neoptolemus Posted November 2, 2007 Report Share Posted November 2, 2007 (edited) I love AK's. I love AK's with skeleton stocks more. I love AK's with skeleton stocks and polymer furniture even more. Dboys' latest release came as a pleasurable surprise and I eagerly awaited its arrival following the story on Airsoft News. Within 24 hours of hearing availability, I purchased it from RSOV and had it in my hands 2 days later. A small side note, this was my first experience with RSOV and I have to say their efficiency blew me away. Although the shipping cost more than the gun, I now have it for use this weekend, which is certainly worth it. Back to the gun though! I have heard mixed reviews about Chinese packaging through various forums and from various players. Taking off the paper from the package, I was greeted by a pleasant looking package that resembled my VFC box. But who buys a gun for packaging? Inside was the rifle, a cleaning rod, a charger, a stick battery, and a manual. The manual shows pictures inside from the VFC website (so I assume it's a copy) and includes instructions for both the AKS-74UN and the AKS-74N. Strange. The sling is an incorrect color (looks like a Bulgarian one I own) and is a bit darker than it should be. Regardless, it's functional and made of a nice material which I would trust in the field. The battery is an 8.4v 1100mAh, but I haven't charged it; I have 10.8v and 9.6v batteries so I don't see why I would ever even bother trying to use it. These accessories are nice, but really unimportant when compared to the real product: Externally, the rifle is nothing short of beautiful. I already had a VFC and an ICS in my collection, and the Dboys falls in between, certainly closer to the VFC: The receiver in comparison to the VFC has the same trademarks, rivets, and welding scars. The only complaint is that the welding scars aren't completely circular like on the VFC and ICS, but this really isn't a serious concern: I have 3 complaints with the externals. First, hand guards and pistol grip both have a seam running down them which is more prominent than either of my other guns. You can't feel it, but you can see it. Second, there is an usual welding mark on the stock which isn't present on my AKS-74UN. Maybe this is accurate for the AKS-74N, but I noticed it when comparing the two: http://i56.photobucket.com/albums/g178/krumpken/HPIM1520.jpg Third, the muzzle break is all flat in color. This is a product of painting though (it comes without an orange tip!) so it really isn't a legitimate complaint. Two final points about the exterior of the rifle (well, relevant to the exterior...). THE RIFLE IS NOT COMPATIBLE WITH OTHER MAGAZINES IN ITS STOCK FORM. I typed that in caps so it would get your attention and I think this is a valid concern. If the manufacturers are indeed reading our feed back, you would think that this point would be of chief concern... In order to fix the problem, I imagine I will have to file off some of the mag catch so my magazines lock in place. When I do the fix, I will try to update the review so I can recommend what to do. Last, the scope mount is the correct size! Neither my VFC or ICS have the correct sized rail, so this is a nice relief (I find it rather ironic that the scope used in the pictures is more than twice the sot of the rifle...). The rifle has neither been chronoed or fielded yet, and so I can't comment too much on it's technical performance. I put in the 10.8v battery and it fired with a good chrisp sound and nice ROF, beyond that I can't really say anything. This weekend I am attending a two day game, so I will be able to detail its performance. To conclude this review, the rifle is well worth the 170 some dollars I paid for it with shipping. The rifle in my eyes is far superior to my ICS, but falls just short of being on par with the VFC. That statement really does the gun injustice; as far as I'm concerned, the VFC finish overall is flawless, so I wouldn't expect the same of the DBoys. It still does a great job though so as long as the gearbox doesn't explode, I would highly recommend it. Edited November 2, 2007 by neoptolemus Quote Link to post Share on other sites
neoptolemus Posted November 2, 2007 Author Report Share Posted November 2, 2007 Here is the image comparing the stocks: Apparently I exceeded the pic limit. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
EvilCookie Posted November 2, 2007 Report Share Posted November 2, 2007 Thanks for the quick review man. Looks pretty good. Can't wait to hear how it performs after your two day game. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
