AK Clone Opinion Thread

[Eskimo]

So I had a rec game a few weeks ago where my gun (one of the old G&G raiders) locked up, and I'm needing a back up gun so that I'm not spending my day on the bench reassembling my main. I'm looking for it to be reliable, so while most builds are geared towards either high rps or fps, this gun and any modifications I make to it will be aimed at making a it super reliable gun that doesn't do anything special, but is cheap and always works. With that in mind I'd also like an AK with real wood.

Some of the items I'm looking at are listed below. Basically I'm looking for peoples opinions and experiences with these guns, most all of which are clones. What is the most solid real wood AK platform under $250? (though even cheaper would be better)

CM048 AK74
CM048M AKM
Echo 1 Red Star AKM

What do you guys think? Is there any appreciable difference between the CYMA and ECHO 1? Are there other solid clones out there?

[Ghast]

The Red Star is the best by a long shot, but also look into DBOYs AK's.

[King]

My Dboys was the cats ass. Just sold it. It shot in the 400fps ballpark for two years, with no problems. Best bang for your buck for around $130.

[Guts and Glory]

I own three dboys models, two potmetal, 1 full steel. I also own a Real Sword SVD.

Like with any other metal gun, you have to be aware of any potential faults. Rear sights, stock tangs, etc. tend to be weakpoints in the acm world of Kalashnikovs, more issues abound with the tm-style models that use screws all over in place of pins. For externals, it has been argued again and again that dboys, mirroring VFC designs, is better than cyma, whose internals are said to be slightly better. Of course, in some cases there are brands like JG whose internals beat out cyma's. The recent cyma models have begun to use the pinned model, but their numbering system is messed up to say the least, so you must be careful to avoid getting the wrong model (Some of the .40+ models are in fact inferior to others in their number range). Dboys is no better at that, with several sites listing "Steel" models that in fact the older potmetal models. Wood quality is also an ever changing factor to take into consideration. Typically the steel models have better looking wood furniture, but that is a matter of taste. Most would just go and mod a real set on if it bothers them so.

Of course, some would advocate going for LCT, whose newest lines of guns (the NV line) have rather nice externals, the internals somewhat of a mixed bag (some say cyma quality, some say not). Most would say get one of their kits and cram in a reliable gearbox instead. An LCT is typically not going down like a cyma or dboys if dropped (or if used in a manner that is consistent with applying severe force to it).

VFC would be in a similar mindset, albeit being an older series and thus somewhat harder to find.

Real Sword is pretty much rock solid, albeit not exactly fitting for your requirements (besides a type 56 not really suiting most setups appearance-wise). In all honestly, I only own their SVD because I've always wanted one, and it is just wonderful to hold.

Echo1, as you are probably aware, simply reroute part of a OEM (in this case cyma) line and add perhaps different hop up buckings or look over the QC more (which isn't saying much really). I had one of their rebranded cyma aks-74un, the .35 model. It started using external bits quickly as the screws eventually began falling out midgame (even loctite fails at times). I never really understand the allure of their products, save for the understandable (if discomforting) business strategy.

I would push for a dboys over a cyma, simply because it is a manner of my personal experience. Take it what you will, but I find a dboys, even a potmetal one, more sturdy in my hands than I would a cyma, especially anything not a .48 model that is the most noticeable current vfc-style pinned design.


A better question to ask is what fits you? I own all folding stock models in some shape or form, and I know that most people would agree that it is more useful on the scene at games for such a design. Others enjoy the sturdiness of a full stock. You should take that into consideration and ask around at a local game or event to hold up different types, just so you have a feel for them. I feel that such a notion is usually overlooked when someone seeks a Kalashnikov.


One final thing: I've seen JG plastic fantastic tacticool models that have outlasted traditional looking cymas and dboys. Even Javelin/APS, scorned generally for their blowback and akward externals, can last a long time for some people. If your idea is to get something as a back-up, don't be spending more for finishings like wood grips and stocks that you may indeed resent later on. I am saying this as a purist who understands all sides of the countless debates. Heck, if I wanted something that would last a lifetime and not have to be a Real Sword (which can break down out of box actually), I'd own a TM.

[Jazzman]

Aren't the CM048 and the Red Star AKM the same gun?

[Guts and Glory]

Pretty much.

[Eskimo]

Thanks for all the feedback guys, and big thanks to guts for the detailed breakdown.

Jun 24, 2013 20:34:01 GMT -5 Guts and Glory said:

I own three dboys models, two potmetal, 1 full steel. I also own a Real Sword SVD.
I would push for a dboys over a cyma, simply because it is a manner of my personal experience. Take it what you will, but I find a dboys, even a potmetal one, more sturdy in my hands than I would a cyma, especially anything not a .48 model that is the most noticeable current vfc-style pinned design.

Alright, so now I'm going to keep an eye out for a DBoys. I'd prefer it to feel sturdier, even if the internals aren't top shelf (or middle shelf), it's just a mental thing. For instance my G&G M16 is made of polymer that is probably more durable than some cheaper metal guns, but it just never feels like it.

Jun 24, 2013 20:34:01 GMT -5 Guts and Glory said:

A better question to ask is what fits you? I own all folding stock models in some shape or form, and I know that most people would agree that it is more useful on the scene at games for such a design. Others enjoy the sturdiness of a full stock. You should take that into consideration and ask around at a local game or event to hold up different types, just so you have a feel for them. I feel that such a notion is usually overlooked when someone seeks a Kalashnikov.

I've only held airsoft AKs a few times (at a swap meet) but I get the feeling that I'm a full stock guy. I'm just more comfortable with the balance of the gun that way, but since I'm wanting the gun to be cheap I'm just waiting to find a good deal on one, regardless of stock type (although I'd be more open to down fold than side fold stocks).

Thanks again to everyone who replied, and if anyone has anymore knowledge to impart, I probably won't be getting anything until the big sales around the 4th.