Have any of you AK guys here had a chance to look at or try out the “AK Lightning Bolt” that allows the charging handle to be located on the left side of the AK?
Thoughts?
Edited to remove the link.
M4C does not want the trouble.
Hmmm… I see a problem with traditional muzzle down carry - the charging handle would hang up on your gear. Also, since it is attached to the bolt it would be a hazard when firing. IIRC, the AK bolt was moved from the left to the right before it was accepted for trials. Shrug.
M_P
Really? Hmm… It wouldn’t be the first time somebody has reinvented the wheel.
The points you made seem valid to me; however, it seems like this modification would help get an empty AK back up and running faster than a right side charging handle. But I know very little about AK’s, so what do I know.
Of course, I should have written “charging handle.” I apologize.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j_ekugPKqFw
Sorry, I couldn’t resist.
M_P
What. In. The. Hell… Did I just watch???
:eek:
??? you watched the lighting bolt in action…duh…J/k LOL
I think it is a supurb system. I think the gear hang up issue is an operator error excuse. Be aware of your gear and weapon system at all times, thats a part of combat mindset. And how is it more dangerous on the left side?
As for an efficient/speed system for the AK I dont think you can beat it. I have been thinking about this exact system for years.
In a critical stress reload “Time is life” I always say,… no one can argue that with old Russian manual of arms, gear issues or whatever. This system just validates that.
My 2 cents
I knew what you meant to say. I actually did not even notice that you did not use the word “charging handle” until I read your post again this morning. I did not know thay the Russians experimented with the left side CH.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts, SimplyDynamic.
Excellent points Travis.
And of course at least two very successful designs had the left-side charging handle - the STG-44 and the FN FAL - it didn’t hurt them at all.
M_P
My duty “carbine” is a Micro-Galil. All of ours have a left side handle, not sure if all the Micro’s do, and I’ve never had an issue with it. We use M16 mag adaptors which have the release on the left side also. Both features speed up mag changes a reasonable amount over a regular AK.
I tried to get Krebs to do this like 6 years ago…with no luck…finally gave up on him…
this looks good. Look forward to trying one.
I think it looks pretty cool too. Trueno over on AKF welded up a left-side charging handle and there is a thread about it and the “Lightening Bolt” over there:
http://www.theakforum.net/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=51113&highlight=
Pass.
Im a righty and have no problem with the CH as is on standard AK’s and have gotten pretty fast coming under to charge and release the safety lever.
As has everyone else who has gotten proficient with consistent training with that particular manual of arms… But if we are talking speed here then no one can be absolute to the old system and they cant argue that this system isn’t faster or more efficient…
One thing I have learned over the years is that Innovation and technology is our friend, Just because shooters think their particular gear or skill set works just because its easy, still doesn’t mean its the most efficient.
Any link to this that works?
Not a member of cult of “X” retardferst, and akforum link not valid.
Amazing.
Lets charge $250 for something that pokes you in the nuts when you transition and absolutely blows your muscle memory for any traditional AK.
How hard is it to tilt the rifle when you charge?
I’m sure they’ll sell a million of them.
:rolleyes:
I cant follow that link since I dont drink the BigDot kool-aid. Anyone have a link I can FIGHT my way to?
Now that’s the absolute way of thinking that I was talking about.
However your absolutely right on the price! to cut, weld then coat… ya a little excessive and I am not a Run off the X fan at all, But the concept is what sells.
Also, I think you need to seriously ponder something here… If you think you are going to feel a little stub hitting you in the nuts during a real critical stress transition… then you are mistaken.
Why are people so scared to be a bit creative and make a already awsome weapon system ever better? Tradition? BS, thats how people get killed in the long run.
Keep an open mind, dont be absolute to tactics and gear that are simple and work faster and more efficiently. I love my traditional AKs and I wouldnt change a thing on them! But a work AK that my life depends on? hell yes!
Ummm… you do realize this is me you’re referring to, right?
Of course I do, nothing personal at all!
It may have come across more harsh then if if I were having an actual discussion in person… That wasent meant primarily for you, it was a statment to all “ol school traditional AK guys” for a lack of better terms.
I am just trying to validate the Speed and Efficiency of the left side version. (not the $tag part of it though!)
My clone of yours is almost complete by the way, cant wait!