I prefer to use Aimpoint red dot sights on my AKs because I trust them. However, some people like to keep their AKs more original/authentic/correct. There are a wide variety of Russian made red dot sights for that type of shooter, but the run time on these sights can vary so widely that it is hard to make sense of all the options. Thankfully, a poster with the screen-name TX-Zen (of RussianOptics.net), who happens to be an AK guru, posted a fairly comprehensive run time test. You can check it out on the UW Gear discussion forum.
Tag Archives | AK47
MAC Reviews the Echo93 V3/QD
You are no doubt familiar with Military Arms Channel (MAC) on Youtube by now. If not, you should probably set aside a fairly large block of time in your schedule because you are going to end up parked in front of your computer watching a ton of great video reviews.
Recently, MAC reviewed the Echo93 V3/QD which was actually a collaboration between MAC and Echo93. I have already stated my opinion on this blog that Echo93 makes the best rear sling mounts available for the AK family of rifles and now that they offer this QD version, that opinion is cemented in my mind even further. There simply just isn’t anything else out there for AKs that approaches the functionality of this sling mount.
Rifle Dynamics M4 Stock Adapter by Impact Weapons Components
Travis Haley and his company Haley Strategic Partners have done a lot to promote networking and collaboration in the “tactical” industry though his Disruptive Industries courses (see Soldier Systems Daily and ITS Tactical for more info). One of the fruits of this collaboration is the new Rifle Dynamics M4 Stock Adapter that is being manufactured by Impact Weapons Components (IWC).
Impact Weapons Components is quickly establishing themselves as a top notch OEM manufacturer in addition to their own excellent MOUNT-N-SLOT product line. This stock adapter is something that Jim Fuller and Rifle Dynamics have wanted to bring to market for a long time. Earl Pittman of IWC was able to refine the design and deliver a part that was machined and anodized to IWC’s standards.
The adapter offers the somewhat unique feature of allowing the use of an AR-15 end plate. This opens up a lot different sling mounting options. Everything from the Magpul ASAP (as shown) to the Blue Force Gear Burnsed Loop should work with the adapter.
The Rifle Dynamics M4 Stock Adapter is available now from Rifle Dynamics. It is not on their website yet but will be shortly and can be ordered by phone. It is also available on ImpactWeaponsComponents.com. Remember to use the code “triggerjerk” for 5% off at ImpactWeaponsComponents.com.
M-47BA AK-47 Magazine
This should be pretty exciting news to all of you AK shooters out there. The new M-47BA magazine is now available and you are going to flip when you see the features and the price.
The M-47BA is very similar to other magazines that have been on the market for some time, the so-called Bulgarian slab side magazines. These magazines have a pretty poor reputation for breaking feed lips because they are not reinforced with metal. However, the new Bulgarian M-47BA magazine has metal reinforcement in the locking lugs, spine, and feed lips – much like the venerable Bulgarian Circle-10 magazines.
While the Circle-10 magazines cost more than $30 a piece when you can find them, the new M-47BA mags cost $20 and they are available right now from K-VAR.
The SLR-101 is Back!
The Arsenal Co. SLR-101 is one of the finest AKs (maybe the finest AK) that has ever been imported to the USA. They haven’t been imported for the last 10 years or so which drove prices up considerably on the secondary market. Thankfully, a batch of these rifles have been imported once again and K-VAR has them.
The SLR-101 has all the hallmarks of a great AK. I don’t get too wrapped around an axle about AR-15 fit and finish but with AK pattern weapons, fit and finish is more of an indicator of quality. The SLR-101 AKs that I have handled in the past have all exhibited some of the best fit and finish that I have seen on an AK. It features a chrome lined, hammer forged barrel with 14mm threads and a milled receiver.
The SLR-101 is a classic AK and it is great to see them available again at K-VAR.