Action Army Company can be associated with two categories: high-quality spring-powered replicas of sniper rifles (Action Army Company (AAC) T11 and T11s , Action Army Company T10) and affordable replicas of AAP01 pistols inspired by the iconic Ruger Mk.IV (AAP01C Assassin (review)) with surprisingly good performance and great potential for modifications (A selected list of conversion kits for the Action Army AAP01 replica). In the past, Action Army Company's offer also included designs combining elements of these two categories in the form of gas-powered replicas of bolt-action rifles.
All the more surprising is the fact that the latest model from this category has been announced in the form of the AAC-C1 ATHENA. This design is a classic, lightweight bolt-action carbine, mostly made of polymers (similar to replicas of the AAP01 family).
The design itself is simple, even minimalistic, as evidenced by the minimum amount of extras such as the lack of any rails or other mounting systems such as M-LOK, KeyMode, etc. The replica features only QD sockets, aclassic bipod mount and simple iron sights placed on the barrel.
We still have the Hop-Up adjustment system in the form of a slider placed on the side.
The most surprising thing, however, is the new gas supply system used. Yes, the choice of words is key here, because the BBs are fed into the replica in the generally accepted way, from a magazine inserted into the the forestock. The magazines are made in the VSR standard.
The power source in this replica is a gas tank (GreenGas or CO2, depending on the version) installed in place of the bolt. It is inserted by opening a cover, which is why there is no rail for optics there, but the mounting holes are still present.
No specific performance of the replica was given, however maximum muzzle energy of 1.9 Joule was stated. According to the information provided, the entire replica is 890 mm long, weighs 1960 g and is to be made of polymers, aluminum alloy and metal. Pre-orders are already underway in selected stores. The price for the new AAC-C1 ATHENA replica is around 160 EUR, and the announced release date is mid-September 2024.
Photos: WCG SHOP
