AK47 Accessories, grips and things...

FS2K · July 28, 2007, 09:25 AM

While the AK47/AK74's aren't as easily modified as the modular AR15 design is, there are allot of things you can to and things you can change on your trusty Kalashnikov.

Pistol Grips. I never liked the small OEM grips of AK's. The best feeling OEM style grip in my opinion are the grips grips found on the Hungarian AMD's. Everything else feels too short and too thin for my tastes. Lucky thing there are aftermarket replacement options. I have always favored the Ergo grips from Falcon for my AR15's, and it's no different for my AK47's. However, they aren't the only choice out there. I also like the feel and grip angle of the FN "SAW" type AK 47 grips. These also have the added bonus of a trapdoor compartment on the bottom of the grip that you can store batteries and stuff in.

Stocks. The original stocks, like the pistol grips are a little too short for my tastes. As for OEM stocks I like the simple wire folders found on the AMD's as well. They are simple, tough, and lock up Solid. The best reach for a OEM stock are the underfolders, though I am not a fan of these as they tend to loosen up after awhile and become saggy. I suppose adding an AR15 type retractable stock addresses the issue of the short reach of the AK, but I'm a bit of a 'purest' when it comes to such things and don't think AR15 parts have any business hanging off an AK. For me, nothing beats an ACE ltd folder on an AK47. They do require that the mounting tab for the rear stock to be removed in order to work on an AK, but its a small price to pay in my opinion.

Funiature. There's nothing wrong with the stock forearm furniature, but if you plan on using any optics on your AK I recommend replacing the gas tube stock with a weaver railed one from Ultimak. Theya re easy to fit and are high quality items.

Not many options, not compared to what's available for an AR15, but that's because with an AK, you don't need to hang a buch of stuff off of it to have a fine Carbine.

MD_Willington · July 28, 2007, 10:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FS2K

...but if you plan on using any optics on your AK I recommend replacing the gas tube stock with a weaver railed one from Ultimak. They are easy to fit and are high quality items.

And it appears there are plenty in stock as I was at the shop yesterday afternoon... the guys at Ultimak are also very easy going guys, I was there to give them a thanks and to show them my Saiga conversion. They also carry replacement AK furniture and have the G2 double hook FCG's, we ended up discussing Saiga conversions for a x39 they ave at the shop.

Gator Monroe · July 28, 2007, 10:25 AM

And the East German Tobacco can cleaning kit (With a broken shell extractor added) is also a great "bring along item"...

FS2K · July 28, 2007, 10:35 AM

And despite what the old time hardcore AK guys will try to convince you, cleaning your AK47 every now and then will not anger the God's of War.

A Boresnake is also handy.

Manedwolf · July 28, 2007, 11:01 AM

I put the Israel-made "FAB Defense" rail handguard on my Norinco. I liked the looks of it...brings it into the 21st century.

Hedley · July 28, 2007, 04:30 PM

Excellent topic. I'm a purist who feels the AK doesn't need anything but a good operator and maybe a side rail mounted optic to bring it into the 21st century. No extended mag releases, mag funnels, M4 stocks, Tapco anything (except their redeeming G2), lasers, etc. My favorite fixed-stock setup is either the original Russian or Polish laminated set, but those are really hard to find.

My next build will wear that Soviet-red plywood though.

As far as LOP goes, the regular military set is good for me, even though I'm on the tall side. The butt does ride high on my shoulder though. I have a KVAR NATO-length stock and I love it. It's comfortable to shoot, lightweight, and the plum color is the cat's meow. I'm not a big folder fan, but the Romanian/East German side folder is pretty slick. My beater AKM wears one. One of these days I'll build an underfolder, but don't have any interest in shooting one. They just look cool to me.

I just came across an early blond Type-56 set of furniture pictured below and I fell in love. The fat wooden checkered pistol grip and down swept butt stock scream pure Avtomat Kalashnikov and nothing else. The set even has the neat metal ferules on the lower handguard and pistol grip.

I think my three recent builds display my tastes in AK's. All I have to do is replace that fugly "G" forward pistol grip for a Polish handguard set and I'll be good to go.

I also dig the blond Bulgarian sets, so I'm on the lookout for one of those as well.

Jamie Young · July 28, 2007, 04:43 PM

I've done a lot of fixing up on my AKs, but my biggest issue was the number of canted sights, canted front sight towers, and the poorly mounted siderails. I think the 5.45x39 AK is probable one of the best combat rifles out there if you can get a well made one.

FS2K · July 28, 2007, 09:34 PM

Very nice!

