Damage Industries' V2 AK Handguard

You may remember they did a first generation of this railed handguard that was mostly available at Tactical Response.   I really liked the side rails up on the gas tube along with the pretty smooth and slim lower handguard.  This one will be even better since it has the movable side rails and should be lighter.  In general, Damage Industries doing some amazing stuff for other platforms, and already have some neat AK stuff like high quality US made springs and a flash hider I hope to review when I finally get a chance to do some night shooting with a collection of AK muzzle devices. 

Release from Damage Industries:
"Here's a sneak peek at the Damage Industries modular forearm rail assembly for the AK-47 platform.

Retail $159.95

Add-ons (not pictured) will include 7-slot accessory rail, 7-slot accessory rail with Quick-Detach socket, and cantilever optic rail that will not block use of standard fixed sights.

Variations will be available for RPK's, Yugoslavian AK-47's, and short-barreled Draco's and Krink's

Available hardcoat annodized in black, FDE, OD green and hard brown.

Shipping soon, so follow us for more details!"

They also have some more pictures up on their Facebook page.  Shows the rails down on the lower handguard as well.

Mystery railed upper handguard

I came across this railed aluminum upper handguard from a personal sale on my state gun boards.  The previous owner said he picked it up at a gun show, which honestly I don't get to that often. It looks vaguely familiar but I can't place it and my Google-Fu is weak on this one.  Maybe I last saw it at a gun show, but even then there is normally some one selling it on the internet.  Anybody know who makes/sells it?

Besides for sheer curiosity, the thing that drew me to it is that it allows you to place a light offset just forward of the lower handguard, the ideal place for a light in my book. Normally this would take something like a Midwest Industries Extended rail system with offset mount, the Thorntail mount, or jury rig a bolt-on mount onto the gas block like USAFMiller did in this video (note: I do not like the mount he used since it goes past the gas block, it but there are a few others that might work if they aren't too cheap). I haven't seen something like this since the Critical Dimensions/Damage Industries railed gas tube and lower handguard.

Overall, it reminds me vaguely of Knight's Armament with the hole shape and the cutouts at the ends of the rails for their style of covers.  It weighs in at 6 ounces and seems to be of good quality, although I don't have tons of railed handguard experience.  It twists on just like a normal upper handguard and has a retainer spring.  Without it bolting onto a lower handguard or around the barrel, I wouldn't mount an optic on it and that much rail space is a lot of overkill for just one light.  I don't know if in the time being I'll keep it or go back to playing with crappy bolt-on mounts on the gas block. But hopefully RS Regulate will eventually save me from my on ridiculousness with their light mount.

End of rail cutouts for Knight's rail covers

M10-545 Review Part 2: Range Report

Link to Part 1: First Impressions

I was able to shoot just under 300 rounds down the M10-545 this weekend.  I planned to do some more but conditions were less than ideal: 25mph gusty winds at almost a direct crosswind, 30 degrees Fahrenheit, and occasional light snow with already muddy ground.

Cycling as expected was fine, despite the front sight cant.  The windage on the RPK rear came in handy as a quick fix instead of the somewhat of a guessing game that you have to do adjust the front sight for windage.  I did need to lower the front sight a lot.  Sighting in at 25m, I was able to get some of my best AK iron sight groups, I had several under 1" with 3-4 rounds touching.   I wasn't able to get much paper target shooting done at 100m like I wanted to, but I did get to send about half a magazine at my 8" round steel target and was able to hit with no problems at all.  The gas piston, despite looking like it has a proper gap to develop wobble, hasn't yet. The piston seems to be cycling against the gas block only slightly, resulting in very small wear line on part of the piston.  But this is not anything I would call excessive, especially since I can't see any marks in the gas block and the bolt carrier isn't binding.  While I'm not really worried about this wear, fixing the front sight cant or developing piston wobble would remove this altogether.

