Best AK: durability/parts and accessories
 

Topic title gives you the basic gist of what I'm asking about.

I've heard that one of the best AK style rifles you can get is the RealSword Type 56 and its 56-1 and 56-2 variants. Apparently they're made with the same materials as the real steel and mimic them in dimensions and weight
http://www.realsword.com.hk/gun_47.htm

I'm sure there are others too. People who own them will be able to tell you more!

Sounds pretty good, but any idea how it is in terms of parts and accessories availability? Can the receiver be swapped out for an AKM one or can an AK-74 style flash hider/compensator be attached?

Also, how much does it cost?

Your questions are a bit broad...

AK's are all Version 3 mechboxes....and as such, you ALWAYS need to take the term "reliability" with a grain of salt. Mechboxes are made up of a bunch of little parts, spinning at high speed under stress. They will wear out...not if, but when...and they may fail suddenly and catastrophically.

So...so far as the internals go (big generalization)...all AEGs are the same. Now...good internals are miles apart from low end internals...so there's some method to the madness.

So far as rifle builds, externals, go...pretty much any full metal AK is pretty sturdy. VFC and RealSword are some notable standouts. G&P and CA are also very sturdy. Some (e.g. RealSword) take real steel parts....handguards/flashhiders/etc... Others that the airsoft equivalent...with a good number of parts being cross compatible.

The difference between builds from RS/VFC/CA/G&P are miles apart (heads and shoulders above) cheapo brands like CYMA, DBoys, etc.... The mechboxes might need some TLC (they all kind of do anyways) but you're buying a much, much, much better "shell" of a gun.

In general...get the airsoft model that most closely resembles what you want. If you want an AKM, figure out who makes and AKM and pick one....if you want a AKS74U, then figure out who makes one and pick one. It is a PITA, typically expensive and can be a real headache trying to mod one AK into another.

Personally....I've been very impressed with the RS and VFC AK's.

I had the same questions a year ago, bought a Real Sword type 56 never looked back ivew swapped out muzzle tips and other small items and put a smaller spring in was shooting 470 ...... running a Lipo at 400 fps happily.

The receiver and furniture you dont swap out there simply isnt anything else on the market for a reasonable price that beats Real Sword IMHO.

Mine quickly became my primary in all conditions for a year now not one single issue

There is a very thorough review of the G&G "RK47" (wood/ metal and Rec versions) on the forums here.
If you're planning on spending a grand on what I assume to be a first AEG, get a Real Sword.
If you want something closer to entry/ mid level I can vouch for the wood/ metal G&G.

You will, however want to do something to replace or reinforce the plastic lower receiver.

If you want an AK-74 look for a more modern rig, get a VFC

If you want the classic AK-47 look, get a Real Sword.

They are both excellent quality weapons, there's some pretty unreal stress tests of Real Swords on YouTube.

G&G AK's are the worse I've seen in terms of parts and durability!!! Some clones are even better than G&G!

Dboys steel versions of their AKs are actually quite good externally.

Okay, I'll bite. ASC Thread

Going by Amos, the Rec series is pretty brutal. Looking at his detailed review of the wood and metal "Pro series", holding it in my hands, and using it, you probably developed that opinion without experience or with the Rec series.

I have never EVER seen an AEG so nicely manufactured as the Real Sword type 56.

I can vouch for the VFC...beautiful AK. Like others said, if you want a AK-47 type, go Real Sword, if you want a 74 style, go VFC.

Real Sword.

AK-47= Realsword.
AK-74 and variants = LCT or VFC.

Those are the top manufactures in my mind.

Also, do not buy a clone. My CYMA snapped in half, and I would think Dboys and other equivalent brands are made similarly.

Urk.

$800-1000 is a bit beyond my price range for a single purchase. I was thinking more around $500-600.

So G&G would be my best option then?

You can find realsword guns in that range

RS 56 is about 700? Mags would put you at about 100 bucks, and a battery. It is worth it, you will end up spending a little less same on a G&G to get it up to that standard. Wait until you have the cash to get a RS, you will not regret it.

The type 56-2 goes for $550 ish these days

Has anybody owned a VFC AK, specifically the AKS74u? I have a few questions about it, but one thing that I noticed is that VFC introduces 'Real bolt simulation' on all their guns. How much of an effect is it, does anybody know? I mean that's great to actually feel like the gun is working, but I'm more concerned about my accuracy/consistency.

Also, anybody know where I should look to buy it? Does it have to be a Canadian dealer? If so, the only one that sells VFC doesn't sell any of the AK models.

I have a VFC 74M with the bolt simulation. I disabled it after 1 day.
It's not worth it really. If your familiar with the old Guarder way of doing blowback it's the same thing. The gearbox has a slot in it to the piston where a metal piece sits. It then pulls the charging bolt back and a spring drives it forward.
It's pretty much a gimmick.

Real bolt simulation is, like Gish said, a Gimick.

To buy a VFC AK, will most likely be from the classifieds, or importing through a retailer; ie. Age verified.

Yea, thats what i thought :)

The feeling I get is that VFC should cost upwards of around 1k, I couldnt find any prices though. Is it worth it if instead I can purchase a full metal CA? From what I've read, the internals of CA aren't that great, but it should still work fine and have decent accuracy and ROF?

If I buy a used VFC or CA, will it be fine? Or are AEG's of these and formentioned brands prone to failure after a certain amount of time (assuming normal use)?

I'd be greatfull for any input. I'm having flashbacks of the weeks I spent on research before buying my first paintball gun :))

New VFCs go for $500ish (Cheap!). Don't cut corners, get a VFC.

Its difficult to know when an AEG will fail. Buy the best brand you can and treat the gun right, and hope for the best. :)

Oh! Okay, I thought it'd be much more. Thanks man

So everybody is in agreement? VFC is the best bet for an AKS-74? :)

Yep.

hello op

ive recently aquired an echo1 ak47 real wood and steel, with great internals for just under $400 at a local retailer

Okay?

Far from the best AK...

Epic necro!~

In any case, I've put off getting a quality AEG at the moment because of school.

pfft thats what OSAP is for!

and epic necro? nah.. this isn't as bad as the ones resurrected from 3+ years ago

for an ak-47 GO REAL SWORD i had the chance to hold and play with omg was it ever amazing felt real

You just can't beat a Real Sword when it comes to AK's. Don't waste your money on anything else.

Real Sword all the way.

VFC

Real Sword Type 56. It is the finest quality bb gun I ever handled, you pick it up and your like "this will never break" I own one, their great guns, Im sure VFC are good, but I dont think they can match what the Real Sword has.

It's been said many times...

VFC = Russian style AK's

Real Sword = Chinese style AK's

Both are awesome, just a preference of what YOU like.