 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
|
|
| Online exclusive content published by The NAM: National Airsoft Magazine Q2 2010. The NAM: National Airsoft Magazine Copyright © 2010 All Rights Reserved. |
Specs:
Product Brand: I Chih Shivan
Built Material: metal/wood
Shooting Modes: semi/full-auto
Magazine Capacity: 550rnds
Length: 28in
Weight: 6.5lbs
Power Source: stick battery
Hop-up: yes
Blow-back: no
Power: 318fps w/.20bbs
Product Brand: I Chih Shivan
Built Material: metal/wood
Shooting Modes: semi/full-auto
Magazine Capacity: 550rnds
Length: 28in
Weight: 6.5lbs
Power Source: stick battery
Hop-up: yes
Blow-back: no
Power: 318fps w/.20bbs
Package & MSRP:
Dropping around $300 USD will score
you one all metal and wood AKS-74U,
two 550rnd HiCap magazines, a bottle
of 1k BBs, loading tool, sight
adjusting tool a manual and DVD
manual containing a complete
step-by-step breakdown of the gun.
Dropping around $300 USD will score
you one all metal and wood AKS-74U,
two 550rnd HiCap magazines, a bottle
of 1k BBs, loading tool, sight
adjusting tool a manual and DVD
manual containing a complete
step-by-step breakdown of the gun.
Pros:
The first think to jump right out at me after opening the box were the woods. It’s an odd place to start, but
the finish is remarkable. They’re also smoothly finished unlike CA’s which feel a bit rougher. The flash hider
and low-profile front sight are your basic standard Krinkov affair, all being made of metal (as is most of the
gun). The rear sight is also your standard Krinkov affair but unlike TM’s Beta, has a flip-up option for taking
targets out at greater distances. Looking at the lower receiver, all the stamps and markings are crisp and
accurate which isn’t a surprise given that this is an officially licensed Kalashnikov. The pistol grip is high-
impact ABS and has absolutely no play whatsoever. Internally, you’re looking at pretty much high-torque
everything. From the gears and motor to the mechbox, this 74U is ready for any punishment you’re willing to
give it. ICS also allows you to run anything from a standard 8.4v stick to the ever elusive 9.6v stick
batteries as there's no bolt blocking the tray meaning you've got a straight shot from the very back of the dust
cover all the way to the front sight.
The first think to jump right out at me after opening the box were the woods. It’s an odd place to start, but
the finish is remarkable. They’re also smoothly finished unlike CA’s which feel a bit rougher. The flash hider
and low-profile front sight are your basic standard Krinkov affair, all being made of metal (as is most of the
gun). The rear sight is also your standard Krinkov affair but unlike TM’s Beta, has a flip-up option for taking
targets out at greater distances. Looking at the lower receiver, all the stamps and markings are crisp and
accurate which isn’t a surprise given that this is an officially licensed Kalashnikov. The pistol grip is high-
impact ABS and has absolutely no play whatsoever. Internally, you’re looking at pretty much high-torque
everything. From the gears and motor to the mechbox, this 74U is ready for any punishment you’re willing to
give it. ICS also allows you to run anything from a standard 8.4v stick to the ever elusive 9.6v stick
batteries as there's no bolt blocking the tray meaning you've got a straight shot from the very back of the dust
cover all the way to the front sight.
Cons:
Only con here is the lower FPS. 328fps stinks like a dog fart. While it’s more than adequate for the CQB
fields, assuming you’re not trying to longball the opposition, it’s downright punishing in woodland
skirmishing. It’s not hard to realize that this gun is set at Asian standards, but with standard U.S. field
limits being between 350-400fps w/.20bbs, it would be nice if ICS gave a nod toward U.S. airsofters and upped
the anny and tossed in an M120 for their U.S. customers. Pretty please guys?
Only con here is the lower FPS. 328fps stinks like a dog fart. While it’s more than adequate for the CQB
fields, assuming you’re not trying to longball the opposition, it’s downright punishing in woodland
skirmishing. It’s not hard to realize that this gun is set at Asian standards, but with standard U.S. field
limits being between 350-400fps w/.20bbs, it would be nice if ICS gave a nod toward U.S. airsofters and upped
the anny and tossed in an M120 for their U.S. customers. Pretty please guys?
Efficiency:
A certain fighting game comes to mind when I think of this gun’s performance, “FLAWLESS VICTORY!” ICS’s 74U
accepted every single mag I tried, from CA, to TM, Echo-1, TSD (SRC), D-Boys, Cyber Gun, to King Arms’ MidCaps
and they all shot like they’d come standard with it. Range and accuracy was good at closer distances which is
as to be expected with the shorter barrel and the lower FPS.
A certain fighting game comes to mind when I think of this gun’s performance, “FLAWLESS VICTORY!” ICS’s 74U
accepted every single mag I tried, from CA, to TM, Echo-1, TSD (SRC), D-Boys, Cyber Gun, to King Arms’ MidCaps
and they all shot like they’d come standard with it. Range and accuracy was good at closer distances which is
as to be expected with the shorter barrel and the lower FPS.
Durability:
I would venture to say that this Krinkov is just
about as durable as the real steel. There’s
absolutely no play whatsoever. Even the woods
feel sturdy which is a nice change over Echo-1’s
plastics or other brands cheaper woods.
