That really depends if you need those rails... I don't think they are very useful, at least not to me.

It is a assault rifle so you don't need a bipod, it has fixed stock so you don't need battery box (like some people use on their ARs) either. Maybe a light for night games, or a vertical grip, but I found these two things not really necessary, especially on AKs, which have a foregrip pretty comfortable to hold without using a vertical grip. I even have to buy rail covers to cover the unused rails in some of my guns, so I don't scratch my hands on them in a hurry.

But if you like the rails, why not.

A CYMA-048 is probably the best thing to go with for your budget. It's got a steel receiver and is a clone of VFC AKs (built to real steel specs). If you search on Red Alliance (forum where most East Bloc re-enactors/players go to) the CYMA -048 models get decent reviews.

Carefull now yer talkin to a non av'd user.
Whats the price point on an AKM or 74

GHK is bar none the most realistic AK on the market. The "real sword" of Gas Blowbacks.

http://i221.photobucket.com/albums/d...psc2040212.jpg

Yeah that was directed at MZO not the OP...I suppose i should have specified.

Thanks Off_kilter but I'm going to be trading a CYMA MP5 for a CYMA AKM.

Now just have to figure a way to mount a flashlight on it.
Since I'm going for the "bad guy/insurgent" look I'm considering just taping a flashlight on.

long live duck tape!

Strap a flashlight on with some black zap-straps. Doesn't look too bad and gives that "bad guy" look.

I think even the US army used zap-straps to mount stuff on their rifles sometimes, before they have rails on almost every one of their guns...

http://dx.com/p/universal-metal-flas...m-2-pack-10761

holds my surefire on my Type 56.

I have the Cyma AKM. I love it! It shoot straight, has a decent weight to it, and it looks pretty decent.

A couple things though. One... it's gun body cover is loose. Secondly, its wooden stock can only accommodate mini batteries. Next, the butt plate uses screws so it isn't quick to swap out a battery. Next, the screws that hold the thing together are rusty.

And lastly, the bakelite high cap mag it came with really... really... really.... sucks!

The Cyma's ok, but they do cut corners in the small things, just to be warned.

surprised no one has mentioned the ICS AK... I have held one before and they seem very solid. Not sure on internals.
*edit* I remember it was actually a 74 I held. But compared to the G&G ak47 that was beside it I would buy the ICS in a heart beat.

I have had a TM and a realsword as well. Like the realsword until it broke... been sitting around for about 2 years now with out me fixing it lol. Great externals on that as well. The TM I would not recommend, its just too far behind the times now adays.

I hate the battery cover part. Sucks carrying a mini screw driver into battle just incase the battery gives. Every thing else on my Cyma AKM is great, the bottle is solid. I Use 9.6 nunchuck its abit tight but still fits nicely.

LCT or bust. Had you been at TAC13, you could have had one at an awesome price.

Echo1 is not only cyma but JG as well. Friend of mine pulled the redstar ebb wolverine apart and the internals were exactly like the JG version of the gun. He said he's also seen aps internals in some of the other echo1 ak's.