JRA Gallant Galil photos

JRA top, ATI bottom

JRA top, ATI bottom

JRA top, ATI bottom

JRA left, Apex "Very Good" parts kit right.

Croatian .22 LR conversion for 7.62x39mm stamped AKs

To continue more of the .22LR AK theme lately of this semi-defunct blog, today I received my Croatian Grizzly Defense Industries (no website) AK .22LR conversion kit from Centerfire Systems (currently sold out).  This seems to be the same conversion kit that was shown and SHOT Show 2019 as covered by The Firearm Blog. That article also does a great job of explaining why it is only for stamped AKs in 7.62x39. I did contact Armamentos at the listed website and filled out their contact page when I saw the TFB article but never received a reply.  These are definitely different than the Ciener .22 AK conversions that he no longer has in production.  Also note that this conversion kit claims standard, not high velocity, .22LR.

First unfired impressions are that it looks maybe even better than Romanian standards on the AKT98/WASR22/RAK-22. It isn't super hard to install as long as you push down on the hammer.  I was hoping the barrel insert would be past the gas port to possibly prevent fouling, but it is definitely shorter.  However, it may be just short enough not to cause lead "misting" like that I see inside the blast chamber of a .22 suppressor.  Clean up will be one of my questions along with ejected cases getting stuck under the dust cover (common WASR22 platform issue), but right now the bigger issue is with the magazines.  The magazines are robust with a BHO follower.  However, similar to my Chiappa RAK-22 with the Black Dog Machine WASR22 magazines, the magazine doesn't latch all the way in on my recent Romanian build with Nodak Spud NDS-3 receiver.  When I get more time tonight I will update this post with some other AK fitting tests.

UPDATE: Mag latch is only an issue with one rifle, doesn't seem totbe a fault of the conversion kit.  It fits my M92 built off a Morrissey underfolder receiver and Yugo mag latch, another rifle built off an Romanian parts kit, and a MAK-90.  The instructions say that other than Yugo or Romanian AKs may need "minor gunsmithing," but it at least installed in the MAK-90 easily. 

One other observation, the bolt handle is located much further back than even the WASR22.  When uusingit for training and not just plinking I think I will still try to index where the normal bolt handle is and move back to catch it.  Not the best solution but otherwise it is potentially a better training tool than the WASR22 if you have AKs that are setup multiple ways.

Century Arms sues XTech Tactical over trade dress of US Palm

In the aftermath of US Palm going under, XTech Tactical has been working with the molders for US Palm's plastic parts.  The molders were told that they couldn't sell their thousands of excess US Palm magazines by what now appears to be Century Arms, so XTech Tactical and the molding company redesigned the magazines with improvements: a removable floorplate, improved texture, and metal reinforced feed lips (and had to destroy the old magazines in impressive fashion).  Today word came from social media accounts and Soldier Systems that Century Arms since they now own the rights to the US Palm brand is attempting a Glock style trade dress suit against XTech.  This isn't due to any patents or other intellectual property, just that the product has the same "distinctive" look to what is now their brand.

XTech Tactical is also about to release their US Palm style grips with storage doors (which the originals are often bringing $100+ prices).  Honestly, I was waiting for these grips to come out before I placed my order of Mag47 magazines since I have a decent number of original US Palm AK30s.  When word came of the suit, I ordered some magazines from XTech.  While I am somewhat worried about another small company having the same issues of US Palm, I still feel we need to support AK companies that support us with great products.  Century Arms certainly is the 800 pound gorilla in the room and can make the US Palm brand last if they really want to, but they have always had issues with customer service and overall quality, which was my first worry when I heard they officially had restarted the brand.   They are apparently still months from coming to market with their US Palm products.

Right now, XTech is actually on the market with their products and is very much customer focused.  I put a note of support and my Instagram account name (MattCFII) since they have been very active answering my questions in comments there.  Within minutes, I had a DM saying thanks for the order. The magazines themselves have been getting excellent reviews, like from RobSki at AKOU.  I can't wait to get mine!

Chiappa RAK-22 and Blackdog Machine WASR22 magazine mods update

Saw your comment and email Tony, making a new post to add pictures.  Again, problem is that they won't fully seat enough to let the mag latch to come forward.

