TSD Combat Systems AKs and the World of AK Value

Gabe Suarez has started a new gunsmithing company called TSD Combat Systems. They got their start putting mini red dots onto Glocks and other pistols. Of course, since it is a Suarez ran company, AKs weren't far behind. The first ones are just now starting to get to their owners. Overall, I think it has some very interesting additions that shows a large shift for Suarez's doctrine. They look more "tactical" and similar to a Krebs' rifle, while in the past Suarez has been a more traditional AK setup with some modern accouterments.

Here are the accessories that mark a change:
1. M4 style stock with a riser. Suarez originally was not a big fan of these unless you had a specific need like really long arms or a couple with a large size difference used the same rifle. The previous though process was that a Warsaw Pact length stock was more of a one size fits all solution and the large majority of AKs out there have that length. Also the traditional AK stock were seen as more robust. Now, the M4 styles are added for better overall accuracy, a reoccurring theme with the TSD AKs. The Magpul MOE with a riser allows for better cheekweld and length of pull for more accurate shooting. In the past, Suarez focused on good enough "minute of man" accuracy with the reasoning being most people don't really need that much accuracy or range.

2. Tabbed Safety. These where not encouraged since they changed the manual of arms from a standard AK to something more individualized. Some of the models have these pictured on them, but not listed in the parts changes. I think this is more Suarez accomdating the changes in tastes than a major shift, but in the past he and Sonny Puzikas were not big supporters of them. Like a lot of other people, Matt over at Jerking the Trigger, really likes them I used to use one up until a picture of one of my AKs with one was used in Puzikas excellent DVD, Beyond the Firearm 2. Puzikas was mentioning how you needed to be careful not to hit the tab while trying to run the bolt from underneath the receiver, while somewhat showing my rifle as an example of what not to do. So now I personally look at them as training wheels and was nearing that conclusion before that rifle cameo. I'm totally comfortable sweeping off the safety right handed with my index and middle fingers. While it does slightly break firing grip, works with all AKs, even the tabbed ones. There isn't really any useful speed difference between the safety types, just personal comfort.

3. Texas Weapon Systems Dogleg Rail.

These without a doubt are bringing a new capability to AKs. Krebs, the Polish on the Beryl, and others have created similar rails but they have all been wanting in either the price or overall stability until the TWS rail system. The main way this differs is that you can now use a centerline and low mounted optic that before only side mounts did only moderately well. While I like side rail mounts, they do have a lot of issues like weight and position in relation to bore/cheek weld. This new accessory allows for the shooter to get accuracy the AK is capable of getting with good ammo and sighting systems are combined.

4. Optics all but required.
Optics bring a lot to any modern rifle platform. Red Dots will be fast at CQB ranges but yet still add some performance at long ranges. The new AK ACOG or a nice 1-4x scope brings a much more long range capable AK. These magnified optics will allow easier 500m+ hits. However in the past Suarez doctrine, the irons were sufficient for CQB due to the "caveman EoTech" method, were best at medium distance, and could still be used to effect well past the normal range civilians would probably ever need (I am a big believer in slightly widening your rear sights to about .080", I think Fuller does slightly wider). Back then, a red dot would be a good investment upgrade down the road especially for those with older eyes.

5. Rear Peep backup sight.
The TWS rail allows a peep sight to be positioned where it should be. I've tried a Mojo rear peep for an AK. But since it replaced the normal rear sight leaf, it never felt right for me, as I sure the Krebs would have felt wrong as well (even if you want to try these, stay away from the Williams). It doesn't bring the added accuracy of a true rear aperture and doesn't bring all the speed a ghost ring does if it is wider. This is a change in Suarez's doctrine since for a long time he advocated the traditional rear being good enough for intended use, and there is the system commonality between the vast majority of AKs along with practically all pistols. Due to the increase accuracy requirements, a peep seems the way to go for TSD's AKs besides for the CQB version. However, I am still mostly a post and notch guy. Ever since my Red Ryder BB gun, it has been the primary sighting method (and honestly just a few years later I was shooting AKs). I can use peep systems just fine if I need to, but right now I only own 1 firearm with an aperture rear. For guys like me, Texas Weapon Systems is developing a notch rear backup sight which makes it more attractive. If you prefer a peep, this is a good option while allowing an easy optics upgrade later and also makes the Tech Sight AK sight almost obsolete.

