AK47 question...

[Milsurplover]

Hey guys I just noticed a large problem on my AK when I went to the range. Using a slant muzzle brake on my WASR 10/63 with a 4x POSP scope I can usually get 2 inch groups at 100 yards with wolf ammo however.. I saw an AK74 style brake for AK47's that reduced recoil and muzzle climb more efficiently than the slant brake so I decided to pick one up. I removed the slant brake and replaced it with the AK74 brake and it fit nicely. The next time I went to the range I decided to see how the brake worked. My scope was still zeroed for 100 yards and I had changed NOTHING except the muzzle brake. I shot 5 rounds and decided to see how I did through the spotter scope. The paper was unscathed. Upon further investigation.. My shots were in the DIRT at 50 yards. I shot one more to make sure and the shot hit the dirt again. I have the slant brake back on again because the scope does not have enough adjustment to even get close to being on target... so my question is: What made the POI change so much by attaching that brake? It is a heavy hunk o' metal but I never suspected that much change. Can anyone offer some answers as to why my POI was so far off?

 

[nalioth]

If the "brake" screwed directly on your rifle w/o the use of a 14x1LH to 24mm adapter, I'm afraid you've been taken.

That type isn't worth much of anything except as a US part.



If you were using the two-piece (adapter + 24mm threaded brake), then you'd need to be mindful that it all is threaded straight.

 

[newkahrman]

Plus one on making sure you got that threaded on straight and tight.

 

[stevereno1]

My guess is that the bullet is not clearing the brake and deflecting. I'd go back to the slant brake.

 

[Birddog1911]

I don't know a great deal about all of the brakes out there, but you stated that it was a 74 brake. Now, just to eliminate the possibility, are you sure that it is for a 7.62, as opposed to the 5.45?

You might be able to get a gunsmith to fit the proper, actual 74 style brake, but I have heard that the cheap ones are indeed worthless.

 

[Carl N. Brown]

My son had a similar problem with a crappy aftermarket muzzle brake/flash hider for an FAL that "fit" a bayonet style lug on the the barrel. Groups were poor at 100yds, 'til I noticed copper on one edge of the muzzle end of the brake. Bullets were hitting the brake and deflecting. He later had it drilled out for looks. Last time I checked, he was no longer using it on the FAL (as I had advised).

 

[Milsurplover]

Yes, it said for 7.62x39 models..I did need to use the adapter to get it on and everything appears to be tight and straight.. the brake shows no signs of having bullets being deflected off, however.

 

[Snakum]

The muzzle brake affects where/how the barrel flexes on relatively thin AK barrels. Makes a huge difference. Both mine shot better with the Tapco AK-74 brake on than with any other I tried, or with no brake on it. Every weapon is different. You gotta try a few things to see what works. What works on mine may not be worth spit on yours. Doesn't make it crap. Just like ammo ... you gotta 'speriment.

 

[fireman 9731]

Well, with the most obvious possibilities ruled out.... did you over tighten it maybe?

 

[clance]

"IF" you're using a Bulgarian KRINKOV style brake/compensator it is my understanding that it doesn't work very well on the longer barrel rifles as it was design to build up more pressure to insure proper cycling of the shorter barrel Krinkov.

You may be having a issue due to, to much back pressure? Are you benching the rifle or free-handing it?

 

[Sebastian the Ibis]

"IF" you're using a Bulgarian KRINKOV style brake/compensator

I was shooting one on a brand new full sized AK - it shot like a dream. It was as accurate one handed as a glock or any other pistol.

 

[benEzra]

Pull the target in closer (say 25 yd) and see where it's hitting and how it's grouping. The AK-74 style brake is much more effective than the slant brake, and the slant brake makes the bullet fly through an upward-directed gas stream whereas the -74 style brake doesn't.

If it is grouping terribly at 25 yards, at least you know what the problem is. If it's grouping fine, just lower, then you just need to sight in the scope again.