AKM (AK-47 Modification) Upgrades and Accessories

A lot of readers asked me to continue posting information about my AKM (AK-47 Modification).

Today, I want to tell you about several new upgrades of my AK.

Tapco Tactical Vertical Short Grip

Here is one more small upgrade which is very handy and useful. Tapco Tactical Vertical Short Grip – is small and inexpensive grip which fits standard Picatinny rails. It has container which holds 1 CR123A battery.

Tapco short grip is very easy to install, takes less than a minute. It is well built, quality made product, recommended.

Tapco Tactical Vertical Short Grip

Tapco Tactical Vertical Short Grip

Tapco Tactical Vertical Short Grip

Tapco Tactical Vertical Short Grip

Magpul AK-47/AK-74 Grip MOE

Testing AK-47 with Magpul MOE Grip

Testing AK-47 with Magpul MOE Grip

Factory AK-47 grip is not very comfortable. You are going to feel this after just 15 minutes of dry fire drills.

I was waiting for AK-47 grip from Magpul for a long time. The result is pretty good: simple and effective grip which replaces standard one easily.

Testing AK-47 with Magpul MOE Grip

Testing AK-47 with Magpul MOE Grip

After tests on a shooting range, I can tell you that Magpul AK-47/AK-74 Grip MOE is very comfortable upgrade which I really like. Installation is simple and fast, shorter bolt included.

The price of the Magpul AK-47 grip is just $20 which makes it very affordable. Must have for any AK-47!

Magpul AK-47 Grip

Magpul AK-47 Grip

Also, you can have some spare parts or batteries inside the grip, which is another good feature.

Texture of the grip is very good and enables you to have good positive grip.

Magpul AK-47 grip enables you to have more reliable and more comfortable grip thus having more control over your weapon.

Recommended Product:
Magpul MOE AK-47 Grip

Magpul MOE AK-47 Grip

You can get Magpul MOE AK-47 Grip on Brownells

AK-47 Safety Upgrade

Standard safety is not the fastest on this firearm. You will need to remove your firing hand from the pistol grip to disengage it. The solution to this is a modified safety, which enables you to disengage it using your trigger finger.

AK-47 Enhanced Safety

AK-47 Enhanced Safety

Recommended Product:
AK-47 Enhanced Safety

AK-47 Enhanced Safety

Get AK-47 Enhanced Safety here: http://tinyurl.com/d8f34k4

UTG Deluxe Tri-Rail Barrel Mount

First upgrade is required to install all other accessories on you AK-47, it is UTG Deluxe Tri-Rail Barrel Mount.

UTG Deluxe Tri-Rail Barrel Mount

UTG Deluxe Tri-Rail Barrel Mount

I have rails on my TAPCO Handguard, but they are too close and don’t allow me to stretch my hand for modern style grip. I decided to install additional rails after several competitions when disadvantages of close location of rails and forward grip became obvious.

This barrel mount is made of aluminum with black finish. It is quality product which stays in place reliably.

You have three rails which you can use to attach different accessories, I have flashlight and Magpul AFG2 forward grip.

This AK-47 accessory is simple but very useful.

Magpul Angled Forward Grip 2 (AFG2)

The Magpul AFG2 is a smaller version of the Magpul AFG, it is very comfortable and well made AK-47 upgrade.

I have small hands, that is why I have chosen smaller forward grip, you need to choose the one that fits you.

Magpul Angled Forward Grip 2 AFG2

Magpul Angled Forward Grip 2 AFG2

Magpul Angled Forward Grip is very controversial tactical accessory. You either love it or hate it. I love it and think that it is very interesting upgrade but I know some shooters that simly hate it and think that it is waste of money.

It is difficult to recommend Magpul AFG because you need to test it yourself.

FAB Flashlight Picatiny Rail Adaptor

FAB Flashlight Picatiny Rail Adaptor attaches to any rail (UTG Deluxe Tri-Rail Barrel Mount im my case) and holds flashlight. There are several variants of this adaptor available: 3/4″, 1″, and 1.125″ diameter sizes.