All of my "Bulgarian" sanitized (probably Russian) mags worked fine.  My Circle 10 surplus magazine worked fine, but my Circle 21 will not fit.  This looks to be due to it hitting the cross support behind the magazine well as shown in this thread at AR15.com.  While it isn't related to the fit issue, the Circle 21 is my least reliable magazine in my AK74, it caused at least 4 misfeeds this trip so I'm not too heart broken it won't work.  I'd just have to be careful with my future magazine selection for the M10-545. Also my Tapco magazine would not fit until I did some file work partly on the back but mostly on the side tabs on the back of the magazine close to the rear lug.  The ProMag fit and fed fine but I'm still hesitant use it for anything other than range work.

While I would still like to see it at night, the flash hider was noticeably more effective eliminating flash than the 74 brake on the Bulgarian rifle.  As to be expected though, all three shooters observed less muzzle flip with the brake.  Colorado Guns assures me that the Flash hider is NOT soldered on like some of us think.  They just torque it down really tight since there is no plunger pin.  I have been able to remove it from my M10-22 but not the M10-545 yet.  They recommend a screwdriver through two of the ports as the best way to put it

I had a light on the railed handguard and it did fine with that.  Partly due to the lack of 2 screws in the handguard I didn't want to test a red dot on it.  However, it does look like these screws are pretty standard because I found a couple from an old scope ring that fit the day after I went to the range.




The balance difference was noticeable as well as all three shooters said the M10 felt a little "handier" than the AK74.  Everyone also liked the Hogue grip.  The rail covers held on fine but there wasn't a bunch of intense drills either. The AR shooter felt more at home with the covers on as well since the handguard feels very close to an AR with them.  Heat was not an issue with the handguards, but then again it was cold out and we had gloves on.

While I was hoping to get a longer range session in, at least I am now much more confident in recommending this rifle as a good entry level AK.  I do believe it is a step up from a WASR with the included accessories like the RPK sight and Hogue grip and more attention to details like the magazine well.  I would bet the M10-762 is a good rifle as well.  Part 3 will follow eventually when I get this rifle trimmed out the way I want it.

Again, thanks to Atlantic Firearms for selling me this rifle at a discount!  Check them out, they are excellent!

M10-545 Review Part 1: First Impressions

I plan on this being a 3 part review series.  I wanted to get some information up ASAP for those considering these rifles.  This will cover my first impressions.  Unfortunately, it doesn't look like I can get out to shoot until this weekend, so the range report is going to have to wait.  After that, I want to do another shorter post on how I'm going to personalize the rifle.  Also please bear with my sub-par photos, I'm still trying to get back the quality I used to be able to achieve in my magazine writing, but it is going to take more practice, time, and equipment.

Ordering:  I ordered my M10-545 from Atlantic Firearms.  They were professional and helpful through the whole process!  They definitely are a premier AK retailer.  Their knowledge of AKs was quite evident through my conversations with them.  Their product selection and shipping was great as well.


Packaging:  I have a minor gripe here.  The flash hider cut into the shipping foam in the factory box and foam went all over the rifle and in the flash hider.  Again minor, but it needed some cleaning to get off the small foam pieces, some of which partially obstructed the bore.  Atlantic added another box over the M+M/Colorado Guns factory one for shipping.  Besides the rifle and the magazine, the only accessories included where the manual and rail covers.


Receiver: The receiver is typical Romanian.  It has a decent Parkerized finish.  Even though the Parkerizing has flaws in places, it is better than my first WASR10/63.  Saigas' finishes typically look better but isn't as durable as the Parkerizing.

The magazine well has a very straight and clean cut.  This is important because these rifles, both the M10-545 and M10-762, are imported into the United States as single stack rifles to avoid 922r and then M+M widens the magazine wells for the double stack and adds the US parts. On the M10 these cuts are done with CNC machining and looks to have much better results than the Centruy rifles.  While there isn't as wide of range of 5.45 magazines, all of mine fit without issue in the M10-545.  There are a much wider range of 7.62x39 magazines, so I can't 100% speculate that all magazines will fit in the M10-762, however if the CNC cuts are the right size they should have a much better chance.  My WASR10/63 had to be dremeled out to fit my Circle 10 magazines due to the bad cuts.
EDIT:  I received my Tapco magazine yesterday and was surprised to see that it would not latch fully.  Went back through my magazine which are mainly "Bulgarian" ones that most people believe are actually sanitized Russian.  They had a layer of black paint but after that was removed most are plum with definite grind marks where the identification markings would be. These fit fine, as does my true Bulgarian Circle 10 surplus (not waffle) did, albeit tight at first.  My single Circle 21 surplus, however, is worse than the Tapco and doesn't come as close to latching.  This thread over at AR15.com has a post of someone else with magazine issues and mini review as well.  More on this after I get to shoot it tomorrow.

