Showing posts with label Suarez. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Suarez. Show all posts
Friday, March 23, 2012
OST Closing Out Kalashnikov Armorer with Jim Fuller
Suarez's One Source tactical is closing out Kalashnikov Armorer with Jim Fuller. Get 'em while you still can! While it is a smoking hot deal on a great DVD from a great AK gunsmith, it does mark the end of Suarez's relationship with Fuller's Rifle Dynamics.
Wednesday, February 22, 2012
TSD New Folding Stock
While US Palm is still working on their folding stock, Gabe Suarez just released a picture of his company's new folding stock in this thread that they will be using. My first thought when I clicked on the thread is that it would be the new US Palm stock, and it may or may not be since Suarez is a little vague (it is not US Palm, see update). It allows M4 style stocks to fold to the left or right depending on the adapter used. No word on price yet. ACE does have a similar setup with a "pignose" adapter for their folding mechanism.
UPDATE: Definitely TSDs, the folding mechanism based off the Galil is what is offered, no buffer tube or stock. Available here for $125
UPDATE: Definitely TSDs, the folding mechanism based off the Galil is what is offered, no buffer tube or stock. Available here for $125
Saturday, January 28, 2012
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.
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.
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.
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.
Thursday, January 26, 2012
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.
Saturday, January 21, 2012
Travis Haley Adaptive Kalash Review
I just watched Travis Haley's Adaptive Kalash with Panteao Productions online streaming subscription service.
As to be expected, the production values are high. Better than what I've seen in Suarez's or Puzikas's videos. But of course these are instructional videos, so content in my opinion still regins supreme.
Let me tell you for just over 2 hours, Haley does some excellent instruction on the AK platform and actually surprised me a lot. I'll admit I was pretty biased coming into this thinking it was going to be all high speed with a focus on accessories. I think that maybe watching Haley's video on the Battlecomp and FSC47 and seeing some of the gun acrobatics Haley and Costa can do running an AR made me expect something different. Honestly, everything I saw was thought out and had a good basis of theory and body mechanics. It was also not about running the rifle as fast as you can, as cool as you can. I must admit this misconception might root in that when it comes to rifles, I have mostly watched AK-centric DVDs and haven't gotten a chance to watch a Magpul DVD.
Haley first goes into some basic background on the AK, Then his overall AK philosophy that seems to be open to running an AK in a traditional or more modern sense. He prefers to be "Adaptive" in his methods, to basically use what works and not be too tied to doctrine. I like this perspective. He mentions despite having the AK been used against him and seen the damage it produces on the human level even to friend, he still respects the platform for being what it is.
Like most gun videos, then four rules are covered, which while necessary and fundamental, is still done in a professional and informative matter.
The next portion I really like. He explains the levels of AK that are on the market. Overall, it is good information for someone looking to buy a first or second AK. However, while he talks about AKs remanufactured on U.S. receivers, he doesn't mention the WASR phenomena of a rifle being imported as a fully built single stack non-922r firearm that is then converted. While he is holding WASR10/63 (the HD is nice enough to read the markings), Haley discusses mag well issues that are usually due to Century's conversion issues instead of it being caused by U.S. receiver makers, which usually do better jobs with mag wells. Definitely a minor gripe, especially since he goes on to explain higher quality imported rifles, but since WASRs tend to be the main entry level AK I feel like it needs the clarification at least here. But other than that, this section is great, it explains some of the finer points like stamped vs. milled receivers and 45 vs. 90 degree gas blocks. Rifle Dynamics makes his custom rifle that he uses for the video, which many people consider to be the best AK shop around.
He mentions as he explains levels of modifications that he likes traditional AKs. It is surprising to me because you think of Haley and Costa and how much new accessories they have brought the the AR platform through Magpul. He goes on to describe more modern enhancements and why he likes them as well. As he discusses ammo choices and corrosive salts removal, he dunks a 74 directly in a pond. While it is a perfectly viable method, there is just something fun about seeing him do it.
The thing I have the most problem with is his side by side magazine reloads. Basically, you put the fresh magazine on the side of the gun as you pull/knock out the old one. I first tried this years ago when I read the Magpul (the accessory by the company of the same name) pamphlet on how to use them and mentioned side by side reloading. For me on the tactical reload, the finger tip hold on the old mag seems easy to fumble especially as you pull it down the length of the just loaded new magazine. Also getting that grip on the old magazine can be even more in the fingertips if you have a side rail, not to mention a mount on that rail. Yes, I agree it is the most movement efficient way to load an AK, but I am going to have to give it more practice before I truly believe it's not going to result in a lot of fumbled magazines.
However, I like that he doesn't espouse just one method to charge the AK, and he talks about all three of the main ways and says "Never be absolute on how you... ...charge an AK." The "Iraqi method" of holding the bolt back on reload is covered as well and he discusses the pros and the major con of it, and shows a way that can make it more viable. The new school way of upper body rifle positioning is covered well.
