(626) 286-0360
Airsoft
Fishing
Air Gun
E&L Airsoft New Essential Version AKM Airsoft AEG Rifle
17 Customer Reviews
by Kyle P. on 01/03/2025
"GREAT gun don’t get me wrong I only had one problem with it so far and that is with the rear sight with the pin to remove the orange tip mine wouldn’t go in all the way so I just chiziled it and ripped the orange one off
by Moses D. on 09/19/2024
"I love this thing. It was entirely a 10/10 purchase. I would buy again every time.
Pros:
Realistic feel.
Real wood and steel.
Sturdy.
Affordable (Only $280).
Reliable.
Cons:
Mags misfire once maybe every fifteen-twenty shots (In my experience).
Pros:
Realistic feel.
Real wood and steel.
Sturdy.
Affordable (Only $280).
Reliable.
Cons:
Mags misfire once maybe every fifteen-twenty shots (In my experience).
by Saverio P. on 08/21/2024
"Initial review of the E&L Essential AKM.
As someone who collects/builds AKs, I am very impressed right out the box. Popping off the gas tube and twisting off the wooden upper handguard is an art, and it came off/went back on like a real one. Cleaning kit trap door insertion worked. Is everything 100% like a real one? Nope but it’s because isn’t a real one. But it’s pretty darn close.
Will do a follow up review after my bb’s show up. Out the box, thoroughly impressed and I look forward to increasing the look as I make new wooden furniture for it to look like a Type 56 Chinese AKM (I do this for my side hustle)
As someone who collects/builds AKs, I am very impressed right out the box. Popping off the gas tube and twisting off the wooden upper handguard is an art, and it came off/went back on like a real one. Cleaning kit trap door insertion worked. Is everything 100% like a real one? Nope but it’s because isn’t a real one. But it’s pretty darn close.
Will do a follow up review after my bb’s show up. Out the box, thoroughly impressed and I look forward to increasing the look as I make new wooden furniture for it to look like a Type 56 Chinese AKM (I do this for my side hustle)
by Jessica T. on 07/25/2024
"Update on my last review:
This, internally and externally, is an outstanding, beautiful Kalashnikov rifle. I only had one problem with it. After two weeks of use, the mosfet burned out. The good thing is this was completely my fault. This gun has a high 20 rps rate of fire, and so you should let it cool down between reloads. I did not do this, and the gun broke after holding up a long time under incorrect use. When the handle becomes hot, it is time to let it cool down. Thankfully, I now know my mistake and can avoid it in the future, and Evike customer service is being just great about getting me a replacement. Buy this gun, you will not regret it.
This, internally and externally, is an outstanding, beautiful Kalashnikov rifle. I only had one problem with it. After two weeks of use, the mosfet burned out. The good thing is this was completely my fault. This gun has a high 20 rps rate of fire, and so you should let it cool down between reloads. I did not do this, and the gun broke after holding up a long time under incorrect use. When the handle becomes hot, it is time to let it cool down. Thankfully, I now know my mistake and can avoid it in the future, and Evike customer service is being just great about getting me a replacement. Buy this gun, you will not regret it.
by Jessica T. on 07/09/2024
"This was my first real aeg, and it is the most awesome gun! The rate fire is crazy, and the trigger pull is short so you're able to shoot fast on semi-auto, but not overly short. I have no problem with the blue mosfet wires other people have mention. Not to mention how realistic it is. E&L does include a grey steel slanted flash hider to replace the orange one. For extra mags the Cyma/Matrix AKM style work great. Absolutely amazing gun! 10/10!
by Martha E. on 12/27/2023
"If you are looking for an AK that stays tried and true to the rugged and reliable legacy of the real AK, then this is your gun. A solid gearbox that can handle an 11v and 25c out the box like a champ with decent semi-auto snappiness.
It has a MOSFET, real wood, stamped steel construction, and even an actual AK cleaning kit in the stock. (DO NOT USE IT ON YOUR GUN) also (TRY NOT TO GET AK THUMB WITH THE TRAP DOOR) it hurts like hell.
I love the weight and if it's too much for you, or if your playing for more than 2 hours straight, just get a shoulder strap and distribute the weight. mine is 9ish pounds fully loaded with a high cap and my rail system etc.
the accuracy of this gun is also decent, sometimes but rarely your bb will just go to the side after roughly 26 meters.
with that, I am planning on getting a new inner barrel but besides that, as beautiful as the gun, the mags are simply the best mags I've ever seen in airsoft. Beautiful all-metal mags with 120 rounds of capacity, no wobble, or noise, they're simply the perfect mag.
this gun will also work with standard AK mags, I run a secondary high-cap that isn't from E&L and it too has no wobble.
It has a MOSFET, real wood, stamped steel construction, and even an actual AK cleaning kit in the stock. (DO NOT USE IT ON YOUR GUN) also (TRY NOT TO GET AK THUMB WITH THE TRAP DOOR) it hurts like hell.
