Book Excerpts - AK-47 Buyers Guide

Dust Covers & Rail Systems

November 8, 2016 By Robert Kay

In addition to side mounts there are other rail systems engineered to fit over the rifle’s dust cover.

tws-dog-leg-dust-cover — This is a TWS Dog Leg dust cover with rail and rear sight. (Robert Kay)

In the case of the “Dog Leg Rail,” made by Texas Weapons System, you actually swap out your existing dust cover with the TWS product that has a rail on the top surface. Based in Austin, Texas, the company has made a name for itself with this practical, reasonably priced dust cover/rail combination. Their “Dog Leg Rail Gen 3” gives you the option of using the rifle’s standard sights or an optic while keeping the same cheek weld. The Dog Leg’s low mount also gives you a great platform to co-witness.

The TWS Dog Leg is a two-part system. In addition to the actual dust cover, it comes with a replacement take-down button at the rear of your receiver, which is part of a proprietary recoil spring guide.

The **Arsenal SM-13** is a very solid system for those on a budget.

The unit is well-finished and engineered to close tolerances. The result is an extremely tight-fitting dust cover that will hold zero even if you have to open and shut it. Be advised you’ll need more thumb pressure to depress the button and remove the cover.

TWS also offers an M4-like aperture that can be placed at the rear end of the rail. This nearly doubles the sight radius. There are other similar options from companies such as Krebs Custom, but at $310, it’s nearly double the price of the TWS offering.

Installation is straightforward. The front end of the Dog Leg system fits into the rear-sight block with a supplied hinge pin. You’re also required to swap out the guide rod and add the existing recoil spring. Instructions are provided in the box and on a pdf file. The company also has an instructional video.

I think the TWS system is a good option, especially if co-witnessing is important to you. The available real estate for placing an optic runs the full length of the receiver cover. The combined rail and dust cover is really light, so unlike a separate rail system, it’s not going to add any substantial weight. This is a noteworthy advantage from the get-go.

The TWS product is priced at $139.99 for AK 47/74 or Yugos. A Dog Leg for the Romanian PSL is $174.99. The aperture rear sight (for another $39.99) is a welcomed addition.

The Sabrewerks “KOP” mounting system has options for red dot sights, such as this T-1 Micro. The mount includes a fixed iron sight that offers co-witness capability. (Courtesy Sabrewerks)

Another mounting system to consider is from a company called Sabrewerks. Their Kalashnikov Optics Platform (KOP) replaces the rear sight block on your AK rifle and offers a dove-tailed mounting platform that allows you to put different rails and proprietary mounts for just about every popular optic. The advantage of “KOP” is that it provides a very solid, low slung base that permits optics to be rapidly interchanged. Another nice touch is that many of the mounts have an integrated fixed iron rear sight which provides co-witness capability. The KOP system also doesn’t add too much extra weight to your rifle. The Trijicon RMR mount, adds a total of only 1.5 oz (including the optic). It’s also mounted on the portion of the rifle that remains stable during firing.

The only downside to this platform is that in order to set it up you’ll need the help of a gunsmith to replace your sight block with the KOP base. (This is not the kind of job the average person can do). In doing so, you’ll end up swapping out the lever that locks down your gas tube in exchange for a pin that does the same thing. You’ll have to pay a gunsmith about 1-1 ½ hours for his labor. Cost for the KOP base is about $130 or less and anywhere from $80 to $160 for individual optic mounts.

the-ultimak-m1-b — The UltiMAK M1-B mount is ideal for red dots. It adds negligible weight to the front end by integrating a rail system with the gas tube. (Courtesy Oleg Volk)

UltiMAK, a Moscow, Idaho company has a propriety rail system with quite a few adherents in the Kalashnikov community. One of their flagship products for the AK is the UltiMAK Model M1-B which mounts very low atop the barrel, well under the iron sight axis, making it the lowest optic mount available for the AK. This geometry allows for co-witnessing when used with a reflex sight such as the Aimpoint or an Aimpoint clone. The MI-B replaces the original gas tube and upper handguard, by combining both components into one solid unit. In doing so the entire assembly adds less than one ounce to the weight of the rifle.

