Airsoft Tactical Ak Style Rifle With Supressor

AK Upgrades - feat — Photograph courtesy Magpul Industries.

Take your Kalashnikov rifle to the adjacent level with these functional and ergonomic AK upgrades.

The AR is to many the definition of a fully customizable, modular weapon platform. Stocks, grips, triggers, safeties, charging handles, handguards or even entire uppers — pretty much any role on the burglarize — can be swapped out or exchanged with relative ease, and manufacturers produce an abundance of aftermarket parts to practise just that.

Customizing the AK-47 and its variants, on the other hand, tin be a bit more than challenging. The aftermarket for AK upgrades and parts has been more limited in the past, and the AK's design is less conducive to customization, with the original rifle being designed in an era in which fe sights were good enough for the boilerplate soldier and a wood stock and article of furniture were all that were needed.

Additionally, many AK owners simply prefer the rifle with its traditional wood furniture and fe sights, with some purists going so far equally to mock those choosing to alter their AK. Memes even exist that strongly dismiss the notion of upgrading or customizing the AK-47 in any way and have made the rounds online in blogs and forums.

Thankfully, not everyone feels this way, and manufacturers offer an assortment of products that aid shooters accept the AK to the next level. While the AK certainly doesn't have the aforementioned degree of modularity equally the AR or as big of an aftermarket parts selection, at that place are withal enough of accessory options and AK upgrades for owners to choose from, and the choices are only continuing to grow each year.

Accept a await at this list of accessories and ways to improve performance and functionality from your AK-style rifle. Information technology's by no means comprehensive, but should be enough to pique an AK owner's interest.

AK Upgrades:

1. Triggers
two. Grips
iii. Stocks
iv. Handguards/Forends
5. Muzzle Devices
half dozen. Magazines
vii. Other Accessories

Editor's Note: This roundup does not cover optics mounts. For info on the various side rail optics mounts available for AK-blueprint rifles, check out Jim Grant's article on eyes mounting options for the AK.

one. Triggers
One of the best ways to upgrade whatsoever rifle and increase accuracy is to install a meliorate trigger, and the AK is no exception. While the AK-47 and its variants take never been known for astounding accuracy, some of the mill-installed triggers that come up standard don't do them whatever favors. Several manufacturers offer improved trigger groups for the AK platform that will assist you get more hits on target.

TAPCO INTRAFUSE AK G2 Trigger Grouping
The G2 Trigger Groups available from TAPCO offer an improved trigger pull between iii-4 pounds and eliminate the uncomfortable trigger slap common with other designs. A "no bollix" trigger sleeve allows for assembling the group exterior of the burglarize and simply dropping information technology in as one piece. Trigger groups are available in single- or double-hook options and are manufactured using heat-treated, 4140 tool-grade carbon steel. ($32.99; TAPCO.com)

Century Arms RAK-1 Enhanced Trigger Grouping
Century Arms' RAK-i Enhanced Trigger Groups are available for WASR, C39, RAS47, AK63DS and many other standard AK-style rifles and pistol variants, too as for Due north-PAP, O-PAP, M90 NP, M92 PV and other Yugo AK variants. The trigger is 100 percent American fabricated and has passed a xv,000-circular endurance examination. Each group includes a hammer, trigger and disconnector, and, thus, constitutes three U.S. 922r compliant parts. ($39.99; CenturyArms.com)

2. Grips
While less critical than a good trigger, a grip that is comfy and conforms to your hand well is of import. Some feel that the standard mill grip on many AKs but isn't the correct fit. Luckily, grips are a common upgrade for the AK platform, and enough of manufacturers offering unlike grip options.

Hogue AK-47/AK-74 Rubber Grip
Hogue is well known for its handgun grips, just the company besides produces grips for tactical rifles like the AK. This OverMolded grip uses Hogue's famed orthopedic handshape with compound swells and naturally proportioned finger grooves and has the manufacturer's Cobblestone texture for a non-slip, non-irritating grip. The grip is impervious to oils and solvents and has a compartment for storage. The 922r-compliant part is available for Chinese, Russian and Yugoslavian AKs. ($26.95-$39.95; HogueInc.com)

TAPCO INTRAFUSE AK SAW Style Pistol Grip
This pistol grip from TAPCO offers AK users a more ergonomic, angled grip similar to that institute on the war machine's M249 SAW light motorcar gun. The grip'southward more severe angle and increased width provide the shooter with improved comfort and control when firing the rifle. It is fabricated of a high-strength composite and houses a storage compartment for spare tools and cleaning supplies. ($19.99; TAPCO.com)

iii. Stocks
Replacing the stock on your AK is another like shooting fish in a barrel fashion to meliorate ergonomics, and tons of manufacturers produce stocks for the burglarize. Abundant stock options range from constructed or forest fixed to metallic folding and adjustable, polymer. Add together in adapters that allow your AK to accept any AR-type stock that fits a standard AR buffer tube and the options are well-nigh endless.

