In today’s Tactical Wire:
There are a lot of accessories out there for the AK, but I think it’s perfect as is. You just have to remember what it was designed for, and learn and practice the techniques for operating it. If you don’t own one it’s still a good idea to know how to work them. There are millions of them out there, and your chance of coming across one is very likely. If you’re fighting with a pistol, and the opportunity to acquire an AK comes up, you need to be able to use it properly. (emphasis mine)
The embolden part is actually the most important part of that, because I think that in the whole AK vs. AR kerfuffle that too many people are trying to make the AK into an AR, or compare rifles that aren’t really comparable. The AK was well and truly born out of the sewers and streets of Stalingrad, in the sense that the battles the Russians fought in WWII shaped their combat infantry doctrine.
Having spent an embarrassing amount of time and money messing with a Chinese AK, I can say that the less you mess with it, the happier you will be.
I think the best zero-cost modifications are to file down the sharp edges, pry open the safety lever so it moves smoothly, and file the rear sight notch wider. If you want to spend some money, an Ultimak with an Aimpoint and some form of white light is the best idea.
Beyond that, let it be.
Most Americans will probably need some kind of stock extension or buttpad, too. I did add an UltiMAK gas tube, too.
I think it’s very important to know what you’re doing with 922(r). If you’re going to add an UltiMAK or change the stock, it may be cheaper to spend the extra to get a US-made receiver.
Great advice. It is what it is. I love the AK, and I feel no need to play either or games about other rifles. It is a superb weapon, and it was ideal for the conditions it was designed for.
Coincidentally, those characteristics make it a good rifle for civilan schlubs like myself.