In the current issue of Airsoft Action the Red Cell Crew updated their findings on a number of “tactical AKs” and would you believe it, the ARCTURUS AT-AK12 supplied to us for long term testing by the kind guys at TAIWANGUN has just been updated!
The new AT-AK12-PE 2-BURST MODE READY model has just hit the store with our friends over in Poland, and this is the very latest version of the rifle to come from the new ARCTURUS PE (Performance Enhanced) series with an additional 2-Round Burst Mode!
TAIWANGUN tell us that;
“The PE mechanism features a new reinforced gearbox that’s compatible with Marui parts and the ETU by GATE/PERUN. There’s also a quick Spring Change System , bearing spring guide, bearing piston head, full steel teeth polycarbonate piston, CNC 13:1 Steel Machined Gears mounted on 8mm ball bearings to be able to easily transfer all the power from the motor to the piston gear, which is mounted on a bushing to be able to withstand the highest loads. In addition, the gearbox is equipped with a High-End Optical PERUN MOSFET with Alternative Fire Mode, Active Brake, Pre-Cocking, ROF Reduction, Trigger Sensitive, Progressive Trigger, Binary Trigger, Switchable Li-Po Alarm, Electronic Fuse, Diagnostic System and Adjustable Trigger Stop. The replica also features a CNC POM nozzle w/O-ring that works great with a Rotary Hop-Up Chamber and with a PCP Grade Precision Inner Barrel and mechanical adjustment of the trigger stroke. The latest innovation is a 21TPA High-Torque Neodymium Motor with MIM steel pinion gear.”
So, okay, that’s a lot of “new” right there, but you still also get a LOT of steel in the form of the receiver, dust cover, receiver cover latch, safety lever, trigger, trigger guard, magazine latch, bolt carrier, folding stock latch, gas tube, gas port block, front sight base, folding rear sight and flash hider, with some smaller parts, including the outer barrel made of aluminum and light alloys. The unique butt stock, pistol grip, magazine, and handguard are made of reinforced polymer.
We know that the older version of the ARCTURUS shoots fast, well, and accurately, it’s built like a tank, and it’s a great length for both CQB and woodland use, so with the new burst function this is probably as close as you’re going to get to an AK-12 service rifle without going the custom gas route!
