Tokyo Marui AKX & AKM: The 2026 Gas Blowback AK Guide UK

Tokyo Marui’s AK lineup has expanded fast over the last three years. The AKX gas blowback rifle landed in 2024, the AKM in 2025, and the NGRS-based AK74MN Recoil remains in production. This guide pulls apart the three options so you pick the right Tokyo Marui AK for UK skirmish in 2026.

Quick answer

• AKX — modern gas blowback AK, modular handguard. Best for 2020s-era kitted impressions. In stock at Airsoft Direct.
• AKM — classic 1959-era AK aesthetic, gas blowback. Cold War / modern conflict impressions.
• AK74MN NGRS — Next-Gen Recoil Shock electric AK with the iconic 5.45 aesthetic. AK Storm variants currently available.

AKX vs AKM — the gas AKs explained

Tokyo Marui AKX Gas Blowback Rifle

The AKX is TM’s modern AK aesthetic — modular M-LOK handguard, side-folding stock, optic-ready receiver cover. Gas blowback with hammer-strike valve. £476.95 at Airsoft Direct.

Tokyo Marui AKM Gas Blowback Rifle

Classic AKM aesthetic — wood furniture (or polymer where stocked), no modular rail, iconic side-fold stock. The AKM is what most UK skirmishers picture when they think “AK”. Same gas blowback engine as the AKX.

AK74MN NGRS — the electric alternative

If gas-blowback isn’t for you (cold weather, magazine cost, gas dependence), the AK74MN NGRS is TM’s electric Next-Gen Recoil Shock AK. Real recoil feel, bolt-stop on empty, electric reliability. Browse NGRS rifles at Airsoft Direct.

NGRS AK magazines: Next-Gen Recoil AK 90-round mag, AK74MN Recoil 74-round mag.

Side-by-side

Realism

• AKX / AKM (gas): hammer-driven gas cycling, real bolt movement, real cycling sound. Wins.
• AK74MN (NGRS): dummy bolt recoil, much closer than a standard AEG. Loses to gas but wins against AEG.

Cold-weather reliability

• AKX / AKM: same problem as MWS — performance drops below 5°C.
• AK74MN NGRS: electric — full performance in any UK weather.

Magazine cost

• AKX / AKM: gas magazines, ~£40–60 each. Need 3–4 minimum.
• AK74MN NGRS: electric magazines, ~£18–25 each. Need 3–4 minimum but cheaper.

Out-of-box FPS

• All three platforms ship around 320–350 FPS on 0.20g — within typical UK woodland limits.

Which AK should you buy?

• Cold War / Soviet impression → AKM.
• Modern Eastern bloc / private military impression → AKX.
• Year-round reliability, less authentic feel → AK74MN NGRS.
• Premium milsim impression, prepared for gas costs → AKX or AKM with multiple mags.

UK skirmish & site notes

• UKARA defence required for all three platforms.
• AK platforms are heavier than M4 equivalents — train your stance accordingly.
• Mag pouches: AK magazines are wider than M4 STANAGs. Check your chest rig.
• The gas AK platforms perform best 10–25°C ambient.

FAQ

Q: AKX or MWS? AKX if you want AK aesthetic; MWS if you want M4. See our MWS Complete Guide.

Q: Will AKX mags fit other gas AKs? Partially — some compatibility with newer GHK GBB AK platforms but not universal.

Q: Is the AKX worth £475? If you skirmish year-round and the AK aesthetic matters to you, yes. If you skirmish casually, the AK74MN NGRS is the better value.

Where to go next

• Browse the full Tokyo Marui GBBR range.
• Tokyo Marui UK Buyer’s Guide 2026.
• Compare NGRS vs standard AEG platforms.

Written by the Airsoft Direct team. UK Tokyo Marui supplier since 2003. Contact us.