I love the weight and if it's too much for you, or if your playing for more than 2 hours straight, just get a shoulder strap and distribute the weight. mine is 9ish pounds fully loaded with a high cap and my rail system etc.
the accuracy of this gun is also decent, sometimes but rarely your bb will just go to the side after roughly 26 meters.
with that, I am planning on getting a new inner barrel but besides that, as beautiful as the gun, the mags are simply the best mags I've ever seen in airsoft. Beautiful all-metal mags with 120 rounds of capacity, no wobble, or noise, they're simply the perfect mag.
this gun will also work with standard AK mags, I run a secondary high-cap that isn't from E&L and it too has no wobble.
by Petr B. on 07/05/2023
"For such a good price, this gun is absolutely phenomenal. She looks and feels like a real AKM. Performance is solid and still holds up well in competitive combat. I've had this gun for about 2 years now and it still shoots straight and true.
The only warnings to be given is that, as of this review, there are no other compatible mags for this gun. Only E&L magazines will work with their guns.
Secondly, you do need to make sure to take measures to clean the gun's exterior. It will rust a teeny tiny bit. For me it's fine because I use my AKM with a old style kit. but to some this may be a problem.
The only warnings to be given is that, as of this review, there are no other compatible mags for this gun. Only E&L magazines will work with their guns.
Secondly, you do need to make sure to take measures to clean the gun's exterior. It will rust a teeny tiny bit. For me it's fine because I use my AKM with a old style kit. but to some this may be a problem.
by Dylan B. on 11/01/2022
"I was looking for a solid AKM to modify into an East German MPi-KM-72, and at first, I was going to go with an LCT AKM, but then a guy I know on an airsoft forum recommended the E&L version to me. I wasn't sure what to think at first, but after some further prodding, I went out and bought it, and having used it for most of my recent airsoft season, I can safely say that I made a wise choice. The first thing I noticed about this AKM was how real it feels. Even though this is only the lower-priced New Essential version, the metal is good enough quality that I can trust this gun if I accidentally fall down with it or smack it against a tree. Swapping in real steel AK furniture wasn't much of a hassle, either, though I had to mod the stock so I could fit it on the gun. Even so, once I did, this gun really started to turn heads!
I've talked enough about the looks, though, so I'm going to talk about performance. It's not the most powerful, most accurate or even the fastest-firing AKM, but it's really reliable. Not once did it malfunction during a game. Granted, it occasionally double-fired even though I had the safety selector set to semi, but other than that, it hasn't let me down yet. Best of all, it works really well with the CYMA hi-cap mags I bought.
However, not everything about this gun is roses. My biggest complaint about the gun is that the top cover is really hard to put back on once removed, especially with a battery hooked up. I had to slam down on it to get it on. Also, the charging handle is pretty much impossible to work if there's a NiMH or Li-Ion stick battery in the gun, so you'll have to take the battery cover off to adjust the hop-up if there's a battery in.
Other than that, I really have no complaints about this gun. If you're looking for a solid AKM, you definitely can't go wrong with this one!
PROS:
-Looks and feels almost like a real AKM
-Pretty easy to install real steel parts
-Extremely reliable
-Performance is all right
-FPS isn't excessive
-Good mag compatibility (at least with what I've used)
-Guaranteed to turn heads at the field
CONS:
-Battery cover very difficult to reattach.
-Charging handle impossible to work with stick batteries
I've talked enough about the looks, though, so I'm going to talk about performance. It's not the most powerful, most accurate or even the fastest-firing AKM, but it's really reliable. Not once did it malfunction during a game. Granted, it occasionally double-fired even though I had the safety selector set to semi, but other than that, it hasn't let me down yet. Best of all, it works really well with the CYMA hi-cap mags I bought.
However, not everything about this gun is roses. My biggest complaint about the gun is that the top cover is really hard to put back on once removed, especially with a battery hooked up. I had to slam down on it to get it on. Also, the charging handle is pretty much impossible to work if there's a NiMH or Li-Ion stick battery in the gun, so you'll have to take the battery cover off to adjust the hop-up if there's a battery in.
Other than that, I really have no complaints about this gun. If you're looking for a solid AKM, you definitely can't go wrong with this one!
PROS:
-Looks and feels almost like a real AKM
-Pretty easy to install real steel parts
-Extremely reliable
-Performance is all right
-FPS isn't excessive
-Good mag compatibility (at least with what I've used)
-Guaranteed to turn heads at the field
CONS:
-Battery cover very difficult to reattach.
