A reliable and high-performing airsoft AK-47 is crucial for outperforming enemies in the airsoft field.
While many stock airsoft AK-47s are decent, they can be significantly enhanced through upgrades.
The thing with many stock AK-47s is that they are a great base for upgrades and with only a few meaningful changes you can create a true machine.
My favorite airsoft weapon of choice was always an AK-47, I find them highly reliable, they come in great stock versions by good brands and I am personally keen on their appearance.
In this article, we will explore the best airsoft AK-47 upgrades available, helping you improve your AK-47’s performance and gain an edge over your opponents.
Begin with a quality stock AK-47 in mind
A quality stock AK-47 that is worth upgrading is the first consideration you should have.
A good stock AK-47 should have a metal gearbox, and be built of quality externals, ideally of metal or strong polymer.
While it’s possible to completely replace the externals with higher quality parts, the externals will always remain, so you need a strong, robust construction.
Every budget AK-47 has room to be improved externally, but this can be done as it’s possible to replace or strengthen the externals.
For instance, there are lower receivers made from wood, stocks made from metal, and so on, all these external upgrades are recommended.
However, don’t overthink it at the beginning, just choose a decently built AK with decent externals that aren’t cheap plastics.
Some of the best beginner AKs come from CYMA, while if you want to pay more for a real unbreakable machine that will also need fewer internal upgrades, aim for LCT.
That said, it doesn’t mean that every other AK-47 from other brands isn’t good, these are just my recommendations.
Upgrading the electronics
AEG AK-47s are powered by electricity and there are a few easy upgrades you can do to improve the overall durability and efficiency of AK-47 such as trigger response and rate of fire.
First, the easiest upgrade which brings a big difference in performance is a simple battery upgrade.
I’d always choose a LiPo over NimH for better trigger response and cycling, and ideally an 11.1V LiPo.
You should do this as long as AK is LiPo ready, and you plan to install a MOSFET alongside the 11.1V LiPo.
Don’t install a battery too strong if your AK-47 can’t handle it as a strong battery will overwhelm your internals and break them.
A MOSFET + low resistance wiring upgrade alongside the strong battery is all you need to ensure the AK-47 will handle the power.
Bear in mind that low-quality airsoft AK-47s might give up on certain parts such as a piston in the future, so you might have to replace them (a good opportunity to take the most out-of-stock version and then upgrade to something high-tier).
Moreover, mechanisms such as a moving bolt attached to the piston responsible for blowback action on some AK EBB models are likely to break after a couple of hours of play with a strong upgrade in power.
Additionally, installing a MOSFET or electronic trigger unit (ETU) can offer programmable features such as fire mods, display, or sound for ammo capacity. (A fancy upgrade that goes well on modern-looking AKs).
An upgrade to a better motor from the stock one will also result in increased trigger response and rate of fire gain.
I have dedicated an entire article to the best airsoft motors for AKs, so check it out if this upgrade falls into your budget.
Upgrading the barrel and hop-up
Achieving accurate shots is vital in airsoft, and there are upgrades specifically designed to improve your AK-47’s precision.
Installing a high-quality inner barrel, and hop-up unit can enhance consistency, range, and overall accuracy.
I am a fan of R-hops and tight-bore inner barrels when it comes to airsoft rifles, and I believe this will be the best way to increase the effective range of your AK-47.
A quality tight bore inner barrel will secure the BB gets propelled without interruptions, while an R-hop upgrade will set up the trajectory for a BB, and when paired with a decent spring, you’ll be able to realistically reach 250 feet with great accuracy.
This is one of such upgrade sets you should look for, the quality upgrades supported by a brand.
The quality of inner barrels matters a lot, so always look for branded inner barrels that have mastered their craft.
Even the single imperfections in a build will interfere with the BB trajectory, so if the barrel doesn’t work, the whole gun will suffer even with the best upgrades on the market.
Moreover, if you are interested in how much the length of the barrel matters, you shouldn’t worry much about it as it’s not as important for accuracy as some people make it to be.
Improving FPS with a spring upgrade
To gain an advantage on the field, increasing your AK-47’s velocity (FPS) can be beneficial. Upgrading the spring to a higher tension one can provide a significant boost to your gun’s velocity and effective range.
