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What comes to mind when you think of a great AK? Something steel-bodied, indestructible, and ever-reliable under any conditions? Do you picture robust construction that you can trust to withstand even the harshest of airsoft field conditions, whether it be a multi-day mil-sim event, or even a fast paced indoor skirmish? Well, with constant research and development going into the platform in 2023, these rifles have evolved to become all that and more in ways you might not have expected.

With new releases, updated internals, and overall quality increases, 2023 has been a huge year for the airsoft AK family of rifles. But, it’s not just new rifles being released onto the scene. Many companies have been quietly updating their internals and body quality, even going so far as to add electronic MOSFET units to their platforms without being too public about it. These changes have quietly revolutionized the value and competitiveness of AKs in ways you may have missed. Here at Evike.com, we have compiled a list of 5 of the best Airsoft AKs that have top of the line internals to help you choose which banana-magged blaster you want to dominate the playing field with!



E&L’s quality has been no secret in the airsoft market for quite a while. Their attention to detail is nearly unmatched, offering some of the most realistic externals you can get in the hobby. All while starting out at the relatively moderate price point of only $255! Their receivers are stamped steel, offering a feel and weight perfect for those looking to immerse themselves with the most accurate replica possible.

What you might not know is that as of 2023, all E&L replicas come with an in-line MOSFET unit and deans battery connectors right out of the box! Not only is this steel budget behemoth authentic and affordable, but is able to handle up to an 11.1 Li-Po battery for quick trigger response and high rate of fire without the need for aftermarket upgrades. These recent additions add E&LAKs to the roster of rifles pre-equipped with the features in demand for the modern airsofter.

Key Features:

• Relatively low price.


• High quality steel exterior body with details accurate to the real rifle.


• Li-Po ready with in-line MOSFET right out of the box.


• Multiple variants to choose from depending on which AK you prefer.


• Full travel mock bolt for maximum realism.


• Quick change spring system for easy FPS adjustments.

Next on our list, we have a rather new addition to the market. The EMG Rifle Dynamics RD 701 comes from a long-awaited collaboration between the two companies, making its presence known through its unique M-LOK rail system and rail space for customization. Even with its durable metal receiver, this rifle is a bit lighter than the other options on this list, giving it an edge in maneuverability while maintaining its full length barrel.

Its sleek modular design is not all that it has going for it. Taking a look under the hood, we’ll find that the rifle is manufactured by CYMA, one of the oldest and most venerable brands in the airsoft AK world. However, this isn’t just any old CYMA gearbox. CYMA has finally adapted their Platinum internals line to the V3 system, giving these new AKs a completely upgraded gearbox right from the get go. The compression parts are CNC aluminum reinforced for maximum durability, and the gears are high speed, wire cut, and short stroked for maximum speed and longevity. Additionally, these guns come pre-installed with CYMA’s Zeus MOSFET, giving it a snappy micro switch trigger unit for fast semi-auto action.

Key Features:

• Lightweight, yet durable.


• Modern design with modular space for attachments.


• High end gearbox design.


• Excellent price to performance ratio.


• Aesthetically unique rail system.

It would be crazy to make this list without discussing the hottest brand in high performance AKs within the last few years. Arcturus seems to be getting better and better with every coming product release, and their new PE (Performance Enhanced) line of AKs is no exception. For some, the classic full-length AK might be a bit too long for the space tight engagements of CQB. To that issue, Arcturus offers their short and stylish PP19 Vityaz model to keep your rifle maneuverable as possible in short range combat.

The price is relatively steep compared to some other options on this list, but you get all that you pay for and more. Taking internal modernization to its furthest, the Arcturus PP19-01 PE is arguably the most advanced airsoft AK variant rifle you can buy right off the shelf. Instead of a sliding hop-up mechanism found commonly on most AKs, this PP19 comes stock with a precise rotary unit that firmly clicks with each adjustment to keep your hop-up setting consistent. Like the Rifle Dynamics RD 701 mentioned earlier, the gearbox has a pre-upgraded wire-cut steel high speed gear set paired with reinforced air compression parts. The shining star of an upgrade component that solidifies this rifle’s place as the ultimate high end option is the Perun Hybrid V3 electronic trigger unit it comes pre-installed with. This part allows for a wide range of programmable trigger options, lightning fast trigger response for successive shots, and a self-diagnosis system for making sure the rifle is running smoothly.

Key Features:

• Compact design with rail space for attachments.


• Highly advanced gearbox components for unmatched performance and configurability.


• Quick change spring system with additional low FPS spring included.


• Unique and stylish SMG magazine.


• High quality steel externals.

The Specna Arms J Series AK is the pinnacle of what this list intends to bring to light. Specna Arms is constantly pushing the boundaries on how high performance a budget rifle can be, and to say this rifle has blown us away at Evike.com would be an understatement. Never before has the market offered a sub $250 AK style rifle with full metal externals and an advanced programmable mosfet.

Destroying all barriers on what it means to be a “budget rifle,” this beginner priced AK comes stock with the Gate Aster V3 Optical trigger unit, something normally seen on only the most advanced high end rifles. Say goodbye to having to buy the advanced MOSFET aftermarket and considering whether you'll pay for a tech to install it, or trying your own hand at it and hoping you don't accidentally break something. Though some of the details on the externals could leave a more picky AK connoisseur wanting, this rifle more than makes up for it with its sheer price to performance ratio.

Key Features:

• Budget friendly.


• Pre-installed Gate Aster V3 for a fast semi-auto and versatile configurability.


• Reinforced gearbox components for maximum longevity.


• Steel externals for a realistic weight.


• Did I mention budget friendly? Seriously, the sheer value on this rifle is insane for those looking to pick up a high performance AK without breaking the bank.

Though a little over-budget for the average airsofter, this list just wouldn’t be complete without mentioning the current king of gas blowback AKs. Tokyo Marui’s gas blowback systems are produced with the highest degree of excellence in the hobby, especially their ZET system rifles. Though their full sized AKM has been out for quite some time now, the new AKX’s compact size allows for a degree of CQB excellence previously unmet by its longer older brother.

The blowback action kicks with a punch you’d expect out of a gas AK. Even with its heavy AK style bolt, the Tokyo Marui ZET system allows for consistent performance and gas efficiency in a fairly wide range of temperature conditions. The magazines click into place firmly with the most buttery-smooth action you’ll ever find on an airsoft rifle. In fact, just about everything is firmly in place on this rifle. Nothing wobbles, creaks, or gives even the slightest hint of poor construction. The railed dust cover even has a twistable locking mechanism to ensure your optic stays firmly in place regardless of how much abuse it endures.

Key Features:

• The most realistic AK experience an airsoft gun has to offer.


• Unmatched consistency and reliability in the world of gas blowback AKs


• Seamless construction. Not a hint of wobble.


• Impressive gas efficiency, even in colder temperatures.


• Excellent range and accuracy without the need for upgrades.

Airsoft has come a long way since the days of mechanical trigger contacts being the standard. With these advanced models coming into the market at a wide range of price options, just about any new player can pick up a rifle advanced enough to keep up with the speedy triggers you’ll find so commonly at the playing field. The M4 system has had its spotlight as the go-to platform to keep with the most advanced airsoft technology, but AKs are no longer just the “slower, but durable” option they once were.