PARTS

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!

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…

IMI Galil SAR Kit

~ BigSal
I was fortunate enough to pick up an Israeli Military Industries (IMI) Galil SAR parts kit this week. I am hopeful that this will build-up nicely into a fantastic shooter someday. Next step: securing a barrel and semi-auto (US legal) receiver!

AK-12 Pistol Grip Assembly

~ BigSal
I had a chance to pick up a Kalashnikov Concern AK12 Grip Assembly this week, and I really am impressed with the build quality and features. The grip itself appears to use a similar mounting interface with previous generation AK grips, except this unit has a shorter screw allowing for storage space inside the grip. The storage space is filled with a rather well engineered pop-out oil container, that is removable as the user pushes on two buttons. I am unsure what the factory proof marks indicate, and will try to update this post when I do.

ASP-AK Telescopic Buttstock (ASPAK 74.010.00)

~ BigSal

Lets talk about translation and poor choices for a moment. No, the ASP-AK Stock isn’t a poor choice. Far from it! The stock features an adjustable length of pull, steel and polymer construction, cheek riser, and rotating QD mount. This model (ASPAK 74.010.00) allows for mounting on a standard AK100 series 5.5mm pin rear trunnion.

The poor choice lies in the naming of this product, and the poor translation of american AK enthusiasts who, due to the product designation (ASPAK) have begun to call this stock the “Ass-Pack”. I strongly encourage the company (Weapon Tuning Company of Russia) to reconsider selling this unit with a hyphen between the “ASP” and “AK”…

The Tapco G2 Trigger: Good?

~ BigSal
A long while ago, I quietly admitted to myself that Tapco, the brand everyone loves to hate, makes a pretty decent trigger. A huge percentage of my semi-auto AK’s wear a G2. But what happened to the company? Why are these things in short supply? I won’t bore you with the details, but the current owners seem to be sitting on their hands with this brand. What will the future hold? Probably nothing good…

AK 103 Build Parts

~ BigSal
A few days back, I decided that I would build a Kalashnikov Concern AK 103 clone. I’ve quietly been procuring parts for the build, including some difficult to find AK 103 “channel” magazines. I will likely use a Saiga or KR103 as the base for the rifle, depending on what is available.