AK-47 Ergonomics Question

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cbrgator

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I just took my dad out for his triennial outdoor range trip to shoot his AK. He explained to me that because of the way the stock rests against his cheek, the recoil forces the stock to sort of bang into his face with each shot.

After 140 rounds, it hurt him too much to continue. He found that if he turned his head further sideways it didn't cause his cheek any pain, but instead caused his neck discomfort.

Being an AR guy, I know very little about AK's and can't really help him. Are there any aftermarket stocks that align with the cheek more comfortably? Are there other alternatives/solutions?

EDIT: The AK in question is a Yugo M70 with a fixed wooden stock.
 
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I think a stock extension would help here. UTG makes them for about $10. It helped me with the same problem. It won't help with the cheek rest issue but it makes it a lot more comfortable and it takes the snap out of the kick that goes into your cheek.
 
Some years ago I bought a Hungarian SA-85M with the blond furniture and one of the hated thumbhole stocks made to comply with import restrictions. When I bought it, I had every intention of replacing the stock with the typical pistol grip furniture but made the mistake of shooting it with the thumbhole stock first.

It's still wearing the thumbhole stock and I have no plans to change anything. It fits me better than any of the standard-look pistol grip stocks and I guess I'd rather have something that fits than something that looks cool...

You might poke around to see if you can find someone who has one of the Hungarian SA-85M stocks lying around and if they'll make you a good deal on it.

The link below has a picture so you can see what I'm talking about.

http://www.ak-47.net/ak-47/sa85m.php
 
If your dad's AK is "stock", try changing out the standard Warsaw pact stock. KVAR sells a "Nato" type stock that is longer and much more comfortable for the "Western" shooter.
 
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It is possible to attach an AR style buffer tube to an AK receiver using the attachment points for the standard AK stock. Then you would be able to use any of the different AR style stocks available which might help you find something that fits your dad better.
 
HEAVY METAL 1 said:
I find AKs awkward which is why I much prefer my SKSs.
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You and I differ. I find the SKS too short, especially in stock configuration. I can hold, manipulate and shoot an AK better due to the pistol grip. The SKS has me stretched at the left arm like a hunting rifle, but tight in the right shoulder without a proper grip.

You're lucky.
 
For those who asked, my dad's AK setup is as follows:

Yugo M70
Standard fixed wooden stock

I know with respect to hand guards, the Yugo M70 is different (longer) than standard AK variants. Are there any differences in terms of butt stocks as well or will any AK stock fit a fixed stock Yugo M70?
 
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cbrgator said:
For those who asked, my dad's AK setup is as follows:

Yugo M70
Standard fixed wooden stock

I know with respect to hand guards, the Yugo M70 is different (longer) than standard AK variants. Are there any differences in terms of butt stocks as well or will any AK stock fit a fixed stock Yugo M70?
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That is what the problem is. The Yugo's use a slightly different stock pattern than the rest of the AK shooting world. The comb of the stock is different for sure. I'm not sure about the trunnions and compatability with standard WARSAW stocks.

ACE Riflestocks makes an adapter to fit the Yugo AK. It allows the fitment of any ACE Type stock or folding mechanism. http://riflestocks.com/store/product35.html
 
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*Headbang* He's doin' it wrong! The stock goes against your shoulder, arms tucked down. Cheek weld isn't necessary with an AK.
 
cbrgator said:
Thanks Hizzie.

If I get the Ace adapter, that allows me to get this other adapter so I can attach an AR buffer tube and any AR stock, right?

http://riflestocks.com/store/product29.html

Using AR stocks would really expand my dad's options.
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Yes. Do you need the adjustable length of pull? ACE has several fixed stock lengths and they make a cheek riser for the AKFX stock. Not to mention the recoil pad is available in several thicknesses. You aren't limited to the stocks ACE makes either. CNC Warrior makes a compatible stock. DPH Arms sells one. Tromix makes several stocks.
 