TimberSmith Premium Wooden Stocks
For those who want a new stock to supercede an one-time, possibly damaged factory one but who desire to proceed the AK'southward classic look, TimberSmith has several wooden furniture options for Romanian AKs. The stock sets are quite stylish, offering a "like-new" appearance without moving abroad from the traditional look. Color options include Black Laminate, Brown Laminate, Hardwood and an elegant Crimson Laminate.
($145-$160; TimberSmithUSA.com)

TAPCO INTRAFUSE AK Folding Stock
This stock is fabricated from a loftier-forcefulness composite and folds to the correct, allowing y'all to reduce the overall length of the firearm when needed for storage or shut quarter engagements. The AK Folding Stock incorporates a sling zipper signal in the knuckle and has a 15-inch length of pull. It fits standard, unmarried-tang, stamped receivers but. ($39.99; TAPCO.com)

Command Arms AK47SFSP Stock Tube
This stock tube from Control Arms allows you lot to accept advantage of the vast number of AR-15/M4 buffer tube type stocks on the market place. Capable of attaching to most AK-mode rifles with Saiga stamped receivers, the AK47SFSP (Side-Folding, Six-Position) Stock Tube allows for any standard commercial AR-way stock to be added to your AK. The stock tube is ambidextrous, piece of cake to operate and quick to install, making information technology a great pick for whatsoever shooter. ($124.99; CommandArms.com)

Magpul Zhukov-S Stock
This innovative polymer, folding, collapsible stock comes with QD sling mounts, modular cheek risers and a daze-arresting rubber buttpad. It has v positions for length of pull adjustment and folds to the right. Users tin all the same charge and burn the rifle when the stock is folded, and positive detents prevent unwanted motility. The Zhukov-S fits mutual stamped-receiver AKs, and a Yugo variant model is also bachelor. Magpul'due south MOE is some other practiced choice, if y'all adopt a fixed stock. ($99.95; Magpul.com)

4. Handguards/Forends
While it might not be as easy to swap out a handguard or forend on an AK as it is on an AR, and some fitting may be required, information technology'south certainly a worthwhile upgrade for those who do so. Most stock AK forends practise not have attachment points for accessories or optics. The majority of aftermarket AK handguards and forends do, either in the form of Picatinny track sections or KeyMod or Thousand-Lok attachment points. This gives users tons of customization options — far more would be possible otherwise. Additionally, some aftermarket handguards/forends but feel better than those that come up standard. For either reason, an upgraded handguard is a good choice if you're looking to trick out your rifle.

Krebs Custom UFM KeyMod System
Marc Krebs has been doing some really innovative things with the AK platform for a number of years, and the company's UFM KeyMod System represents 1 such product. With models bachelor for the different AK variants, this system offers a lightweight handguard with ample mounting possibilities that is durable and maintains zero. Manufactured from 6061 T6 aluminum, it features a Picatinny rail upwards top and KeyMod slots on the side and bottom. ($159.99-$264.99; KrebsCustom.com)

Hogue AK-47/AK-74 Handguard
This handguard features an OverMolded lower piece with metal shield for secure and comfortable grip and protection from heat during extended firing sessions. It comes with two upper handguard pieces — one with a elevation rail and i without. Available for Chinese, Russian and Yugoslavian AKs, the Hogue handguard as well includes three Picatinny rail sections for additional options. Both this handguard and Hogue's AK pistol grip are available in a combo kit. Color options are Blackness, OD Green, FDE and Ghillie Green. ($49.95 for the Handguard, $59.95 for the kit; HogueInc.com)

Troy Industries AK-47 Battlerails
Troy has expanded its AK-47 Battlerails line in the last couple years to include KeyMod and Thousand-Lok options. The new KeyMod and M-Lok Battlerails are machined from hardened aircraft aluminum with stainless steel components and finished with a Mil-Spec hardcoat anodizing for increased ruggedness. Curt (ten-inch) and Long (13.5-inch) versions are available, every bit is a 5-inch Top Rails for optics. ($124.95-$149.95; TroyInd.com)

Control Arms Picatinny Hand Guard Rails Arrangement
This handguard system from CAA is designed specifically for the AK74M and AK100 serial of rifles and provides four railed sections for mounting accessories, including both Picatinny and KeyMod solutions. Plus, information technology fits AKM and AKMS rifles. And its sturdy design maintains cipher, allowing for easy field strip and maintenance. ($350; CommandArms.com)

5. Cage Devices
One of the easiest upgrades you tin brand to your AK is a new muzzle device. Many manufacturers offer brakes and other devices that are compatible with AK-manner rifles, so there is plenty to choose from that volition enhance the capabilities of your AK.