The zeroing portion is very good. Marksmanship fundamentals with a modern twist is shown. Not only does Haley talk about AK sight adjustment, but he also discusses zeroing distance and the effected holdovers for both 7.62x39 and 5.45x39.
Malfunctions are covered with relatively simple techniques. Haley includes discussion on the extreme bad luck malfunction where a case gets stuck behind the bolt in the fire control group.
He shows drills to balance speed and accuracy. I think these will help any shooter become better. It also brings a little more light on the method to the madness of his Battlecomp/FSC47 video. Basic movement into positions is also shown.
The transitions chapter discusses why he is not a believer in the over-the-head, through-the-sling transition method. However, he does mention that if you truly do it on an empty/malfunctioned rifle it is not all bad if you must stick to the authentic Russian way. Then Haley talks about sling selection and positioning. He also gets extra ComBloc points if it really is what I think is a CZ-82 as a sidearm.
He closes out the video with a little instruction on long range shooting, showing how effective AK in both 7.62x39 and 5.45x39 can be at 500m.
So while I started a little jaded, I am putting my money where my mouth is, I will be buying this on DVD as well (now in stock at Panteao and Brownells). However, on a side note the subscription feature at Panteao is nice. For just under $18, I now have a month to stream not only all of Haley's new videos, but other big names like Louis Awerbuck, Paul Howe, and Massad Ayoob.
If I was still only recommending just one AK DVD, I would probably say Beyond the Firearm 2 for the massive amount of material it covers from a man with an amazing depth of AK experience. Also, the videos from Suarez and Puzikas will give you more information on movement and positions. But Travis Haley's Adaptive Kalash is a great effort belongs in your library as well due to the fresh look it brings, excellent information, and high production values. I am very impressed by it. In general, all of these DVDs will give you a wide spectrum of ways to run your AK while also helping you decide who to train with and get ready for classes. My real world recommendation would be for you start with the one that most interests you but quickly branch out and get as many as you can.
As to be expected, the production values are high. Better than what I've seen in Suarez's or Puzikas's videos. But of course these are instructional videos, so content in my opinion still regins supreme.
Let me tell you for just over 2 hours, Haley does some excellent instruction on the AK platform and actually surprised me a lot. I'll admit I was pretty biased coming into this thinking it was going to be all high speed with a focus on accessories. I think that maybe watching Haley's video on the Battlecomp and FSC47 and seeing some of the gun acrobatics Haley and Costa can do running an AR made me expect something different. Honestly, everything I saw was thought out and had a good basis of theory and body mechanics. It was also not about running the rifle as fast as you can, as cool as you can. I must admit this misconception might root in that when it comes to rifles, I have mostly watched AK-centric DVDs and haven't gotten a chance to watch a Magpul DVD.
Haley first goes into some basic background on the AK, Then his overall AK philosophy that seems to be open to running an AK in a traditional or more modern sense. He prefers to be "Adaptive" in his methods, to basically use what works and not be too tied to doctrine. I like this perspective. He mentions despite having the AK been used against him and seen the damage it produces on the human level even to friend, he still respects the platform for being what it is.
Like most gun videos, then four rules are covered, which while necessary and fundamental, is still done in a professional and informative matter.
The next portion I really like. He explains the levels of AK that are on the market. Overall, it is good information for someone looking to buy a first or second AK. However, while he talks about AKs remanufactured on U.S. receivers, he doesn't mention the WASR phenomena of a rifle being imported as a fully built single stack non-922r firearm that is then converted. While he is holding WASR10/63 (the HD is nice enough to read the markings), Haley discusses mag well issues that are usually due to Century's conversion issues instead of it being caused by U.S. receiver makers, which usually do better jobs with mag wells. Definitely a minor gripe, especially since he goes on to explain higher quality imported rifles, but since WASRs tend to be the main entry level AK I feel like it needs the clarification at least here. But other than that, this section is great, it explains some of the finer points like stamped vs. milled receivers and 45 vs. 90 degree gas blocks. Rifle Dynamics makes his custom rifle that he uses for the video, which many people consider to be the best AK shop around.
He mentions as he explains levels of modifications that he likes traditional AKs. It is surprising to me because you think of Haley and Costa and how much new accessories they have brought the the AR platform through Magpul. He goes on to describe more modern enhancements and why he likes them as well. As he discusses ammo choices and corrosive salts removal, he dunks a 74 directly in a pond. While it is a perfectly viable method, there is just something fun about seeing him do it.
The thing I have the most problem with is his side by side magazine reloads. Basically, you put the fresh magazine on the side of the gun as you pull/knock out the old one. I first tried this years ago when I read the Magpul (the accessory by the company of the same name) pamphlet on how to use them and mentioned side by side reloading. For me on the tactical reload, the finger tip hold on the old mag seems easy to fumble especially as you pull it down the length of the just loaded new magazine. Also getting that grip on the old magazine can be even more in the fingertips if you have a side rail, not to mention a mount on that rail. Yes, I agree it is the most movement efficient way to load an AK, but I am going to have to give it more practice before I truly believe it's not going to result in a lot of fumbled magazines.