The forend furniature of your Norinco really does spiff up your AK don't it Manedwolf? Very cool.

Hedley,

That's a fine selection of Kalashnikov's you have there sir. They all look awesome!

Manedwolf · July 28, 2007, 10:07 PM

Quote:

The forend furniature of your Norinco really does spiff up your AK don't it Manedwolf? Very cool.

I was really pleased with it, yeah. Thanks!

I have no idea what polymer the Israeli company FAB uses, but it feels like you can hammer nails with it! It's in no way plastic, it's the same feel as a pistol frame.

Those side bits are to bolt on two additional short rails for lights or such if you want. It's probably going to end up (in its kinda-showoff-tacticool and actual SHTF configuration) with a folding front grip on the underside rail, an EOtech on the top rail, and a Streamlight M3 on the right upper side.

It already has a folding stock, too. And, of course, the Bulgie Waffle mags, which I love. Definitely a capable rifle when equipped like that, I think!

If I ever do up a "Soviet Propaganda Poster Classic" sort, I'd probably start with a Saiga as the basis of it. It's only proper to use a real Russian AK made in the place where Mr. Kalashnikov still works.

Hedley · July 28, 2007, 10:16 PM

Manedwolf- I really need to find a Norinco. I can't get over how nice and beefy that gas block looks. She's pretty.

FS2K · July 29, 2007, 11:40 AM

Maybe that set up you have on your Norinco is glass re-inforced plastic Manedwolf. After all, a could of companies here use fiberglass re-inforced polymers for their aftermarket "synthertic" stock. I any case, it is one of the best looking "tactical" type of forend for the AK that I've seen so far. Real streamlined.

rgates · July 30, 2007, 06:32 AM

Manedwolf,

Those handguards are nice. Where did you get them?

jrfoxx · July 30, 2007, 06:47 AM

I obviously agree 100% with the OP.

Manedwolf · July 30, 2007, 09:40 AM

Quote:

Manedwolf,

Those handguards are nice. Where did you get them?

Blackrifles.com.

http://www.blackrifles.com/catalog/i...roducts_id=940

rgates · July 30, 2007, 09:23 PM

Manedwolf,

Thanks. Saw some of those some time ago and liked them. No longer available where I saw them originally.

July 28, 2007, 09:25 AM	#1
FS2K Senior Member Join Date: September 9, 2006 Posts: 1,853	AK47 Accessories, grips and things... While the AK47/AK74's aren't as easily modified as the modular AR15 design is, there are allot of things you can to and things you can change on your trusty Kalashnikov. Pistol Grips. I never liked the small OEM grips of AK's. The best feeling OEM style grip in my opinion are the grips grips found on the Hungarian AMD's. Everything else feels too short and too thin for my tastes. Lucky thing there are aftermarket replacement options. I have always favored the Ergo grips from Falcon for my AR15's, and it's no different for my AK47's. However, they aren't the only choice out there. I also like the feel and grip angle of the FN "SAW" type AK 47 grips. These also have the added bonus of a trapdoor compartment on the bottom of the grip that you can store batteries and stuff in. Stocks. The original stocks, like the pistol grips are a little too short for my tastes. As for OEM stocks I like the simple wire folders found on the AMD's as well. They are simple, tough, and lock up Solid. The best reach for a OEM stock are the underfolders, though I am not a fan of these as they tend to loosen up after awhile and become saggy. I suppose adding an AR15 type retractable stock addresses the issue of the short reach of the AK, but I'm a bit of a 'purest' when it comes to such things and don't think AR15 parts have any business hanging off an AK. For me, nothing beats an ACE ltd folder on an AK47. They do require that the mounting tab for the rear stock to be removed in order to work on an AK, but its a small price to pay in my opinion. Funiature. There's nothing wrong with the stock forearm furniature, but if you plan on using any optics on your AK I recommend replacing the gas tube stock with a weaver railed one from Ultimak. Theya re easy to fit and are high quality items. Not many options, not compared to what's available for an AR15, but that's because with an AK, you don't need to hang a buch of stuff off of it to have a fine Carbine. __________________ Just a big fan of guns.

July 28, 2007, 10:35 AM	#4
FS2K Senior Member Join Date: September 9, 2006 Posts: 1,853	Yes! Definately a good thing to have along Gator! And despite what the old time hardcore AK guys will try to convince you, cleaning your AK47 every now and then will not anger the God's of War. A Boresnake is also handy. __________________ Just a big fan of guns.

