AK-74

[frostfire]

It started out with a search for an AR platform for 2-gun/3-gun match. Had a decent budget, almost picked up the SIG 516, the LMT .308, the Larue stealth, then did the math with ammo, accessories, shooting school, usw.

I ended up with an AK74 NDS. Granted it won't hold toe-to-toe in all circumstances against the above choices, but my criteria was 0 to 100 yards with 10inch plate or 200 yards man-silhoutte, first round hit from low ready under 2 seconds. Also High Power has spoiled me so much that if I were to spend >1k, it better be able to punch 10 rds+ under 1 inch at 100yds prone unsupported. Unfortunately the 77gr is not as available and cheap as it was 4 years ago.

At lower $500, I already got rifle, mount, optics, sling, and 1000+ rds. So there's much left for schools, matches, training, and more ammo. Compare that with Bushmaster and other low end AR that started at $800+, and frankly, after trying out 2 of my buddy's Bushy AR, the AK trigger is much crisp. The out-of-the box Bushmaster's did not fare better than the AK accuracy wise either. Surplus 5.45 52gr vs. PMC & American Tactical 55gr. With Wolf 60grain HP and FMJ, I got all-rds-touching-sub-MOA at 25m, but at 100, they're all 4 to 5 MOA. At 100yds, each group has 2rds so close to give 2MOA, but it's always the 3rd one that breaks it. So it might be shooter's error and better optics might give better hold for greater accuracy.

Good
- Cheap ammo (the catch is PITA cleaning regime to get rid of corrosive salts)
- Cheap accessories
- Reliable and simple-no-brainer operations
- Airsoft-like recoil (shot it one hand @25m controlled pair, 4 inches apart)
- Decent to minute-of-man accuracy up to 200yds, possibly more


Bad
- Ergonomics not as great as AR, lots of sharp surfaces...
- Barrel not as easy to clean as AR
- Poor accuracy compared to them free-floated-barrel AR's
- As barrel heats up, group opens up
- The pistol-like iron sights and short sight radius not conducive to accuracy (hence, the red dot optics)

Anybody played with it and care to add?

EDIT: can't find any M4-adjustable stock type for the AK both online and at the shops around here, if you got one for sale, PM me please

[koz]

http://www.tapco.com/products/ak/ind...d&productId=26

http://www.vltor.com/accessory.htm

http://www.vltor.com/images/AKsmall-600.jpg

[Texas_Shooter]

I have a 74 as well and what you said about the good and the bad points, nailed it right on the head. My stock nearly rattled right off after one go at the range. I am definitely going to get the adjustable one now. Also with the gas operated system, the wood grips I have start to heat up after a while and holding it can become unbearable. Also the trigger, depending how long your stints are out on the range are can start to bother you as well, so a modified trigger may help some to. As for ammo I use Wolf Ammo. Dirty but it will go bang just about every time you want it to go and cheap every where I go.

[mojaveman]

Bought a new Century Arms Bulgarian AK-74 last year for about four bills and was reminded of all of the reasons (many of which you mentioned) why they're not my first choice for a battle rifle. Sure, they're dependable, robust, exotic, and fun to shoot, but I also have a 20" AR-15A2 which is my favorite. I'd spend the extra money and shoot non-corrosive instead of surplus through the AK. Silver Bear makes a nice inexpensive 60 grain FMJ non-corosive primer Zinc plated steel case round. Bought a ton of it from Aimsurplus.

[frostfire]

Originally Posted by koz

http://www.tapco.com/products/ak/ind...d&productId=26

http://www.vltor.com/accessory.htm

http://www.vltor.com/images/AKsmall-600.jpg

aw crud...poor writing on my part. What I meant was I couldn't find one in stock in various online stores and around here. Looks like everyone and their grandmas got themselves an AK and replaced the stock with adjustable one. I'd be glad to pay for a used one before I go to ebay.

Still, thanks for the links Koz

[JJ_BPK]

Originally Posted by frostfire

aw crud...poor writing on my part. What I meant was I couldn't find one in stock in various online stores and around here. Looks like everyone and their grandmas got themselves an AK and replaced the stock with adjustable one. I'd be glad to pay for a used one before I go to ebay.

Still, thanks for the links Koz

Koz

Look for ACE. I have a couple of their models and they are very nice. The AK and it's derivatives can use simple bolt on "blocks" that adapt to most AR stocks, so the available choices are unlimited.

http://riflestocks.com/store/page7.html

I have one of their original short skeleton AKFX and a SOCOM model. I picked them up on the AR15.com marketplace cheap.

With the correct blocks installed, you can use ANY AR stock..

I have built two with NoDak Spud receivers,, Harlin is good people and they make good product..

http://www.nodakspud.com/

Good Luck..

[Peregrino]

Originally Posted by JJ_BPK

Koz

Look for ACE. I have a couple of their models and they are very nice. The AK and it's derivatives can use simple bolt on "blocks" that adapt to most AR stocks, so the available choices are unlimited.

http://riflestocks.com/store/page7.html

I have one of their original short skeleton AKFX and a SOCOM model. I picked them up on the AR15.com marketplace cheap.

With the correct blocks installed, you can use ANY AR stock..

I have built two with NoDak Spud receivers,, Harlin is good people and they make good product..

http://www.nodakspud.com/

Good Luck..

Concur. Ace has good components though they're a bit pricey. I've got a fixed w/M4 stock and a folder w/Ace std components. Both are exceptional.

[Texas_Shooter]

JJ_BPK:

Great looking AK-74. Love the shortened barrel.

[JJ_BPK]

Originally Posted by scooterdude713

JJ_BPK:

Great looking AK-74. Love the shortened barrel.

That's not shortened. It is the barrel off an AMD-65, only 10.5 inches. To assemble that kit you need to braze an extension or a long flash hider to meet AFT rules of 16 inch.

The Hungarian AMD-65 is often seen in the sand box, although I am not sure about reducing the 7.62x39 to a pistole round, it sure looks kool..

Here is the completed build. I used a NDS frame and ACE folding stock. Fits in my music case..

If you want to keep the short barrel, you can have the frame registered as a pistol, but you need to make sure a stock can't be added..

[Texas_Shooter]

Very nice