| ✅ Very realistic | ❌ A bit pricier than some |
| ✅ Stamped steel receiver and build | ❌ No MOSFET or quick change spring |
| ✅ Extremely well put together | |
| ✅ High quality internals | |
| ✅ Easy to upgrade gearbox | |
| ✅ Solid performance | |
| ✅ Good magazine compatability | |
Introduced in the mid-1970s, the AK-74M quickly became the Eastern Bloc’s rifle of choice, and its effective design has kept it a sought after piece among private security forces and collectors to this day.
It is for these same reasons that AK-74s are quite popular among many airsoft players, being something of an alternative to the usual tactical M4s and AR variants found on most fields.
The LCT AK74M is a popular AK74M replica that has developed something of a reputation for its on field performance, reliability and durability…something that is perhaps unsurprising given LCT’s rather extensive and well known experience with airsoft AKs.
To find out if this gun lives up to its reputation, and to find out if its worth a sport in your collection, we decided to take a closer look at it for ourselves.
Specifications
| Manufacturer | LCT |
| Action | AEG |
| FPS | ~420 FPS |
| Hop Up | Adjustable |
| Inner Barrel | 455mm |
| Outer Barrel | 28mm CW threaded |
| Total Length | 37.4 in (950 mm) |
| Gearbox | V3 |
| Weight | 7.7 lbs (3.5 kg) |
| Construction | Steel body, wood (or polymer) furniture |
How does the LCT AK74M compare to a real steel AK74M?
| Cyma CM046 | Kalashnikov AK74M | |
| Weight | 7.7 lbs (3.5 kg) | 8.5 lbs (3.9 kg) |
| Overall length | 37.4 (950 mm) | 37 (943 mm) |
| Action | Select Fire Semi/Auto | Select Fire Semi/Auto |
| Caliber | 6mm | 7.62×39mm |
| Capacity | 130 BB mid-cap | 30 round box |
| Construction | Stamped steel, real wood or reinforced polymer | Steel, wood or reinforced polymer |
| Sights | Adjustable AK-type leaf | Adjustable AK-type leaf |
| Rail | Side mount AK-style optic rail | Side mount optic AK-style rail |
On the whole, we found the LCT AK74M to be a very accurate replica of an actual AK74M.
To begin with, the gun is made largely from the same materials as a real steel AK74M, with its receiver, barrel assembly, rails and more being made out of steel and its furniture being made out of real wood (or reinforced OD green or black polymer in some models).
As can be seen from the chart above, the gun also matches an AK74 very closely in its overall dimensions and weight, giving it pretty realistic handling characteristics, which we will discuss a little later.
More than that, the gun features many of the small details that characterize an AK74M, dovetail side rail, Soviet-style selector with Cyrillic lettering, wood (or plastic in some models) handguard/headshield, leaf sights and more.
Unfortunately for collectors and those interested in historical firearms, based on an old Soviet gun, the LCT isn’t licensed and so there aren’t really a ton of period-era trademarks on this gun, although there are some cool markings here and there, such as those found under the dust cover as pictured below.
That said, and to be fair to LCT, it’s not like the old Soviet gunmakers were that into the principles of branding anyways.
LCT AK74M: How does it perform as an airsoft rifle?
Build Quality and Construction
Like other AK models in the LCT lineup, we feel that the LCT AK74M is an extremely sturdy and well-built airsoft rifle.
Unlike most other full metal airsoft guns out there that are made out of aluminum or aluminum alloy, this LCT is actually made out of stamped steel, much like a real steel firearm.
In terms of furniture, there are largely two options available for this gun.
The NV model (which we looked at for this review) comes with real wood furniture, which is nicely finished and sanded and has a medium dark stain to it that we really liked.
This wood furniture does add to the weight (and the price) of the gun to some degree and isn’t the most tactical looking, but feels the most authentic and AK-style in our opinion.
Alternatively, the gun also comes in a model with OD green polymer furniture.
Although a bit less iconic and aesthetic in our opinion, the use of nylon-reinforced polymer can make the gun a bit more rugged, easy to care for and long lasting, particularly if you live where the weather might get a bit wet, and it does make the gun significantly lighter and easier to carry.
