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[ARCHIVED THREAD] - Modernized AK (Page 1 of 2)
Posted: 9/1/2008 8:58:32 AM EDT
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I know a lot of people hate them. Personally, I don't understand why they don't want to improve their weapon. Adding a Aimpoint and Streamlight M3X make it much more useful in a CQB type situation. The vertical grip and Ace folding stock are a personal preference thing. I also think the Lightning Bolt kit moving the charging handle to the left side make it much more user friendly, at least for me. Who else has a "modernized" AK? Please posts some pics and tell us about them if you do. Jay  
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http://i252.photobucket.com/albums/hh16/gigaphun/A6%20Christmas%20Party/My%20toys/Romainan_ak47.jpg I am using a Tasco red dot sight with a 40rd mag the rails are from UTG which I will soon replace. This is the grouping i get from the 25 yard range at a standing postion http://i252.photobucket.com/albums/hh16/gigaphun/26march2008rangetarget.jpg |
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These are the two configurations I like best: PK-AS and Z5 light (1st photo) and Kobra with Surefire VG/Light knockoff (2nd photo) These were really working mock ups of what I wanted to do with my SLR107UR, I have since returned the 105 to a more traditional look.    Now for the 107, this is how I usually keep it:  I really like the VG and light placement, the 107UR feels balanced and very controllable like this. My only real complaint about adding rails and devices to the front of an AK is that for me, it tends to make it feel too heavy and slightly unbalanced. I also prefer a more authentic/Russian AK look, so I try to stick with Russian accessories where possible. I used to have a nice Znich for my 105, but it broke, so I had to get something western instead. During that time I decided that if I ever went SBR on the 107 that it would make more sense for it to be tacticool anyway, so I opted to keep the 105 with a more classic look and make the 107 my modernized AK. Z |
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If me going ape shit with a saw, lathe and welding machine qualifies me... then yes, I have modern aks. Didn't make any of the changes below "just becuase", changes were driven by desire to have a better handling system. Function manipulation speed and fluid motion were at the top of the list. Still tweeking, but way better than ordinary AKs.         |
Amazing Tantal  Thats some wild shit!I was wondering how that Surefire worked out for you (saw where u bought one). Cool setups 
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What kind of rail are you running? Jay |
Looks great and practical to me. |
For my part, I am absolutely NAUSEATED by the sight of an AR-style stock on an AK. For lack of a better comparison, it looks somewhat like the offspring of a elephant that fucked a platypus to me. There, I said it!  But I think what most sane people hate (myself included) is the 'Tapcofucking' of an AK, by which I mean the addition of CHEAP, CHEESY, POS accessories which have no business being displayed on the same gunshow table with a good AK, let alone mounted thereon. These tacti-crap accessories I refer to do not constitute modernization OR improvement, only bastardization. Nothing wrong with your setup, though! The left side CH ain't for me, and neither is the VFG, but like you say that's personal preference. Here's mine:  PMKMS with Ultimak, Aimpoint Micro T1, Streamlight TLR1, Kvar handguards, and Jtac brake (since replaced with a birdcage). I had to devise the mount for the Streamlight myself, and I have to say I think it came out very well. Next time I do it I'm gonna take pictures and post details. Oh, and before anybody jumps my shit, that AR sling will be gone shortly too. It's all I had to put on there until I find what I want. 
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Very nice weapon... I eventually want to swap out my Aimpoint for a Micro. Jay |
You won't be sorry!  While you're at it go with Ultimak rails, you won't regret that either, I promise. I used to have 'em, but I found out a VFG wasn't for me so there was no need for all the extra weight. I like 'em light. Mine weighs in at 9lbs 7oz loaded, which is pretty damn good for what you're getting. Just for comparison, a loaded Yugo underfolder weighs about five ounces more, bone stock. |
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The SureFire rail is a bulky bastard, not heavy, just too much god damn rail space. It makes up for that excessive rail space nonsense by not clamping to the barrel. For me, when I drop 5-6 mags, I don't want to worry about my VFG, light, sight, gloves etc melting to kingdom come. The LH charging handle takes a bit of getting used to, after it smaks the shit out of the thumb on your left hand, you instantly remember that the change to your AK you were thinking about making, well you actually did make. Getting past that, it is waaaay faster to manipulate than the traditional charging handle. It has its downfalls, it's not perfect, but the trade off makes it worth it (I think...). For me, overall rifle length is a crucial factor in traversing across obstacles, navigating rough terrain, transitioning from a relaxed sling stance to a shouldered weapon stance etc. My AKs have muzzle devices that add a minimum of 2.5" to 3" to the OAL. On a Tantal, that added length doesn't do shit for me, I don't need a grenade launching muzzle device.... Both of the AKs shown in photos earlier have a modified OAL of 35.5", in factory form they are around 37". It doesn't sound like much, but it is the same as going from a 16" barreled AR to a 14.5", immediately noticeable difference. Both Tantals have factory barrels, but the muzzle device mods are easily distinguishable when it comes to OAL. 