AirsoftHawaii90 Posted November 2, 2007 Report Share Posted November 2, 2007 Yeah, awsome review. I may sell off my regular AK to get one of these. Videos please? Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Revenge Seeker Posted November 2, 2007 Report Share Posted November 2, 2007 (edited) Good review! I never expected it to be really on par with VFC on external flawlessness but it was expected. I'm still getting one! But I think I'll wait for the full stock one and wood if dboy does decide to sell wood versions. What are the grips and stock made of? I would say nylon because dboy uses that alot. In some pics it looks like Styrofoam, lol. And the seams....hmmm... "you can't feel them but you can see them...?" ..... doesn't make much sense....? Still good review!! Probably the most anticipated airsoft review in my life! edit: yes, vid!! I would love to hear the bolt and the sound of the metal clanking around... if you do decide to do one could you make it like this?; </a> Edited November 2, 2007 by Revenge Seeker Quote Link to post Share on other sites
snorkelman Posted November 2, 2007 Report Share Posted November 2, 2007 (edited) nice review and good turn around there from RSOV fix for the maglatch is same as for the AKSU version - either replace with a latch from another manufacturer or mill/file around 1.3mm to 2mm off the latch (take a mm off to start with then keep refitting and checking till you hit the sweet spot) In either case you'll either lose use of the supplied dBoys mag or need to pad the rear lip on it to bring it in line with the rest of your mags after carrying out the latch mod (didnt really fuss me as it was a high cap anyway hehe) if thats the stock weld you mean its typical of russian sidefolders (both tula AKSU stocks and Izy AKS stocks have the heavy welds) Muzzle breaks tend to be flat black coated (albeit with hard chromed internal) I know what you mean about the seam on the handguards and pistol grip visible but not particularly 'feelable' - their AKSU has the same on its pistol grip Is there actually any hint of plum on the furniture or is it just not showing up on the photos? from the photos it actually looks more like the black polymer furniture that came with my old Izy Yunkers 3 (the AK 105 styled air-rifle) One thing to watch out for is whether the front sight post is loose n rattly in its barrel as per their AKSU (bit o loctite or a wrap of PTFE on its threads should hold it) Edited November 2, 2007 by snorkelman Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Revenge Seeker Posted November 2, 2007 Report Share Posted November 2, 2007 Is there actually any hint of plum on the furniture or is it just not showing up on the photos? from the photos it actually looks more like the black polymer furniture that came with my old Izy Yunkers 3 (the AK 105 styled air-rifle) I think if you look very closely you'll see some pics do look a bit "plum-ish"... like this one... concentrate..... Or it could just be me... Quote Link to post Share on other sites
dookieboy Posted November 2, 2007 Report Share Posted November 2, 2007 can you field strip it like a RS gun? Quote Link to post Share on other sites
neoptolemus Posted November 2, 2007 Author Report Share Posted November 2, 2007 Sorry, I really can't comment on the grip color. I happen to be color blind! Thanks for the photo of the stock weld though, it puts my mind to ease on that point. In regards to a video, I'll see what I can do. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Revenge Seeker Posted November 2, 2007 Report Share Posted November 2, 2007 Sorry, I really can't comment on the grip color. I happen to be color blind! That's so unfortunate... now we will never know what color they are! lol seriously, why won't you tell us? Its actually something everyone wants to confirm; whether they are really plum or not... Quote Link to post Share on other sites
snorkelman Posted November 2, 2007 Report Share Posted November 2, 2007 well if hes colour blind going to prove a little hard for him to do that no matter how much folks need to know ..knocking on a neighbours door with AK in hand asking for their view on the colour of the furniture not usually being recommended Quote Link to post Share on other sites
neoptolemus Posted November 2, 2007 Author Report Share Posted November 2, 2007 I am color blind, no joke. The guy two doors down says it's black, but is now weirded out. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Alakdan101 Posted November 2, 2007 Report Share Posted November 2, 2007 thanks neoptolemus... how's the takedown? by the way they are releasing the wood HG... Quote Link to post Share on other sites