Troy Industries Claymore AK Muzzle Brake
Instead of directing muzzle boom and audio to the sides, as with most brakes, the Claymore pushes the blast and sound forward and abroad from the shooter, while retaining muzzle restriction properties such as increased control. The brake has a very low dust signature and, with its durable, heat-treated ordnance steel structure, can be used as a breaching device if necessary. ($64; TroyInd.com)

Krebs Custom 4 Prong Flash Suppressor
With a design thoroughly researched for effectively eliminating muzzle wink, the 4 Prong Wink Suppressor with 14x1mm left-hand threads is fabricated from 4140 steel, is heat-treated and is designed for AKM/AK-74 pattern rifles and Saiga and VEPR rifles with threaded barrels. It weighs 2.3 ounces and has a blackness oxide stop. ($70; KrebsCustom.com)

half-dozen. Magazines
Another great style to improve functionality and make your AK look expert in the process is to use different magazines. There are a ton of options out there for the AK platform. Many of these AK-47/AK-74 mags are produced overseas, but for those looking to buy American, in that location are still ample choices.

Magpul PMAG 30 AK/AKM Gen 3
Magpul's PMAGs accept a very high reputation among those in the firearm manufacture, and for skilful reason. They are lightweight, durable and highly reliable. The new Gen 3 version of the PMAG 30 AK/AKM mag features steel-reinforced locking lugs; a removable floorplate; an anti-tilt, self-lubricating, low-friction follower; and an impact- and vanquish-resistant polymer body with ribbed gripping surface and aggressive front and rear texture for positive grip. ($26.95; Magpul.com)

US Palm AK 30 Magazine
The AK 30 magazine from Usa Palm is synthetic of proprietary aerospace polymers but sets itself apart from many other polymer magazines with several unique features, including the lack of a removable floor plate. It as well has stainless steel reinforced weapon locking interfaces and a depression-friction self-cleaning polymer follower. Cleaning is as simple as placing the magazine in hot, soapy water, rinsing and inverting to drain. ($19.95; USPalm.com)

Command Arms AK MAG
This lightweight polymer magazine features a no-tilt, smoothen action that incorporates a fluorescent orange follower. It has clear windows on both sides that point remaining round count with 10-, 20- and 30-round markings. The mags are Mil-Spec heat-treated and utilize a mildly textured surface on both sides for positive grip. ($27; CommandArms.com)

Century Arms Romanian AK Drum Mag
For those range trips where xxx rounds just isn't enough (trust me, they practice be) Century Artillery has the Romanian AK Drum Magazine. Sporting a capacity of 75 rounds, this product works with all seven.62x39mm AK-mode rifles and pistols that accept high-capacity mags. It weighs 2.25 pounds unloaded and 5.05 pounds loaded. ($94.99; CenturyArms.com)

7. Other Accessories
There are some other less obvious parts and accessories for owners of an AK-style rifle to consider. 2 of these are an enhanced safe lever and a retaining plate, or trigger pin retaining plate. Enhanced safety levers provide added functionality and ease of apply over the AK'southward standard safety lever, which some shooters find bad-mannered to engage and disengage. A retaining plate, on the other hand, permits easier installation of fire command groups and better retains those pins.

TAPCO AK Retaining Plate
This AK Retaining Plate installs in seconds, quickly securing pins in the correct position to keep the trigger group in place. The plate works in almost all AKs, including the Tantal version, and is finished in a phosphate coating for durability. ($v.99; TAPCO.com)

Krebs Custom Trigger Pivot Retaining Plate
This retaining plate is precision-manufactured from estrus-treated steel blend. It is far superior to the typical "shepherds hook" for retaining fire control parts. Krebs also has a version for Saiga-style shotguns. ($10.50; KrebsCustom.com)

Krebs Custom Mk 7 Enhanced Safety Lever
The Mk VII Enhanced Safety Lever allows for ambidextrous utilise and permits activation without removing the hand from the firing position. Lefties engage and disengage the safety using their thumb, while right-handed shooters use their index finger. The device will work on both machined- and stamped-receiver rifles and requires no modification. It volition not, however, fit Yugoslavian AKs. ($65; KrebsCustom.com)

Editor'south Note: This article is an excerpt from the May 2016 upshot of Gun Assimilate the Magazine.

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