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last time i had my feet showing Last nite was an expensive one!!! Ultimak Lower, CAA CBS stock, sling mount and 3pt sling. 2 day a Crate of 5.45  Feeding the beast. Pick of my Vector, i took the lower and stock off for my tantal. Jayteam's Ace folder made it pretty hard not to go with one.  Hell i still may buy one, they look great!!!!
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| Hey DixieDawg how did you like that J-Tac47 brake? Does it really work or are the claims bullshit? I was thinking about getting one but want something that works. Or i'll just go with a good flash hider like the bulgarian AR-M1 (133BU). Great looking rifles guys |
That is a Sweet UF  Castillo nice job on that rifle Dont say that was Ez to do
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Is the ACOG a little high for the UF cheek weld? Jay |
Yes it is, a little bit; but not as bad as you might think. |
I wasn't impressed with that Jtac at all. |
So that rail is pretty much useless with that left side charger huh? |
I love the SOPMOD on my LMT. I'm betting it's pretty sweet on an AK too. I keep seeing AK's with an Aimpoint Micro, and they make me lust after one for mine even more. Jay |
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Makes it ez'er for the Wify She bitches about the ugly wood and she bitches about the stock being too long. So if i want to go shooting more often, she doesnt mind if i have a rifle that she can shoot too. Your forgetting whats its like being married. Lucky Bastard |
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dig the sbr.....who chopped down the barrel for you? |
honestly, I think they take a great russian design, and makes it look like an Airsoft gun. Would you put 26 inch spinners on a 64 mustang? Didn't think so... Just my opinion. If it functions for you, and you like um, knock yourself out. |
I love AK's. AK ergos and sights are horrible |
I went with the Vltor tube and love it. The LOP is adjustable and the LMT SOPMOD butt stock is outstanding. Reasoning/mentality? For me it's comfort and a similar cheek weld on my LMT SOPMOD equipped M14s. 
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That is apples and oranges, IMHO. The Mustang, which started in64&1/2 BTW, is a classic car. The AK is a weapon, and a utilitarian one at that. It wasn't designed to be pretty. It was designed to kill people. All swapping stocks, adding optics, etc does is help it achieve it's original goal in a more effective manner. Jay |
I disagree, but like I said, in the end, it's *your* rifle, and nothing is wrong, if it serves you well. For me, my comfy tack driver is a few AR's with ACOG's, rails and adjustable stocks. My AK purchase was to fill a void. I wanted a simple rifle, that was good for short to medium range accuracy (0-200yrd iron). No extra bells, to break and add weight. No plastic, No accesories, just metal and wood. And low cost 7.62x39 cal ammo. And one more thing.... I do understand the first mustang were built in 64 1/2 (March to be specific) (not that is makes a difference). A good friend on mine, has an original build in Dearborn. Sweet ride, even without 26 spinners! |
Don't get me wrong. I'm an AR guy too. I absolutely love my LMT. I just see my AK like my Glocks... They are utilitarian. You don't care if they get dirty or scratched. They are both dead nuts reliable and will go bang every time, not matter what. Are AK's and Glocks as sexy as AR's and 1911's... NO. Do they have a place in my arsenal... Absolutely. Jay |
I think you're both right. The ARs are the beauties, and the AKs are to spit out cheap rounds without regard to appearances. But a long day at the range shooting an AK can be a little nicer if you slap a collapsible stock with a rubber buttpad on it. That said, I also prefer the wood stock, original look for the AK. |
Personally I can't stand it when people talk about the aesthetics of their weapons. They are, for the most part, simply tools and when you elevate them to a status above "tool" you respect the weapon for the wrong reasons and are doing nothing but collecting. Now I realize there is a place for a good-looking weapon, but few AK rifles are true collector's items and putting a collapsible stock on is doing nothing but enhancing it's utility and ergonomics. Worrying about the looks of an already ugly AK seems pretty ridiculous. Speaking of worrying about looks, I was in a small town in Missouri a few weeks ago. The sheriffs there still wore six-shooters and carried the ammo in loops on their pistol belts. That looked pretty good, but as soon as one of them has to confront a dangerous criminal armed with a modern weapon, they're going to wish they had semi-autos or at least speed loaders just before they die. Some serious priority issues going on there. Also, plastic doesn't add weight, most of the time it's lighter than wood and stronger. |
I love the traditional furniture AKs...but I love ALL guns. As most here, I already own most of the traditional looking AKs I wanted to put together something different and also enjoy the folder and collapsible stock options on the same gun. Storage, transport and also adjust the stock length for shoulder comfort....in one package. The AR stock does a great job for my sight picture and shoulder on one of my configurations. But I also have a hidden agenda. If I can get "mainstream" gun-owners excited about a particular configuration, using one of my guns (traditional look or not), and become part of the AK community then I'm doing my job by including more folks to support our rifles. I'll be adding a Larue's new Iron Dot soon....I know it's not a Russian original/traditional sight...but I'm getting it anyways...with my old eyes and small AK rear sight this sight seems to be a good thing for me LIFE IS TOO SHORT, ENJOY IT. |
[ARCHIVED THREAD] - Modernized AK (Page 1 of 2)
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