Adding the unit to your rifle is straight forward and UltiMAK provides both detailed instructions (with color photos) and a helpful video. I mention this because all too often instructions for aftermarket products are an afterthought.

To add the gas tube/rail you first remove the upper and lower handguards and attach two U-shaped mounts that clamp onto bottom of the barrel. The clamps are needed to affix the UltiMAK Optic mount because it’s designed to be cinched down to the barrel. This is different from the stock gas tube which is held in place by being wedged between by the gas block and the rear sight block. The UltiMAK system is actually a bit shorter than the stock gas tube so that it can expand and contract from heat fluctuations without effecting the mount.

The only “tricky” part on the install was making certain the rail was perfectly squared over the bore. I did this by aligning the rail with rear sight block and then tightening the bolts. UltiMAK founder Lyle Keeney says that it’s not necessary to add Loctite. I’ll take his word for it.

the-ultimak-mb-1-is-firmly-supported-by-barrel-clamps — The UltiMAK MB-1 is firmly supported by barrel clamps rather than simply wedged between the front sight block and the rear sight block. (Robert Kay)

Although some have voiced concern about potential damage to a red dot generated by heat from the gas tube, I think this anxiety is misplaced. Unless you’re going to be simulating full auto–mag dump after mag dump—the rail is not going to get inordinately hot. Even if it gets warm, a quality red dot such as an Aimpoint will stand up to the abuse. Larry Vickers, one of the top trainers in the country, told me that he’s never had an issue in any of his classes with an overheated UltiMAK rail impacting an optic.

The bottom line is that this gas block/rail system adds very little weight to the front end and offers the operator a wide field of view. This means potentially faster target acquisition. It’s also an extremely stable platform, much improved from the stock upper CAA handguard on my Saiga.

Using the M1-B was a pleasure. Prior to installing the UltiMAK my preference had been to use a side-rail-mounted optic in order to keep the front end as light as possible. AKs are heavy guns from the get-go and I was leery of mounting anything on the front. I was also used to having an optic closer to my eye.

Midwest Industries has developed a very similar AK Railed Gas Tube to the UltiMAK

In additon to the highly regarded UltiMAK, Midwest Industries has developed a very similar AK Railed Gas Tube. Shall we call it a clone? Manufactured out of 6061 aluminum and 4140 steel, with mil-spec top rail, it offers a lower 1/3 co-witness sight picture with Aimpoint micro red dot sights. Price is $99.95.

However, I was won over after using this unit. In testing the M1-B, I added the Micro-Max B-Dot from Hi-Lux, an Aimpoint clone. The few ounces of extra weight did not change the balance of the rifle and on the plus side, target acquisition was improved. My suggestion is that if you are going to put a red dot on the front, use one that is lightweight.

Price for the M1-B is $98 and although you don’t need a gunsmith to add the part on some of the models you may have to do some filing or even wood working depending on the rifle, to make everything fit properly. (This wasn’t the case with my Saiga).

Troy, the high end AR manufacturer, also makes a railed gas tube ($149).

The company offers these systems for Russian guns such as VEPRs and Saigas; and for others such as Bulgarian, Hungarian, and “Yugo” models. They also manufacture a number of different styles of rails and sell a variety of AK parts such as furniture, grips, etc.

If you’re unsure about where on the rifle to mount your red dot, before investing in an UltiMAK or any other rail system, Marc Krebs of Krebs Custom advises that you simply tape your optic on the rifle to determine your preference. If you’re more comfortable with the optic over the receiver get a side mount unit. If you like it atop the handguard, UltiMAK, Midwest Industries, Krebs Custom and other companies manufacture good systems.

Taking the Minimalist Approach—a Lesson Learned

November 8, 2016 By Robert Kay

When it comes to adding handguards and other accessories, less can be more. Like many first-time AK buyers, when I got my rifle I started adding third-party parts and went overboard on the “tacticool.” This included items such as a full-length handguard, optics, fore grips, scope mounts and the like. Before I knew it, I was drowning in paraphernalia.

The lesson was that adding some of these components may make sense in some circumstances, such as home defense, but you need to be wary of “mission creep”. Loading up your rifle with gewgaws has its practical limits. For example, if you’re going to be proficient at shooting offhand, shouldering a 10-pound rifle gets old very quickly.