I would venture to say that this Krinkov is just
about as durable as the real steel. There’s
absolutely no play whatsoever. Even the woods
feel sturdy which is a nice change over Echo-1’s
plastics or other brands cheaper woods.
Upgradability:
ICS’s Krinkov is completely compatible with
industry standard parts, both internally and
externally, so you can upgrade to your heart’s
content. Personally, I’d toss in an M120 and
call it a day.
ICS’s Krinkov is completely compatible with
industry standard parts, both internally and
externally, so you can upgrade to your heart’s
content. Personally, I’d toss in an M120 and
call it a day.
Final Thoughts:
It’s nice to see that this once bastard cousin of the AK-47 is finally getting some mainstream love. ICS has
really shown the AKS-74U the love it deserves by going no holds barred with this release. It’s really
beautiful and highly durable both internally and externally. If this is what they’re doing with their
Kalashnikov variants, I really can’t wait to see more. Just one request… please throw us U.S. airsofters a
bone and toss an M120 into them.
It’s nice to see that this once bastard cousin of the AK-47 is finally getting some mainstream love. ICS has
really shown the AKS-74U the love it deserves by going no holds barred with this release. It’s really
beautiful and highly durable both internally and externally. If this is what they’re doing with their
Kalashnikov variants, I really can’t wait to see more. Just one request… please throw us U.S. airsofters a
bone and toss an M120 into them.
Once upon a time in our great sport, there was no such thing as an AKS-74U better known amongst AK fans as the
Krinkov. The closest an airsofter could get would be tracking down Tokyo Marui’s Beta Spetsnaz Special Edition
which was pretty much as easy to find as where the mob buried Jimmy Hoffa. Then, a little company named Smokey’
s produced an “ultra shorty” conversion kit for those owning a Tokyo Marui AK. The only problem was, Smokey’s
AK kits tended to float aroud the $700 range (Howitzer’s sphincter still stings from purchasing their RPK kit
all those years ago) which pretty much meant that if funds were tight, you were SOL or eating Ramen for the next
three months. There was also an Osama Bin Laden kit produced (don’t remember by who) which had a thumb-holed
lower grip but that probably sold less here in the U.S. than Rosie O’ Donnel’s sex tape just based on the
subject matter. Thankfully, TM released their Beta Spetsnaz (this time with a full stock) which helped curb
many, but it still wasn’t a true Krinkov. It wouldn’t be until VFC released their $400+ buggy version to the
masses, that airsofters would be able to get their hands on a factory direct Krinkov AEG and wasn’t perfected,
arguably of course and ABS foregrips aside, until Echo-1 released their Vector Arms 47 CPM. Thankfully, those
days have long since come and gone and picking up a Krinkov is nearly as easy as picking up an M4. Today, we’re
looking at ICS’s entry into the line of Krinkovs with their AKS-74U (Short Version).
Krinkov. The closest an airsofter could get would be tracking down Tokyo Marui’s Beta Spetsnaz Special Edition
which was pretty much as easy to find as where the mob buried Jimmy Hoffa. Then, a little company named Smokey’
s produced an “ultra shorty” conversion kit for those owning a Tokyo Marui AK. The only problem was, Smokey’s
AK kits tended to float aroud the $700 range (Howitzer’s sphincter still stings from purchasing their RPK kit
all those years ago) which pretty much meant that if funds were tight, you were SOL or eating Ramen for the next
three months. There was also an Osama Bin Laden kit produced (don’t remember by who) which had a thumb-holed
lower grip but that probably sold less here in the U.S. than Rosie O’ Donnel’s sex tape just based on the
subject matter. Thankfully, TM released their Beta Spetsnaz (this time with a full stock) which helped curb
many, but it still wasn’t a true Krinkov. It wouldn’t be until VFC released their $400+ buggy version to the
masses, that airsofters would be able to get their hands on a factory direct Krinkov AEG and wasn’t perfected,
arguably of course and ABS foregrips aside, until Echo-1 released their Vector Arms 47 CPM. Thankfully, those
days have long since come and gone and picking up a Krinkov is nearly as easy as picking up an M4. Today, we’re
looking at ICS’s entry into the line of Krinkovs with their AKS-74U (Short Version).
Pros Cont'd:
There’s absolutely no play in folding stock whether it’s open, folded or in between. And fully opened, it has
to be one of the most stable platforms of any Krinkov I’ve had the luxury of shouldering. The two included
HiCap magazines are of the 74-type variety and match up well with the pistol grip. With the bottle of BBs
included, all one needs is a battery to start airsofting. One of my favorite aspects of the ICS releases is
the DVD included in the package. Not only is it much better at tuning in the ADD generation, but actually
seeing the step-by-step breakdown does wonders for those who learn visually vs. trying to decipher the
schematics in the instruction manual.
There’s absolutely no play in folding stock whether it’s open, folded or in between. And fully opened, it has
to be one of the most stable platforms of any Krinkov I’ve had the luxury of shouldering. The two included
HiCap magazines are of the 74-type variety and match up well with the pistol grip. With the bottle of BBs
included, all one needs is a battery to start airsofting. One of my favorite aspects of the ICS releases is
the DVD included in the package. Not only is it much better at tuning in the ADD generation, but actually
seeing the step-by-step breakdown does wonders for those who learn visually vs. trying to decipher the
schematics in the instruction manual.
