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Specna Arms SA-J05 EDGE With Gate Aster

Master Chief

Specna Arms SA-J05 EDGE Review

For the AK lovers out there, Specna Arms have released their latest replica for their J series. The SA-J05 AEG combines both the modern and classic look of the AK47,  built solidly with steel materials as seen on its receiver and outer barrel. Not only that, this replica is also part of their EDGE series meaning it comes with a Gate Electronics MOSFET pre-installed.

Now, I will admit that I am not a big fan of AK47 variants in airsoft. But I do appreciate the hard work that companies such as Specna Arms put into their products to make them better and affordable for their customers.

To be perfectly honest, I was not that impressed when the Specna Arms J Series first came out as compared to their M4 range which I thought were for more superior and with a better build quality especially when the EDGE series came out. So when I was asked to have a book at the new edge series of the J family I became quite excited.


THE SA-J05 EDGE

I have been eagerly waiting for an AK replica that will be able to go head-to-head with those expensive upgraded AR replicas with MOSFET controlled triggers. So when Specna Arms have finally decided to release their long awaited, AK replicas with the pre-installed Gate Aster MOSFET, the wait is over.


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FIRST IMPRESSIONS

The package comes with the airsoft replica, two midcap magazines, a user's manual, some stickers and a spare M90 spring.

The rifle is impressively really well-built. It is much better than the first replica of this series that I reviewed a few months ago. The SA-J05 is solid. No wobbles, mo creeks, no unnecessary movement. It is a bit on the heavy side but that is where you know how solid it is built. The outer barrel is made from steel and the receiver is built from pressed steel giving them that gun metal grey finish. Behind the AK74 style flash hider is the AK fixed front sight and underneath the barrel is the dummy cleaning rod. Midway through the top of the rifle is the adjustable rear sight which aligns well with the front sight. The battery compartment is located underneath the top cover of the receiver. Just like the standard AK variants, the access to the battery compartment is by pressing the locking mechanism located at the back of the top cover. The J05 comes standard with a Deans connector for the battery.


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The fire selector on the side of the receiver functions really well and shifts through the firing modes smoothly.


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The SA-J05 comes with an M4 style stock. The stock is adjustable as a standard M4 stock but, unlike other AK replicas, the J05 stock does not fold to the side.

All around, the J05 is impressively well-built. It is definitely better compared to the first J series. It is very solid and all external parts functions as they should.


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INTERNALS

The J05 is also well built internally. It features the Specna Arms Edge Orion gearbox with its quick spring change system and high quality gears. The replica also features an electronically controlled trigger system via the Aster MOSFET by Gate Electronics.


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The Aster MOSFET gives the user a good number of features and controls. Programming can be done either by trigger or by plugging the replica to a computer via its battery connector. From experience I would always recommend that the replica be plugged into a computer when programming it. This is to see if the MOSFET needs a firmware update. Plus, it is also nice to see the available settings.


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The Orion gearbox also has a quick spring change feature which Specna Arms call “Enter & Convert.” But with the V3 gearbox you will need to pull this out to gain access to the rear of the gearbox.


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The inside of the gearbox is very clean and adequately greased. The metal bushings support the gears nicely and prevent any unnecessary movement or wobble.

The sliding lock on top of the gearbox has wire clips that keep the wires neatly tucked away.


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PERFORMANCE

The SA-J05. is basically a standard full length AK74 style rifle apart from its M4 style stock and butter tube. This makes the J05 a much better replica to use in skirmishes due to the added feature of the adjustable stock. It also gives rifle a more modern look.

Performance-wise, I guess it is what I would expect from a replica within a price range although the MOSFET is a huge bonus. The replica has a very decent range of 30-40 metres. The hop-up unit is easily adjustable and easily accessible although a more decent hop-up unit is recommended as it was having some difficulty lifting 0.30g BBs.


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Having 2 midcap magazines is also a big plus as it makes out of the box ready. The mags are polymer and are lightweight. I have read some reviews about Specna Arms magazines misfeeding but so far I haven't experience it yet. I am not sure if this problem is more prevalent in long term use. With this in mind, I would still recommend that the magazines be conditioned as in putting or loading small amounts of BBs at a time whilst they're new and not do a full load of BBs straight away. This will not only help with feeding issues in the long run but will also prevent the BBs from jamming inside the magazine

The replica can handle 11.1v Lipo batteries easily and gives it a nice ROF. The extra M90 spring is a nice addition although I found it a little too under powered when I swapped to it.

Big thanks to our friends from Specna Arms for providing us with the sample to review.


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