(My epiphany is hardly original. One of Larry Vickers’ maxims is “seriously resist the urge to over-accessorize the gun”.)

Given my own experience, I’ve become a proponent of minimalism.

ac-15 — This Krebs AC-15 7.62×39 which features a shortened barrel with pinned muzzle brake, helps keep the weight down. (Courtesy Atlantic Firearms).

Custom builders such as Rifle Dynamics, Krebs Custom, Definitive Arms and others strive to keep the weight down by using a combination of polymer furniture (often from Arsenal) and in some instances, even chopping the barrel two inches.

Jim Fuller of Rifle Dynamics takes the weight reduction process a step further by employing the Bolton Gas Block, a proprietary product manufactured by Venom Tactical.

This cleverly designed product is the latest incarnation of a technology used by the Israeli Galil, the Finnish Valmet RK62 and other rifles, combines both the front sight and gas block into a single assembly. The system allows you to remove the stock front sight block, which diminishes weight on the front end of the AK47/74 and makes handling the rifle easier. (According to Lenny Bolton, the founder of the company, these gas blocks have been proven reliable in combat conditions).

The Bolton Block, designed by Venom Tactical, combines a gas block with a front sight. Additional weight savings on this rifle come from a shortened barrel and an UltiMAK M1-B optics mount. (Courtesy Rifle Dynamics)

By placing the front sight atop the gas block, the barrel length can be shortened. Jim Fuller has integrated this system on many of his high end rifles. He says that with the proprietary gas block and a shortened barrel, he can take off as much as a pound from the front end. It doesn’t sound like a lot but in practice it’s very significant.

Lenny Bolton states that the shorter sight radius on his gas block/front sight provides faster target engagement. While losing a few inches of sight radius might concern some people, he says that it’s not an issue if you’re going to engage a target under 300 yards. The front sight is adjustable for windage with a simple screwdriver.

up-close-and-personal-with-the-bolton — Up close and personal with the Bolton gas block/front sight. (Robert Kay)

Bolton has sold thousands of the $99 gas blocks. However, he suggests that people without extensive experience should let a gunsmith install the part. If you’re interested in researching how to do it, this article in Rifleshooter.com will illustrate how.

If you’re going to use an optic on your minimalist rifle, there are ways to keep the weight down. Jim Fuller of Rifle Dynamics employs the UltiMAK M1-B optic mount on some of his AKs. This $98 product integrates both the handguard and the gas tube in its design which ends up adding less than an ounce to the rifle.

Lyle Keeney of UltiMAK says that a lightweight red dot atop the rail brings a great deal more “shootability” to a rifle without adding significant weight. It’s still a “minimalist” setup, he insists and is mandatory if you shoot at moving targets, in low light, or at targets of opportunity (requiring fast targeting on short notice).

bottom-view-of-an-upper-handguard — Bottom view of an upper handguard assembly from Arsenal (including gas tube). U-shaped upper handguard is extremely light. (Robert Kay)

You can get a wide variety of lightweight polymer handguard sets from K-Var. Their typical upper handguard is simply a U-shaped section of plastic which covers the gas tube. (Note that the gas tube must have a bracket to retain it). If your gas tube doesn’t have one, you can buy an entire assembly (upper handguard plus gas tube) for about $45. Keep in mind that there’s no rail atop this system so if you want to add an optic at a later date, you’ll need to pick up a side mount.

The second part of the equation is the lower handguard. K-VAR sells a variety of them from $23-75. All have a stainless steel heat shield. To add it, simply slip the rear end into the receiver and cinch down the opposite side with a special retainer ring or bracket.

There are two styles of retainers.

To keep a traditional look, you can purchase the standard-issue retainer ring from K-VAR for $30. It’s very solid and has a lever, similar to that on the rear sight block, to keep the lower handguard firmly affixed to the barrel. The only caveat is that with this particular setup you’ll have to remove the gas block and the front sight block from the rifle in order to install it. Removing both these parts takes special tools and is best left to a gunsmith.

If you want to keep your rifle as close to original as possible, this is the best way to go.