The receiver also has two shims inside the magazine well to make up for the lack of dimples that are usually present on AK receivers to prevent some magazine wobble.  I am a believer that a little side to side wobble is a good thing, and the M10-545 has that.  It is a relatively clean receiver with not much cosmoline in the nooks and crannies.  The standard Romanian side rail is firmly attached as well. Overall, it looks to be a good receiver with no major flaws.


Barrel:  The barrel is chrome lined.  I'll take M+Ms word for it that it is hammer forged and made in Romania.  That alone was part of the reason why I wanted this rifle in 5.45x39.  Currently, my other 5.45 is a Century Bulgarian parts gun built with a U.S. Nodak receiver and a U.S. made barrel.  While the Nodak U.S. receiver is great, the U.S. barrel is non-chromed lined so it takes extra attention when shooting surplus 7N6.  Also the U.S. barrel is softer steel so I expect it to shoot out quicker (mine has no keyholing issues that some have reported off and on since the first batch of Century Tantals that had 5.56 barrel diameters with 5.45 chambers).  The barrel on the M10-545 should be long lasting and accurate.

Threading on the barrel is 14x1mm LH, the typical AK threading, which is unlike a lot of 5.45x39 rifles that use the larger 24mm front sight block threads.  For a rifle that already is breaking the norm from traditional AK standards, I think this is good thing.  Although lot of people like the effective 24mm 5.45 brake, there are far more 14x1mm LH devices out there.

The muzzle device is now different on the M10 series.  It is somewhat similar to the Tapco Razr that they had on the original rifle.  However, rumor has it that these where having problems with the longer prongs, so M+M sourced their own design.  It has four shorter prongs and more circular ports than the Tapco.  I prefer the looks of the shorter prongs more than the Razr's.  Like the barrel, the range session will be the true test for it.  These unfortunately do not seem to be marked in anyway: M+M does claim that they are U.S. made. The flash hider is quite firmly screwed on, I even asked Colorado Guns if it was soldered.  Apparently it is just torqued on really well (remember though if you take it off, righty loosey on these reversed threads).

Sights: As advertised, the M10 does have windage adjustable RPK style rear sight.  This gives the user the opportunity to adjust from zero for wind conditions on any given day which is very hard with normal AK sights. While the rear sight is a definite plus, the unfortunately front sight/gas block is canted.  This could be a bigger issue than a standard AK since the front sight is also the gas block.  Normally canted front sights don't bother me if I can shoot to point of aim or fix the cant myself, which can easily be done. Front sight cant is common in some AKs and happens in other rifles like AR15s.  But since this one is also the gas block, we will have to wait and see at the range if the sight is canted off far enough to interfere with the gas port and cause cycling issues (I bet that it will run fine, but I can't be for sure yet).  It looks to be boresighted though since the front sight is inline with the rear and not centered in the full circle hood.  At least the RPK rear allows for a choice of which sight to set for windage.  If the function is fine, I will have the additional option of adjusting the rear sight for the cant and centering the front sight post which results in a clearer sight picture that a lot of people prefer.