FAB Flashlight Picatiny Rail Adaptor has quick release mechanism which is actually not very quick. Sometimes it works after several tries, not sure if this is problem of this particular adaptor or the general issue.

FAB Flashlight Picatiny Rail Adaptor

FAB Flashlight Picatiny Rail Adaptor

Picatiny Rail Adaptor holds flashlight reliably and I really like its shape and design.

FAB Flashlight Picatiny Rail Adaptor with Streamlight Polytac flashlight:

FAB Flashlight Picatiny Rail Adaptor with Streamlight Polytac on AK-47

FAB Flashlight Picatiny Rail Adaptor with Streamlight Polytac on AK-47

And now all three AK-47 upgrades together:

FAB Flashlight Picatiny Rail Adaptor with Streamlight Polytac on AK-47

FAB Flashlight Picatiny Rail Adaptor with Streamlight Polytac on AK-47

I think that’s all upgrades I have on my AK. Do you have an AK-47? What upgrades do you have on it?

AKM (AK-47 Modification) Upgrades and Accessories, Ideas, Improvements

Charlemagne asked several questions about my AK, so I decided to make a post. Hope it will be interesting for readers of the blog.

AKM (AK-47 Modification) with AFG and Upgraded Safety

AKM (AK-47 Modification) with AFG and Upgraded Safety

AKM is a very reliable weapon. It can be accurate if shooter has good skills. For example, I remember one training when we had a target at a distance of about 100 meters (about 110 yards). There were 3 shooters, two with AR-15s and one with G36 rifle. All of them had Aimpoint holographic sights (one of them had magnifier installed) and different tactical accessories installed. All of them couldn’t hit the target from the first try, it usually took 3-5 shots to hit it. I have hit the target from the first try using iron sights. Experience is better than cool and expensive sights. That is why I always recommend to spend money on ammunition not on electronic sights.

One of the interesting upgrades installed on my AKM (AK-47) was enhanced safety which enables shooter to disengage it using just one finger. But after numerous problems I have removed it. Enhanced safety is not as reliable as the standard one. During the 2-day Rifle Match I had numerous problems with it.

AFG is very comfortable for me but some shooters hate it. I have installed AFG on TAPCO Handguard. TAPCO offers very good and inexpensive set for AK-47:

TAPCO Set for AK-47

TAPCO Set for AK-47

It has 4 rails and sliding panel which conceals the bottom rail when it’s not in use to protect the hand. Also, TAPCO handguard has internal aluminum shield which protects hands from barrel heat.

Usually, I have AFG (Magpul Angled Foregrip) installed but at the moment my AK looks like this:

AKM (AK-47) Assault Rifle

AKM (AK-47) Assault Rifle

I have a Soviet era AKM (AK-47 Modification) made in 1966:

AK made in 1966

AK made in 1966

It has stamped receiver and converted from full-auto to semi-auto for use by civilians. I don’t think that it was used much because all inner parts were like new when I bought it.

There are many upgrades available for AK-47. I decided to fix the two main problems of all AKs: short stock and uncomfortable grip. After lots of research I decided to install MAGPUL stock and Hogue AK-47 grip.

It was really easy to install Hogue grip, there is one bolt which holds it in place. Hogue grip is one of the best aftermarket grips for AK-47, it has very good coating and it is comfortable to hold it even during the cold weather.

Hogue AK-47 Grip

Hogue AK-47 Grip

The best stock I could find was Magpul Stock. VLTOR adaptor enabled me to install this stock on my AK:

Magpul Stock with VLTOR Adaptor

Magpul Stock with VLTOR Adaptor

Magpul MOE Stock

Magpul MOE Stock

Get Magpul MOE Stock here: http://tinyurl.com/999mpcj

Additional accessories for the Magpul stock are: cheek riser and enhanced recoil pad.

I’ve heard a lot of good things about Primary Weapons Systems AK PWS FSC47 Muzzle Brake Tactical Compensator but didn’t have a chance to test it. It is difficult to get this muzzle brake because it is restricted for shipping outside the USA. That is why I have bought AK-74/AK-103 style muzzle brake, it works really good. By the way, don’t buy the aftermarket AK-74/AK-103 style muzzle brakes because they look the same but has different construction.