The handguard retainer ring at left is original equipment for Arsenal and other variants. It’s secured with a lever (visible on the upper left). DPH Arms manufactures a two-piece retainer which is fastened with bolts and can be installed without removing the gas and sight blocks. (Robert Kay)

If you don’t want to go through the hassle of removing the above-mentioned parts, there’s a second style of retainer ring which consists of two pieces.

There are at least three small companies that make these parts. One of the manufacturers, DPH Arms, has a set screw in the center of their retainer ring to help keep it from shifting. It also has shims so that the same unit can be used on a standard AK or taken off so that the retainer can be used on the larger diameter VEPR barrel.

Generally, adding the retainer shouldn’t take any modifications to the handguard. However, Brian Smithwick of Dinzag Arms (which also manufactures retainers) suggests you create a small bulge on the heat shield with a pair of needle nose pliers if you have an AK-74. This protuberance will position the handguard off the barrel and underpin the fit to prevent the AK-74 handguard from sliding up at the front end of the retainer plate.

ring — DPH Arms retainer secures Arsenal lower handguard. (Robert Kay)

To install the retainer from Saiga-AK, one must add a notch or divot on the barrel keep the bracket in place.

I didn’t want to adulterate my barrel, nor remove the gas and front site blocks so I decided to go the DPH Arms route. If you are a stickler for detail, professional builders suggest that you use the original equipment retainer from Arsenal but if you don’t have the tools to remove the parts, the two-part brackets will do the trick. The DPH product retails for $44.99 and worked fine.

Both brackets feature a sling mount loop and a hole that secures the end of the cleaning rod. UltiMAK founder Lyle Keeney suggests that if you have a cleaning rod mounted below the barrel you consider removing it to reduced weight. If you need to clean your rifle in the field you can take a bore snake with you.

There’s third type of aluminum retainer available but I would not recommend it. It’s very easy to strip the threads on this item. You’ll want to make sure and purchase a retainer manufactured from steel.

Although the polymer handguards from Arsenal (or similar units made by other manufacturers), are great at keeping the weight down, a KeyMod handguard system is also an option if you feel it’s absolutely necessary to add other accessories, such as a light or a grip to your rifle.

the-ak-ufm-keymod-lower-handguard — The AK-UFM KeyMod lower handguard from Krebs Custom is only 6.6 oz., including the add-on Picatinny rail. (Robert Kay)

KeyMod handguards, such as the AK-UFM model for AKM rifles manufactured by Krebs Custom, are made from aircraft aluminum and they are really light. At 6.6 ounces (including the Picatinny rail) it definitely falls into the “minimalist” camp.

Another weight saving measure is to change out your buttstock if you’re using a collapsible, AR 15-style system. There are a number of lightweight units available including the Rogers Super-Stoc, the Mission First Tactical “Minimalist” model and the CTR from Magpul. In this chapter (see section below) I’ve reviewed these products and other options that are both comfortable, and lightweight.

The lesson is to think twice before you buying add-ons, such as a full-blown tactical handguard/rail system. If you can eschew adding stuff that you don’t really need, or replace your existing gear with something lighter, by all means do so.

With AKs less is always more.

Online Resources

October 15, 2016 By Robert Kay

Online AK Forums

Although there’s no one “Kalashnikov AK-47 Central” website, there are a number of excellent online resources to find reviews of guns, gear and comradeship with fellow travelers.

A great way to keep on top of new innovations or learn about existing “stuff” in great depth is by joining either The AK Files Forums or the AK Forum.net. Or both. Like any forum they have discussion groups on various variants, ammo, optics and other gear. If you want to get insights on your particular brand of rifle, this is the place to go. If you want to delve into esoterica about milled receivers, reloading, slant brakes or RPKs, hanging out at these forums will certainly educate you.

Bloggers who regularly cover the AK Space

On Facebook the AK Operators Union, Local 47-74 otherwise known as “AKOU” is all AK, all the time. It was founded by Rob Ski who produces product reviews, videos, training exercises, thoughtful commentary and rants on everything AK. He’s famous for dropping rifles and other gear until they literally break. Unlike many so-called “Operators” he was actually trained with an AK as part of his military service in Poland. Many of his FB members are from Eastern Europe including Russia, Poland, and Serbia. Rob acts as a bridge between the East and West. In addition to his commentary, he runs an online store which sells gear that he has personally vetted. He also has Website, a Twitter feed and a YouTube Channel.