As a result, we feel it might be a good option for those who prefer function over form with their airsoft guns.
More than its materials, and much like other LCT AKs we’ve seen, the AK74M is pretty well put together.
When we handled it, we found that everything on the gun was tightly fitted and properly assembled and it showed little sign of rattling, looseness or wiggling, even in typical AK problem areas such as the two-piece handguard, barrel assembly and dust cover.
As a result of this build, and as befits an airsoft gun with the Kalashnikov name attached to it, the LCT AK74M should be able to withstand just about anything an airsoft game will dish out.
In terms of accessories, the LCT comes with a dovetail or side mounted rail, which is historically accurate and means it should readily accommodate any Soviet-style optics, although those interested in using Western-style versions (such as those building a PMC loadout) will need an adaptor of some kind.
Being based on an AK74, there are of course no rails along the gun’s top or along its handguard, so tactical flashlight, laser and grip options are obviously limited.
The LCT AK74M also comes with a threaded outer barrel, good news for fans of airsoft suppressors and tracer units, although as with other Eastern bloc style airsoft guns it is 28mm CW and so may also need an adaptor to fit the more typical 14mm CCWs out there.
Inside, the LCT AK74M is, as with other LCT AKs we’ve seen, fairly impressive and of good quality.
The gun contains a V3 gearbox with 18:1 steel gears, 9mm bearings, a full metal racked piston, a ported piston head and a torquey short-type motor.
The LCT AK74M fires its BBs past a high quality LCT slider-style hop up unit and through a nicely finished 450mm long brass inner barrel
Unlike some more modern AEGs, the gearbox does not, unfortunately, come with a quick change spring system or a MOSFET, so it is somewhat limited to lower voltage batteries if you don’t want to risk your trigger contacts (think 9.6v), but it is Tokyo Marui compatible and so can be upgraded pretty easily.
There’s also enough room inside the standard gearbox frame to fit an aftermarket MOSFET/ETU, which is always good news to more serious players and modders.
Like the CYMA AK47, the battery for the LCT AK74M is located in its fixed stock.
While this fixed stock does make the gun fairly long compared to more compact options (like an AKS74U, for example) , it allows the gun to hold larger sized batteries compared to an AK with a folding stock, which usually squeeze them under the fairly tight and narrow dust cover.
That said, those interested in a more CQC-friendly LCT AK74 model (and who are willing to deal with smaller battery space) can look for the rarer LCT AKS74MN NV, which is essentially the same gun but in a paratrooper design with a folding stock.
Performance and Accuracy
On the whole, we found the LCT AK74M to be a very capable airsoft rifle.
Using a 9.6V battery and 0.20g BBs, we chrono’d the gun at around 400 FPS, meaning it has enough power to keep up with more modern, tactical airsoft alternatives, even if it can be a bit hot for some stricter indoor/CQB fields.
Set to auto, we saw the gun get about 13-14 RPS, which is about on par with a typical airsoft carbine, although we’re fairly confident the gun could see an impressive ROF if fitted with a decent MOSFET and using a higher voltage LiPo.
In terms of range, the LCT AK74M is capable enough thanks to its properly finished barrel and strong hop up- we saw the gun hit targets pretty easily to around 150 feet (45 m) and group pretty closely at the 50 foot (15 m) range, so it should work just fine as a primary in our opinion.
Handling and Feel
The LCT AK74M is a full sized airsoft AK option and handles accordingly.
At around 37 inches long and weighing in at just under 8 lbs, it is pretty much a full sized battle rifle and users should keep in mind that it is longer and considerably beefier than a comparable M4 or other modern carbine, being more in line with (and actually a bit shorter than) an M16, its historical rival.
That said, although the gun’s steel frame and sturdy AK-style build quality does make it a bit heavier than most, the LCT AK74M isn’t all that hard to carry around for long periods.
With most of its weight located towards its rear, it isn’t that hard to maneuver the gun around obstacles or shift from target to target in game.