When I ordered the RAK-22, I also ordered two Blackdog Machine magazines. I was going to order more but chickened out at the last mibute concerned about them fitting.  BDM is quite clear to call if you aren't sure about a magazine, but they answer my first call and since I'm always paranoid about getting things when in stock I figured I'd take the gamble on just 2.  I've since called and told them that they don't fit out of the box but it looks like they will after some file/Dremel work.  I used the first 2 magazines as the experiment, but now I'm confident enough they can be made to work, so I ordered 5 more (plus another extractor, even though I still have a TurboThis spare too).

I have tried changing the front lug and front top of the magazine, but it had feeding issues.  So the rear lug changes seem to be the best for feeding, but you have to remove a lot of material and you will be sacrificing lug strength, which is why I tried the other way too.  So far I have not been able to get either magazine to seat without pushing the magazine latch forward, but I think I will be able to when I do a little more work.  I'm still in the testing phase and have 5 more magazines to do, so I'll keep you posted.  If anybody out there has a RAK-22 and a factory metal or plastic 10 round magazines, please try them in the RAK-22 too.

Chiappa RAK-22

Since I also have my posts of the AKT-98 and M10-22 parts comparison, I'm making a post with the Chiappa RAK-22.  Overall, glad to see another AKT-98/WASR22/RPK22/M10-22 platform rifle.  It has nice wood.  On the downside, the gas block and the rear sight block are roughly cast metal, but this should be perfectly fine on a .22LR.  It is still better than a Mossberg Blaze 47, GSG AK-47, or Armscor AK-22 in my opinion.  Biggest downside right now is that Black Dog Machine magazines will not fully seat with the rear mag latch not going forward but this doesn't seem to be just due to the rear mag lug.  Exploratory Dremel surgery is happening on the mags! This post is mostly so I can post a link at forums for the pictures, but if please post even a simple comment if you are an old reader and would still read things here.

US Palm closing up shop

Sad to say my favorite AK grips, chest rig, and second favorite magazine company is closing up shop according to their Facebook:
https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=10154882768266699&id=170189871698

They had suspended operations in April with hope to restart but it is now officially over.

Thanks for everything guys!

8M3 available at SGammo, what I've been up to

Just want to post this up since my ammo guide is one of my most popular posts, 8M3 7.62x39 is available: http://www.sgammo.com/product/tula/1000-round-case-762x39-8m3-124-grain-hollow-point-ammo-made-ulyanovsk-cartridge-works-u

They claim it is a special deal with Tula to bring back this "retro" load. My understanding of the rumors is that 8M3 has never stopped being produced in Russia but import of it has been questionable since Wolf ended their relationship with Ulyanovsk.  No matter if it is really "retro" or not SGammo can definitely be thanked for bringing it back in!  They claim to have an exclusive deal with Tula/Uly through 2017.

As for me, I'm coming back to the AK as my primary platform after 3 years of learning the AR.  I do believe if you are an American you should be able to to run an AR and happy for the experience and to have a few of them in the safe, but l am also happy to be back to the AK as my primary.   I have added another child, a son, since my last post, plus have worked a second jobs selling guns and other things so I have been busy. We'll see what the future brings for me and this blog but hopefully some more intermittent posting.  I'm happy to see where the AK community is at these days with all the options out there and guys like Tim at MAC and Robski at AKOU.  But it also seems like the quality of rifles has gone down as US production has became more of the market, which honestly doesn't surprise much.  Since I'm currently looking at the options for a plain Jane beater AK, and that part market seems dicer than ever.  We could complain about the details for the WASR-10 and others, but at least they would run.  Hopefully Cugir will start back up their US production line.

AK PMags

Good item to come back on!  Magpul has announced their AK PMAGs.  Their Facebook page has a little more info explaining that they will first have an AK MOE level all plastic magazine to go along with their previously announced AK MOE grip .  However, they are also working on a steel reinforced version for a later release.  Very interesting!  Good to finally see them embracing the AK market, lets hope the AG doesn't get to crazy with the Executive Order powers just given to him to control firearms imports as he sees fit and Magpul's move from Colorado goes smoothly.

RS Regulate BM-1 Light mount out now

Now at Aim Surplus, should be available at Brownells any day now too!  I got to play with this some in the beta phase and must say it rocks and is just what RS Regulate does, a solid, simple upgrade that works.  Just like the AK platform!  I'll be getting one for review and if as good as the beta version, I already anticipated it being a permanent part of my gear on standard barrel diameter AKs.  My busy part of the year is kind of winding down and I will have more time to post reviews, like on it and some other products I have waiting to be given some range attention. 

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.

