I’m a complete AK novice, so I apologize for asking a pretty basic and open-ended question, but I’m curious to hear people’s opinions on this. I picked up an Arsenal SAM7 from a friend about 10 years ago that came with the pinned muzzle brake shown on this NJ-complaint SAM7R:
I’m guessing that mine was made to be compliant with the assault weapons ban that ended in 2004. A search of the archives and the web didn’t turn out many references or photos to this style of muzzle brake, so I took that to me that it’s probably an antiquated brake that may not be the most effective (or popular).
While I’m primarily an AR user, I’d like to upgrade a few things on this AK for use as an alternate home defense rifle. Is it worth the trouble to replace this brake, or would I be looking at minimal improvement on an HD weapon? The rifle functions very smoothly, but the milled receiver is pretty hefty, so I’m not sure I will ever use it as primary rifle (in training or otherwise), but I still like the idea of maintaining a quality AK in the collection.
I did have an SA-M7r with the muzzle nut; not a break nor flash hider, just a thread protector. That’s the only configuration I fired it in, and yes the weight of the milled receiver does absorb the recoil noticeably more than the stamped AK’s I have today.
If I were to change out the muzzle device, I would definately go with a flash hider over a muzzle brake. Personally I’m not a fan of muzzle breaks, and especially since you mentioned this can be used as an HD weapon. There is a lot of flash out of that muzzle when it is bare; so putting a brake on it will only amplify that flash.
I don’t know what your budget is, but I know Surefire has some 3 or 4 prong flash hiders that can fit the muzzle if you thread it appropriately. Sorry I don’t remember off the top of my head what the common thread pattern is for AKM barrels, but that’s the one I would go with for most options.
For less money than the Surefire I think I remember Echo93 had similar pronged flash hiders that can also fit.
Smith Enterprises also has a Vortex flash hider for AKM patterned barrels.
I don’t have any firsthand experience with any of the above FH’s, but I am planning to go with the Surefire when I get around to it.
I have the Tapco RPK style muzzle device on my WASR-3. They market it as a muzzle brake, but it’s actually a flash hider, and is extremely effective. Cheap, light, and aesthetically pleasing (to me, anyway). I tried it out on my 7.5" barreled mini-Draco once too. Still had some flash, but it was substantially reduced.
I have the FSC. My buddy has the Midwest Industries.the MI is excellent at flash suppression, like BE Meyers good, and decent at combatting muzzle rise. One of these days I’ll swap them back to back but the I think the FSC is better at combatting muzzle rise.
I’m doing a necro but I’m curious what the popular AK brakes are now days. I have an AK with a slant brake but it sucks being a lefty and so I want to put a break on, I don’t care about flash hiding as it’s just a range toy. I’ve looked at the PWS j-tac47 and FCS47 mod 2, as well as the VG and Griffin offerings, but I don’t know if I want to spend $100 on one of those.
I got one of these a couple of years ago when they were selling blems for half price. I figured for under $20 shipped why not. I think it works great and no bigger than a A2 sized device. David
I have used a few different ones over the years. The AK-74 type work fairly well but are a tad heavy but they are effective breaks. They are not so great for flash suppression. The MI works pretty good and is light. The one that comes on the Century C39 series is an effective flash suppressor and like others milled rifles are a bit heavier and absorb some of the felt recoil. My current favorite is the PWS FSC-47. Is it worth $100? Meh. I guess that is subjective and only YOU can make that decision. All of the jet type breaks work well but are loud for the people to your left and right. Like they say there is no free lunch. You might look at the youtube video RobSki did on AK muzzle devices. Probably the best review done so far on AK breaks.
