR as this can break the nozzle. We recommend clearing the chamber of BBs with a cleaning rod in the event that you finish firing mid-magazine..
• GBBRs generally use higher-pressure gas than GBB pistols due to the extra weight of the bolt. We recommend Green Gas (NUPROL 2.0, VORSK V6, ASG Ultraair) for general use and Red Gas (NUPROL 3.0, VORSK V8) for cold weather use.
• The faster you shoot a GBBR, the less accurate it will be. This is due to pressure variance as the gas reservoir cools down. Full auto is basically for fun, and these rifles run far better when used in semi-auto mode.
• Like a GBB pistol, GBBR magazines require maintenance. We recommend leaving a small amount of gas inside the magazine when stored and not storing the magazines in a cold or damp environment. Magazine seals and valves will need lubrication and to be kept clear of dust and debris.

The WE AKS-74U magazine has the ability to be used in normal or "dry fire" modes. The "dry fire" mode will not activate the "stop firing on empty/dead man's click" function and will allow the GBBR to continue to cycle until the gas reservoir is depleted.

To activate "Dry Fire Mode":

• Push the switch on the rear of the magazine (to the left of the knocker valve) upwards.

To activate "Stop firing on empty/Dead man's click":

• Push the switch on the rear of the magazine (to the left of the knocker valve) downwards.