However, I like that he doesn't espouse just one method to charge the AK, and he talks about all three of the main ways and says "Never be absolute on how you... ...charge an AK." The "Iraqi method" of holding the bolt back on reload is covered as well and he discusses the pros and the major con of it, and shows a way that can make it more viable. The new school way of upper body rifle positioning is covered well.
The zeroing portion is very good. Marksmanship fundamentals with a modern twist is shown. Not only does Haley talk about AK sight adjustment, but he also discusses zeroing distance and the effected holdovers for both 7.62x39 and 5.45x39.
Malfunctions are covered with relatively simple techniques. Haley includes discussion on the extreme bad luck malfunction where a case gets stuck behind the bolt in the fire control group.
He shows drills to balance speed and accuracy. I think these will help any shooter become better. It also brings a little more light on the method to the madness of his Battlecomp/FSC47 video. Basic movement into positions is also shown.
The transitions chapter discusses why he is not a believer in the over-the-head, through-the-sling transition method. However, he does mention that if you truly do it on an empty/malfunctioned rifle it is not all bad if you must stick to the authentic Russian way. Then Haley talks about sling selection and positioning. He also gets extra ComBloc points if it really is what I think is a CZ-82 as a sidearm.
He closes out the video with a little instruction on long range shooting, showing how effective AK in both 7.62x39 and 5.45x39 can be at 500m.
So while I started a little jaded, I am putting my money where my mouth is, I will be buying this on DVD as well (now in stock at Panteao and Brownells). However, on a side note the subscription feature at Panteao is nice. For just under $18, I now have a month to stream not only all of Haley's new videos, but other big names like Louis Awerbuck, Paul Howe, and Massad Ayoob.
If I was still only recommending just one AK DVD, I would probably say Beyond the Firearm 2 for the massive amount of material it covers from a man with an amazing depth of AK experience. Also, the videos from Suarez and Puzikas will give you more information on movement and positions. But Travis Haley's Adaptive Kalash is a great effort belongs in your library as well due to the fresh look it brings, excellent information, and high production values. I am very impressed by it. In general, all of these DVDs will give you a wide spectrum of ways to run your AK while also helping you decide who to train with and get ready for classes. My real world recommendation would be for you start with the one that most interests you but quickly branch out and get as many as you can.
Tuesday, January 17, 2012
Travis Haley's Adaptive Kalash
Magpul co-founder and former CEO, Travis Haley's new AK instructional DVD, Adaptive Kalash, seems to be off pre-order and closer to being available (although it is still out of sotck at Brownells). For those of you that like his and Costa's Magpul stuff, it will probably be a must see. It is on my list of things to checkout and will probably have some great stuff, but I must admit if I was going recommend only one AK instructional DVD to buy, it would be Sonny Puzikas' Beyond the Firearm 2. For the price you get almost 3 hours of great basic to advanced AK work. After that, the Suarez series of AK DVDs are great too. But it will be fun to see Haley's take on the AK for sure since he comes from a totally different background.
Thursday, June 3, 2010
US Palm AK Attack Rack Chest Rig ready to ship.
US Palm has the first shipment of Attack Rack chest rigs ready. Again with this launch, Gabe Suarez's One Source Tactical gets the first batch according to this thread. I'm not in the chest rig market so I won't be getting one of the first ones, but it looks like this will be great for almost everyone into AKs, even for you guys that aren't fans of AK30 mags.
Thursday, March 11, 2010
"Guns & Ammo Complete Book of the AK47" is hitting shelves
Last years was good and ground breaking, this years has better info in it IMO. Eric Poole, the editor, even admits they were surprised how well last years did.
David Fortier, as always, has a number great of articles. I can never get enough of his stuff! Gabe Suarez has a couple of articles and Marco Vorobiev has a two as well. I can never get enough of Vorobiev's experiences in Afghanistan in the Spetsnaz.
Thursday, February 18, 2010
U.S. Palm AK30s are here!!!
My mags are here from One Source Tactical! My initial impression is WOW!!! The feel really solid, grippy in the grooves on the front and back of the mag, and feel lighter than Waffle Circle Tens (but I haven't actually weighed them).
The package list Flat Dark Earth and Bakelite as other color options that apparently will be coming soon! As long as these are as great functioning as Gabe Suarez has reported, they will be the only mags I ever buy again as long as they are available in the capacity and caliber I want.
Also U.S. Palm has an interesting new AK Chest rig coming soon too:
Monday, February 15, 2010
AK30 Palm Magazines are shipping
According to Gabe Suarez here:
The thread includes some great description of why it is better than Circle Tens and some pictures of a mud test. Can't wait to get mine!
Also another member at Warrior Talk got a nice package with patches and sticker with his mag, he must have had company contacts.
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