M4 VS AK in Airsoft (Which Platform is For You?)


Sometimes I have a feeling that airsoft players are either M4 or AK kind of people just like it’s the case with horoscope signs. Another interesting fact is that In different regions of the world, different load-outs are popular and so does the market follow.

You may walk into your local field and find everyone rocking the M4 platform and praising it to the skies, while in a nearby town, you’ll have the same story with the AK platform.

Airsoft M4 and AK replicas compared

In short, if you would ask me which platform is better for airsoft I would say something like:

Just like in real life, the airsoft AK platform is simpler and is built with fewer fancy features than the M4 platform. In the end, the right platform for you is the one that matches your loadout philosophy and what you find aesthetically pleasing, that’s it.

Airsoft has so many functionally unnecessary, but extraordinary aesthetically pleasing stuff and you can’t resist it.

So, there indeed are differences between the AK and M4 platforms, so let me explain the most important differences.

1. Magazine differences

It’s important that you are aware that each platform has its dedicated magazines, so airsoft magazines are not universal.

You’ll have trouble fitting m4 magazines into AKs, so if the majority of your team owns m4 and you are keen on AKs, magazine trading in the middle of the game won’t be possible.

Similar platforms will work well though, so AK47 and AK47 can share the same magazines and m4 and m16 rifles will share the magazines perfectly as well.

Regarding the quality of magazines, there’s only the difference in brand, so there are good and bad magazines for every platform. You can also find plastic and metal variations of magazines for AKs, while it’s common for M4 magazines to be made of plastic.

There are medium and high-capacity magazines for both platforms, and if you enjoy high caps you can simply use a drum magazine on AKs because they look better on AKs than on M4s, but it’s your choice.

2. Customization difference

AKs are not made to be highly customizable like M4s, so you can expect you have less fancy stuff on them. Most AK models have a side rail so you can install optics, and there are models (tactical models) which allow you to additionally fit flashlights and similar stuff on the front rail but it’s a less usual thing, especially on classic models.

Outside of the cool-looking side rails (the Russian style), some AKs have a foldable stock that allows you to adjust from the range shooting to a close-combat-scenario.

M4 platform is super customizable and if you have plans to make a monster with all kinds of customizations they are a better pick. These guns have foldable stuff like stocks and sights, come with middle (western style) rails, and are great for people who like that western, modern look.

M4 is also more focused on imitating electronics (because it’s modern and cool) so you can expect to find multiple fire mod options outside of safety, semi and auto.

AKs on other hand imitate the simplicity and reliability of real AK counterparts as their only purpose is to be made cheap and effective without anything fancy. (That said, cheap is not bad in this instance, it simply means simplicity, and airsoft AKs are super good quality guns).

3. Maintenance, upgrades, and reliability

The more simple, the better it’s for maintenance and reliability. Ideally, if you could make a gun out of one piece of metal, it would be most reliable in battle. Well, AKs are internally built very simply, so just like in real life you can expect to have less trouble with AKs than with M4s, but only if you choose a reputable AK brand.

The less customizable parts and electronics mean less trouble. In my opinion reputable airsoft AKs rarely malfunction, and I have heard people having more trouble with the M4 platform but yet, but I can’t confirm this with some studies.

For instance, my favorite AEG CYMA AK with a blowback feature only has a problem with the blowback feature where it breaks after some time (didn’t happen to me but did to others), but it’s not a functional thing anyways and the rest of the gun works perfectly even after 5+ years of use.

When you know how to take care of your airsoft gun it should work flawlessly so choose what you like and take care of it!

If you plan to do internal upgrades or worry about simple tasks like changing a battery, I find AKs to be a bit simpler to operate, but this shouldn’t be a concern because with little tech understanding nothing is hard unless you are doing big upgrades like changing a motor.

4. Internal difference and parts compatibility

One of the biggest differences you’ll notice between AK and M4 is the different gearboxes they use. AKs use a V3 just like G36s, AUGs, or UMPs, while M4 uses V2 which is also found in ARs, M16s, MP5s, G3s.

The difference is that parts like a trigger, motor, MOSFETs, or tappet plate are not identical and V3 parts won’t fit V2 or vice versa, so it may cause issues if you have multiple different guns and want to switch parts or there are no parts on the market.

The difference between V2 and V3 gearboxes is in the shape, size, and design (like how the wires are set, do you need to open it for certain upgrades and fixes, etc.).

In short, V3 gearboxes are stronger, can take more pressure, and are easier to work with. However, it doesn’t mean that V2 is useless, it’s just a little bit worse than V3 in my opinion but it shouldn’t deter you from the m4 platform if you like it.

What platform is better for beginners?

You should choose what you like more based on aesthetics and the availability of good options on the market. If you are more of an M4 guy go for it, more of a commie, anti-western guy go for AKs. (Just a joke many capitalists adore the brute force of AKs too, we do not discriminate in airsoft!).

I have once written an article about the best beginner AK airsoft guns that won’t disappoint you. However, there are more reviewed guns including M4 in the article about best AEGs.

I might be biased but this is due to the fact that CYMA produces amazing quality AKs that can compete with many way-over-the-budget guns, and rarely ever cease in quality in the long term.

CYMA produces phenomenal plastic AKs just as they do with the wooden, real metal AK replicas.

The plastic CYMA AKs will never be my pick over metal, wooden replicas, but as long as the gearbox isn’t made of plastic, it’s going to shine in the hands of anyone new to airsoft.

Dino

Dino is a thrill seeker who loves to share what he learns about his favorite hobbies.

Recent Posts