Spring is an easy upgrade that can be done in minutes, especially on airsoft guns with a quick spring system.
M130 spring will provide your AK-47 with enough FPS and won’t overdo it!
It’s crucial to ensure your upgrades comply with field regulations and game rules, so don’t overdo the FPS if the field has limits as you won’t pass the chronograph test.
Moreover, the higher the fps, the higher the work on the internals, so not always more velocity means a better airsoft gun.
Upgrading the Gearbox
The gearbox is the heart of your airsoft AK-47, and upgrading it can drastically enhance its performance if the stock version didn’t include a quality gearbox.
Upgrading the gears, piston, and cylinder can improve your gun’s rate of fire and overall reliability, but I wouldn’t consider these upgrades a priority as long as you have a decent stock AK (Like a CYMA AK-47 or similar AK-47 in the same budget range).
Moreover, these upgrades are the trickiest, so you’ll likely need help from a professional.
Making room for special devices
Modern AK-47 models have plenty of rails, but traditionally-inspired AKs don’t.
If you are in need of trails, there are Side Mounted Optics and Accessory trails (Link to Airsoft Station) that are great for AK-47s.
Trails open room for useful special devices, but the most important one is the optics!
Choosing the Optics
Aiming through iron sights can be done, but you will always be more accurate with optics, especially quality ones.
Good airsoft sights and scopes for AK-47s will make the target acquisition a piece of cake.
Moreover, you can choose between red-dot sights for CQB and sights with magnification for fighting outdoors when you want to squeeze the most out of your AK effective range.
When you pair a scope with upgrades for range and accuracy, you’ll have an ultimate ranged machine capable of causing problems even to those sneaky snipers.
Upgrading ergonomics
A sling
Did you know that the slings become the most important airsoft rifle part after a few games in the field?
A good sling will save your arms and shoulders from burnout, but it should also have a perfect length so the rifle is comfortably attached to your torso while you move.
While most players don’t utilize their sling when operating the replica, in my opinion, you should use it as much as possible, whether you are shooting from a hip or aiming, use the power of a sling and you’ll be fresher and have a better aim!
Handguard and stock
A good handguard should be comfortable for your hand as you’ll be constantly holding it, but I find most stock AK handguards to be quite decent already.
Sometimes, you might want to remove the stock to make it more ergonomic when it fits against the shoulders.
Moreover, some AK-47s such as CM50 based on the Romanian AK-47 have weird stocks which some people don’t like.
While I am perfectly fine with such stocks, if you find the stock irritating for any reason, it’s not difficult to replace it with a full wooden stock or something else.
Adding touch to the appearance
According to a well-known airsoft proverb, the cooler your loadout, the better your skills.
Yes, it doesn’t make sense at first, but actually, it does! Don’t believe it?
Just look at the number of people who modify their airsoft guns with fancy attachments such as sights and flashlights they don’t ever use.
Yet, if the replica looks cool, there will instantly grow and they get into their role, stopping a man after man.
Airsoft is about fun, so appearance upgrades are some people’s greatest deal about airsoft!
These vinyl skins are universal and easy to apply, are definitely less hustle than painting, and can be removed.
Importance of Upgrades for AK-47
Upgrading your airsoft AK-47 offers several advantages.
Firstly, it allows you to enhance the overall performance, accuracy, and range of your gun.
Secondly, it provides an opportunity to customize and personalize your AK-47 to better suit your playstyle and to satisfy you with its appearance. (Because, in airsoft, appearance is often more important than functionality for some players).
Lastly, upgrades can significantly improve the durability and longevity of your airsoft AK-47, ensuring it withstands rigorous use which is a smart long-term investment.
Budget Considerations
Before embarking on your upgrade journey, it’s essential to establish a budget.
Upgrades can range from affordable to more expensive options, depending on the level of performance you aim to achieve.
I recommend that you consider your financial capacity and prioritize upgrades that will have the most impact on your AK-47’s performance.
This means that certain upgrades such as a hop-up unit and a quality inner barrel should be a priority over better stock and rail upgrades.