Controls and Internals:  The safety, magazine release, and bolt handle are standard AK. The gas piston is tight on the bolt carrier instead of having the traditional looseness which is a design feature of Kalashnikovs.  Often times though the piston will shoot into a little bit of a wiggle after a few hundred rounds or so.  The wobble will be desirable because it will allow the piston to line up better into the canted gas block if the port is open enough.  The bolt/bolt carrier run smooth enough and it doesn't bind on the gas block which is a good sign for function overall.  However, there is some oil that collects where the piston is contacting the gas block slightly.  I'll watch this area for excessive wear until the piston wobble develops or I fix the front sight cant.  The bolt and bolt carrier have matching serial numbers to the rifle's receiver.  Like most 5.45x39 rifles there is a bullet guide that is riveted to the front trunnion to assist in feeding.  The trigger and rest of the fire control group is a Tapco G2, which is a good option and counts as 3 U.S. parts. A Tapco retainer plate is included as well for quick detail disassembly and better service life than most wire retainers.  I currrently use either Krebs' plates or Chinese style L wire retainers now and so it will be interesting see how the Tapco plate does compared to them.

Furniture:  The M10 starts with a Tapco buttstock.  This is an epitome of what Tapco usually does, it is a middle of the road quality, U.S. made product.  While solid with a sling swivel, its metal buttplate does not have a trapdoor for the standard AK cleaning/tool kit like K-Var or surplus.  Yes, a K-Var or even surplus stock would be a little better quality, but for a lot of users the Tapco stock will be adequate and is an improvement over some other options (plus there is no buttstock kit included).

While the Tapco stock is somewhat average, the Hogue grip is excellent!  As a self-declared US Palm fanboy, it is hard for me to say that the Hogue grip might be becoming my favorite AK grip or at least on par with the US Palm grip, check out the AK Grips Guide for more info on the two.  One minor detail is that if you want to use the storage space in the grip you will have to order the grip door from Hogue or another retailer.  But it is still a great choice of grip for this rifle.

The M10s more tactical look is largely due to its aluminum railed handguard.  This looks to be a direct copy of the UTG/Leapers handguard but without part of the top rail that goes over the gas tube (which a lot of people don't like aesthetically anyway).  It would not surprise me if M+M uses the same Chinese OEM supplier that UTG/Leapers does for their handguard.  However, M+M went the extra mile and has "M+M" engraved on the handguard and the molded into the rubber rail covers. While one of the lower end aluminum rail systems out there, this design has a lot of proponents.  I have handled these before, but this will be my first range experience with them so I'll wait for actual live fire before I comment more on there functionality.  One bad issue us that my handguard is actually missing two screws.  It looks like maybe the builders only put on two corners to secure it and then forgot to other two.  After calling Colorado Guns about it (without mention of a review), they apologized and told me they would send the screws out to me immediately.  Hopefully the screws will be here before the range session.

Another new option on the M10 series is the Romanian wire folder stock.  This stock has been my favorite option for a drop in folding stock for standard AKs (metal triangle AK74 and polymer AK100 maybe better but require a receiver and trunnion that will take them).  I am happy to see these being offered as an option and after the range session of the as delivered M10, I will be switching out to a wire folder that I already have.


Magazine: Included is a single ProMag 5.45x39 30 round magazine.  These magazines are the cheapest 5.45x39 option available for AKs and their feel reflect hat.  I would guess that the body is ABS plastic, as is the floorplate.  My current opinion is that even the non-metal lined Tapco magazines are better. However, I will give the ProMag a chance along with a Tapco 5.45x39 magazine and my current surplus mags for comparison at the range.  While the ProMag magazine is 3 U.S. parts for 922r, M+M went the extra mile and didn't count them.  This means that out of the box you have no problems using Combloc surplus magazines, which you will need a few anyway since only one magazine was included.



Final Thoughts: The M10-545 looks to be a good entry level AK.  It has some noticeable upgrades from it competitors like WASRs or DIY Saiga conversions.  I would be somewhat surprised if the front sight cant does effect functioning, but there is a chance, as is a lot of problems that could pop up at the range. So I'm reserving an all out recommendation until I get some rounds down it.

Disclosure: Atlantic Firearms gave me a discount and T-Shirts when I reached out to them about buying a rifle for a review (the T-Shirts rock and I'll be wearing one or both at the range).  I do feel that they are an excellent retailer whose reputation is well known. The discount will also allow me to get a review in on the M10-22 as well.  If you disagree or agree with that, you are more than welcome to post in the comments your opinions.  In the end, they are a company that I believe in, as do with many other customers in the AK community.  I am proud to say that I am associated with them in this small way.

