Description
Double Bell AK (Wooden Handguard and Stock – Metal Body – 023)
The Double Bell 023 is an AK-pattern electric rifle (AEG) with a metal body and a real wooden handguard and stock. It captures the look of the classic AKM, the rifle that has defined military small arms for generations, and it offers a solid, traditional feel at a price that suits newer players as well as collectors.
Double Bell has built a strong following for affordable replicas that still deliver metal construction and real wood, and its AK range is particularly popular. The 023 suits players who want a rugged, no-nonsense rifle for woodland games, Eastern Bloc or Cold War themed loadouts, or simply the satisfying heft of a steel and wood AK.
Build and materials
A retailer listing for the Double Bell BY-023 AKM describes a largely steel build, with a steel receiver, top cover, gas tube, trigger guard and fire selector, and alloy parts including the muzzle brake, outer barrel, front sight, gas block, rear sight and bolt. The stock and handguards are real wood. The result is a weighty, solid rifle of roughly 2.8kg and 90cm long, with a fixed stock.
Real wood brings a warm look and a natural grip, and no two rifles have quite the same grain. Classic AK tangent rear sights and an adjustable front post give an authentic sight picture, and an AK side rail allows an optic mount to be fitted.
Performance and internals
The same listing describes a Version 3 alloy gearbox with 18:1 steel gears on 8mm ball bearing bushings and a quick-change main spring, the standard gearbox type for AK-pattern AEGs. It fires on safe, semi-automatic and fully automatic, with the selector on the right-hand side like the real rifle.
The hop-up is a slider type adjusted by pulling the charging handle back and holding it, and the inner barrel is listed as a 455mm, 6.05mm tightbore. Retailers suggest 0.25g BBs as a good match for the rifle.
Magazine and battery
The rifle is listed with a 500-round high-capacity magazine, and retailers say AK47/74 AEG magazines are compatible. The battery sits under the top cover and connects with a Mini Tamiya connector, so choose a small stick-type battery that fits that space.
Getting started
Before your first game, charge your battery fully on a suitable charger, fit it and check the rifle fires on safe, semi and auto as expected. Set the hop-up from zero, adding a little at a time until the BB holds a straight, flat line, and then check where it lands at the distances you usually shoot.
Your site will chronograph the rifle before play. Spend a few minutes learning how to change the battery and clear a jam so you are not doing it for the first time mid-game.
Key features
- AKM-style AEG with metal body
- Real wood handguard and stock
- Steel receiver and top cover (as listed)
- Version 3 gearbox with steel gears (as listed)
- Safe, semi and full-auto
- Slider-type adjustable hop-up
- 500-round high-capacity magazine (as listed)
- AK side rail for optic mounts
- Battery under the top cover, Mini Tamiya connector
Compatibility
AK-pattern AEGs generally accept standard AK47/74 AEG magazines, but fit varies between makers, so test any magazine before relying on it in a game. The muzzle is listed with a 14mm counter-clockwise thread for other muzzle devices. Optics need a side-rail mount. Check the battery space under the top cover before buying a battery.
Care and maintenance
Keep the real wood furniture dry and wipe it down after wet games; an occasional coat of a suitable wood wax helps protect it. Store the battery out of the rifle and charge it on a proper charger under supervision.
Clean the inner barrel regularly with a rod and patch, use quality seamless BBs, and wipe the steel parts with a light film of oil now and then to keep them free from marks and rust, particularly after damp games.
Who is it for?
It suits players who want a solid metal and wood AK for woodland skirmishes, collectors of Kalashnikov-pattern replicas, and anyone after the weight and feel of a traditional AKM at a reasonable price.
Please note: A battery and charger are not listed as included. Always wear suitable eye protection when using or testing any airsoft replica.
