AK underfolder or sidefolder - which is better?

[Splat Shot]

I gotta get one but don't know which one to get. Is one more sturdy than the other, quicker or easier to deploy? Does either one scratch up the handguard when folded and do they both lock in place in both positions? I assume the side folder will take up a bit more room when folded but really have not seen one up close. Any advice is appreciated. Thanks, Splat.

 

[Bwana John]

I think the side folder looks much more cool, and doesent need a special trunion.
The underfolder takes up less space.

 

[DT Guy]

If you're not already set up for an underfolder (correct trunnion) it's MUCH less work to put a Tapco or Romanian side folder on there.


Larry

 

[Tomac]

I prefer the Romy folder. The leftside offset gives a better cheekweld plus it's relatively inexpensive & easy to install. I like it so much I have it on all my AKs & Saiga shotguns. You can add the Bulgarian strap-on rubber recoil pad for extra length/comfort if desired.
Tomac

 

[Onmilo]

The new style Russian side folders are the best of the best.

 

[Dave Markowitz]

Just a note for southpaws like me.

I found that when I put a Tapco sidefolder on my Saiga, the hinge mechanism wound up bumping my nose when I fired it unless I was carefull not to crawl the stock. It wasn't painful (7.62x39 doesn't have much recoil) but it was annoying.

 

[Ohen Cepel]

The sidefolders are much nicer to shoot since you have a stock and not a metal rail against your cheek. Although the sidefolders are a bit bulkier.

 

[kfranz]

I've noticed underfolders to be a bit more wobbly than side folders. Underfolders generally can't be folded or unfolded with a 30 rd. mag in the well either. Tell you what though, if happen to cross paths with a reasonably priced Polish underfolder kit again, I'm all over it.....

 

[MrMurphy]

Having used both..... sidefolder. The AK under looks "cooler" folded, but it's not as solid, not as comfortable, and if the stock's folded with a mag inserted and you want to open it, umm..... you're screwed.

There's a reason the Russians went from underfolders to sidefolders in the AK-74M.

 

[Dave R]

I agree with the others. The sidefolder is more "tactical". Unless you're a lefty, maybe.

You can fold and unfold with a mag in place. You can access all controls--safety, trigger, mag release--folded or unfolded.

More versatile.

 

[zeke]

Don't have any direct experience with the side folders. My russian underfolder folds up with 30 round mag in place. Still have a preference for the 20 rd mags.

While your cheek contacts a rail, it is rounded on top, and can't imagine much difference in cheek weld to the more common metal side folders, excepting the newer russian design.