Replacing the SLR-95 Thumbhole Stock?

[RG1911]

I purchased a used Bulgarian SLR-95 with that annoying thumbhole stock. The receiver is milled and has only the upper tang. Are there any good replacement stock sets for this AK variant? (The lack of a lower tang makes me worry about a replacement stock not staying on.) I understand that I would need to make sure the replacement was for milled, not stamped, receivers. Tapco lists a set, but I'd prefer a standard stock.

I'd also like to add a muzzle brake. Is there any appreciable difference in the effectiveness of the slant-cut brake versus any of the others?

Thanks for any suggestions.

Cheers,
Richard

 

[nalioth]

Before you get too far along, you have the 922r laws to contend with, too.

Ace makes fine stocks for both milled and stamped receiver Kalashnikovs (and other firearms, too).

The slant brake will do nothing for you, as it was made for control of the weapon during full auto firing. If you want effective flash control or a muzzle brake, there are other commie/US offerings that'll replace your slant brake.

 

[Pilot]

If you want effective flash control or a muzzle brake, there are other commie/US offerings that'll replace your slant brake.

Get a U.S. made muzzle brake so it counts towards the total parts count for 922r, same with U.S. made furniture and FCG.

 

[dfariswheel]

You have two choices on stocks.
One is to install a lower tang.
You can buy the tang from Global Trades.
You may need to cut a slot in the lower inside of the receiver stock socket, then the tang can be either riveted in place or attached with socket head screws and nuts.

Tang:
http://www.globaltrades.com/ak_stocks.html

HOW to install the tang:
http://www.gunsnet.net/forums/showthread.php?t=110911

Your second, and easiest choice, is to buy a new stock from Ironwood Designs.
He makes a special stock specifically for the single tang milled Bulgarian receiver that uses a square nut and a stock bolt to attach the stock.
This is a simple conversion that is simply screwed on the rifle and is quite sturdy:
NOTE: Ironwood is currently trying to catch up with orders and isn't answering emails too fast:
http://www.ironwooddesigns.com/

I STRONGLY recommend you NOT simply install a standard AK stock without a lower tang.
First, there'll be an ugly slot for the lower tang that will be exposed, and a good bump will knock the stock out of the receiver socket and break the top tang off. THEN you have problems.

On the muzzle attachment.
If your SLR already has the factory muzzle brake, it's one of the most effective, so I'd leave it alone.
The slant break is really only effective in full-auto fire, and on a semi-auto is mostly a matter of appearance.
If it doesn't have a factory attachment, the "best" option is to thread the muzzle and screw on whatever you want.
On some of the gun forums there are people who will rent you a threading kit complete with a special bore guide that insures straight threads.
Threading the SLR works very well, and is easy to do.

 

[Thin Black Line]

ACE makes tang blocks and stocks for bulgarian milled receivers. I personally
don't like slant brakes and opt for bird cage, 74 style or none at all. As already
mentioned watch your parts count.

 

[nwilliams]

Its a quick and easy replacement.

I ordered my US made replacement furniture from K-Var http://www.k-var.com/shop/ and couldn't be happier with the gun or the new furniture. Took just a few minutes to install the stock and pistol grip. The lack of a lower tang hasn't been an issue for me, the stock is solid as a rock even without it.

Mine already had a factory muzzle brake so I can't help you there other than to say it works really, really well.

The SLR-95 is one heck of an AK, Enjoy! Oh and btw welcome to THR!

 

[Dave Markowitz]

The aforementioned Ace stocks are great, highly recommended. This is my Arsenal SLR-101SG with an Ace folder. You can configure them to fold either left or right.

 

[RG1911]

Many thanks for all the good suggestions.

The Ironwood is nice and seems to have the easiest attachment system, but I was thinking more in terms of a composite or a folding stock.

ACE offers two adapters: one that requires removing the tang and one that doesn't. Interestingly, their kits for the milled receiver all come with the adapter that requires removing the tang. I've asked them which of their stocks work with the adapter that does not require removing the tang.

Right now, I'm giving serious consideration to the idea of adding a lower tang.

Cheers,
Richard

 

[dfariswheel]

Adding the lower tang is the most "correct" option, and it isn't as difficult as it might seem.

You can rivet the tang as per the above posted link to the "How to do" info, or you can attach it with small button-head bolts and nuts.
If you go with the bolts, you may need to relieve the stock to clear the nuts.

With the tang in place, you can do pretty much whatever you want.