For it's compact size the AK Spetsnaz packs a powerful punch and seems more than capable of holding it's own in any skirmish situation. The gearbox of this new release has proved reliable in the AK 47 and AK47 S variants over the years and there is no reason for any difference in this model. Tokyo Marui's AK range's only shortcoming is its lack of add-ons and extras. The Spetsnaz addresses this with its fore grip rail-mount, but still does not enjoy the amazing amount of custom parts and upgrades available for the MP5 and M16 ranges of AEGs. The fact that this is not an accurate replica of a specific real steel weapon may put some people off, but for me this is not an issue. In my opinion the AK Beta Spetsnaz will quickly establish itself as a favourite for those looking for a versatile, reliable and compact skirmish AEG. It's lack of tempting after market goodies may well help you keep to the budget most airsofters wage constant war with, whilst never being the wrong AEG to be using in any situation. Airsoft Dynamics had mine in my hands five days after its release in Japan, and have them for sale at £255. The silencer pictured above is a First Factory Knight's silencer, also available from AD.

Projects

AEGs

Gas Pistols

Stuff

Tokyo Marui AK Beta Spetsnaz

Length: 711mm Weight: 2.25KG Barrel length: 230mm Magazine capacity: 250

The Beta Spetsnaz is the latest release from Tokyo Marui and can only add to their reputation for producing the best electric airsoft guns. This AEG (Automatic Electric Gun) is not strictly speaking a replica of a real weapon, but more of a hybrid based on the AK 74U. This can be considered a 'Special Forces' / SMG variant of the AK, Marui themselves describe it as ' Russia's response to Terrorism'. As with the AK 47 and 47S which TM has been producing since 1996 there are many metal parts in this airsoft gun. In fact the only external parts not made of metal are the lower receiver, stock, fore grips and pistol grip. This gives the Spetsnaz a very solid and weighty feel especially considering it's compact size. New parts for the Spetsnaz are the black resin furniture, which is of a very high quality, the AK 74 style ribbed top cover incorporating a fixed CQB style rear sight, and the entire front end consisting of short outer barrel, adjustable fore sight, sling swivel and AK 74U flash-hider/compensator. Also included is a shortened version of TM's AK high-capacity magazine, which holds 250 BB's, compared to 600 in the full-size TM magazine. The stock will hold a large type 8.4v battery that will generally give a full days skirmishing, the base plate slides on and off for access to the battery compartment, which also houses the fuse holder. The base plate on the stock can get knocked off and lost during play. They are not available as spares (unless you're very lucky), so a little black tape may be a good idea. The resin fore grip has a weaver rail built into it's lower edge allowing torches, pointers, handles etc to be easily attached, adding to the 'Special Forces' look of the gun. I've already had a chance to use the Spetsnaz in some games at Ambush Chobham and I'd say it's going to be a really successful model. The first thing that strikes you is its long-range performance. It is as accurate as a full sized AK 47 which has a barrel almost twice as long as this variant, and certainly seems to out perform the similarly sized MP5s I could compare it to. The rate of fire from the AK ('Type 3') gearbox layout is slightly higher than that used in M16s and MP 5s, and the 600 round magazine is twice or three times the size of most of those in use and saves a lot of reloading 'in the field'.

For it's compact size the AK Spetsnaz packs a powerful punch and seems more than capable of holding it's own in any skirmish situation. The gearbox of this new release has proved reliable in the AK 47 and AK47 S variants over the years and there is no reason for any difference in this model. Tokyo Marui's AK range's only shortcoming is its lack of add-ons and extras. The Spetsnaz addresses this with its fore grip rail-mount, but still does not enjoy the amazing amount of custom parts and upgrades available for the MP5 and M16 ranges of AEGs. The fact that this is not an accurate replica of a specific real steel weapon may put some people off, but for me this is not an issue. In my opinion the AK Beta Spetsnaz will quickly establish itself as a favourite for those looking for a versatile, reliable and compact skirmish AEG. It's lack of tempting after market goodies may well help you keep to the budget most airsofters wage constant war with, whilst never being the wrong AEG to be using in any situation. Airsoft Dynamics had mine in my hands five days after its release in Japan, and have them for sale at £255. The silencer pictured above is a First Factory Knight's silencer, also available from AD.