Which AK-S?

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KaceCoyote

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Well I've decided my next rifle must be an AK, and I've always really wanted a folder so all this leaves is the simple question.


Which folder, I know the wire side folder from Romania is supposed to be tough but I'm more interested in the underfolder really. Stories have worried me however, that the underfolders get loose and sloppy and thus make accurate firing difficult. Are these stories true, can anything be done to stop the stock from being sloppy or can it somehow be adjusted back into spec?

I'm open to suggestions, and opinions on the matter. As long as its an AK, and in 7.62 the rest is open for suggestion.
 
I'm the opposite. I never liked the underfolder, tight lockup or not.

I have a Romanian sidefolder that does lock up tight provided that you get it firmly mounted in the receiver. If the release lever has a little play, so will the stock. The sidefolder has the advantage of not requiring any modifications to most stamped receivers. It should fit on anything from a Romanian WASR to a Bulgarian SLR105.

Other folders you might consider:

- The ACE side folder is well regarded, and version are available for almost any AK, with and without modifications.
- You can probably get it other places, but K-VAR has a triangular side folder (Arsenal manufactured) that can be had for stamped receivers, with and without modifications.

I prefer to do as few modifications as possible, since I don't have alot of spare AK parts or tools to rebuild them.

HTH, jm
 
Underfolder

The Russian special forces (Spetsnaz) soldiers serving in Chechnya told Soldier of Fortune magazine (Russian Edition) that the underfolder 7.62 was much better that sidefolder, since sidefolder may grab Your ammo pouch or clothes etc. And also from practical view, sidefolder is less reliable in hand-to-hand combat.
Me, personally, I prefer underfolder because of its conservative use. German MPs in World War II were underfolders. The history has proven they are better, from ergonomic and practical view.
 
The Yugo M70s seem to be obvious choice for an underfolder.

Mine has some play in the stock (about a quarter of an inch) but it tightens up as soon as you shoulder it.
 
I really liked both the ACE folder and the 103 style full-stock folder, the latter of which I only got to handle briefly. Both are pretty pricey options though.
 
If you get any folder that is actually used used by a military, you'll be fine. One of the problems that people find with AK folders is that they expect to buy a $20 plastic folder from Tapco and they expect it to work as nice as a $150 triangle folder.

With that said, I think the two best folders are the Romanian and Polish (as in the TANTAL's) side wire folders and the Russian triangle folder (as seen in AKU74 Krinkov's).

Since you want an underfolder, your best bet is to get a Yugo M70 - the underfolder is well built and it has served plenty of tank crews well.
 
I handled a side folder this weekend and really liked the configeration. it folded over to the left side where most the other side folders I've ever seen fold over to the right. It was on a Bulgarian '47 and the dude was asking $650 without even one magizine! Anyway it was a triangular design made of ABS or maybe Fiberglass but it felt real secure both folded and extended and I was pretty impressed.

Think it was this one but for the 47: http://www.k-var.com/shop/product.php?productid=16737&cat=283&page=2
 
Kace, I have no experience with the Vectors. I am quite happy with my Century Yugo M70 underfolder though. The stock locks up much tighter than I thought it would. I suppose it will loosen up some with time, however.

-jagd
 
Rock on Jagd, I know it has a gas cutoff deal for nades. Can you still use normal handguards? Do you have pics, lets see some Kalashnikovian porn!
 
Kace, unfortunately I remain digitaly challenged. The Yugo furniture is proprietary to that variant. I plan to pick up a few spares for those parts that are Yugo-specific. There are some pictures of these rifles over on ar15.com. Just go to the Yugo section of the AK board. Hopefully these rifles are a sign Century has increased their QC. Everyone seems pleased with them. There is also a fixed stock model so you can have a matching pair. Off topic but I have heard rumors Century may come out with a Galil variant assembled from parts kits.

-jagd
 
and I somehow doubt they make OD M70 furniture. :( whats unique about it?



Do yourself a favor, dont get excited over the Galil. Its a fine rifle and I was totally -pumped- over them, till a nice fellow with a very long beard allowed me to fire his(and he my SU-16). In one magazine my love affair was totally over. Its the worst of the Ak and the AR put togather. Its a .22 caliber rifle at .30 caliber weight, sorta big and clumsy with blegh sights. Its very reliable, and I think you could probably use it as a sledge hammer if you had to without bothering it. However the .223 AK really does the same thing for much cheaper, and for me has better ergonomics. Aside from having a neat bipod(with a chain cutter) and a buttstock with a bottle cap opener...it dont do a whole helluva lot for me.


Still if they're cheap, maybe. I had this fantasy it was this 1.5moa indestruct-a-rifle built from bricks and surplus anvils. Its the latter but, I burned some Winchester black box(a 1.2moa load in my SU on a good day) and the best I managed was 3moa.




I'd rather have a Bizon or an Abakan, or a Tavor...
 
Kace, I believe the gas tube is a little longer on the Yugos, but don't quote me on that. Ironwood Designs is, or is going to be offering furniture for them.

I have never even handled a Galil, but they always seemed to ooze coolness, especially the ARM model. The last one I saw at a show had an asking price of 3K!! Way to much for a range toy.

-jagd
 
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