Review for the JG AK47S AEG airsoft replica

This review is for the JG AK47S (folding stock, full length frame) AK47 Automatic Electric Gun replica. It is a tactical model, with top and bottom RIS (rifle integration system) rails to allow you to attach components like laser sights, flashlights and more. One accessory that it comes with is a folding foregrip, which slides on the RIS rail and is held in place with a pair of hex screws (tightening key included as well).

Our test model came from Evike.com, and was ordered just before Black Friday 2010. Our test gun could be a freak, so remember this review is on this specific gun and others of it's exact make may or may not be quite the same (see notes about this further down in the review, just before the closing shots section).

As we do not yet have our chronograph in hand, we have to go on their numbers. Their site says 350 to 380 fps, and it definitely is shooting at least 350 when compared to other guns we have on hand with known fps. More than likely, it is shooting closer to 400 than 350, as the JG replica easily out reaches other AEG's we have on hand with the same bbs (.20 gram matrix). We put an 8.4 volt stick battery in after fully charging and went out to play. If you want a higher rate of fire, a 9.6 volt battery would be a better choice.

The first thing we noticed was with the stock folded, it was rather hard to get to the firing/safe selector. This is a known issue with the actual rifle that this AEG is a replica of as well. Also, the folding stock had to be popped over the bottom ridge on the RIS rail for the latch to engage. The replica certainly handled well with the stock folded, making sneaking about in the brush very easy. The replica, stock folded, is about the same length as one of the MP5's, but with a slightly longer barrel seemed to be more accurate at ranges beyond 100 feet. The gun's maximum reach of around 200 feet was impressive, and the grouping on full auto was still presentable, though the bbs have lost most of their energy at this distance, and it would be hard to feel a hit that far out.

With the stock extended, it had a bit of wobble, but if you don't mind that it is plenty strong enough for most players. The wire style stock is made out of metal, likely some kind of aluminum alloy. The lock mechanism has a push button on the left side of the gun that allows the stock to be opened and closed, and it is smooth enough. We eventually took the folding stock off to give the sneaker a more comfortable, quiet tool for her job.

The front grip, rear grip and RIS rails are all made out of a matte black polymer, which feels good in the hand and seems to hold up to rough handling well enough. We wouldn't suggest dragging it down the road behind a car, but then again, we wouldn't suggest that for pretty much any airsoft replica either. The tactical look and feel does make it a sexy looking AEG, and with the stock folded or removed it is even more so.

A note about this specific gun and it's history along with Evike: As noted, this gun might be a freak. When it was ordered from Evike, it was a second choice, as the first choice had sold out. Evike customer service was quite good, and even called to check after the initial order was placed to make sure someone had not stolen our credit card and placed an order. Their CSRs were all quite helpful on the phone. This gun was shipped separate of the rest of the order, and arrived a couple of days after the main order.

That's where things got weird. Upon opening the box, we noted that the rear release button on the receiver cover already showed some wear. Upon close inspection, we did find a couple other small marks in the paint on the replica, and noted that the fire selector lever had left a scratch in the paint (this is very common to AK-47s). The receiver latch in particular made us think this may have been a return. The wear definitely looked like it was more than just a bit of a scuff from having it on display in the store, or something like that. Now, that said, everything was going out of stock at this time (black friday) on most sites, so we were hesitant to send it back and possibly not be able to get another AEG until the new year (ok, we will admit it, it was a birthday present, and that day was coming up way fast). So we put a battery in it and tested it.

It out shot our expectations. It out-shot another AEG by the same maker, which was essentially the exact same model with a non folding stock. Using the exact same battery. So, the question here is this: Is this particular replica a good representative of this model? Has this AEG been upgraded at some point in it's life? If so, what parts (just the spring, or more)? Is this review valid?

In the end we decided to review this gun, as is. That is what we do with everything; the review is on the exact model we have in hand, with notes like this to let the reader educate themselves and see what conclusion they come to.

Closing shots:

Pros - Long reach, good accuracy, easy to sneak with when the stock is folded. Good looking if you like the tactical look.

Cons - Stock folded gets in the way of the fire selector (-1 right there), stock wobbles when extended (minor, but still -0.5).

Sneakiness – better than average. The stock folded or removed allows the AEG to be held close to the body when moving through heavy brush. Reasonably low handling noise (less so with a high capacity magazine, as with any gun). Normal firing noise. All black, so it will tend to stand out in silhouette against almost all backgrounds.

Left handedness – so so. The firing selector on the right side of the body is nice, but it can be hard to engage with the thumb due to placement and length of throw required.

Respect – average to above. JG is building respectable entry level guns that in good hands can hold their own with much more expensive guns in less effective hands easily. You might get props for paying less than some other makes and getting an AEG that is about their equal.

Overall – average to above average. 3.5 shot burst out of 5. This is a sexy looking, easy to sneak with, basic AEG airsoft replica for an entry level to intermediate level airsoft player. Even a seasoned player may want this as a back up for their main gun or a loaner.