Ratchet Charging System for the AK

[MilitaryArms]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xzBoJQ7w-fo

I had a chance to inspect and shoot a working prototype of a new product offered by Parabellum Armament for the AK. This device gives the operator the ability to charge the AK rifle much like a HK 90 series rifle (91, 93, 94).

[Para1*]

Thanks for the video, I have enjoyed some of the other videos you've posted in the past. Interesting piece of equipment, do you care to give your impressions on it since you were able to handle it? Is it worth it at around $160.00?

[DeltaSierra]

This looks like the most thought out design I have seen so far.

If you get a chance to test one of these out, I am sure I wouldn't be the only one that would be interested to hear the results....

[MilitaryArms]

I fired it on the range and it works very well. It is super simple and doesn't require any permanent modifications to your rifle or carrier.

This is a working prototype and they tell me the final product will be more refined.

I do like it, however I also have reservations.

First, I don't find the charging handle on the AK to be particularly awkward or difficult to use. No one seemed to complain about the location of the charging handle on the M1 Garand, M14 or M1 Carbine, but the same people will claim the AK is inferior because of the location of the charging handle. While the AK isn't as fast as an AR to reload, I don't think reloading speed is critical to ones survival if you're using cover and are well trained with your rifle. I've yet to met a combat vet who told me their life was saved by a lightening fast Magpul reload on their M16.

But as with anything there is room for improvement on any system including the AK. As long as this system doesn't reduce the reliability of the rifle or introduce fragile new failure points, I'll remain interested in it. But if it allows the ingress of debris into the rifle in such a way that you must be vigilant to prevent malfunctions in extreme conditions, I'll lose interest in it.

From what I've seen though it seems to be well thought out and it certainly worked as I expected it to in the limited time I had to spend with it on the range. I will get one and run it through the ringer to see how it holds up. I'll drop it, dunk it in mud and sand, fire the heck out of it to see how I like it.

[lloydkristmas]

I remember a guy came up with a mod like this a few years back. But if I remember correctly it was basically a standard gas tube with a track cut in the side, and a charging handle somehow affixed to the gas piston. Never struck me as a solid/sound design, but these guys obviously have a little more budget/planning behind this offering. I'm with you though, I dont see anything wrong with existing AK charging handles, at least not enough to invest in something like this. Its nice to see the AK getting aftermarket attention though.

[Para1*]

Sound opinion and I agree I've never had a huge problem with the AK charging handles either. You are also right about being properly trained too, no piece of equipment is going to improve someone enough to replace good training.

[Dave_M]

I remember a guy came up with a mod like this a few years back. But if I remember correctly it was basically a standard gas tube with a track cut in the side, and a charging handle somehow affixed to the gas piston. Never struck me as a solid/sound design, but these guys obviously have a little more budget/planning behind this offering. I'm with you though, I dont see anything wrong with existing AK charging handles, at least not enough to invest in something like this. Its nice to see the AK getting aftermarket attention though.

Dublin AK systems
http://www.dublinaksystems.com/

Actually, his Gen2 appears to be nearly the same. Perhaps he sold the design (or works for the other company? It even shares the same name...)

[lloydkristmas]

Dublin AK systems
http://www.dublinaksystems.com/

Actually, his Gen2 appears to be nearly the same. Perhaps he sold the design (or works for the other company? It even shares the same name...)

Yep thats the one. Interesting.

[SteyrAUG]

Interesting modification.

Probably not something I'm interested in simply because I also have never had a problem with the right side charging handle, but it's more well thought out than most of the AK stuff I see.

[Docwade]

I've been watching the Dublin system for some time. I was on a wait list, but I've since switched platforms.