LCT Electric Airsoft Gun AK-12 Review　

This time, I'll be reviewing the LCT AK-12 electric airsoft gun. By the way, this is not an EBB (blowback) model.

The AK-12, after a series of twists and turns, is the latest AK (5.45x39mm ammunition) adopted by the Russian Armed Forces in 2018.

In 21st-century modern warfare, attacks rely less on the individual combat prowess of infantrymen, so even militarily advanced nations are hesitant to undertake large-scale rifle modernization. This makes Russia's bold move to upgrade its rifles an interesting development.

I think it's attracting a lot of attention, especially as part of the Ratnik (Future Infantry Equipment) initiative, which is one of Russia's military reforms.

In the 2018 rifle upgrade, it appears that in addition to the AK-12, the 7.62mm AK-15 and the A545, which is equipped with a recoil reduction device, were adopted.

This is just my personal guess, but considering Russia's ammunition stockpile, I think their main weapon is the AK-12, with the AK-15 and A545 (which is more expensive) deployed to units used in special operations.

Outer box, contents

箱です。

This is a familiar design from LCT.

The model can be identified by a sticker on the side of the box.

I think this kind of design standardization is a good idea because it is effective for brand building and cost reduction.

In the automotive industry where I used to work, we also unified the basic design of various car models in order to establish a brand.

Let's open the box.

The cushioning is sufficient to prevent scratches.

This is the contents.

One interesting thing about LCT packages is that they always come with a keychain printed with an image of the product.

I hope this will be helpful for those planning to purchase or who have already purchased the product, as it will allow you to check the contents.

This is a certificate of initial velocity.

If this initial velocity is accurate, it's quite high-performance. We'll actually verify it later.

Let's open the instruction manual.

I appreciate that it's written in fairly detailed terms. I'm also very happy that it includes a parts list.

Let's open the LCT catalog.

It's a very well-made catalog, and it's enjoyable just to look through it.

Another great thing about this manufacturer is that even small parts are listed in the catalog and available for purchase (they even sell just the gearbox).

Next, let's look at the main unit.

appearance

This is a side view of the entire structure.

It's on the opposite side.

It appears to be basically a continuation of the AK-74M design.

Let's take a closer look at each part.

This is the muzzle and flash hider.

The flash hider has an elaborate design, perhaps a tradition inherited from the AK-74.

The jagged edges at the tip are particularly noticeable. After doing some research, it seems they are used to break glass or cut thin wires.

For example, someone entering a room through a window might use this tip to break the window and gain entry.

Looking at it from the tip, it certainly wasn't sharp (it would be far too dangerous if it were).

Let's take a closer look at the flash hider.

The sides have asymmetrical smoke vents.

It's on the opposite side.

The AK-74 already had a fairly elaborate flash hider, but they've made even more detailed improvements to it.

It appears that Russia's approach to rifles is to consider the basic power of 5.45x39mm ammunition sufficient, and then prioritize improving accuracy through measures such as recoil reduction.

Recently, with the development and widespread use of body armor, it seems that in the US, they are considering increasing the power of bullets so that they can penetrate with a single shot. However, I personally felt that Russia's approach is to increase accuracy and hit quickly with multiple shots to penetrate the target.

Therefore, in addition to the complex muzzle device, the firing modes include semi-automatic, 2-round burst, and fully automatic. Unfortunately, this electric airsoft gun does not have a 2-round burst function.

This isn't related to airsoft, but the manufacturer's promotional materials for the real AK-12 mentioned that they've improved the barrel's precision and cost by using a special cold forging (cold hammer) method, and that they've also modified the rifling shape and pitch (I forget the details of the rifling) to significantly improve performance.

Next is the front sight area.

Just like the real thing, the gas pipe cap can be easily removed.

While this gimmick is meaningless in electric airsoft guns, in real firearms, this hole is an important part where some of the propellant gas flows and pushes the piston.

To use a car engine analogy, it's similar to the relationship between the cylinder head, piston, and cylinder.

Therefore, I believe that the improved maintainability of this part further enhances the already well-established reliability of the AK series.

