Hey guys, I am very well versed in ARs but not in AKs.

I've been looking at AK pistols and see all different kinds but what concerns me most is the modularity of them.

My goal is to accomplish the following things in my build.

1. Have a barrel length long enough to use a standard AK handguard, I want to use the magpul handguard, and I want the shortest possible barrel to do it.
2. I want to have the attero arms optic mount - it mounts to AKs with a standard rear sight (I see some pistols with different types of rear sights)
3. I want to have a folding stock using the KAK blade.

My biggest confusion comes from the pistol brace. I don't understand these AK Pistols, a lot look like they have a solid back plate.

The SB  tactical braces look cool but they don't fold, and how do they install? From these pics it looks like they might slip into openings? https://bigarmory.com/ak-47/pistol-braces.html

What I'd really like to do is use a folding stock adapter like some of these https://bigarmory.com/ak-47/stock-adapters.html http://www.primaryarms.com/utg-ak-47-side-folding-stock-adapter-tl-k7fad01

And then use the KAK Blade.

Can someone point me in the right direction about what AK I should be looking for and tell me a little more about these back plate/how I would install a blade on it?

This one seems like it could be almost perfect but I think the stock looks weird where it mates to the receiver, and it doesn't fold. https://www.preppergunshop.com/century-c39v2-7-62x39-ak-pistol-10-6-barrel-w-magpul-moe-grip-moe-handguard-installed-sb-tactical-sob47-arm-brace-1-30rd-mag

I'll give you a more detailed response when I'm home, but you're not going to be able to fully fold the KAK blade, unfortunately.

Appreciate it and look forward to your response.

Can I fully fold anything?

I have been doing research in the meantime, I saw that there are some mounts that use shims. The SB Tactical brace shims seem ok, but the US machinegun ones look real bulky.

I also don't like the idea of shims at all so I would want to avoid them if possible.

I actually take that back as I was speaking purely from the position of using an adapter with the original military style folding rear trunnion. If you install one of these:

http://ak-builder.com/index.php?dispatch=products.view&product_id=29873

with this:

https://bigarmory.com/a504-dbst-ace-folding-mechanism-for-ak-841348100737.html

You should be able to fold the KAK blade.

I did a build similar, but utilizing the original pattern folder, which as I said, doesn't allow you to fully fold with the AR type adapters.



I did this one for a friend where he wanted to have the shortest possible barrel while still using standard handguards. It uses that same modular rear trunnion but this was before the braces really were a thing:

Ok so this is perfect. Both price and also clean wise.

So can you tell me a little more?

I am guessing to install that rear trunion is not a peice of cake right? I would have to remove the existing rivets/trunion, then install this one and install new rivets?

My other question is about the handguard and shortest possible barrel length.

What is the shortest possible barrel length to use standard AK handguards?

And also what type of pistol is that in your picture?

Looks badass!!! I love that grip I want to hold one. I have a k2 right now that I just bought and I love it.

What will you be using as a base? An already assembled pistol or a kit?

I'll likely just use an already assembled pistol. I could buy whatever one is best for this application.

I'd be open to a kit I guess if it was something I. Like tackle.

I've built 5 ARs but I know they're a whole lot different than AKs.

Just buy a Draco and add a folding pistol brace. Draco's use standard furniture and sight leafs.

All you have to do is drill and tap the rear trunnion for the brace.

So I drill and tap it for that ace folding mechanism right?

Then it just screws right in after I drill and thread it?

I never had to thread. I threaded my barrel but never tapped for a screw. It's easy to mess up isn't it?

Aside from that the whole thing doesn't sound too painful.

Also I just at watched a video and the guy said the Draco barrel is like 11.5"

Are there any shorter barreled AK pistols that will accept a Magpul handguard?

Nothing that's readily available. Your biggest hurdle is the gas tube, as it can only go so short before it requires moving the retainers, which then won't accept the standard upper handguard.

Would this work? https://www.preppergunshop.com/century-draco-ak-century-arms-us-draco-7-62x39-ak-pistol-10-5-barrel-1-30rd-mag/

Because that would be perfect.

However I'm concerned because it said US Made .... so does that mean its a RAS47? I've heard they are crap.

Yeah, it's pretty much a RAS with a combo block on the barrel. They put Draco in the name to cash in on the popularity of the Romanian offering.

That's bullshit and makes me hate them even more.

So does the Romanian draco come in a 10.5 barrel? Or only the 12"?

A similar option looks like the m92 NPAP ... I heard it's heavier, but does it use standard handguards? It looks shorter?

Also for the record, I would be OK if I had to sacrifice the top handguard as long as I could use the lower one. So if there are other options I would go with that.

Also the RAS47 would be a deal breaker with the attero mount I think it has problems with it, since apparently it's so difficult for century to just make an exact quality copy!