As fans of LCT and true “rusky lovers,” you’ve probably asked yourselves at some point: how did we go from the black AKs, the famous 100 Series, to two AK12 models that, despite sharing the same name, have less than 10% of their parts in common? 

The 100 Series reached its end with the failure of the AK107, which dragged down the AK108 and AK109 with it. At that time, fresh air entered Izhmash/Kalashnikov Concern and the first AK12 was born, which we could see around 2012–13. With its thumb-operated fire selector, continuous Picatinny rail along the entire top, and new stock, it breathed strong AR15 (M4) influences. It went through firing trials but failed to meet the expected requirements. 

In 2014 there was another management change in the company, and a new modernization of the AK platform began under the name AK-400. The result would eventually be known as the AK12, which, however, shared more parts with the AK74M (54%) than with the original AK12 (less than 10%). This is the model currently used by the Russian armed forces. 

Stock 
The buffer tube stock on this AK is a marvel—we encourage you to try it to appreciate the absence of play in its construction. In addition to the five length positions it offers, it can be folded by pressing the button on the left side and folding it in that direction (to unfold it, you must push down a lever visible inside the stock). LCT itself warns us never to fold the stock while it is fully collapsed; instead, extend it at least to the first position to avoid breakage. 

Although it is a buffer tube stock, the gearbox wiring does not run through it (the battery is housed in the upper part of the receiver), so by pulling the pin located at the bottom of the stock, we can remove the rubber buttpad (which offers excellent grip thanks to its textured finish) and use the inside of the tube to store a spare battery or a chem light. 

Magazine 
The difference between the AK12 and the AK15 (LCK12 and LCK15 respectively in the LCT catalog) is the caliber they fire: the AK12 uses 5.45×39 (like the AK74), and the AK15 uses 7.62×39 (like the AK47). However, in airsoft, the only difference is the magazine aesthetics, as both are compatible and both are available in 130 or 450 BB versions. What is worth noting in these LCT replicas is the inclusion of their AK Magwell Spacer, which helps the magazine enter more easily and quickly into the correct position, favoring faster reloads. 

Top rail 
Originally, AKs featured a side-mounted system to attach optic platforms. That was the past. As we can see here, that archaic system has been replaced by a Picatinny rail on the top, allowing a greater number of optics to be mounted. The rear sight has changed from an open system to a closed one and has also been moved back—from above the ejection port to the rear of the RIS—and can even be removed

Handguard 
The handguard is made of polymer, very well constructed, and like the stock, we loved the absence of wobble. Even more so when you realize it is attached only to the receiver, as the AK12 features a free-floating barrel and dispenses with the front piece that traditionally secures the handguard to the barrel and gas tube. In the real model, this improves accuracy by allowing the barrel to vibrate with each shot; in airsoft, it is purely aesthetic realism. The handguard continues the top rail and includes a half-length rail on the bottom to mount a grip—something appreciated when carrying its nearly four kilos. It also includes two small RIS sections on the sides to mount additional accessories.

Selector 
Another novelty of the AK12 is the selector “finger pedal,” which allows (if you do not press the selector lever too hard) changing the fire mode comfortably with the trigger finger. This feature was popularized by the American company Krebs Custom and represents a real usability improvement for both the real firearm and the airsoft replica. 

Compatibility 
Although the LCK12 from LCT resembles the LCK74 previously presented by the brand, the external parts are not compatible. Only some accessory parts from the LCK series can be reused, such as the AK grip, stock, magazine, selector, trigger guard, or rear sight. 

INTERNALS 
Like any good AK, it features a Version 3 gearbox, without quick spring change. Due to the replica’s design, this would not be very useful anyway, as we would need to disassemble the replica to access it. It includes machined steel gears with LCT markings running on 9 mm bearings. 

The spring guide is fully metal and includes bearings that, together with those on the piston head (although these feel a bit too tight in assembly for our taste), help improve the torsion of the M100-type spring, especially when firing in automatic. 

The piston is polymer with fully metal teeth; the piston head, however, is metal and achieves great compression inside the sealed stainless steel cylinder. In addition, the polymer cylinder head features two sealing rubbers that significantly improve air seal, along with a rubber pad that softens the impact of the piston head, helping reduce shot noise. The pneumatic assembly ends in a polymer nozzle. 

The hop-up chamber design is the classic AK type, made of polymer, and although it works perfectly, the rod that acts as a guide for the charging handle may make access difficult when adjusting it. Otherwise, it features a 430 mm barrel with a 6.05 mm diameter, which, together with the 22,000 RPM motor, gave us an average of 320 FPS on the chrono. In line with the document included with the replica, where they tested and recorded results of 322 FPS and 0.96 J. As always, these tests are performed with 0.20 g BBs and hop-up disengaged. 

CONCLUSIONS 
Izhmash will always be the dream factory for any AK lover, and if they have decided to kill off wooden furniture and welcome RIS systems, who are we to argue? If, after testing them, Russian special forces have decided the AK12 is perfect for them, we can only say to LCT: “SHUT UP AND TAKE MY MONEY!!” Call us fanboys if you want…