Wes'ada...AK ACR

General Firearms Other Semi-Automatic Rifles
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Well I figured I would start a thread to document the AK build I am about to begin. Given the recent news on the Masada/ACR which I won’t be getting into now, I would like to build something to fill the gap so to say. Lately I have had a gun-crush on Travis’s MAG-K-001:

Why I am basing it in on an AK? Well why not? I know the ergonomics may leave something to be desired compared to an AR, but lets face it AKs are cool and there probably isn’t a more “battle proven” rifle design in history. It truly is the glock of battle rifles. Not to mention with a G2 trigger I can literally bump the thing like it’s a machinegun:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GTxNVYNzPNU

Also I have already done one Saiga conversion to an AK101 that went pretty smoothly and I really enjoy working with the platform.

…So today I dropped the coin on a brand new Saiga .223 (and a stripped AR lower but that’s a different story). My goals are to create the most advanced evolution of the platform possible at this time. I don’t care if the thing looks anything like an AK when I’m done, but I do NOT want it to be a CAA, Tapco, chincy collection of garbage. As I once heard someone say “it looks like someone attached a crap magnet to that rifle and dragged it through the EE”. I want everything on it to be a functional improvement over the rifle which I am going to loosly base this rifle on, the AK-102. Basically the shortened 100 series, so this will be an SBR. So what I am thinking…

-magpul UBR (link) probably the most advanced stock on the market for any platform. magpul MIAD (link) best pistol grip on the market. magpul XTM and ladder rail covers (link)

-Ace internal block adapter (link), Folding mechanism with integrated AR interface (link), AR Pistol Grip Adapter (link) Ace makes probably the best cross platform Adapters out there.

-Ultimak optics rail (link), and standard lower rail (link). Ultimak really makes the best AK rails out there. Samson rails might make it on there, but I think Ultimaks are better.

-Krebs enhanced safety (link)

-Enhanced mag release? Anyone know of one I can install at home?

-Double sided charging handle? There’s the lightning link, but I would like to keep a charging handle on both sides.

-Aimpoint T1 (link)

-Vltor HALO AK adapter.

-KVAR Bulgarian “Can Brake” (link)

-LT FUG (link)

-Surefire M600C (link)

Some issues, I need to find somewhere that has the AK 102 FSB/Gas Block in stock, (here is the KVAR one that is out of stock). I also need to figure out how to improve the mag release/change method. I have thought of a AR mag adapter (Red Jacket does a good one) but it’s permanent, and I feel the mag release button may be too far forward to activate with the trigger finger. I like the one on Travis’s AK, but I want something I can do without sending the rifle out for custom work. It may be necessary. I might do a double sided charging handle while I’m at it.

So what does everyone think? Any constructive input would be appreciated!

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Be interesting to see how it turns out.

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You might be interested in this:
http://powercustom.com/store/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=15&products_id=167

It is a semi-permanent magazine release from RSA. I think it gets riveted to the current catch.

Since you probably don’t have access to Masada/ACR bolt handles, what are you going to use? Standard AK ones? On my Benelli shotgun I have an aftermarket bolt handle - if you could somehow drill a hole(s) in the bolt carrier that might be a good option. Here’s the one I bought: http://www.gggaz.com/index.php?id=112&parents=60,63

I want to see how this turns out! Should be pretty sweet!

Spooky

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Awesome Spooky, that is exactly the type of mod I am looking for for my mag release!

As far as bolt handles, I don’t know. I don’t know if I’ll be able to fold the stock with a left side charging handle, but it is such a huge improvement…in the end it’ll probably have charging handles on both sides. That’s why I think the lightning link is so stupid. Yeah, the left side handle is great, but why do away with the right side too??? I was thinking HK91/93 handles fitted to the weapon would be cool. The ones you linked to are pretty cool, I might have to rethink.

Thanks for the support The_Kater. If you don’t mind me asking, what didn’t you like about the full length Ultimak rails on your AK102? Was it just weight?

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Dude, teach me!:smiley:

:eek:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GTxNVYNzPNU

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This dude’s not too bad either…

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dUhsksw1wu0

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How about one of these? Bigger than normal HK93/91:

It would be really cool if you could machine the bolt carrier so that these could fold - just like on the HK series guns…

Spooky

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Chris K will teach you how to do that nonsense all day long. Just not at one of our matches or drills.

ETA:
Stick to working on productive things :slight_smile:

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Trust me Rob, I don’t do it often, but it’s fun to do from time to time. shrug

Spooky, those handles look awesome! I can try to do the folding machining, but that might be a little above my head.

ETA: Spooky, do you have a link to those HK charging handles? My Comcast internet is all jacked up today :mad: and I am having a hard time searching.

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Sorry for shitting in your thread. I shoot with k_cheerangie and was just busting his balls a bit.

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Well I think left side charging handle is out. I would like to retain the ability to use a folding stock. One of the big goals with this rifle is to have something compact enough to stick into a tennis racket bag or a small instrument case. I am quite proficient in tilting and charging, and my wife is getting the hang of it. I think with more training and dry fire practice it’ll be second nature.

I am still on the fence as to whether to use the Russian type threading and use “soviet type” muzzle attachments (probably a Bulgy 4 piece can brake), or mill off the threads and thread the barrel 1/2"x28. I am planning on purchasing a Gemtech HALO eventually so suppressor attachment is not a concern. I think apples to apples, a Noveske “Pig” probably weighs less than a Bulgy “beer can” so that might be the deciding factor. However conversely cutting and crowning is something I feel comfortable doing myself, while milling off the threads, cutting and crowning, and threading the barrel is not something I can do myself and not something that’s going to be cheap.

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Check out this new one from MSA
http://forum.saiga-12.com/index.php?showtopic=30759

I know it looks superficially like a regular old IMI adapter but unlike an IMI galil adapter this one apparently drops the magazine free. An ambi version is coming out (and for some reason replaces your entire TG too) so if you haven’t done any conversion work yet seems like it might be a good idea.

With that adapter you’ll simply drop the magazine with your support thumb

What you can do instead is tilt up the current charging handle by 45 degrees (only beneficial if you charge over the top). It’s an easy mod you can do at home.

As far as stock adapters you’re correct, an ACE internal block is the only way to go for a folder. The only downside is that you can’t use a Beryl rail since you cut off the rear tang. Sounds like you plan on mounting on the Ultimak regardless so it doesn’t matter. If didn’t want a folder I’d say give the Vltor stock adapter a shot.

How short are you going with the barrel? I don’t think you want to have to shorten the gas system because that’s a PITA plus then the ultimak rails will have to be shortened too (at least the gas tube rail)

You can install a left-side selector but it’s going to be “backwards”. I personally find a SWIFT stype selector you hit with your trigger finger to be more comfortable than a backwards thumb selector.