July 28, 2007, 04:30 PM	#6
Hedley Senior Member Join Date: May 9, 2006 Location: South Texas Posts: 1,277	Excellent topic. I'm a purist who feels the AK doesn't need anything but a good operator and maybe a side rail mounted optic to bring it into the 21st century. No extended mag releases, mag funnels, M4 stocks, Tapco anything (except their redeeming G2), lasers, etc. My favorite fixed-stock setup is either the original Russian or Polish laminated set, but those are really hard to find. My next build will wear that Soviet-red plywood though. As far as LOP goes, the regular military set is good for me, even though I'm on the tall side. The butt does ride high on my shoulder though. I have a KVAR NATO-length stock and I love it. It's comfortable to shoot, lightweight, and the plum color is the cat's meow. I'm not a big folder fan, but the Romanian/East German side folder is pretty slick. My beater AKM wears one. One of these days I'll build an underfolder, but don't have any interest in shooting one. They just look cool to me. I just came across an early blond Type-56 set of furniture pictured below and I fell in love. The fat wooden checkered pistol grip and down swept butt stock scream pure Avtomat Kalashnikov and nothing else. The set even has the neat metal ferules on the lower handguard and pistol grip. I think my three recent builds display my tastes in AK's. All I have to do is replace that fugly "G" forward pistol grip for a Polish handguard set and I'll be good to go. I also dig the blond Bulgarian sets, so I'm on the lookout for one of those as well. __________________ It is imperative to strike down the rise of modernism which would lend itself to folly such as the use of billet components.

July 28, 2007, 04:43 PM	#7
Jamie Young Senior Member Join Date: April 7, 2000 Location: SE/PA Posts: 4,825	I've done a lot of fixing up on my AKs, but my biggest issue was the number of canted sights, canted front sight towers, and the poorly mounted siderails. I think the 5.45x39 AK is probable one of the best combat rifles out there if you can get a well made one. __________________ Find out about Gun Shows and Training activities. www.TheRallyPoint.org Get your gun club involved!!

July 28, 2007, 09:34 PM	#8
FS2K Senior Member Join Date: September 9, 2006 Posts: 1,853	Great looking AK's guys! Very nice! The forend furniature of your Norinco really does spiff up your AK don't it Manedwolf? Very cool. Hedley, That's a fine selection of Kalashnikov's you have there sir. They all look awesome! __________________ Just a big fan of guns.

July 28, 2007, 10:25 AM	#3
Gator Monroe Senior Member Join Date: July 18, 2007 Location: Oak Run Ca. Posts: 159	And the East German Tobacco can cleaning kit (With a broken shell extractor added) is also a great "bring along item"...

July 28, 2007, 11:01 AM	#5
Manedwolf Senior Member Join Date: May 28, 2007 Posts: 3,266	I put the Israel-made "FAB Defense" rail handguard on my Norinco. I liked the looks of it...brings it into the 21st century.

July 28, 2007, 10:16 PM	#10
Hedley Senior Member Join Date: May 9, 2006 Location: South Texas Posts: 1,277	Manedwolf- I really need to find a Norinco. I can't get over how nice and beefy that gas block looks. She's pretty. __________________ It is imperative to strike down the rise of modernism which would lend itself to folly such as the use of billet components.

July 29, 2007, 11:40 AM	#11
FS2K Senior Member Join Date: September 9, 2006 Posts: 1,853	Fiberglass re-inforced maybe? Maybe that set up you have on your Norinco is glass re-inforced plastic Manedwolf. After all, a could of companies here use fiberglass re-inforced polymers for their aftermarket "synthertic" stock. I any case, it is one of the best looking "tactical" type of forend for the AK that I've seen so far. Real streamlined. __________________ Just a big fan of guns.

July 30, 2007, 06:32 AM	#12
rgates Senior Member Join Date: December 4, 2006 Location: Southern Indiana Posts: 471	Manedwolf, Those handguards are nice. Where did you get them?

July 30, 2007, 06:47 AM	#13
jrfoxx Senior Member Join Date: August 20, 2004 Location: Evanston,WY Posts: 898	I obviously agree 100% with the OP. __________________ Q: How can I reduce the amount of mail I receive from the NRA? A: Simply email us at membership@nrahq.org or dial 800-NRA-3888 and request to be placed on the "Do Not Promote" list.

July 30, 2007, 09:23 PM	#15
rgates Senior Member Join Date: December 4, 2006 Location: Southern Indiana Posts: 471	Manedwolf, Thanks. Saw some of those some time ago and liked them. No longer available where I saw them originally.