Tim Harmsen, aka “Mac”, is the host of the Military Arms Channel, Full30 and Military Arms Channel Facebook page. Affable and extremely knowledgeable, he covers the gamut when it comes to firearms but has a special place in his heart for the AK platform. He’s also an entrepreneur who sells a variety of first class firearms at his Copper Custom store which is both an online and bricks and mortar affair.

AK47ChatterBox.COM is actually a Facebook page run by Mike Vican. Mike has a sort of 30,000 foot view of the AK space and he republishes reviews from AKOU, Mrgunsngear and other Internet sources. His page is also strictly AK and just perusing it will give you a great feel for what’s out there in the way of rifles and accessories.

mrgunsngear-has-done-numerous — Mrgunsngear has done numerous video reviews of AK-centric products. (Courtesy Mrgunsngear)

Mrgunsngear is also popular Internet gun guru who has a strong affinity for the AK. A graduate of the Massachusetts Criminal Justice Training Center, Mike has done stints in the USAF as well as the Army. He’s not connected to any kind of business venture that conflicts with his video blogging. If he finds flaws in a product he’s reviewing, he’ll tell you without worrying about offending the manufacturer. We respect him greatly for that. He has produced over 600 videos to date.

Larry Vickers a highly decorated Special Ops veteran, offers classes around the country under the aegis of his company, Vickers Tactical. Considered the dean of tactical training, he’s also a big fan of the AK platform. A firearms historian and gunsmith his video, Inside the AK 74, has received over a 1.2 million visitors on YouTube and counting.

Graham Baates, a contributor to this book, owes his respect of the AK platform to his combat experiences in Iraq and Afghanistan. After a decade of specializing in small arms and Eastern European studies for the US Army, Graham currently works as a consultant and has a popular YouTube channel with a number videos on the AK platform as well as other subjects.

Informational Websites

There aren’t too many of these. A company called Ultimak, which designs AK rails, has a terrific User Resources page with background info on electronic sights, FAQs and basic instructions on removing and replacing an AK stock. Cheaper than Dirt, the online store, has a blog style Buyer’s Guide to the AK Family of Rifles that’s quite good, albeit dated. Likewise, AR15.com has a comprehensive AK Buyers Guide with a gallery that illustrates a number of variants.

Where to Buy Guns and Accessories

Naturally every vendor of AK “stuff” has a Facebook page and a website. I prefer the FB pages simply because they are updated regularly.

Here are some places to go where you’ll get quality products:

>>AK Builder.com is a one stop shop for the hobbyist. You can purchase parts, parts kits and all manner of tools.

>>Apex Gun Parts sells AK kits and a plethora of parts.

>>Atlantic Firearms is the largest volume seller of AK rifles in the nation. They have

>>Aim Surplus has a nice selection of AKs–both foreign and domestic.

>>Brownells has a tremendous selection of AK parts. They also have an excellent tech support lineup that can be extremely helpful.

>>Carolina Shooters Supply has a wide variety of AK rails, handguards and the like.

>>Circle 10 AK sells exclusively AK parts such as muzzle brakes and handguards as well as rifles.

>>Childers Guns specializes in AK parts, particularly high-end, affordably priced receivers and makes a first class retaining plate.

>>CNC Warrior, Bonesteel Arms and StormWerkz all sell adapters that allow you to place AR style stocks on AKs.

>>Copper Custom, owned by Internet celeb Tim Harmsen sells high quality AKs, among other guns.

>>Definitive Arms builds a variety of semi-custom AKs that are highly regarded.

>>K-VAR.com sells a plethora of imported and domestic AK parts. It distributes Arsenal rifles and has a very knowledgeable sales staff.

>>Krebs Custom builds high end semi-custom AK rifles and a number of parts designed in house such as KeyMod rails, gun sights, and safety selectors.

>>M-13 Industries, out of Las Vegas does custom builds and has an excellent selection of AK barrels, magazines, tools, muzzle devices and the like.