Part 2: Range Report Here

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.

TWS has new railed handguards

Texas Wapons Systems, makers of the excellent AK dust cover rail mount, has a new handguard system in the works and it seems that it will be part of Gabe Suarez's TSD line. Looks good but pricey, I'm personally going for the new Midwest Industries handguard with an micro red dot top. Also, I'm working on a lengthy opinion piece on the TSD AKs and how they mark a shift for Suarez.

Military Arms Channel's Midwest Industries New Rail video

Must get to SHOT next year...



It will take the optic specific upper handguards. It will also allow for multiple attachment points for sling swivel studs. Have to buy one now...

Midwest Industries Modular Handguard

Midwest Industries has a new handguard coming out. It is apparently named AK-SS, maybe for Smooth Side? This one is aluminum like there current ones, but has detachable rails, almost like a Aluminmum AK version of Magpul's MOE AR handguards. They are also offering it in the "X" version which extends out the handguard past the handguard retainer. This allows for a much further forward grip which is popular with a lot of new school shooters, like Chris Costa and many 3 gun competitors. Also, the option to mount things that far forward is a plus for those that run foregrips on their AKs since it will get the grip out of the way of rocking in the magazine.

Here's the Highlights:
"-No gunsmith install, Installs in minutes with wrenches provided in the kit.
-Modular side rails attach where the operator needs them for mission specific requirements.
-Three rail sections included two short ( 1.5 inches long) and one ( three inches long).
-Each hand guard features five anti rotation sling swivel sockets two on each side and one on the bottom.
-Extremely light weight . AK-SS model is 9.1 oz the AK-SS-X is 11.3 oz three rail sections add 1.6 oz of weight.
-Narrow design 1.730 about the same width as standard wood units.
-Available with optic specific top covers
-Constructed from 6061 aluminum hard coat anodized for a lifetime of service.
-Come in three colors BLACK ,FDE,OD GREEN
-100 percent MADE IN THE USA
-Lifetime warranty
patent pending
The highest quality most versatile AK hand guard on the market.
suggested retail MI-AK-SS $149.95 MI-AK-SS-X $179.95"

Overall, I've liked the concept MI's previous railed handguards, but like a lot of AK guys, I look at all that rail space and see extra weight and rough edges that I need to smooth over with rail covers since I generally only use one small rail to mount a light. The weight of their handguards are just slightly heavier than a normal AK handguard. This one might finally move me to buy one of these, especially if they can couple it with the optic specific top handguard.

US Palm Fanboy updates

What's a blog reboot without an US Palm Fanboy update. Now I know how the AR guys feel about Magpul.

Magazine Rebuild kit-FWIW, I like their regular mags a lot. This could be a good option to add 922r parts to your steel mags or of course fix worn out ones. I'll be very interested to see their floorplate design since regular AK30 mags don't have a traditional floorplate.

rEvolution package- Consists of AK30 magazine(s), AKTR railed handguard, AKBG grip (which is awesome!) and AKES enhanced Safety (Krebs style execept no cold range bolt hold open notch and tab is riveted on). Looks interesting, I could skip the AKES though these days, but would have liked it a lot a few years ago. I really need to get on board with one of their handguards built under a partnership with Midwest industries. They offer several different top handguards to allow cowitness with most of the common red dot out there (Vortex Sparc and maybe one of the Mini red dots do not cowitness) . Kinda disappointed to see the rEvolution package doesn't come with a couple of their rail covers.

They will be releasing their V2 Attack Rack Chest rigs any day now. This generation will have some MOLLE on the sides and offered custom shaped soft armor (no word if the armor will be offered for the V1) AK style and "Multi-platform"

I have one of their V1 Attack Racks and while I'm not big on chest rigs for my purposes, I like it a lot when I need to be tacticool.

New AK Rail- not exactly Choate

The new AK rail that I reported on a few days back will soon be available through Tactical Response and Choate. The manufacturer is apparently located here in my home state of Indiana! They focus on military contracts and it sounds like the civilian market rails will be a limited run for now. Get 'em while their hot!