Questions about AK modifications

[Parallax]

I just got an Arsenal SLR-107 and am looking at options to improve handling of the rifle.

I was thinking about having the barrel shortened as much as possible with the flash hider permanently attached to make it 16". I was also thinking about getting a Bolten gas block to bring some of the weight back toward the rear of the rifle.

Does anyone have these modifications? Does it make a big difference in the way the rifle handles?

 

[briansmithwins]

Why just not get a SLR107CR or UR? Those are much better setups to SBR.

Personally, I'd avoid tinkering with the gas system. Too easy to turn a reliably functioning rifle into a jamm-o-matic.

BSW

 

[Sebastian the Ibis]

I'd avoid fiddling with the gas system too. Why don't you consider getting a draco pistol and adding a flashhider/barrel extension to get to the desired length and the stock of your choice? Or just getting a tax stamp? The Draco's are imported straight of the military production line, there are no monkey's tampering with them.

I have been thinking of doing something similar for quite a while, and am just waiting to find the perfect side folding stock.

 

[9mmepiphany]

Isn't that a copy of the Krebs FSGB (front sight gas block)?

 

[Kurt_D]

You probably have the FR model, don't ruin it with that crap. Sell it or trade it for a CR model, the one that has the GB/FSB combo, and then have someone cut the barrel down, thread it and pin a hider on it. Later you can SBR it if you want or if you decide to sell it the buyer can still SBR it so I don't think you'll lose as much.

If you're going to keep the FR the more effective way to drop weight is to use polymer mags and/or use 20 round mags. I have both, a 107FR and CR (closest to what you're suggesting) and there's little felt weight difference to me. In fact, the FR handles better for me with it's longer sights and less muzzle rise because of the `74 brake.

 

[Girodin]

I was thinking about having the barrel shortened as much as possible with the flash hider permanently attached to make it 16". I was also thinking about getting a Bolten gas block to bring some of the weight back toward the rear of the rifle.

Does anyone have these modifications? Does it make a big difference in the way the rifle handles?

I thought about doing this to one of mine. The people I'd spoken with that had it liked it. It lightens the rifle a bit and makes it less front heavy. It can require modifying the gas system.

Then I thought about it and realized that for the same price I could pay the tax stamp on a Draco pistol and turn it into an SBR. Particularly given the price of your arsenal you could have a nice SBR Draco well dressed for the same price as your arsenal with that work. Dollar for dollar I'd take an accesorized draco over the gun you propose any day. That's just me. If you cannot legally own an SBR or have a good reason why an SBR is less desirable (say frequent travel to other states) then it might not be the way to go.

don't ruin it with that crap

I don't think rifle dynamics and Jim fuller are putting crap on guns. Quite the opposite in fact.

To me the benefit was too small for the cost, I'd rather put the money into building the Draco (or various other gun projects I have going for that matter). YMMV.