-Charging handle impossible to work with stick batteries
by Robertethan B. on 04/20/2022
"I cant possibly say anything bad about this AEG. Guys, this thing is amazing! Dare I say, Krytac has a competitor! No im not joking. For this price you get an AEG with amazing out of the box performance and great build quality! By far the most surprising airsoft purchase of my life. This is now my go-to AK, and the build quality just offers a great platform for internal and external improvements. Not that it needs any! One thing I do want to point out however, only use a 7.4 lipo! I promise, the rate of fire and piston speed is great with just a 7.4. I have seen people put an 11.1 lipo in it only to watch their FPS drop down to a very inconsistent 100-250. I think it has something to do with the gear style in the gearbox. But either way, with just a 7.4 lipo im getting fantastic performance. Something else to note. Only use E&L mags. CYMA mags take a bit of filing, which left me with no mags for my Cyma haha.
by Andrew C. on 03/11/2022
"Beautiful. Didn't know they made them like this for the price.
by Duncan S. on 01/24/2022
"This Gen 3 E&L is amazing with superb internals and god-like externals rivaling lct it is a spectacle for sure
Pros
1. great build
2. baller internals
3. looks amazing
4. heavy
Cons
1. unless you buy E&L mags most if not all you will have to sand the back lip of the AK mag down to fit but once you do that it works like a charm (LCT and CYMA mags are your best option)
2. heavy I know I said it was a pro but if you don't like heavy rifles (like me) then you will want a sling
3. the battery space is pretty bad but can fit a https://www.evike.com/products/16575/ that is the link it will last you about 6-7 hours of play so no complaint but you will have some trouble the first time you put the dust cover on with the batter but once you get used to it its a breeze
4. the mag release is very sensitive so when running try not to bump the release
Pros
1. great build
2. baller internals
3. looks amazing
4. heavy
Cons
1. unless you buy E&L mags most if not all you will have to sand the back lip of the AK mag down to fit but once you do that it works like a charm (LCT and CYMA mags are your best option)
2. heavy I know I said it was a pro but if you don't like heavy rifles (like me) then you will want a sling
3. the battery space is pretty bad but can fit a https://www.evike.com/products/16575/ that is the link it will last you about 6-7 hours of play so no complaint but you will have some trouble the first time you put the dust cover on with the batter but once you get used to it its a breeze
4. the mag release is very sensitive so when running try not to bump the release
by Sam D. on 01/13/2022
"I second Jacks review. It really is fantastic
by Calvin F. on 11/17/2021
"A phenomenal replica, truly the best AKM on the market. I also own the E&L Romanian AK, and both are now my go-to's whenever I need an AK replica. Hard hitting, snappy response, and solidly built.
You will never regret buying one of these!
You will never regret buying one of these!
by Jack K. on 09/23/2021
"This AK-47 is the BEST AK for airsoft money can buy. It is stunning in how beautiful it is. If you are willing to save up just a $100 more then 110% you should purchace this weapon. Its unfortunate that nobody has left a reveiw (yet). When I was placing an order I had no idea if it was a good trusted brand or anything. After doing my research, I now know that E&L know what their doing when it comes to manufacturing Airsoft AK's (which makes sense because E&L actually do make REAL AK-47's in China).
B U Y T H I S G U N.
Worth the money 10 fold. I get I probably sound like an employee of E&L or something lol, but please; If you have enough money for a slightly cheap $150 AK, Then save up a little bit more for this. You will not be dissapointed.
If you want to talk more about my thoughts, you can add me on my Discord: Kernal#4537
PROS:
everything.
CONS:
Comes a little greased/oiled out of the box (standard), clean with a rag.
B U Y T H I S G U N.
Worth the money 10 fold. I get I probably sound like an employee of E&L or something lol, but please; If you have enough money for a slightly cheap $150 AK, Then save up a little bit more for this. You will not be dissapointed.
If you want to talk more about my thoughts, you can add me on my Discord: Kernal#4537
PROS:
everything.
CONS:
Comes a little greased/oiled out of the box (standard), clean with a rag.
by Alex R. on 12/05/2022
"IT CAME WITH A MOSFET! WHAAAAAAT FOR $250?
(With the Black Friday Deal)
(PROS:)
STEEL
ROCK SOLID
NARROW AS HECK
MOSFET
TRIGGER RESPONSE
PRICE
DECENT WEIGHT
WOOD HANDGUARD
WOOD STOCK
POSITIVE CLICK ON THE FIRE SELECTOR
FRONT SIGHT IS STRAIGHT
SMELLS GOOD.
AKM FLASH HIDER
AK CLEANING KIT (Don't use it lol)
(CONS)
MOSFET Blue Wires are THIIIINNN..... Be Careful when inserting Magazine. You could pinch or damage your thin blue wires.
Other than That^ I HIGHLY recommend this Rifle. 9/10!!
(With the Black Friday Deal)
(PROS:)
STEEL
ROCK SOLID
NARROW AS HECK
MOSFET
TRIGGER RESPONSE
PRICE
DECENT WEIGHT
WOOD HANDGUARD
WOOD STOCK
POSITIVE CLICK ON THE FIRE SELECTOR
FRONT SIGHT IS STRAIGHT
SMELLS GOOD.
AKM FLASH HIDER
AK CLEANING KIT (Don't use it lol)
(CONS)
MOSFET Blue Wires are THIIIINNN..... Be Careful when inserting Magazine. You could pinch or damage your thin blue wires.
Other than That^ I HIGHLY recommend this Rifle. 9/10!!