Author: BigSal

Hungarian Modernization Efforts (From 2016)

~ BigSal
An interesting video dealing with a now-defunct Hungarian modernization effort of the AK-63 model from 2016. Who knows how far they would have progressed if this company had continued their work. Sadly, the Hungarian’s have adopted a non-AK platform service rifle not long after this video was made.

Palmetto State Armory Waffle Magazine

~ BigSal

I was able to run a few different colored PSA 7,62×39 waffle magazines this weekend. We are impressed with the quality of these products, and at $9.99 a piece, they are an absolute steal! These are near clones of the Bulgarian circle-10 magazines (which were designed by the famous Bulgarian engineer Ivan Kolev). There are some differences between these and the originals, including a slightly shorter steel reinforcement plate on the spine, and a gigantic (and obnoxious) logo that PSA placed on the left side of the magazine (See picture above).

***UPDATE: I had a chance (on the ar15 dot com web forum) to ask the owner of PSA if these things were still available, and he mentioned that they were designing a second generation magazine that will be “cooler”. I let him know these were his best product, but I hoped the second generation has a smaller, less awful looking logo.

Zastava Arms SKS made in Yugoslavia

~ BigSal
One of my favorite Siminov pattern rifles was produced in the former country of Yugoslavia by Zastava Arms. In fact, my first rifle was a Yugo SKS (though this one is a relatively new acquisition). I always liked the features on this model, particularly the gas-shutoff and grenade launcher (pictured in some detail above).

7,62×39 Magazines of the United States

~ BigSal
I am disappointed in the branding efforts of both major US AK103-style magazine manufacturers (Kalashnikov-USA, and Palmetto State Armory). Over the top branding is very common throughout US society, however it must be said that gigantic company logos on rifle magazines are not only excessive, but also aesthetically unpleasing. Both magazine company logos were a tad bit too large for my taste.
The KUSA magazine arrived scuffed up a bit. I will shoot them an email and see if they will allow me to exchange it due to the cosmetic issue (pictured above).
***UPDATE: KUSA sent me a second magazine in slightly better condition as a replacement. I wanted to thank them for addressing my concern so quickly!

IWI Israel Galil Ace Pistol

~ BigSal
I never had a chance to buy up a Micro Galil (firearm or kit), so I decided to pick up a Galil ACE in 5,56×45 and build something similar. This is a model brought into the United States by IWI-US in pistol configuration. It takes the traditional Galil rock-n-lock magazines, and features a pistol brace from SB tactical. I removed the plastic lower, and replaced it with a KNS “Plastic-Delete Kit”, Ergo Shines grip, and Midwest Industries M-LOK handguard system.

VZ-58 Parts Kit Of Czechoslovakia

~ BigSal
I had a chance to pick up a VZ-58 parts kit from APEX Gun Parts during their infamous “Black Friday” sales. While not based on the Kalashnikov operating system, the VZ-58 is an interesting and historic rifle that I hope to build into a US legal semi-auto firearm at some point in the near future. Stay tuned!

Pistol Brace Firearms and US Regulation

~ BigSal

As many of you know, The staff at VEPR.org are worried about the upcoming alteration of the rules surrounding pistol braced firearms in the US. Above, is a large frame pistol, which has been painstakingly assembled in such a way as to comply with US law. Earlier this year, the ATF released a proposed rule-change and accompanying compliance worksheet. Based on their worksheet, I found it near impossible for this large frame pistol to remain compliant.

I had a chance to read through some of the other comments left during the comment period, and it appears I am not alone. Many large frame pistol owners are furious that their legally acquired and maintained firearms could be made contraband in the near fuure. In my own case, I have made a good faith effort to comply, and don’t make it a practice to break the law. For this reason, I hope that the ATF comes to their senses and abandons their proposed (and arbitrary) rule change.

I will post more about this topic in early 2022, or as more information becomes available.

US Standard QD vs Kalashnikov Standard QD Sling Mounts

~ BigSal
I wanted to take a moment to look at the slight differences between the Kalashnikov Concern’s QD Standard and the US QD Standard. As you can see, Kalashnikov Concern’s lock extension is slightly longer, and the loop is significantly wider to accommodate legacy canvas slings. The lock points are slightly lower on the KC unit as well. It will be interesting to see if a US manufacturer is able to copy this design for those of us running KC buttstocks. Time will tell…