Looking at the heavy barrels of the M4 and HK416, the AK-12 barrel appears thin and seems less durable. However, a promotional video from the manufacturer showed it firing over 600 rounds continuously in full auto, so it seems to be of sufficient thickness.

The front sight is a standard type that can be adjusted vertically.

Unfortunately, an adjustment tool is not included, but since the rear sight is adjustable vertically and horizontally, I don't think it will be a problem to zero the rifle without it.

Next is the area around the gas pipes.

Gas pipes have holes to release excess pressure.

It also has a swivel and is movable. However, since the material is resin, I feel like it might break if used (the main body is quite heavy, so I think it's risky). Therefore, I will attach the swivel to the rail later for operation.

Next is the handguard.

The opposite side.

This is a handrail with rails on all sides (top, bottom, left, and right).

The side rails are removable, although tools are required for removal.

What I personally found impressive was the cooling vents. I think they've cleverly placed the holes to allow for cooling without compromising structural integrity. I believe this kind of ingenuity contributes to its reliability.

Next is the receiver.

The opposite side.

This is the traditional AK shape. It's made from pressed iron, just like the real thing.

Rails have been added to the top cover.

Pulling the cocking lever allows you to adjust the hop-up (just like with typical AK-style rifles).

Next, I'll try gripping it. For reference, I'm 175cm tall and weigh 70kg, which is an average Japanese build, and I think my hands are of average size.

Next, I'll try gripping it. For reference, I'm 175cm tall and weigh 70kg, which is an average Japanese build, and I think my hands are of average size.

I really like this grip; it's very comfortable to hold. However, the grip shape was different on the latest genuine AK12 from 2021.

Personally, I think the latest grip looks cool, so I'm hoping LCT will sell it as an accessory.

Unfortunately, it seems that the ZENIT grips sold by LCT cannot be installed directly. Apparently, this is because the shape of the grip base is unique.

Next is the trigger stroke.

Initially, it's just a matter of touching it.

Launch position

Pull-off

The trigger pull isn't particularly short or light; it's just average. Well, it's a standard Ver.3 gearbox, so I suppose this is to be expected.

Next is the selector.

The selector switch is the same as on a typical AK. Unfortunately, it does not have the 2-round burst mode found on a genuine AK-12.

Like the LCT, Arcturus, which models the Ak-12, seems to offer a two-round burst option, but it appears that the two-round burst function is not actually implemented.

One improvement is that the selector can now be operated by placing the right index finger on it. However, the lever on this product is too stiff for my finger strength to move. I will adjust it later.

Next is the rear sight.

A photo taken from above.

This is not the traditional tangent sight of the AK, but a peep sight that can be adjusted vertically and horizontally, like those found in American rifles.

This increases the distance between the front and rear sights, and theoretically, the peep sight allows for more accurate aiming, so I think the hit rate will improve (although there is a pinhole effect and individual differences, and quick response time will decrease).

I felt this change significantly altered Russian infantry tactics. To put it simply, the AK-47 uses a shortened 7.62x39mm round, a variation of the 7.62x54mm rimmed round, which has less power and range than the full-size round.

Even though its performance was reduced, it was still far superior to the ammunition (7.62×25 rounds, with a rounded tip) used in SMGs at the time (such as the PPSh-41).

The AK-47 is a gun that has decent power, uses easy-to-use ammunition, and can be used like an SMG (and can even do some light sniping).

The Soviet ground warfare doctrine at the time involved infiltration tactics, with many infantrymen scattering bullets from close to medium range. Therefore, I don't think it was designed with long-range performance or accuracy in mind.

Later, the 5.45x39 round, which boasts high muzzle velocity and long range, was adopted to capitalize on the trend, but since the military's doctrine hasn't changed, I think the guns developed haven't changed much from before (AK-74, AK-74M, etc.).

I believe that the Ratnik was likely developed as a result of significant improvements to the fundamental infiltration tactics for 21st-century combat, leading to the creation of the AK-12.

