The AK AEG market is in something of a funk at the moment. Many manufacturers - and players for that matter - seem to be of the opinion that the Kalashnikov has been done to death and there is very little more that can be squeezed out of this format. So I thought it would be interesting to look around UK web sites to see if I could find anything that might still pique the interest of even the most jaded AK enthusiast...

LAND WARRIOR - Real Sword Type 56-2

http://www.landwarriorairsoft.com/acatalog/Real_Sword_AK_s.html

Now here's something different. The majority of you will say 'not another tactical AK!', but you would be wrong. This is a replica of the Chinese export version of their Type 56 rifle. The real thing has been sold right across the world and has seen action in Iraq and Afghanistan and is used by the armies of Finland and North Korea (to name just two). So you can have something a little different - with that mean tactical look -  that is still an authentic AK!

AIRSOFT ARMOURY - Classic ARMY Sportline SAS M7

http://www.airsoftarmoury.co.uk/product_info.php?cPath=179&products_id=3138

Well, technically there is nothing special about a AK47! But this must be the bargain of the year - a Classic Army for just £87! All the renown CA quality inards, plus very nicely produced externals - all be it a mix of metal and plastic - and you have the perfect back-up or beginners AEG.

ACTION HOBBIES - Cyma Romanian AK Wire Stock CM050 Airsoft Gun (Blowback)

http://www.actionhobbies.co.uk/Cyma-Romanian-AK-Wire-Stock-CM050-Airsoft-Gun-Blowback_AOR47.aspx

Being a bit different doesn't have to cost and arm and a leg. The CYMA replica of the Romanian army version of the AKMS is a delight that won't break the bank ballance, and being CYMA you know it will work right out the box. So go on, don those old DPMs (which the Romanian army also used to use) and cut loose with some two handed, from the hip shooting - you know you want to!

FIRE SUPPORT - LCT G-03 AEG

http://www.fire-support.co.uk/product-info.php?id=3356

AK perfectionists may balk at this LCT bastardization, but it's just so well done that you have to love it. LCT has taken the bog-standard AK74 and turned it ito a thing of beauty with an elegant para folding stock and a unique ventilated upper hand guard. It's a real head turner and you know that, being LCT, it's a quality made piece of kit that will last you years.

AIRSOFT WORLD - G&G RK Series AKMS

http://www.airsoftworld.net/airsoft-guns/g-g-taiwan/g-g-rk-series-full-metal/gandg-rk-series-akms.html

OK, I know what you are going to say - it's a G&G! Beautiful on the outside, rubbish on the inside. But I will put this on my list for two reasons, first it is REALLY beautiful and secondly because it's practically the only AKMS that you can buy in the UK at the moment! That's right - take a good look around and aside from a few full stock CYMA AKMs there isn't a AKMS to be had in this country unless you buy a Guarder or Inokatsu kit (which will cost you more than the £310 asking price for the G&G anyway)!