EvilCookie Posted November 2, 2007 Report Share Posted November 2, 2007 Also what type of GL do you have there on your other AK and does it fit nicely on the kalash? Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Cincin Posted November 2, 2007 Report Share Posted November 2, 2007 Good review comrade. Will you look into gearbox? Handguard and grip at all fotos don't looks like plum... meybe they put into box wrong rifle? But indeed, this AK is wonderful. Someone know when we can expected AK-74M? Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Guinness Posted November 2, 2007 Report Share Posted November 2, 2007 (edited) Well done neoptolemus! Shame about your defective 'cones' bro- There goes your career as a pilot Slainte! Edited November 2, 2007 by Guinness Quote Link to post Share on other sites
-FIDO- Posted November 3, 2007 Report Share Posted November 3, 2007 back when i bought my g&p plum mags, they looked like black and i thought "damn the gave me the wrong ones" but out in the sunlight they where plum color... Quote Link to post Share on other sites
greatwatermelon Posted November 3, 2007 Report Share Posted November 3, 2007 can't u just replace the trigger guard/mag catch with like a King Arms one...? Quote Link to post Share on other sites
snorkelman Posted November 3, 2007 Report Share Posted November 3, 2007 can't u just replace the trigger guard/mag catch with like a King Arms one...? Aye but not much point - the trigger guard itself is riveted onto the lower reciever rather than screwed on, so you'ld really just be swapping mag catch levers over - having gone to the hassle of taking the old one out you might as well run over it with a file to bring it down to size and refit rather than replacing it with another one (when same effort is required to refit one as it is to fit a new one). Indeed its probably not not too hard to file the original one down while still in situ, without having to remove it at all (wee bit more awkward to file but no strugglign trying to fit it and its spring back into place). Quote Link to post Share on other sites
neoptolemus Posted November 5, 2007 Author Report Share Posted November 5, 2007 Brief action report from game, not too much because I am very tired. The gun chronoed at 399-400+ with .2's without any hop up. When I first fired, no matter how I adjusted the hop up it didn't seem to have an effect. In the past, I've heard that the Chinese get lubricant on the hop up rubber which neutralizes its performance. After a couple of magazines, hop up adjustment seemed to have an effect and I am pleased to say it is the best shooting gun I own. ROF is comparable to VFC and power is even better; accuracy wise it is ok, but I think that's because of the hop issue. Hopefully if I go through a couple more magazines I will see the hop up settle. When the gun was firing with hop up active, it chronoed at 360 with .25's. One final note, a friend who was fiddling with the gun managed to snap the lever that allows the upper handguard to be released. Do any of you have suggestions on replacing it? It's perhaps the most negligible part on the gun, but it disappoints me he broke it on its first day. More later this week, and some photos too! Quote Link to post Share on other sites
snorkelman Posted November 5, 2007 Report Share Posted November 5, 2007 aye hop on mine was filthy with lube (around third of the length of the barrel too) Theres a fair amount of greasy ###### inside the cylinder I cleaned that out when I had the gearbox down along with hop and inner barrel but if you cant be botheed with hassle of stripping the box then expect a few barrel and hop cleans while it shoots itself out over a few thousand rounds. far as the upper handguard lever goes swap with real deal one? (might take a bt of modding depending on how close the cam is to real spec) Quote Link to post Share on other sites
neoptolemus Posted November 5, 2007 Author Report Share Posted November 5, 2007 (edited) I think I'll just wait it out. Short of the hop up, the gun performs better than any other I own! In the manual the take down lever isn't a separate part, it is just included with the rear sight block. So the search for the part begins! Edited November 5, 2007 by neoptolemus Quote Link to post Share on other sites
PlasticMag Posted November 5, 2007 Report Share Posted November 5, 2007 http://www.aa-ok.com/store/catalog/product...products_id=544 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
neoptolemus Posted November 5, 2007 Author Report Share Posted November 5, 2007 So the search ends! Thanks! Quote Link to post Share on other sites
snorkelman Posted November 5, 2007 Report Share Posted November 5, 2007 Short of the hop up, the gun performs better than any other I own! all the sweeter when it only costs 80 bucks Quote Link to post Share on other sites
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