RS Regulate begining production on their barrel mount

Over at their Facebook page, RS Regulate has announced that they are starting the first production run of the BM-1 barrel mount.  Right now it will be for standard AK barrel diameters (.590"), but I believe there will be follow on mounts for other barrel diameters (like RPKs and MAK90s).  I had a chance to check one out in the beta testing, and like the rest of RS Regulate's products, it is simple, rugged, and effective.  Just like the AK itself!

Yugo PAP M92PV 7.62x39 Pistol starting to trickle in

So far I've only seen this in an email announcement at one retailer that already sold out, but it could be a very interesting Draco competitor/replacement if it makes it into the country in bigger numbers. Also it would make a very nice M92 conversion project for an SBR. Has the hinged upper dust cover like a Krinkov/Suchka/M92. I don't know if it has an underfolder trunnion like a Draco-C and if the muzzle has a shroud over the threads which could be 26mm if it is true to the M92, but if it does it would be a easy project.

K-Var new slab side magazine with metal feed lip reinforcements

Just saw that K-Var now has a metal feed lip reinforced version of the Bulgarian slab side 7.62x39 AK magazine.

Sorry for the slow posting around here lately.  I am working on a few things like reviews of the Mission First Tactical grip and handguard, MD Arms Molot grip, and CNC Warrior Night Brake to name a few.  I'll post them up as soon as i get a chance to get out to the range again, my schedule just has allowed it.

Military Arms Channel Beryl Archer Review

I agree, a little disappointing that it doesn't come with the trademark Beryl features of the folding stock and top rail, but looks to be overall a great quality AK with 1" groups.  As Sturmgewehre points out, for a lot of people the quality won't be worth $1300 without some more Beryl features.  Also too bad they went with the slower twist barrel so it won't shoot 62 grain and up as well.  Why did they even notch the safety at point?  While I understand the tabbed safety thing, I don't really have a problem with chamber flagging the rifle if I need to instead of holding it open.  That is all a notched safety on an AK is good for unless you are getting ridiculously fancy with Yugo hold open followers and slapping up the safety before pulling the mag.

Butler Creek AK LULA Loader/Unloader

I had always looked at these a somewhat unnecessary luxury since AK magazines are generally not hard to load.  I had heard they were great in general so I recently splurged and got one.  If you have AK magazines, treat yourself to one!!! (and probably another kind of magazines you own as well since they make multiple models). So far they have worked with every kind and caliber of AK magazines that I have thrown at it, from US Palm AK30s to Circle 10 5.56x45.  They make loading quick and painless, and they make unloading amazingly fast and much easier!  As I said, loading AK magazines isn't that hard, but this makes it child's play. I could definitely pop one of these on a mag at the range and give it to a new shooter and they would be able to to load without any problems, which is why I'll be getting another so I can have a buddy load quickly too.  Overall it is a pretty ingenious design, the lever even collapses into the body for easier storage.  I also plan on getting their large and small pistol magazine LULAs now.

Polish Beryl Archer now available at Atlantic Firearms

The new high end 5.56x45 Polish Beryl Archer imported by IO Inc. is now at Atlantic Firearms. It claims 1" groups at 100 yards.  There is an interesting tabbed and bolt hold notch on the safety, not to mention an unique handstop on the lower handguard.  It is listing at $1299.

Fleeting Survival's Strike Industries AK Rail review

Nice review here.  They too found it a solid, lightweight solution.  One issue they did come across that didn't surprise me but I didn't have was that the gas tube lever couldn't be thrown.  I think on the Draco carbine that I reviewed it on had a looser lever and I was able to get it thrown.  I really hope SI comes out with a optic specific one.

Arsenal's SLR-106UR 5.56 Pistol at retailers

Noticed an emails that the SLR-106UR 5.56 Pistol is starting to make it to retailers.  If that's your cup of tea or are looking for a good SBR project base, it could be a good option.

Strike Industries PARA and Dura Grip

Strike Industries has came out with another interesting product for vertical foregrips (VFG).  This time it isn't just AK oriented but has a major selling point to tactical AK owners.  Using an traditional VFG on an AK is problematic since it can block the rock in magazine loading process.  Strike Industries' new PARA (Pyramid Angled Rail Adapter) will angle back any standard VFG to 17 degrees, which is about the same grip angle as a Glock.  This improves the ergonomics of a standard VFG.  All of our grips on pistols and rifles are angled, but yet few foregrips are as well.  The other times I've played around with VFGs, I've never liked their perpendicular angle.  While VFG use isn't quite in vogue as it used to be, I do personally like angled VFGs if you are going to use them as an actual grip and not just as a large handstop.