I believe that the Ratnik's need to secure combat superiority at close, medium, and long range led to the change from a traditional tangent sight, which offered excellent responsiveness, to a peep-type sight, which offered advantages in sighting accuracy.

However, since optical sights are standard equipment these days, it's questionable whether this would actually increase combat effectiveness. The Russian army has a large number of personnel, so they might not want to distribute optical equipment to everyone.

Next is the magazine slot.

A magazine spacer is included from the start. Having this spacer makes a world of difference in magazine replacement.

Next is stock.

It's a sturdy, retractable trekking pole.

Also, the cheek rest position on the stock is lower relative to the sight line compared to M4-type rifles. Personally, since I use a full-face mask from Tokyo Marui when playing airsoft, it's difficult to get my cheek firmly against the stock, so a higher sight line is easier to use (although a lower one is better in terms of sight accuracy due to parallax).

The butt plate is made of thick rubber.

When using this stock at its shortest length, it interferes with your hand and is difficult to use.

Therefore, it's quite difficult to use unless you keep it extended.

This stock can be adjusted to four different lengths.

The stock pipe is the same as a standard M4, so it can be replaced with various stocks.

This is a very welcome feature. This stock has a gimmick that allows you to remove the buttplate.

Unlock the photo.

Slide the butt plate.

Removing the butt plate reveals a space where you can put things.

In the genuine article, it appears that a cleaning kit is placed here.

The stock isn't bad, but the stock on the latest genuine AK-12 from 2021 has been redesigned and looks much better. I hope LCT will release it, just like the grip.

Next is the folding stock, a characteristic feature of AK-type motorcycles.

Fold it while pressing the button shown in the picture. By the way, the button is fairly stiff.

The trekking poles are folded.

Traditionally, Russia seems to place great importance on the ability to fold the stocks.

The reasons given are that the equipment is shared with airborne troops and all infantry soldiers are motorized.

While it's not unique to Russia, as almost all armies in modern times are motorized, I suspect it's related to the fact that Russian combat vehicles traditionally prioritize bulletproofing and have relatively small living spaces.

When extending the stock, lower the lever shown in the picture while extending it. It's quite stiff, as you can see.

The folding mechanism of this stock seems to be unique to the AK-12, and unfortunately, the ZENIT stock sold by LCT doesn't seem to be a direct fit. I was hoping to do a full ZENIT custom build based on my AK-12, but unfortunately, it seems it's not that simple.

Finally, here's the magazine.

While the shape is unique to the AK-12, the specifications are the same as the general AK type. Therefore, I think most LCT AK magazines will fit.

The included magazine is a spring-loaded 130-round magazine, not a wind-up high-capacity magazine.

The mounting method is the same as for a typical AK: hook the front of the magazine and push it in.

An interesting feature of this magazine is that part of the bottom is cut at an angle, allowing the magazine to be stabilized by making contact with the ground at the cut end.

Unlike M4-type rifles, the magazine is secured to the body in a different way, resulting in a much more robust magazine attachment. This reduces the likelihood of malfunctions such as feeding problems even when weight is applied to the magazine, allowing for this type of operation.

Remove the top cover and install the battery.

Let's try removing the top cover to install the battery.

Previous AK-series rifles used a deck lock button at the rear of the top cover for removal, but this has been significantly changed in the AK-12.

Raise the lever located on the handguard.

The raised state.

Remove the lever you raised.

Now you can remove the cover.

The method of securing the cover has been significantly improved compared to conventional AKs.

These are the positioning holes on the receiver side.

Cover positioning pins.

This positioning ensures that the cover is securely fixed, unlike conventional AKs where it might wobble. This apparently allows for the precise mounting of components such as the rear sight and rails onto the cover.

While AK-specific eel batteries are generally recommended, my DCI GUNS M4 stock-mounted stick-type 7.4V 1000mAh battery fit.

The connector is compatible with Tamiya Mini, but it does not come with a fuse.

The cover can be attached by reversing the removal procedure. It is significantly easier to attach compared to conventional AK-type rifles (although this is due to an increase in the number of lever parts).

