leadcounsel
member
So, I've often thought that the AK47 style platform (and VZ58) are generally well designed and very good platforms, near the top of the food chain.
However, it has often occured to me that the charging handle and safety location on the right side was poorly thought out. Most shooters are right handed. There are benefits to designing on the left side for ease of use with the left hand. I have praticed techniques to reach over and under the weapon with the left hand, but it is slower and more awkward.
I have also seen a product that creates a forward (G3-like) left side charging handle on the AK platform, but I'm not interested in it.
I've also wondered why the rear sight was placed at the mid section of the weapon and not further rearward. While the receiver cover is not stable, it seems that a solid base could have been fashioned to post a rear sight on the original design.
I know there are aftermarket products out there, but these design "flaws" (if you will) seem like glaring errors on an otherwise great platform.
Is this nit-picking or do others feel the same way?
However, it has often occured to me that the charging handle and safety location on the right side was poorly thought out. Most shooters are right handed. There are benefits to designing on the left side for ease of use with the left hand. I have praticed techniques to reach over and under the weapon with the left hand, but it is slower and more awkward.
I have also seen a product that creates a forward (G3-like) left side charging handle on the AK platform, but I'm not interested in it.
I've also wondered why the rear sight was placed at the mid section of the weapon and not further rearward. While the receiver cover is not stable, it seems that a solid base could have been fashioned to post a rear sight on the original design.
I know there are aftermarket products out there, but these design "flaws" (if you will) seem like glaring errors on an otherwise great platform.
Is this nit-picking or do others feel the same way?