While this feature is great for AK owners that want to put a short VFG out far on the a railed handguard, the PARA can also allow a new tactical twist on a AK classic, the Romanian pistol grip handguard (often referred to as a certain part of a donkey's anatomy): 

(Thanks mikeplan14 of INGO for the photo!)


With the PARA you can angle a VFG forward like the Romanian grip and still have room to rock in a magazine:




I coupled the PARA with a Strike Industries Dura Grip.  They make quite a combo, both are solid, high quality aluminum just like their AK mount. Also like the mount, the PARA and Dura Grip have robust black anodizing. As you can see, I was able to mount the PARA pretty far back with the full length Dura Grip and still have enough room to rock in this 5.56x45mm magazine.  More curved 7.62x39 magazines may require a little further forward placement, but it will still be further back than a regular VFG of this length.  If you like the Romanian pistol grip handguard but want something a little more modern, this is definitely the way to go. It will allow the most rearward positioning of a AK VFG and I think still feels more comfortable than a perpendicular VFG.  For comparison, knives will often sweep somewhat forward in their handles, which is an ergonomics feature that obviously works in a lot of cases but is rarely used in firearms.  In the end, the swept forward PARA still feels like the traditional Romianan handguard, but gives you the modern capability and looks.

This combo is pretty versatile.  If you are one that likes to mount VFGs as far forward as possible, you can take advantage of the PARA's improved ergonomics if you use a "stubby" VFG.  This is probably my personal favorite PARA configuration just because I like the more similar feeling between the foregrip and the pistol grip.  The nice thing about the Duragrip is that it has a screw off extension that allows it to be a stubby VFG as well.  This does take the water resistant compartment capacity down to 2 CR123 batteries instead of 3 though.


The Dura Grip is built like a tank and is great quality.  However, due to it's clamping groove cut in the top of the grip, it isn't waterproof, although the bottom cap is O-ring sealed.  If you require that or a light tape switch cutout and want to stay with SI, there is also Strike Industries' Dura Grip Pro version

One other interesting thing I was able to do with the PARA is add a handstop to it.  This made it very similar in profile and feel to Magpul's Angled Foregrips.




Overall, the PARA is a neat little piece that gives you a lot more flexibility in mounting foregrips to your AK.  While I know not everyone likes VFGs on AKs, if you are in this crowd, I definitely recommend the PARA.  One other use Strike Industries suggests but I didn't get to try is using it to angle down a light for trail navigation or search and rescue work.  The PARA weights just 1.3 ounces and has a screw-on clamp that doesn't require sliding it all the way down the rail to position it.  It lists for $30.

The Dura Grip is a excellent quality VFG that weights in at 3 ounces in stubby configuration and 4 full size.  Note that the Dura Grip does require you to slide it in place and then screw in the cross-bolt.  So if you do have anything else on the rail you would have to remove it before installation (or get even better, mount it to a PARA first).  Its list price is $40.95.


Disclaimer:  Strike Industries provided the PARA free of charge and the Dura Grip at cost.  The more is see from them, the more I am excited to see what they are bringing out. I do feel they offer great quality gear at good prices and wouldn't partner with them if I didn't. Hopefully they will extend their AK line soon!

Panteao Productions' Jim Fuller AK Armorer's Bench Review

Out of the gates, I have to say a great video!  It is just over 3 hours in length without the included extras.  The extras do have some great info as well, but these are the Pro Tips that will probably be available on Panteao's You Tube page eventually.

Like the Travis Haley Adaptive Kalash video, it has Panteao's excellent production quality, which is great for the detail close up shots.  However, I did find myself wishing that there was a full HD digital download or Blu-ray available.  I ordered the DVD instead of viewing it through Panteo's streaming HD monthly subscription.  While Panteao's subscription service is a great deal, I did have to cut back on it a couple of months ago.  Plus, I really like to have a DVD or digital copy for those times I don't have an internet connection.  While this DVD is well done and more than sufficient quality, this is one time on an instructional DVD I thought HD would be a plus due to the small parts and detail close ups being just that little bit more crisper.  Honestly, on most DVDs as long as good information gets across, I'm happy with relatively low production quality.  However, Panteao is definitely starting to change my standards.

