For any airsoft player, having the right gun is essential for a great gaming experience and getting those wins under your belt.
One of the most popular choices of airsoft rifles is the AK74 – a replica of the iconic assault rifle widely associated with the Soviet Union during the Soviet-Afghan War in the late 1970s.
Here at Socom, we stock a variety of airsoft AK74 rifles from a number of top brands in the industry, including CYMA Airsoft and J.G Works.
All the brands we stock are known for their craftsmanship, so you can rest assured that when you buy an AK74 from Socom, it’s a high-quality rifle that will last you throughout your airsofting career.
If you're considering adding an airsoft AK74 rifle to your arsenal, or you're in the market searching for your newest weapon, and you're open to trying out an AK74, we've put together this nifty guide to help you out.
Read through this guide, and you'll learn all about the AK74, the AK 74 variants, the AK performance capabilities and what type of airsoft player it is best suited for.
Brief History of the AK74
The AK74 is a popular variant of the Avtomat Kalashnikova (AK) assault rifle, first developed and manufactured by the Soviet Union in 1974.
The AK stands for “Avtomat Kalashnikova”, which translates to English as Automatic Kalashnikov or simply “Kalashnikov”.
It’s one of the most popular and widely used assault rifles in the world after its introduction by the Soviet Armed Forces.
The AK74 is a later version of the AK47 and has been adopted by many militaries, as well as various airsoft brands.
It is now one of the most popular airsoft guns available on the market today, with a variety of manufacturers producing their own versions, such as CYMA Airsoft and JG Works.
AK74 Variants
The AK74 comes in a variety of variants, each with its own unique design and features – no one model of airsoft AK74 is the same as another!
Each offers differences in terms of performance, such as rate of fire and accuracy, as well as visual features, such as colour and material.
The main two AK variants are:
Classic AK74
The classic AK74 is the original design developed in 1974 and has since been adapted and replicated by various airsoft manufacturers, like this Classic AK74 from CYMA Airsoft.
The classic airsoft AK74 assault rifle features a full metal body with real wood furniture, making it extremely durable and a great choice for any airsoft enthusiast. It has a muzzle velocity of between 330-340fps and comes with a 600-round high cap magazine.
The AK74 classic is perfect for those airsoft players who want a reliable rifle with accurate performance and the authentic look of an AK74.
AK74U
The AK74 U is one of the most popular AK variants and, as its name suggests, has a shorter barrel than the classic design.
This means the Kalashnikov automatic rifle model is lighter than the classic assault rifle, giving you easier manoeuvrability on the field.
What Type of Player is the AK74 Rifle Suited To?
Every airsoft weapon performs differently and provides different advantages in certain airsofting situations. For example, a pistol is better for close-quarter battles than an assault rifle due to its size and handling.
An assault rifle, on the other hand, is more suited for medium-to-long-range battles.
Of course, every airsoft player has their preferences when it comes to battle – some of us act better with a sniper rifle, and others prefer to take the fight up close with a submachine gun.
But what type of player does the AK74 assault rifle suit the best? Here's our verdict.
Beginner Airsoft Players
The AK74 assault rifle is a great option for beginners thanks to its lightweight and easy manoeuvrability. It's a great starting point for those looking to learn airsoft basics and get comfortable with the game.
The AK74's semi-automatic firing mode makes it simple to control and easy for newcomers to use, so you can focus more on developing your skills rather than worrying about complicated firing mechanics.
Plus, you can attach a muzzle brake to the AK74 to reduce recoil and make it easier to control, which is great for beginners who are just getting used to shooting an airsoft gun.
Overall, the AK74 is a great option for those looking to get comfortable with airsoft and start mastering the basics.
Milsim Gamers
With its realistic design, the Kalashnikov assault rifle is perfect for those looking to immerse themselves in a more realistic airsoft experience!
The standard AK74 has a full metal body and real wood furniture, making it look like the real thing used by the Soviet Union.
And not only does it look the part, but the power and shooting experience behind this thing enhances the realism even more.
Long-Range Shooters
For those looking to shoot from longer distances, the AK74 is equipped with adjustable iron sights that allow for greater accuracy over distance shots.
The AK 74 is also capable of firing in semi-automatic and fully automatic modes, making it suitable for both mid-range and long-range engagements.
In addition, the AK74’s adjustable hop-up unit allows you to fine-tune the trajectory of your BBs and ensure more accurate shots over greater distances.
Our Top Airsoft AK 74 Assault Rifles
Here at Socom Tactical, we stock numerous different AK74 assault rifles, all of which have their own unique features and performance.
We've tried and tested a bunch of airsoft assault rifles in our time, and we've put together our recommended top three from our collection.
Let's take a look!
JG AK74U Metal Body
This AK 74 rifle from Jing Gong had to make it onto our list of top assault rifles. It has a full metal body and real wood furniture – so it's ideal for players who like an authentic and realistic look.
The AK74U has a 'stimulated extruder' (blowback), which makes it the ultimate compact AK replica. And the price for an airsoft weapon like this is fantastic!
It comes equipped with one high-cap magazine and a powerful battery, so you can start playing straight away.
JG Ak74 Tactical with M4 Stock and RIS
Next up, we have another Jing Gong model – the AK74 with M4 Stock and RIS. This airsoft gun is great for tactical players who want a bit more customisation.
It features a tactical M4 stock and RIS handguard, so you can add custom attachments for an optimised look and feel.
For players who prefer a more modern airsoft loadout, this fits the bill perfectly. With a full metal body and slimline rail system, it's sure to make a great addition to any collection.
It comes with one high-cap magazine and battery, making it ready to play straight out of the box.
Cyma AK74 Classic AEG (Metal and Wood)
We mentioned this one previously, and it's just too good not to include. The CYMA Airsoft AK74 Classic AEG is a stunning airsoft rifle with realistic wood furniture and metal body construction – it's a fantastic replica.
It has a muzzle velocity of 330-340fps on a 0.20g BB and comes with a 600-round high-cap magazine – so you can keep blasting for longer!
The AK74 Classic AEG is great for players who want an accurate and reliable airsoft rifle with an authentic look and feel.
Summary: Why the AK74 Rifle is One of the Best Airsoft Rifles
If there's one thing you take away from this guide, it's that the AK74 airsoft rifle is a great weapon of choice!
The AK74 is a great all-rounder for both mid and long-range shooting, thanks to its front and rear sight, semi-automatic and fully automatic fire modes. Plus, it's well-suited to just about any level of airsoft player – from beginner to pro.
And with so many different models and variations of the AK74 available, you're sure to find one that fits nicely into your loadout.
Take your pick from our recommended assault rifles available at Socom, and you can enjoy free shipping on orders over £100! Our team of airsoft experts are always on hand should you need any advice.
So, what are you waiting for? Get your AK74 airsoft rifle and start taking down the competition!