>>Magpul, a rather large name in the AR 15 space, also sells AK-centric parts such as magazines, stocks, handguards and other furniture.

>>Midwest Industries manufactures a variety of good quality AK parts at reasonable prices.

>>Red Star Arms has a number of specialty parts such as high quality triggers, disconnector springs, sights and retainers.

>>Rifle Dynamics is well known for their top flight semi-custom guns and manufactures their own proprietary parts such as an M4 adapter and a custom rear sight. They also offer build-your-own AK classes at their Las Vegas shop. I’ve heard great things about the classes, which usually fill up way ahead of time.

>>RS Regulate sells state-of-the-art AK optics mounts that will fit most variants.

>>Tapco, primarily a manufacturer of AR gear, also sells AK parts such as magazines, triggers and grips.

>>Ultimak sells lightweight rails, mounting systems and optics that fit just about every AK variant.>

>>SGM Tactical has a variety of items specifically for the VEPR. This includes rails, stocks, handguards and muzzle brakes.

>>Vltor sells mostly AR parts but has a few high end AK items such as a stock adapter.

>>R&R Targets specializes in custom parts for Saiga Shotguns and AKs. This includes a souped-up Tapco G2 trigger, an AK to AR style stock adapter, a custom safety, handguards and other items.

>>Echo Nine Three sells slings, sling adapters, furniture and other AK items. They have really nice art on their FB page.

>>In Hawaii you’ll want to get in touch with Brian Takaba over at X-Ring Security who knows his way around AKs.

Online Sales Sites

>>Gunbroker.com is the biggest and baddest auction site of all. They sell both guns and gun parts.

>>Armslist.com has guns for sale by owners and dealers at a fixed price. They divvy up their site state by state.

>>Gunsamerica.com also has a wide variety of firearms for sale by owners and dealers.

>>Auctionarms.com is a site where my colleagues and I have purchased a number of items through the years with good experiences.

>>GunsSafeTips.com has a wealth of information on gun storage to keep your collection safe and sound.

Advanced Training

If you want to get proficient on your rifle a good step to take, says Graham Baates a contributor to this book, is to take an advanced carbine course. These are available at facilities such as Front Sight in Nevada, Thunder Ranch in Oregon, and Bill Rogers Shooting School in Georgia. There are a host of lesser known schools that are perfectly suitable.

The caveat is that if you’re interested in a particular school, first ascertain if there’s an instructor at the school who is familiar with the AK platform before you plunk down your fee. Advanced students might consider courses from the AK Operators Union, Vickers Tactical or Haley Strategic. There are undoubtedly other good courses out there for AK-centric individuals.

AK Books

THE GUN is a Pulitzer Prize winning book by NY Times reporter and former marine, CJ Chivers. The book is a social history of the AK-47 (which he has called a “stubbornly mediocre arm”) that examines the origins and proliferation of automatic arms, and their influence on war.

He chronicles the development of the AK in detail. For example, Chivers reports that contrary to popular belief the AK was not the sole brainchild of Mikhail Kalashnikov. Rather it was a rifle designed, Soviet style, by committee. If you’re going to read one book on the history of this rifle, this is it.

(CJ Chivers’ blog is also well worth visiting and has some graphic photos of the kind of mayhem that an AK can wreak.)

AK-47 the Grim Reaper by Frank Iannamico is considered by many as the definitive collector’s book on the AK platform. With 1100 plus pages, it covers the complete series of the AK rifles country by country, and is illustrated with photos that examine the most minute details. This entails photos of that identify individual rifles by manufacturer, year and serial number, markings, etc.

The World’s Assault Rifles by Gary Paul Johnston and Thomas B. Nelson is a 1200 page tome with nearly 2,000 illustrations that exhaustively covers every facet of the assault rifle, country by country. Take-down, theory of operation, and history of development are examined for all weapons. AK enthusiasts will note that the first chapter looks at the evolution of rifle ammunition with special attention to the genesis of the Russian 7.62x39mm AK-47 round.

Brian Conrad of Krebs Custom suggests that those interested in the AK should try to obtain Masami Tokoi’s masterpiece, AK-47 & Kalashnikov Variations, which is out of print.

Online Resources for research for your Kalashnikov AK-47 quest