DRACOs

[m4brian]

Thinking about DRACOs and whether it even makes sense to consider a mini at all. The std DRACO is basically a military model in semi auto.

The mini barrel is so short along with the gas system that it requires a buffer to keep the piston from short stroking. Do folks consider this a complete non-starter? (I did read a review in which the pistol chewed up the buffer after just 300 rounds - still funcitoned but regular replacement is likely required.

I do like the SHORT system, but maybe this is not advisable.

Thanks.

[Bret]

While I'm a complete AK whore, I just can't bring myself to buy a mini Draco. I do really like my SBR'd underfolding Draco.

[SteyrAUG]

While I'm a complete AK whore, I just can't bring myself to buy a mini Draco. I do really like my SBR'd underfolding Draco.

I'm with Bret, but I made mine a side folder.

[Bret]

If you can swap out the rear underfolder trunnion for a regular rear trunnion, I think that the side folder is more functional and looks better. Here's my underfolder.

[Ed L.]

Here is a Vector semi auto AK that I bought about 9 years ago:

[m4brian]

Almost got the mini, but in the end, I could not bring myself to rely on a buffer to operate and not go with a "military version".

[1168]

I’m in the process of gathering parts and tools to chop my SAR-1 to ~12.5” on a Form 1. Turns out, the combo gas block I picked up is adjustable, so that’ll help with the can. I’ll try to let y’all know what I think when it’s done.

I’ll be keeping the fixed wood stock, solely to make a certain lawyer jealous. Well, that, and because I sanded the shellack off by hand and stained it in a barracks room 18 years ago, and I can’t let that American craftsmanship go to waste.

[SteyrAUG]

I’m in the process of gathering parts and tools to chop my SAR-1 to ~12.5” on a Form 1. Turns out, the combo gas block I picked up is adjustable, so that’ll help with the can. I’ll try to let y’all know what I think when it’s done.

I’ll be keeping the fixed wood stock, solely to make a certain lawyer jealous. Well, that, and because I sanded the shellack off by hand and stained it in a barracks room 18 years ago, and I can’t let that American craftsmanship go to waste.

Gotta ask, why would you chop down a banned SAR-1 rather than buy and convert a Draco to a fixed stock trunnion? Lots of Dracs out there and still being imported for friendly prices, unlike SAR 1s.

[1168]

Gotta ask, why would you chop down a banned SAR-1 rather than buy and convert a Draco to a fixed stock trunnion? Lots of Dracs out there and still being imported for friendly prices, unlike SAR 1s.

Because I don’t know how (I’m sure I can learn, but I didn’t realize that was an easy option), and I’ve already got a rarely shot rifle that I paid $300 for, back when that was a thing.

Really, I was considering buying new, but quickly tired of trying to learn what to look for in the current market, and tired even more quickly at looking into having a pro do it. So I decided to entertain myself with a goonsmiffiin’ project instead. Anything special about the SAR-1 that should concern me? I thought it was a pretty common run-of-the-mill gun. It’s not quite original, as I had it threaded already. Took the gunsmith two deployment cycles to get it done.

I’ll look into the fixed stock conversion and see if it’s viable for me to Khyber a newish gun; thanks.

[Bret]

I don't think that the SAR-1 is banned. They just don't import that particular variant anymore. For that reason, it's value is above that of current imports. While you may have paid $300 for it, its current market value is what matters. Your logic is the opposite of a sunk cost fallacy, though I don't know what that would be called. I definitely agree with SteyrAUG that buying a Draco and replacing the rear trunnion is the way to go, though finding a competent AKsmith to do the rivet work in a timely manner might be problematic.