6. Railed Aluminum Handguards
The railed handguard does bring the extra capability in quickly and easily mounting picatinny accessories. This is a good thing as long as you don't go crazy trying to fill every piece of "rail estate" with the next greatest accessory. Almost all of my AKs have a small piece of rail to mount a light. Besides for the personal aesthetic issue of changing the traditional look, railed handguards only downsides are the extra length of used rails that must be covered so they don't act like cheese graters when it contacts skin. Most of the newer handguard systems only weigh slightly more than a normal handguard, or in the case of the Midwest Industries X models offer an extended handguard for a just a few extra ounces of weight. Suarez still is a believer in the bare minimum bolted onto your rifle, it is that handguards like this offer the most options. Honestly, I do think these are a nice upgrade as long as you keep it simple still. I have added my own small single rail sections to traditional handguards and also have used the Hogue, CAA, and ATI handguards that have some rail options. I am waiting for Primary Arms to get the new Midwest Industries AK-SS along with a micro red dot. For me, this handguard should be the best of both worlds. With the small, re-positionable rail sections, I won't have to use rail covers since I can put rails only were I want them and have even less weight. Other than the lack of traditional look, I think this will be the sweet spot for my personal requirements.

Overall, the TSD AKs seem like a customized Mustang (follow me through this car analogy, I think a lot of people will relate, but honestly I'm not a big car guy). For a long time Mustangs have been the more affordable, entry level American sports car. You can spend a lot of money to get Corvette or Viper performance in your Mustang especially by getting the Roush or Shelby upgrade shops to do it for you. At that point of the upgrades you could have potentially spent the same or more on one of the other cars but it is your personal devotion to the Mustang that keeps you improving it. For a lot of people, a traditionally restored or just slightly modified Mustang is enough for them. Not to mention in "normal" driving often the high end performance upgrades have minimal valve besides for a little extra fun from stop light to stop light.

The TSD AKs (and Krebs) are that custom performance shop upgrades that bring a new level of performance to the platform. However, often by the time you have spent the money you could have gotten an nice AR or even a next generation carbine like the SCAR, ACR, or XCR that bring a new level of blending of the to platforms together with gas piston system and AR ergonomics. Personally, I think that level of money it might be hard not to buy one of those three newer rifle platforms, just like if I had the money for either I might go for a Lamborghini instead of the tricked out '70s muscle car.

You can also do the DIY upgrades to your personal tastes to improve where you think the specific aspects of your AK, much like the home garage car mods. While not always as nice as a custom rifle, it will make noticeable changes in speed and/or accuracy. Then for the next level there are the Rifle Dynamics of the world that will do an amazing traditional or custom AKs.

There will still be a lot of purist out there that want their AKs traditional, and I get that too. From the moment I saw it in person, I fell in love with Plum furniture, even though I originally though I would hate it looking at it in photos and by name (a fruit color on my rifle?). I will also always a sweet spot for a '79 Ford Mustang even though it was one of the worst stock performance years of the model. It was my first car, and the performance was still enough for me to get to where I needed to go while having a certain aesthetic.

When it comes down to, the vast majority of our civilian rifles are only used for range shooting. In the rare case they might be used for self defense, it would be at a close enough range with a small number of assailants where most of these upgrades wouldn't matter. However if you are going into a war zone, things change and more of the TSD upgrades could become a necessity. Just like you might need an armored Humvee to get to work in Afghanistan, all you really need to get to work everyday in America is a basic vehicle that reliably runs and hauls a few passengers or cargo. Just like leaving the road for the track at different levels of racing, if you are using your AK in competition, you need to tailor it to the level you are competing in. Indy Car Drivers need Indy Cars, open division 3 gunners need race guns (but ARs dominate this division anyway).

For most of us though, as unabashedly capitalist Suarez says, "the America I know was not formed on needs, but rather on wants." Figure out where your personal value level is. For me, even a basic good quality AK is enough and has its own draw, however I do have a few extra add-ons more for personal fulfillment that would make the more useful in a dire emergency. That said, I do think there is a certain level of pay-to-play if you have any expectations of an AK being a self defense tool. Screw builds on poorly heat treated receivers, crooked gas blocks, wobble free pistons (yes it is suppose to move some), and ProMag magazines loaded with Eygptian surplus ammo should not apply to that job. The TSD line shows Suarez's shift from value of good enough AKs to top end performance that will rival many accurcized ARs and even the next gen carbines. The question is if you will shift too.