Kalashnikov: Dressed, or Stark Naked?

[SharpsDressedMan]

By virtue of HAVING to change a few things on AK builds, I have some "different" stuff on some of my AK variants. However, I prefer them to be "original", or as original as they can be, unless they are a game or all-out defensive gun (I have a hybrid AK that is quite "Americanized" for a truck gun...it is part Hungarian and part Bulgarian to start with, so mxing in US parts just seemed right). What do you prefer?

[/IMG]

 

[armoredman]

I prefer what the bucket had in it! A bucket of Moslon!

 

[W.E.G.]

 

[Quentin]

I like 'em stock, too. In fact every gun I have is pretty much stock.

 

[Maverick223]

I guess I like them dressed up, though mine is a scattergun and the additional weight and accessories were a welcome addition. Even still I don't like to pile junk on any long gun. OTOH my VZ.58 is kept pretty much stock, so if I had a AK-47 (or a '74) it would likely be kept in similar condition.

Contrast:

vs.

 

[AK103K]

I like them stock for the most part, but they are a little more current and usable, with an Aimpoint mounted on an Ultimak rail and some Meprolight night sights.

I like paint too.

 

[Maverick223]

Speaking of paint, I typically hate camo'd rifles (no offense yawl), but I really would like to have a arctic camo rifle, and the AK seems like the perfect platform for that, so I am considering an AK-74 (I don't currently own a 5.45x39.5mm chambered rifle).

 

[AK103K]

Sounds like a perfectly good reason to buy one to me.

 

[wally]

Dare I say, why not one of each?

Must say I prefer the stock look but I hit way better with mine when using a red dot or scope.

--wally.

 

[AK103K]

One thing nice about AK's, once you get one, you cant stop, so you can have a bunch of the same, only different.

 

[Maverick223]

Sounds like a perfectly good reason to buy one to me.

That's what i'm thinkin'...but it really depends upon MSAR (have a 5.45mm version on order).

 

[Opoche]

 

[zhyla]

Rails on AK's are blasphemous to me. They should have the cheapest stock available (some dings are preferable) and a decent but worn bluing job.

They make these expensive things to bolt random accessories to. I think they call them AR-13's or something like that.

ETA: holy crap, $1500 for an AK??? Have you gone mad?

 

[Girodin]

My guns are either tools or guns I own for fun. As such I have no qualms adding things that make the gun a better tool or add to my enjoyment of the rifle. A micro aimpoint on a ultimak makes the AK a better tool. A flashlight mounted to the same ultimak also makes it a better tool.

I like the traditional look and see nothing wrong with wanting to own a gun in such configuration. For me that would fall under the "fun" category. For the life of me I'll never understand how some people get so worked up over what others want to do to their guns particularly when they are modifications that undeniably add to the function and purpose of the weapon system.

The following is not mine but I like it. I'd like to see a T1 on it. One of Red Jackets cans would also be a nice touch. If it were mine I also would probably add a left hand AR style safety to it.

 

[TIMC]

I go both ways. With guns that is!

Romanians SAR-1 My tactical wonder


Norinco MAK 90 With Ironwood stocks

 

[fireman 9731]

Girodin has a nice example of what can be done with AKs, when its done the right way.

For the most part though, I prefer my AKs mostly stock, with maybe a different flash supressor or ergonomic pistol grip.

 

[philpost]

Stock is definately nicer to look at. If the SHTFand my life depended on it, I'd probably want something a bit more souped up.

 

[jojo200517]

Hey TIMC, if thats a TAPCO buttstock on ya top rifle where did you find the cheek riser and is it adjustable? I been working with just floating my head but I know it'd be a lot better if I could get cheek wield.

 

[duns]

If you enjoy dressing up guns by all means do it. Personally, I can't be bothered. i bought the cheapest AK I could find and I enjoy the dings, scratches, and unfinished wood. I like it looking as if it was made in a hut in Afghanistan.

 

[twkremer]

Girodin, I absolutely must know what kind of handguard that is.

 

[TIMC]

Hey TIMC, if thats a TAPCO buttstock on ya top rifle where did you find the cheek riser and is it adjustable? I been working with just floating my head but I know it'd be a lot better if I could get cheek wield.

It is a Tapco buttstock and yes it is adjustable. The cheek riser is made by Choate and it is for the A2 AR buttstock. I scored the inside of the riser ad the top of the Tapco stock the I used Brownell's Acraglass to attach it since I could not use screws http://www.brownells.com/.aspx/pid=1038/Product/ACRAGLAS_GEL_reg_. It has held strong through a lot of rounds and several years of use. I found it to be the perfect height for the holisight; your eye is centered on the sight as soon as your cheek hits the stock. It is a little work but it is the only solution to keep the stock adjustable but I don't know if they make it anymore.

 

[Girodin]

Girodin, I absolutely must know what kind of handguard that is.

As I stated it is not my rifle (although every time I look at it the desire to build one like it grows a little more), but I believe that it is an ultimak handguard. They run about $200. The gun also appears to have a ultimak gas tube.

 

[jpwilly]

Dressed:

 

[kwelz]

I just got home from an AK class using a stock Arsenal AK. I got through, but barely. Night shooting was damn near impossible. At the bare minimum you need a red dot and Light. VFG and conversion to an AR stock will help a lot as well. But mine is going in the shop tomorrow for the rail to mount a Micro Aimpoint and light on I will look at the other stuff later.