AK-47 Buyers Guide

The online version of the book by Robert Kay

XTech Tactical MAG47 (7.62x39mm) 30 Round AK47 Magazine

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XTech Tactical MAG47
XTech Tactical MAG47

XTech Tactical is a company that has recently come on the scene like gangbusters. XTech Tactical partnered with another company that acquired the molds of a firm called US Palm (which is no longer in business). The result is a new product called the Mag47, which is an improvement on the old US Palm magazine. Their new Tactical MAG47 has got to be one of the strongest polymer AK47 magazines  manufactured in the USA. It sports a stainless steel cage. It’s designed with reinforced locking lugs and feed lips.

The testing reportedly has been extensive using up to 20,000 plus rounds. Just as importantly to the buyer, the MAG47 is reliable and fits most rifles.

  • Stainless Steel reinforced feed lips and locking lugs
  • Tough polymer composite
  • Fits most AK47s
  • Spring anti-bind mechanism
  • Stainless steel spring
  • Quick release base plate for easy cleaning
  • 30 round capacity

Made in the USA and is considered three 922(r) compliant parts.

ProMag DRM-A9 AK-47 Drum Magazine – 7.62x39mm

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This new drum magazine is another product from the new, improved ProMag company, which until recently didn’t have the greatest reputation for producing good quality gear. That’s changed, and the the new ProMag DRM-A9 AK-47 Drum Magazine (7.62x39mm) is a case and point. It’s buttressed with a metal reinforced polymer construction that entails high-strength polymer which has metal reinforcements for the front and rear locking lugs as well as the feed lips. It comes with the ProMag Industries lifetime warranty and a feeding device to assist with loading.

ProMag AKSL-30 AK-47 Magazine – 7.62x39mm

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Not long ago the ProMag line, which are made in the USA, did not have the best reputation. And for good reason, they were cheaply made. The company got the message and has come up with AKSL-30 which is a metal reinforced polymer magazine. They even sent a couple to ‘Rob Ski’, the notoriously brutal blogger who flogged these items unmercifully. The result was a thumbs up. Even a tough critic like Mr. Ski was impressed. They are manufactured with a  high-strength poylymer that has metal reinforcements for the front and rear locking lugs as well as the feed lips. The body of the magazine has an aggressive, tactile design that provides a positive grip. There’s also a section to fill in with a paint pen to mark the magazines. Comes with the ProMag Industries lifetime warranty. I think these are a good bet and for around $20 the price is right.

FIME MOLOT VEPR-12 – Walnut Thumbhole Stock

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I don’t normally mention rifles in this new products column but the Vepr 12 Gauge shotgun, is an exception because it’s not going to be available in the foreseeable future. Molot products are now on the banned list so after dealers sell the inventory, that’s it. This semi-auto shotgun is imported from the Molot factory in Russia. Based on the RPK standard, the Vepr 12 shares the same characteristics of legendary reliability. (I own an VEPR 7.62 x 39 rifle and can tell you they are incredibly reliable).

This model comes with a high quality walnut thumbhole stock.

The fire control group allows for semi-automatic shooting and the safety is an improved version of the standard AK safety selector. Additional features include: The ability to insert magazines straight into the magazine well (AR style) without the need to cant the magazine (AK style); RPK style Windage adjustable rear sights; Windage and elevation adjustable front sights integrated to the gas block; Picatinny rail incorporated into the hinged dust cover (allows optics mounting); and chrome lined chamber, barrel, gas block, and bolt carrier operation rod for increased corrosion and wear resistance.

(The VPR-12 can be converted to a folding stock shotgun by removing the stock and having a competent gunsmith install the 922r compliant parts.)

The rifle is shipped with one 5-round magazine.

Circle 10 AK Push Button 2-Bolt Folding Stock Hinge

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Folding stocks have become hugely popular in the AK space. The problem is their not all of the same quality, nor do they quite function in a manner that you’d want. You start of course with  the best quality hinge you can buy. The Circle 10 AK Push Button 2-Bolt Folding Stock Hinge is a nifty little item that allows for much easier folding of your 10-32 2-bolt stocks. It will bolt onto any standard 10-32 2-bolt block such as ACE, Krebs Custom and Stormwerkz. Includes all the mounting hardware you’ll need.