Does anyone know of a left handed (sling mount on the right side to accomodate a left handed shooter) lower handguard retainer for an AK?
It seems like someone would make that,

Thanks in advance

Wondered the same thing myself. Any way, this is what I'm going with:

http://www.blueforcegear.com/product.cfm?type=cat&cat_id=5&prod_id=81

I also purchased a sling with the wire attachment and it is better, but still not great.
I have a Tapco sidefloding stock on my gun (REALLY want to change out the furniture to KVAR) and I dremeled out (really sloppy-like) a sling attachment point on the right side so I have that end covered, just need to figure out a solution for the front so the gun isn't constantly twisting on me. Anyone that is a decent metalworker could probably make some cash coming up with something like that. I'm sure I'm not the only lefty out there looking for a solution.

On a side not - I think AK's and many guns for that matter are very lefty friendly. It is much easier to run the bolt on an AK with your right hand while maintaining a firing grip with your left. Also, I think my Remington 870 is super easy to charge. I keep the mag tube loaded on an empty chamber. I can grab the gun by the reciever trigger guard area and simultaneously release the slide lock while shouldering the gun, and running the pump with my right hand. I think their are alot of great advantages for leftys on many guns, just no aftermarket support.

Or for casual use, if it's just the big metal clip on the std ak slong that ruins it on the trip to the other side, then consider

http://www.cdnninvestments.com/slings.html
4.99 ak/sks sling has simple leather loop fittings

great for lots of milsurps if the AK plan does not work out

This was my solution on an Arsenal A1R.

The handguard is easy. You just have to drill the proper sized holes, then bolt it to the heat sheild. You'll probably have to clearance the bolt so it doesn't touch the barrel, but it's not a big deal with a dremel. Be careful with the positioning of the heat shield, so you can get the dang thing back on (ask me how I know!).
The rear is a little trickier, a spacer will be needed so that the swivel will mount about 2mm higher than the surface of the stock, some of those nylon spacers at Lowe's work well (hardware section). You will also have to countersink the bolt on the other side (under the stock sling mount) so the stock hardware will fit flush. If you do it right, the swivel mount will sit between the "legs" of the stock sling mount and is very secure (you'll see when you take the whole mess apart).

Edwin
Thanks for the reply.
A few quick questions - It sounds like the swivel in the buttstock is attached by a bolt that runs all the way through the stock and is then pushed out far enough to work by a plastic spacer on the swivel side, correct? If so the bolt that goes all the way through the stock is hidden by the original sling mount on that side of the stock, right?

Thanks in advance.
I've been trying to figure out a solution to being left handed for a while now, and your's makes alot of sense

Thanks so much for the ideas and tips.

I'm off to try to find all the parts I need to make this happen.
I'll put up some pics when I get it all together.

There should be a sticky for all things LEFT HANDED!

Great collection you have there as well!

So I got the sling swivels installed. A huge thanks to Edwin for the inspiration and tips. Mine don't look as pretty as yours, but they're in there and not coming loose. What a difference! This must be what it is like to be right handed. The rifle hangs perfectly, It is easy to adjust and easy to mount the gun from a patrol style carry. Fantastic.
It was a bit tricky - had to cut down the front bolt to ensure it wasn't hitting the barrel or the gas tube. Also, I didn't have the right size drill bit so used a Dremel for quite a few steps of the process!

One thing I learned after spending $34 at a gun store for the 1 1/4 inch swivels and a complete other set of 1 inch swivels with the studs.... go to Walmart! Total cost would have been about $16. I just never thought Walmart would have those (especially the 1 1/4 inch ones)


I'm going to take it out shooting tomorrow. Definitely looking forward to using the sling some more and getting comfortable with being comfortable. I'll try to get some pics up tomorrow.
Thanks again Edwin!

There should be a sticky for all things LEFT HANDED!
[/quote]

That would be a great idea, more left handed shooters out there than is generally realized.


Thread title edit to act as the sinastral home in general

i would make one, but thats just me

C'mon guys...you mean nobody thought of this yet?



Various models to fit different different diameter barrels...$13-$17 at Midway.

This is the Model 1052-2, on a Romie G barrel. I'm still building mine, so I haven't gotten to try this out yet...still trying to get the tension adjusted right on the opposing screws.

Nothing like taking inspiriation from the Cowboy Assault Rifle...the Marlin 336

––Otter

Possibly. Your comment JumboJim assumes that you are using the sling for carrying vs. shooting.

If you use the sling for carrying, I fail to see why you need to relocate the sling point (I don't forsee ever needing to unsling my rifle THAT quickly where switching shoulders is necessary). Plus, jabbing as you mentioned might not be that fun.

If you are considering using the sling for shooting, that's another matter entirely. I'm not sure about the inherent accuracy of the rifle necessitating that extra bit of stability. It may help though.... but is it worth it (cost wise)?
-g