Yes. Do you need the adjustable length of pull? ACE has several fixed stock lengths and they make a cheek riser for the AKFX stock. Not to mention the recoil pad is available in several thicknesses. You aren't limited to the stocks ACE makes either. CNC Warrior makes a compatible stock. DPH Arms sells one. Tromix makes several stocks.
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There are so many more choices with AR-15 stocks, I feel like if I can just attach an AR buffer tube, that's really the way to go. He'd have so much more to choose from.

One question I do have though is this:

Stocks on AKs are angled somewhat downwards while AR-15 stocks come straight back from the gun. Does the adapter made by ACE adjust the angle of the AK, or will the buffer tube be angled downards like the Yugo OEM fixed stock?
 
Stocks on AKs are angled somewhat downwards while AR-15 stocks come straight back from the gun. Does the adapter made by ACE adjust the angle of the AK, or will the buffer tube be angled downards like the Yugo OEM fixed stock?
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If you use an AR buffer tube on an AK it'll come straight out from the back of the receiver. It'll be a little low in relation to the receiver but given how low the sights on an AK sit it's actually at about the right height. However there are AR stocks with adjustable cheek pieces if you want a little more height.
 
It could be an ergo issue, or it could be a technique issue. Make sure your Dad is pulling the rifle back into his shoulder with a decent amount of force, as well as applying some pressure to the fore end with his other hand.

Depending on how your Dad is built, the standard AK stock may be too short for him. I'm fairly tall and lanky, and the standard AK stocks always leave me hunched up over the rear end of the receiver. If that's the case, a longer stock might help alleviate the issue.
 
Depending on how your Dad is built, the standard AK stock may be too short for him. I'm fairly tall and lanky, and the standard AK stocks always leave me hunched up over the rear end of the receiver. If that's the case, a longer stock might help alleviate the issue.
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I agree - tall guys and standard length AK stocks don't go together. Even longer stocks don't work particularly well for me, at 6' 7" tall. I do fine with most AR stocks though, even when I collapse them down part way, go figure. Maybe it is because the sights sit higher on the AR platform, I dunno.
 
I recommend the Vltor AR-buffer tube adapter. It is a good solid metal adjustable position tube with waterproof storage compartment It will work with any Mil-Spec Stock designed for an AR.
 
I really like the Mako Stock on mine. Its easier to install than some of the others, it uses a really sturdy polymer extension and has an adjustable length of pull, cheekpiece, and a textured rubber butt pad.

http://www.themakogroup.com/category_s/55.htm

They even sell on with a recoil reduction mechanism in it. Mine doesn't have that but I think it still help recoil management quite a bit.
 
Many recommendations from well intentioned people with no clue about Yugo AK's. The Yugoslavian AK's buttstock attaches VERY differently than the conventional AK stock.

Take a minute to see what I am referring to. http://www.ironwooddesigns.com/IWDNEWYUGO_2.html

Also take note of the comb on the Yugo stocks. Much higher than standard WARSAW patterns. Those are 2 things to consider when thinking of purchasing a Yugo AK.

Neither Vltor or Mako produce a compatable stock.
 
Certaindeaf said:
They make the AR in like .17-.50.
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So, instead of like changing stocks or like technique, he should like buy like an AR? That is like some fantastic advice.

As others have said, it could be the setup or poor technique. I'd be willing to be that it's poor technique (or he has an *extremely* low level of pain tolerance). I say that because I always see people posting that underfolders are painful to shoot after a few shots. However, with proper technique, they are no worse than anything else.

Conversely, if it's uncomfortable to shoot, then that could be an ergonomics issues. This can easily be solved as the aftermarket for AK products has really picked up over the last couple of years. You have many options. All of that said (by me and everyone else), it's rather difficult to start recommending specific products without seeing your Dad's shooting technique. Shop around. Amazon.com has a lot of AK products.
 
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