Am I a wuss? AK kicks too hard. (Vepr 7.62x39)

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1KPerDay

1KPerDay

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So, I've only ever shot one 47 type, which is my Vepr in 7.62x39. Overview of rifle/mods here if interested: https://youtu.be/UOIt140B00A

has bonesteel folding stock, wood forend, flash hider/no brake. And it kicks pretty hard by my estimation of what an AK should kick.

I haven't shot them back to back but I'd rather shoot my M1A or M1 Garands than this thing, even though it's pretty heavy.

I don't know very much about AKs but my gut tells me it should be kicking this hard. I understand they're overgassed for reliability. Is that it? Or am I a little girlyman? :uhoh:

I also haven't been able to adjust the front sight windage far enough using the AK tool. It bottoms out. Tips?
 
You better send that def.... oh.

Is your front sight base canted?

And as for recoil... have you shot any other 16" 7.62x39 rifles without a comp or brake? They can be surprising if you haven't. Are you just getting pushed off target with it? Your stock also looks like it's well below the bore axis.
 
1KPerDay said:
...has bonesteel folding stock...
Click to expand...

Think I may have found your problem.

I was shooting an M1 carbine with a folding wire stock and it was unpleasant.
Then it was changed back to the original wood stock and it was a night and day difference.
 
Inebriated said:
You better send that def.... oh.
Click to expand...
LOL :D
Is your front sight base canted?
Click to expand...
don't think so

And as for recoil... have you shot any other 16" 7.62x39 rifles without a comp or brake?
Click to expand...
Nope. Never really been an AK guy and don't know any personally. I like my WW74 okay, though I mostly shoot garands as noted.

I really should try to find someone to try it out and LMK if they're all like this.

I can't imagine it in full-auto. :eek:
 
Sol said:
Think I may have found your problem.

I was shooting an M1 carbine with a folding wire stock and it was unpleasant.
Then it was changed back to the original wood stock and it was a night and day difference.
Click to expand...
I did shoot a few rounds with the original walnut thumbhole stock and I don't remember it kicking appreciably less than it does now. The bonesteel is just an AR-type receiver extension and I have a magpul CTR stock on it. It's not an abbreviated or wire stock like the M1 paratroopers or similar.
 
1KPerDay said:
don't think so
Click to expand...
You can check if you want, just set it level on the receiver and put two carpenter squares on either side. Should be clear if it's canted at all. If that's good, check the notch in the rear if it's centered.
1KPerDay said:
Nope. Never really been an AK guy and don't know any personally. I like my WW74 okay, though I mostly shoot garands as noted.

I really should try to find someone to try it out and LMK if they're all like this.

I can't imagine it in full-auto.
Click to expand...
I'd be happy to go try if I were anywhere near you. There is a noticeable shove from an AK if you don't have a brake. I don't know if I'd call it excessive, but there's a reason almost all AK's come with one. Try and find some YouTube videos of people shooting bare AK's, and see if their recoil impulse looks similar to yours. If you do install a comp, I can't recommend the PWS FSC-47 enough. Incredibly effective.
 
Try wrapping the stock with paracord for cushion. Should look cool and serve as a paracord bank.

As for the sight, sounds like a job for Kentucky windage.
 
I love the Bonesteel on my SBR for weight and compactness but it is just about the worst possible stock as far as recoil is concerned.

Edit: I was mistaken and thinking about my Manticore which is all metal like the BCM but also slender. It does not bother me at all but if you are recoil sensitive go for something with a large contact area and a rubber pad.
 
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An AR has the bore line straight back into your shoulder.

An AK stock & bore line looks like a dogs hind leg in comparison,

The AR kicks straight back.
The AK on a good day with a wood stock wants to slap you in the chops.
The steel stock only makes it feel worse.

Still & all, the gas operated AK doesn't kick much at all compared to full power military battle rifles in .308 or 30-06 millions of GI's induced & mastered over the last 100 years.

Not gonna call you a girlyman, as that would not be THR.
But????

More padding and a tighter hold might help.

rc
 
I've bruised my shoulder more times with AK type rifles than any other, you're not a wuss, you just don't have the right setup. if you can, get a sissy pad for it, that'll help a lot. otherwise you only other option is to wear heavy clothing. I tried various paracord wraps on mine and none of it ever seemed to make much difference. if you ever decide to go with another buttstock, check out the archangel stock, it is amazingly smooth in comparison to most and comes with a removable sissy pad.
 
My AK with the much maligned (but suitable for my purposes) Tapco folder kicks pretty darn good too. My SKS is mild in comparison, leading much credence to the ergonomics playing a big role in the felt recoil.
 
I have a x39 Vepr as well. The stock is the problem. And yes, you might be a little bit of a wuss ;) (nah, just work on your form).
 
another vote for yes :neener:


Seriously though, I consider my AK (have experience with underfolders and Standard stock)... to be on the light side of centerfire recoil. It's part of the fun.

When other enthusiasts roll out to the range with their military surplus guns, and I see them gawking at the AK, I let them shoot it, and I usually get my paws on what they are shooting.... I've had a few people tell me that the recoil was more than they expected... I'm not a small guy, so maybe it's just me.

Make sure you are placing it in the "Pocket" of your shoulder.... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zCGS2QLEu00
 
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Not going to call you names. My dad is a former marine and anything BUT girly and he just does not enjoy a lot of recoil. Had him try my MN 91/30 once and he handed it right back. Anyway, seems like there are some good suggestions above for you to try. Check your hold too. Snug up and have fun. My SMLE is normally very fun to shoot but was kicking my butt one day and I realized it was all how I was sitting at the bench. Corrected that and it was fine. My .02 is that big solid recoil is a nice reminder of what's headed down range and why I want to stay on THAT side of the rifle :)
 
Put your purse down and shoot the rifle. :neener: I have never considered the AK or SKS to have any "kick" to speak of. I am with the others, looks like your particular setup is the problem.
 
I don't know very much about AKs but my gut tells me it should be kicking this hard. I understand they're overgassed for reliability. Is that it? Or am I a little girlyman?
Click to expand...

Little girlyman, kids shoot them FA in some Country's. Might try wearing a life jacket, I always thought they wore them instead of a bullet proof vest but it might be for recoil.

i6flex.jpg
 
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