Live-fire performance verification

We will now check the actual firing performance.

The conditions were room temperature of around 20°C, and the battery used was a DCI GUNS 7.4V LiPo battery, 1000mAh, 25-50C, with a storage voltage of 7.6V.

The hop-up adjustment is set to 0, and the BBs used are VFC Bio BBs 0.2g.

It's performing quite well, showing results comparable to the initial velocity certificate.

I fired a few shots.

It's quite stable, staying within 90-92 m/s.

I'll try adding about 3/4 of the hops.

The initial velocity has dropped significantly, indicating that the hop-up is working effectively.

Next is the cycle.

It's pretty standard for a standard electric airsoft gun. I think it will probably fire 14-15 rounds per second with a fully charged battery.

Introduction article on chronographs

Next is a video showing the operation.

セミオート

LCT AK-12 AEG Semi-Automatic Normal

The squirrel

LCT AK-12 AEG Full Auto Normal

In terms of operation, it's pretty standard for a standard electric airsoft gun. Personally, I feel like the gear noise is a bit loud.

I haven't checked the trajectory, but since it's made by LCT, a company with a proven track record, and the initial velocity is relatively high and stable, I think it's probably pretty good.

G&G Bio-Bullets 0.2g
It's inexpensive and accurate, so I use it for a wide range of purposes, from performance testing to airsoft games. It's been my favorite since it first came to Japan (around 2008). It lasts a long time for a biodegradable product.

G&G Bio-Bullets 0.25g
It's 0.25g. I generally use 0.25g BBs when playing airsoft.

Summary

As expected from Russia, a military powerhouse, this latest model is a significant improvement over previous AK models and felt much easier to handle.

What impressed me most was that the rails are deliberately made of resin, so they aren't excessively sharp and don't hurt when you grip them (unlike the metal-machined rails of M4-type rifles, which can be painful).

Regarding the expandability, which was a weakness of the AK series, rails have been added to various parts, so I think it's sufficient.

As expected from LCT, this electric airsoft gun is very well made. I was particularly impressed by LCT's expertise in metalworking, including machining, casting, and pressing.

Apparently, they were originally a contract machinery manufacturer, so they're good at manufacturing. On the other hand, I get the feeling they're not very good at FCUs or gearboxes with special mechanisms (they're not in their lineup).

Conversely, the mechanics are, for better or worse, faithful to Tokyo Marui's designs, so there are many usable custom parts, which I personally appreciate.

Regarding the sculpting, the one by Arcturus, another manufacturer that models the AK-12, is said to be more realistic.

However, personally, I don't like Arcturus's proprietary gearbox with microswitches, and LCT is also putting a lot of effort into selling accessories, so I chose LCT.

Regarding performance, I haven't actually seen the trajectory, but judging from the muzzle velocity and other figures, I think it's perfectly usable right out of the box (though you might want to replace the hop-up packing).

Incidentally, LCT also sells a 7.62mm model, the AK-15, but the only difference seems to be the magazine. So, if you buy one of them and get a magazine, you can have the appearance of either an AK-12 or an AK-15, which seems like a good deal.

Thank you for reading this far.

I'll be customizing this AK-12, so the next post will be about disassembling it. Please join me if you're interested.

LCT AK-12 AEG
These are the products I introduced today.

LCT AK-12 original 130-round spring-loaded magazine
I think any LCT AK magazine will fit, not just this one. Also, if you own an AK-15, this magazine will turn it into an AK-12.

LCT AK-15 AEG
It seems the only difference is the shape of the magazine.

LCT AK-15 original 150-round spring-loaded magazine
This is a different-looking spare magazine for the AK-12. Simply attaching this magazine will allow you to recreate an AK-15.

LCT AK-12 AEG Spring-Powered High-Capacity Magazine, 450 Rounds
This one can should provide enough ammo for a typical airsoft game. Also, if you have an LCT AK-style high-capacity magazine, it should fit.

LCT AK-15 AEG Spring-Powered High-Capacity Magazine, 600 Rounds
The magazine is large, so it seems to hold 600 rounds.