Rifle Dynamics / Haley Strategic Partners 74 (#1). This rifle was designed to run fast and flat. The base rifle was an Arsenal SLR-105. Chambered in 5.45x39. The crew at Rifle Dynamics did an excellent job on this rifle. Attention to detail is top notch.
Thanks Rifle Dynamics for making our ideas come true.
Video in action 
That is a very sweet AK. I am sure the purists won’t care for it much, but I can very much see the utility in this rifle.
If I were to modernize an off the shelf AK, this is exactly how it would end up. It is obvious from looking at the piece that a lot of care was taken to choose the lightest components for the rifle. The Ultimak with T1 and the standard polymer lower hand guard is well thought out. Seems to be the best way to go RDS at the moment, although the MI/US Palm rail seems really cool (might order one). The triangle side folding stock is a good choice as well to keep the weight down. The Surefire brake is awesome, and I bet with it the gun recoils about as much as a BB gun.
I used to think the Rifle Dynamics gasblock was hokey looking, but it is really growing on me. Comparing it to a real AK-105 gasblock I have I bet it weighs half as much. What I really dig is that even though the rifle is well modernized, it still keeps (somewhat) traditional AK-74M theme present as well.
How much does she weight? Where does the gun balance?
The RD/HSP 74’s balance point is right in the center. The front end is very lively.
We wanted to go as light as possible on this custom build. Recoil wise, the rifle does feel close to a BB gun… more so with the Surefire can on it.
I will get the actual weight unloaded and loaded as soon as I can.
Is RD doing a run of these? Price/Availability?
O
Rifle Dynamics sounds like Travis, but is he just working with them or is he part of that group too.
Interesting videos by Travis. AKs and CZ pistols, he’s expanding the envelope.
Nice looking rifle.
Very nice! Really like the layout.
Couple of questions if you don’t mind…
For the Surefire brake, did you turn the barrel down for 1/2-28 AR threads? Or, did you just thread it 9/16-24LH without turning?
for the sidefolder latch on the left front side of the receiver, did you drill the hole for the retaining pin while the front trunnion was still riveted in the gun, or did you press out the barrel, drill out all the front trunnion rivets, remove the trunnion, and then drill the trunnion on its own? I’ve been toying with the idea of turning a 5.45 Saiga into a nice sidefolder, but this step gives me a little pause. Would be great to know how RD approached it.
Is the Krebs gas block chrome lined?
If answering would reveal any info that you’d rather remain proprietary for any reason, I totally understand and thank you for your time regardless.
Thanks!
-P.
Question 1 : The barrel is threaded to 1/2-28.
For questions 2 and 3: Rifle Dynamics can answer them. (http://www.rifledynamics.com/ )
Damn nice looking rifle.
Side question, in the video, during the magazine change… did he remove the empty with his thumb while holding the spare magazine? If so, that seems to make a lot more sense than a mag bash as far as being sure you hit the paddle.
Yes, Travis used his thumb.
It’s an awesome rifle. Got to see it person and run it in Reno. Jim, Roger and Billy know how to make AKs right, no matter whether they are modernized or not.
Nice job all around. This rifle needed to be equipped for a SF can, or it would be wearing the AK74BC prototype we made for him in 24mm.
And yes, RD can thread their barrels for 1/2x28, too.
Several of my other AKs sport the BC AKBC. Great enhancement! One will be on my Vz-58 real soon.
I know Jim had that gun completely apart to ensure it would run 120%. I’d imagine he set up the notch while the barrel was pulled.
That isn’t a Krebs gas block. It is known as a Bolten gas block that Jim and RD have used for years.
I have a 7.62 AK Jim built back in 07 for me. Jim and the rest of the Rifle Dynamics crew make some of the finest AK systems out there. I feel honored to call him a friend.
Looks like a really nice build. I’d love to have an RD AK. I’m kind of lukewarm on the Bolten gas block, but it is about the simplest and most durable solution currently I think.
Is the muzzle thread the same on AK and VZ?
I’d like to get AKBC on my VZ58.
Reminds me I need to get a rifle started with Jim and the gang.
That is a very nice Ak74. Jim and the boys have personally built 4 Ak’s for me. Every single one runs perfectly. I highly recommend Rifle Dynamics to anyone considering a custom AK build. I am fortunate enough to live in nearby so I can pop in anytime I have a question or want a new gun built.
Ray
Thanks for posting the rifle, It’s been an honor to work with you and Travis!
@Peshawar,
We lathe thread the barrels to many thread sizes depending on the need of the project, Travis’s gun was threaded 1/2x28
In most cases we have a jigs for cutting/milling/drilling the holes and cuts for the sidefolder. To answer your question, In most cases we drill through the bottom of the reciever and into the trunion with a #21 bit, the depth you drill here is important if the barrel is still installed, after that we drill the reciever hole to the proper size for the pin. There are schemdics for all the cut’s available on the internet.
The gas block we use is made by Lenny Bolton of Venom Tactical, Lenny designed and produced these based on our needs, they are not chrome lined but are moly coated inside when refinished. While not everybody likes the look of the block those who have used it are very happy with the bennifits it provides, we do retail these when we have a surplus available.
@infidelprodigy, proud to call you friend as well Bro!
We can currently offer all these upgrades for existing rifles and we are working on a production model in the near future. Sign up for our newsletter for future updates. Out of respect for M-4 Carbine.net and thier sponsors I don’t want ot post any links.
Thanks to all for the nice comments!
Jim Fuller
PM sent.
Cheers
Thanks for the reply Mr. Fuller!
Jim,
Thanks again for making our ideas a reality.
Ray