Further, the gun’s wooden handguards were pretty easy to handle.
Although smooth and chunky, they are machined with a nice curve and indentation that allow users hands to more comfortably hold onto them for extended periods, especially when compared to its boxier AK47 predecessor.
That said, those who live in damper areas or who like to play extended games in wet weather might want to go with a polymer adorned LCT AK74M model, which can be a big grippier due to their lined patterning and can be a bit more water resistant/easy to care for in the long term compared to natural wood.
One thing to note, however, is that, being an old school Soviet-style gun, the LCT AK74M isn’t the most ambidextrous airsoft rifle out there.
While the gun’s mag release is located just behind the magazine, and equally easy for users to release with their right or left hand, the gun’s charging handle, sling mounts and fire selector switch are located on its left hand side, i.e. configured for right hand use.
Magazine type and capacity
The LCT AK74M comes with a metal AK-style faux Bakelite mid-cap magazine that holds around 130 BBs.
When we tested it, the LCT magazine slid in and out of the gun without a problem and fed reliably and without any real jams during our time with it.
The LCT also has fairly impressive mag compatibility.
While some third party magazines may be a bit of a tight squeeze from time to time, by and large the gun will accommodate just about any other AK-style magazine out there, such as those from Tokyo Marui, CYMA, G&P and others, which both gives users far more options in terms of capacity and should lower running costs in the long run.
Price
Note: Prices correct as of writing, all prices in USD.
As with other higher quality AKs, the LCT Ak74M isn’t the cheapest airsoft rifle out there.
Usually coming in north of $350 (and closer to $400 for the real wood model), the gun is more expensive than an alloy and plastic CYMA AK47 and around the same price as other LCT AKs we’ve looked at, such as the PP19.
It is, however, quite a bit cheaper than higher end Tokyo Marui AK options, such as its recoil shock A74M, which tends to come in over $500.
That said, while not a cheap airsoft gun, you do get a lot of AK for the money with the LCT AK74M.
At the end of the day it is a well-built, steel AK74 replica with strong out of the box performance and handling characteristics, excellent mag compatibility and is highly upgradable in case you want to squeeze a bit more performance out of it.
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Pros of the LCT AK74M
Very realistic design
The LCT AK74M is an excellent replica of a real steel AK74M, matching its inspiration pretty closely in terms of size, weight and design and making it a great addition to any AK-oriented collection or loadout.
Extremely durable and well built
Unlike many plastic or pot metal alternatives, the LCT AK74M is made out of stamped steel and high quality wood or nylon-reinforced polymer materials, meaning it should stand up to regular use and last for quite some time without an issue.
High quality, tanky internals
With steel gears, steel bearings, metal cylinder, full metal toothed piston and more, the LCT AK74M’s internals are also highly durable, well made and built to last..
TM compatible V3 gearbox
The V3 used by LCT is TM compatible and of standard dimensions and design, meaning it should be easy to maintain and upgrade with a host of OEM and third party parts.
Solid performance
Chronoing at over 400 FPS and being able to hit targets to 150 feet without issue, the LCT AK74M is a capable and well-balanced airsoft rifle that can make a fine primary.
Excellent mag compatibility
Finally, the LCT AK74M has excellent and broad magazine compatibility, meaning it should give users access to a wider range of magazine capacities and prices.
Cons
Not all that cheap
Typically sold for over $350 in the US, the LCT AK74M is not exactly a budget airsoft rifle.
No MOSFET or QCS
Although well built, the LCT AK74M’s V3 gearbox doesn’t come standard with a MOSFET or a quick change spring system, meaning it shouldn’t really be used with user higher powered LiPos and it can be a little tougher to downpower it for CQB fields.
Bottom Line
With its realistic Soviet design, excellent build quality, solid performance and good upgrade options, the LCT AK74M is one of the better airsoft AK 74s we’ve seen and can be a great alternative to a standard AR option.
Will Martin – Will has been into airsoft and paintball for well over 10 years, and has done it all – from upgrading and fixing gearboxes as a tech to building custom airsoft loadouts for his friends to supporting off those friends as a DM.