My muzzle brake came together with adaptor which enabled me to install it on my AKM:

AK Muzzle Brake

AK Muzzle Brake

Hope you enjoyed this review of the AKM (AK-47) and different accessories/upgrades.

Choate MAK-90/AK-47 Dragunov Stock Review

AK-47 is the one of the firearms that I own. The Dragunov Stock by Choate is a nice upgrade for your AK-47 or MAK-90 rifles. If you are someone who doesn’t like the current length of pull on the factory stock of these weapons, then you will want to get this Dragunov stock instead. It features a spacer system that will give the user an adjustable length of pull. The pull length can be adjusted down to a minimum of 13 inches and up to a maximum of 14 ½ inches. There are spacers you can add to make this happen. In addition, it is designed with a thumb hole to make gripping much easier for the user. It is especially good for precise shots.

Installation is very simple. Actually, you will spend more time removing standard wood than installing the new stock.

The Choate Dragunov Stock is suitable for a variety of uses. Whether you are a shooter on the tactical rifle course or a hunter in the woods, you will find this system to be quite beneficial to your needs. It is constructed from a durable polymer material. The outside has a black matte finish as well. These materials will allow the stock and receiver to survive under tough environmental conditions. For instance, if you are going to be out in a lot of rainy or snowy weather, your stock and receiver will not malfunction or get damaged from it. These components have a lot of longevity to them, even if they suffer a blow or some kind of impact.

Choate MAK-90/AK-47 Dragunov Stock Review

Choate MAK-90/AK-47 Dragunov Stock Review

The thumbhole is not the only thing to help you maintain accuracy. The AK-47 recoil is not that bad but there is a one-inch thick recoil pad made of rubber on the stock too. This will limit the amount of kickback that you feel after each shot. Also, there are matching handguards for this stock. They are simple and easy to install too.

And finally, if you need to carry your weapon around a lot, you will appreciate the sling mounting feature.

The Dragunov Stock Stamped Receiver is priced at $68.15. The stock is affordable and quality is really good. The weight of this system is 2 pounds and the dimensions are 15” x 8.5” x 3”. You don’t need to be a gun expert to install these upgrades onto your rifles either. This stock and handguards are compatible with AK-47s and MAK-90s.

Choate MAK-90/AK-47 Dragunov Stock Review

Choate MAK-90/AK-47 Dragunov Stock Review

Choate MAK-90/AK-47 Dragunov Stock Review

Choate MAK-90/AK-47 Dragunov Stock Review

Lightweight and reliable stock

What can I say after some usage? This stock is lighweight but made of modern fiberglass filled polymer which is reliable and strong. This set is very nice if you want to do some precision shooting with your AK. Yes, AK can be accurate and good stock will help you with this.

I really like how it feels, very simple and inexpensive upgrade for your AK.

Official website: MAK-90/AK-47 Dragunov Stock Stamped Receiver

VLTOR Adapter and Magpul Stock on AK-47

AK-47 rifle is simple and reliable, but has several limitations that can be fixed with upgrades.

Magpul MOE Stock with Cheekriser and Enhanced Buttpad

Magpul MOE Stock with Cheekriser and Enhanced Buttpad

One of the main disadvantages of this firearm is its short stock; it is too short for most shooters, being just about 9 inches long. Also, the buttpad is made of metal. There was only one upgrade available for soviet soldiers to fix this issue: rubber pads, which were designed to be used with under-barrel grenade launchers. These enable shooters to have additional length of pull.

Nowadays we have adapters that enable us to install any stock we want. The best one that I have found is from Magpul. It can be installed using a VLTOR adapter.

Magpul MOE Buttstock is higly recommended product. It is lightweight, it is adjustable, it has protected release lever.

Recommended Product:
Magpul MOE Stock

Magpul MOE Stock

Get Magpul MOE Stock here: http://tinyurl.com/d7wnelv
Recommended Product:
VLTOR Adapter for AK-47

VLTOR Adapter for AK-47

Get VLTOR Adapter here: http://tinyurl.com/cfvv89p

What do you have on your AK rifle?

Do you have AK? What upgrades do you have installed?