Tag Archives | MI

Midwest Industries (MI) recently teased the release of a new extended AK handguard design and it generated some significant interest on this site. The wait is now over for at least some of the models of the new MI Gen 2 AK Extended Handguards.

MI has released the M-LOK version with a railed top cover and the M-LOK version with an Aimpoint Micro specific top cover. The M-LOK/Trijicon MRO version and all KeyMod versions are not available for purchase yet.

As expected, the installation looks to be very easy on these 11.5″ long handguards with no permanent modifications necessary to the host gun (something that can’t be said for most extended AK handguards). The hard coat anodized, 6061 T6 aluminum construction and MI’s patented clamping system should make these more than durable enough for hard use. The weight of just 16 ounces is perhaps most impressive.

Midwest Industries is about to drop a selection of extended AK hand guards onto the market. Extended hand guards can make a lot of sense on AKs since the standard hand guard length may leave little room for mounting items like lights and slings. The extended hand guard may also allow items like vertical grips to be mounted further forward where they will have less impact on the ability to rock a magazine into the magazine well.

The hand guards will be available with either KeyMod or M-LOK compatible attachment slots. They also appear to mount without having to remove the standard hand guard retainer. In keeping with previous AK hand guards, these also seem to have optic specific upper hand guard mount options.

Stay tuned for additional details.

Yesterday’s news about Midwest Industries’ new AK Railed Gas Tube has been generating quite a bit discussion and several emails. Midwest Industries published a series of images today that shows the gas tube installed and they should go a long way toward clearing up some of your questions about how it actually attaches to the host rifle.

The images show how the steel nut on the muzzle end of the gas tube adjusts to mate with the gas block while tension screws at the rear of the gas tube push against the barrel to fix the entire gas tube in place. This set up should be lighter in weight than railed gas tubes that make use of barrel bands but only time and testing will tell the whole story.

The AK Railed Gas Tube is available for standard AK/AKMs with models for the Yugo M70, M85 PAP, and M92 PAP coming soon. Check it out at Midwest Industries.

It should also be noted that there is no shortage of AK mags at MI HQ! I bet they swim through them like Scrooge McDuck.