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[ARCHIVED THREAD] - Favorite side-folding AK?

Posted: 2/16/2021 11:19:51 PM EDT

I’m looking for a side-folder, either polymer or triangle. Although readily available, I’m not too keen on the SAM7 side-folder, mainly for cosmetic reasons (the mechanism protrudes awkwardly from the back of the receiver). I would prefer something like an AK-100: low profile, strong, and integrated into the receiver.

So, what is your current favorite side-folder? Or, asked another way, what’s the best one out there right now?

Posted: 2/16/2021 11:29:54 PM EDT

[#1]

Are there any out there right now?

I've seen some kits here and there but the no-barrel thing killed kits for me.

Posted: 2/16/2021 11:36:20 PM EDT

[#2]

Looks like the only things available is the SAM7SF and ZPAP folder. I’ve got a SAM7SF probably the best folder I’ve owned. Agrees it looks wonky but that’s how the Bulgarians make them.

Posted: 2/16/2021 11:59:38 PM EDT

[#3]

Well you got wire folders, crutch folder, and triangle folders.

These polymer side folders are actually comfortable from
Arsenal

https://www.arsenalinc.com/usa/black-set-polymer-folder-warsaw-length.html

Posted: 2/17/2021 12:00:11 AM EDT

[#4]

Definitely the 4.5 and 5.5 folders are the best, polymer and triangle are equal for me, I use both. There are also a lot more aftermarket options for those hinges as well.
Any AK with standard stamped receiver can have the folder installed, just needs to be done by a competent AK gunsmith.

Posted: 2/17/2021 12:07:38 AM EDT

[#5]

Sorry to sidetrack, what is Warsaw length?

Posted: 2/17/2021 12:18:02 AM EDT

[#6]

Quoted:
Sorry to sidetrack, what is Warsaw length?

View Quote

Warsaw is around 8 in. Nato is around 9 in. From what I've been told, it has more to do with how Warsaw pact soldiers were taught to hold the rifle, and less to do with any real difference in the size of the soldier.

Posted: 2/17/2021 12:21:04 AM EDT

[#7]

Quote History

Quoted:
Well you got wire folders, crutch folder, and triangle folders.

These polymer side folders are actually comfortable from
Arsenal

https://www.arsenalinc.com/usa/black-set-polymer-folder-warsaw-length.html

https://i.ibb.co/JcYGHj2/133-F23-A2-43-B3-4703-AD72-A69-E095-F767-B.jpg

https://i.ibb.co/DW6Yb7X/604-B492-E-4389-4073-BECF-6-C881839754-B.jpg

View Quote

Awesome collection!

That Arsenal with the polymer stock is pretty much what I'm looking for, but a carbine-length version, rather than an SBR. I have yet to find one though.

Posted: 2/17/2021 12:23:01 AM EDT

[#8]

Quoted:

So, what is your current favorite side-folder? Or, asked another way, what’s the best one out there right now?

View Quote

I own a lot of kalashnikov rifles, and nothing is cooler to me than the AK74M pattern. The French would say it has a certain je ne sais quoi.

Best of luck to you.

Posted: 2/17/2021 12:37:51 AM EDT

[#9]

Quote History

Quoted:

Warsaw is around 8 in. Nato is around 9 in. From what I've been told, it has more to do with how Warsaw pact soldiers were taught to hold the rifle, and less to do with any real difference in the size of the soldier.

View Quote View All Quotes

View All Quotes

Quote History

Quoted:

Quoted:
Sorry to sidetrack, what is Warsaw length?

Warsaw is around 8 in. Nato is around 9 in. From what I've been told, it has more to do with how Warsaw pact soldiers were taught to hold the rifle, and less to do with any real difference in the size of the soldier.

Thanks.

Posted: 2/17/2021 4:00:55 PM EDT

[#10]

Quote History

Quoted:

Awesome collection!

That Arsenal with the polymer stock is pretty much what I'm looking for, but a carbine-length version, rather than an SBR. I have yet to find one though.

View Quote

Thank you! The side folders are the same length for sbr’s or standard rifles I believe

Posted: 2/17/2021 4:10:13 PM EDT

[#11]

I only have one. (2 if you count the Saiga)

Posted: 2/17/2021 10:52:45 PM EDT

[#12]

Favorite? This one. Not mine, and it's all nostalgia from my childhood.

Posted: 2/18/2021 8:04:59 PM EDT

[#13]

Original IMI Galil is my fav. Followed by the SAM7.

Posted: 2/18/2021 10:07:38 PM EDT

[#14]

Quote History

Quoted:
Original IMI Galil is my fav. Followed by the SAM7.

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Ha! Me too for the Galil but I dont think that is what the OP is asking. I think that for looks, the metal triangle side folder is the best and even if not available currently you can find a side folder that will accept a triangle side folder without too much trouble.

For practical use, the polymer AK74M / AK100 series is the best of both worlds (just make sure if you are trying swap parts you make sure the parts are compatible - 4.5 hinge vs. 5.5 hinge).