Product: Element AK PBS1 Sound Suppressor OT 0306
Source: Ebaybanned.com (Hong Kong)
Cost: $53usd (inc. shipping)

Background
To be correct the PBS (Pribor Besshumnoy Stryelbiy = Device for Noiseless Shooting) is a sound suppressor. It was designed for the Russian army's 7.62mm range of Kalashnikov assault rifles.

Above: Here you can see the PBS-1 in use - second from the top - on a 7.62mm AKM. This short documentary by the BBC brought the PBS-1 to my attention, other influences for purchasing the replica were it's inclusion in the game 'Call of Duty 4'. (Photo source: BBC News)

The real PBS-1 uses special sub-sonic ammunition and was originally issued during the Soviet-Afghan War for use with the AKM Kalashnikov. There is not - apparently - a version of this design available for the newer 5.45mm round, though a different design - the PBS-5 - is available for use with the AK74U.

Element PBS-1 - first impressions
Yikes! That's what you think when you first pick up the Element all steel PBS-1 suppressor. Here's my 60 Second video review which outlines my initial thoughts about this replica:

Final thoughts: I make much of the weight of this accessory, but you'll be happy to know that Element also make a much lighter aluminium version too - and strangely they are both exactly the same price!

On quality, the Element PBS-1 compares very favourably indeed with the VFC made PBS-5 aluminium replica (on the right of the accompanying photo). In fact if I had to choose - without first knowing the manufacturer - I would plump for the PBS-1 being the more expensive item. It really just goes to show how the budget companies and constantly raising their game. Which is good news for us consumers!

Note on attaching the PBS-1 to your AK:

I found on my Kalash AK105 model - which has the 24mm adaptor integral to the front site - did not then allow the PBS-1 to use the AKs muzzle accessory retaining pin. The PBS-1 adaptor - see photo on right - has recesses cut into it to allow the pin to slot into place, securing the adaptor. But screwing the PBS-1 onto my AK105 simply pushed the retaining pin back on its spring into its recess.

Other makes and models of airsoft AK may or may not allow the correct use of the retaining pin. I deducted half a star from funtionality for this.

My ratings:

Quality & finish:

Authentisity:

Functionality:

Value for money:

Coolness factor:

Useful links:

Element PBS-1 retailers:
> Ebaybanned.com ($53 inc. shipping)
> RSOV.com ($36.99 ex. shipping)
> GunnerAirsoft.com ($45 ex. shipping)

Real steel PBS-1 retailers:
> Rusmilitary.com - Dummy PBS-1 (no Firearms Licence required)
> Rusmilitary.com - Functioning PBS-1 (Firearms Licence required)

Full set of additional photos are available on the Milgeek PBS-1 Flickr album