Hello,

I am a new AK owner.

Couple of goals I would like to meet with this weapon,

increase accuracy ( I know it is not a sniper rifle or an AR, but I want to get it as good as it can get)

cowitness a reddot  (affordable red dot for now, soldier on a budget here) (before you ask I like cowitnessing my optics, my preferance)

better hi vis front sight post (depending on price)

left hand charging ( i got this i think)

left side saftey  ( also think I found this solution with right thumb mod)

Mod safety to hold bolt open ( simple notch teh stock safety)

still want to be able to break down and clean easily ( hence no side scope mounts dont like them)

AFFORDABLE !!

Area I need assistance is with accuaracy and cowitness setup

Weapon has a UTG quad rail hand guard on it now.

It has the side scope mount, but I will be removing that so I can do the safety mod.

There is no flash suppressor just a ring, and it has been tack welded on. I plan on a tapco slant muzzle device

I have read that some handguards effect accuracy.

The UTG has a handle I plan on removing that all I want up front underneath is a MAGPUL AFG

it has collapsible stock

I may be able to sell the UTG setup to help fund the build.

Ultimak gas tube with a Bushnell TRS-25 red dot.  Lower 1/3 co-witness.  Rock solid, very durable, very affordable.

If you really want left hand charging, go with this:
http://lastroundholdopenak47.com/index.php?route=product/product&product_id=50

As for co-witness, you can try the TWS Dog Leg & Primary Arms combo:
https://www.primaryarms.com/TWS-Dog-Leg-Scope-Rail-For-Primary-Arms-MD-06L-B-p/tws32414md06l.htm

You could use this for left side safety, but you'd have to mod your receiver a bit by cutting a small slot for it to go through:
http://www.k-var.com/shop/AK-335RL.html

As far as accuracy goes, a red dot sight is the best way to increase your accuracy with an AK, short of increasing your sight radius and using a smaller front post.
Replacing your trigger group will also help, and all replacement triggers will be better than what your AK comes with, unless it came with a Tapco G2. There are adjustable and 2-stage triggers available.

You can also add a muzzle brake/comp to help with follow-up shots; the Manticore Night Brake probably offers the best performance for the money:
http://www.manticorearms.com/NightBrake-for-14x1L-MA-1214.htm

When you use the gas tube, what do you use for the handguard?

Whatever you like.  I used the LHV-47 lower handguard, but user preference means someone else might prefer something different.










 
 

The setup I have it looks like the top is holding the bottom on.

I like that LINCH cover, a bit higher then the route i was going to take, but nice setup.

Not of fan of the dog leg setup.

For the safety i was thinking of this
http://www.sniperhandle.com/p1.html

I also like the brake, I was thinking the slant based on this, but will look at that one.
http://www.thetruthaboutguns.com/2012/12/chris-dumm/ak-muzzle-device-test-part-1-recoil-reduction/

The Ultimak attaches to the barrel.  It doesn't need the lower handguard for anything.



 

The Russians are moving towards hinged topcovers with aftermarket mods and their new designs.

You can spend anywhere from $10 for a tapco slant brake or AK-74 style brake or even Damage Industries "Howitzer" brake, or up to $200 for a Venom Antidote comp/brake.
The slant brake is actually too effective of a muzzle device (it pushes the muzzle below your POA) and was designed primarily for use in full auto fire when used by a right handed shooter.
I'm not sure how well the Tapco AK-74 style brake compares to the real thing, but it is definitely much heavier, which should help with muzzle rise. Only disadvantage to the 74' style brake is the muzzle flash.

Here is a lot of info on muzzle devices:

http://www.akoperatorsunionlocal4774.com/2014/03/ak-muzzle-devices-top-6-first-six/
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sHUst1Ivzlo

Venom Antidote
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Odv-kvSxPhAo

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h2A6_pgCt2oo

Manticore Nightbrake
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WistnSL0tKwo


If you're going to use the Ultimak and an AFG on a railed forend, watch your hand, the Ultimak gets hot. I use the Russian technique of gripping the magazine, something you might want to try; you might also want to try the "AK roll" for reloading and charging the rifle.
The only AK that I know of with AR style controls is the Definitive Arms 5.56 Saiga conversion, which allows the use of STANAG mags, and has an AR style bolt hold open and mag release.

I see that that gas tube is independant of all else.   I am just not sure that I can remove the top cover of my current handguard and the bottom will still remain.   I would like rails on the handguard, at very least teh bottom so I can instal a http://store.magpul.com/product/MAG414/88

what is installed now is one of these http://www.aimsurplus.com/product.aspx?item=XUTGMTU009&name=UTG+Quad+Rail+AK+Handguard+System&groupid=64

I am not familair enough with accys to know if I can retain just the lower

It is being retained by the handguard retainer and the tab on the rail that sits inside the receiver.

One of the best ways to increase accuracy is to carefully select the ammo for it....I have settled for Brown Bear mostly....Try various makers and various tips...Good luck to you...