Cybergun Kalashnikov AK47

Ask anyone to name one of the most famous weapons available, and it won’t take long for the name Kalashnikov to crop up; as the AK47 is arguably the most infamous of the lot. The Russian design was the brainchild of tank commander Mikhail Timofeevich Kalashnikov in 1947, and a combination of rapid firepower, and an absurdly simple, almost indestructibly robust design, has seen this legendary assault rifle become the weapon of choice in guerrilla warfare around the globe. The original design’s popularity in combat situations stemmed from having a minimum of working parts, and a reputation for astonishing levels of reliability, in less than favourable conditions.

Replica versions have long been available of course, but the model on test here, adds to any collectors enjoyment, by being a fully working BB gun into the bargain. Granted the payload is somewhat less deadly, since this version prefers a diet of low power 4.5mm steel BB’s, yet the combination of an all metal action and hard wood stock, lends a real feeling of authenticity.

The metalwork seems to have been treated to a ‘distressed’ look too, with a slightly roughened up finish adding to the genuine feel. Likewise, the three part wood stock, complete with drop down pistol grip and sling swivels, looks and feels the part.

Fun Shooting

Where BB shooting is concerned, the emphasis is always on fun, and this AK47 doesn’t disappoint on that score. Before the action can start though, the gun needs to be prepared.

Firstly, the magazine (the outer casing of which is pretty well the only plastic to be found on this model) needs to be removed from the action, by pushing the small retaining atch with the thumb, at the same time as pulling the mag clear. Now press the small silver metal button and pull the internal section clear. A 12g CO2 capsule can now be located inside the frame, and tightened gently into place, until gas is heard to escape. This means the seal has been broken on the capsule, to power the system.

The next stage is to fill the mag with BB’s. Pull the spring loaded catch down and back along the side of the mag, until it locks in the rear position. Steel BB’s can now be fed into to small hole at the top, until 19 are loaded. The spring loaded clip is then gently released to tension the balls in position. Now the internal assembly can be pushed back inside the mag body, and the whole magazine pushed up into the rifle’s action until it locks in place.

The ‘Selector’ bar on the right hand side of the action can be taken off safety, and with safety goggles in place, the shooting can now start.

To fire the AK47, pull back the large silver cocking lever on the right side of the action, which cycles the next BB; then squeeze the two stage trigger. Shots can now be taken just as fast as that lever can be cycled. Accuracy wise, I managed 5inch groups over 25yds, which means that something like metal plate shooting over man- sized targets, could be great fun in the right conditions. Accuracy and power do tail off comparatively quickly with BB’s, and this AK47 was at its best out to 30yds.

In use, cycling the cocking slide and action, was a little sticky at times, yet overall, this gun made all the right noises, offering a level of solid satisfaction that I simply wasn’t expecting.

Refreshing Change

To be honest, my obsession with competition grade kit would normally see me overlook this type of hardware, yet this particular model really impressed.  It’s authentic enough in appearance to be taken seriously as an imitation firearm, yet comes with the added benefit of being a usable CO2 powered BB firer.

If the truth be told, before I opened the delivery box, I’d already told myself that the asking price of £229.95 was going to seem a little steep. Having now handled and shot the Cybergun Kalashnikov AK47, it’s difficult not to be impressed. It’s fun all the way, and if you’re in the market for a working imitation model, this is a real corker! GM