The DVD starts with the typical safety rules, introduction of Jim Fuller, and history of the AK.  Then it moves into basic field stripping and more detailed bolt disassembly.  Fuller next explains the fire control group in detail with a very neat color coded cutaway of the mechanism.  For those of you that are new to the AK platform, it will help your understanding of the fire control group immensely!  After showing the trigger group workings, the different U.S. group options are discussed along with modifications to improve the trigger pull (but not the overall weight, which for most groups is light enough for the purpose).  Before moving to the outside of the rifle, cleaning is discussed.

The DVD then moves to the exterior for awhile.  Changing of furniture is covered, along with some of the options out there.  Sight adjustment and replacement sights are detailed as well. The Magna-matic sight tool is featured too as a great adjustment method and particularly so for stuck sights.  While the Magna-tool is an excellent option, it doesn't fit some of gas/front sight combo blocks like the Draco and AK-104 style.  Minor gripe for only a few AK users, but if you have one of these with a stuck Draco sight drum like I did, a wrench socket can support a Kroil soaked front sight block while using punch will do the trick.  While not covered in the DVD, I believe though I did learn the socket method from a Fuller post on a message board.

Next, muzzle devices are then talked about where Fuller recommends different types flash hiders and brakes, especially the AK Battlecomp, of which Fuller's Rifle Dynamics is the exclusive distributor.  The typical 14x1 LH and 24x1 RH threadings on AKs shown.  Booster usage for short barrel rifles is explained too.  He also shows how to check that the threads are concentric to avoid bullet strikes.

After muzzle devices, Fuller of the details the cycle of operation first from the gas system side.  Fuller shows why piston wobble is actually recommended.  Then feeding, the bolt carrier cycle, and ejection is modeled with dummy rounds and the previous chapter on the fire control group is referenced.  Fuller also credits the AK's tapered rounds for part of its feeding and ejecting reliability.  While not that big of deal, I do wish there was a little more detail here.  Discussing how the bolt is camming and locking up would have been nice.  That can somewhat be shown through the magazine well, there probably isn't a really good way to show bolt without some kind cutaway.  Another minor thing that could have been nice is pointing out the ejector and how to check it.

At this point the DVD is about 2 hours in and now definitely takes a shift to more advanced techniques.  Some of the fixes after this require a hydraulic press with tooling and jigs being highly recommended.  Often the ones that require the press are really just guidelines of how it is done since there is no press in the video's work area.  If you have enough hydraulic press experience you could probably pull off what Fuller discusses but for a beginner who bought a press to do some serious AK work, it wouldn't cut it.  However, Fuller does mention that there are plans do do more advanced videos of these things in the future.

Trigger guard and magazine latch replacement is the first one of these that would need a press and jig.  However, even for someone like me who probably won't do something like this it was still cool to see and helped my overall understanding of AK construction.  Also the AK-Builder jigs featured are mechanically  interesting to me as well.  Almost makes me wish the days of parts kits weren't pretty much over so I would finally build an AK from a flat.  

The next topic of barrel removal is another one that requires a press.  It was definitely interesting to get an idea of what it would take to change out an AK barrel, but again unless you have a press and some general experience, it was more academic.

Fuller then moves forward and shows how to check the front sight, gas block and rear sight for alignment and then fixing cant.  However, Fuller makes a point that needs to be reiterated: not all canted sights are a bad thing, sometimes it is for a slightly bent barrel.  Canted sights don't scare me that much, and this video shows how to fix them if they need to be.  In my opinion, I would only absolutely fix front sights if I ran out of windage adjustment before point of aim/point of impact matched up.  I would consider fixing cant if I used so much windage to zero that the sight was close to one of the sight ears. But if the front sight is canted and the post is somewhat close to center I leave the sight alone!

Mag well and latch adjustment is addressed next.  Overall, great advice to help you with a misfeeding AK.  Another nice part of the video is safety fitting.  Fuller goes through multiple methods to loosen up the safety and make it easier to move.

The DVD closes out with sight mounting options, 922r compliance which then leads into Fuller's take on the modern AK.  The Ultimak, US Palm (Midwest Industries), and Texas Weapons Systems mounts are recommended, with Ultimak installation and tips being demonstrated.

As seems to be their standards, Pantaeo and Jim Fuller have an made excellent effort.  While not perfect, I cannot think of a better single source for basic AK technical information.  It will be interesting to see what else will come out of this relationship in the future.  This was so exhaustive of the basics, the only way I see for them to go from here is really AK building (of which the heydays have unfortunately passed) and true AK gunsmithing. It covers nearly everything needed at an Armorer "kitchen table" level.  Every serious AK owner needs a copy!