Hey guys, Mickey with SoGo Airsoft here. As many of you know, I purchased a G&P AK105 a while back (my review on this AEG can be found in the Reviews section). I'm not usually a fan of AK's and normally prefer a more modernized platform, but contractor-style AK's have impressed me to the point where they are just as useable to me as any M4/M16. Why? Modularity. With a buffer-tube and RIS incorporated, this weapon system is more modular (in other words, more customizable
) than ever before.
After building my AK to perform well outdoors, I found myself wishing I could bring this type of gun to the CQB as well. After a few quick google searches I stumbled upon the Echo 1 AK BOLT AEG. With a AK74u length barrel, a shortened contractor RIS and buffer tube mount, I knew that I had found my next big purchase. The gun was literally a shortened version of my AK105 and thus allowed me to share magazines between the two. The only differences between the two other than the length were very minor, such as the battery compartment. On my G&P the battery is stored in the buffer tube leaving room for only a Lipo, while on the Echo 1 the compartment runs the length of the gun up top, leaving room for up to a 10.8V stick type battery. Also the selector switch is much more solid on the Echo 1, which surprised me as I never would have thought that a G&P would be beaten out on external quality.
Included with the BOLT is a battery, charger and two 600 Round Hi-Cap Magazines. So far it has taken well to upgrades, but I have yet to do anything with the actual gearbox itself. My only upgrades other than the tan accessories are a tightbore barrel and a high speed motor (which brought the ROF to well above 20 BB's per second on a 9.6!). Eventually I may try a high-speed gearset and a better piston, but for now I am enjoying my AK, something I never thought I would say!
Top: G&P AK105
Bottom: Echo 1 AK BOLT