This is just bizarre. I spent a lot of my free time over the past week researching how to cheaply create a compact version of the AK74 for a modern Russian Special Forces loadout, only to wake up this morning to the news that I don't have to look any further than CYMA's latest releases!

Until today I was either going to have to spend the money and buy Classic Army's SLR105 'compact' and re-dress it with black plastic furniture, or cheat by buying one of the 'barrel shortening' kits that are available for the AK74. Neither satisfactory.

CYAM is beginning to show that it is the budget AEG manufacturer that is leading the drive to fill all the geeky needs of airsofters who want those very 'niche' versions of well known weapons. Their new CM.031D is exactly one of those niche models - being a AK74 model half way between their AK74U 'shorty' and the AK74 'Para' folding stock models.

Of course, they are just maximising the selling power of a basic model in their range - by subtly changing small features, but the 'D' version is a nice intermediate rifle that bridges the gap between CQB and woodland formats. It is also a model that has been  identified in several photos of the contemporary Russian Spetznaz.

As well as the compact, folding stock 'D' model, CYMA are also releasing a black tactical version of their AK74 'Para'. Another welcome release for those interested in re-creating a up-to-date Russian Army loadout.

As you can tell - I'm excited!  :)