View Full Version : Skunkwerks "13" KOP, how it works
Well guys, decided to start a new thread on this. I've gotten some more photography done in the last couple of days. And we just sent a PO off to our Defense contractor for production parts. We've made great strides on our website, so that should be ready soon. Our system is known as "KOP", for Kalashnikov Optics Platform. As always, feel free to e:mail me at skunkwerks13@mwt.net with any questions you might have. Should be about 5 weeks till we get our first run parts. A pic or a few is worth a thousand words, so here it goes.
http://i650.photobucket.com/albums/uu223/Smilodon45/Skunkwerks%2013/DSC00378-1.jpg
http://i650.photobucket.com/albums/uu223/Smilodon45/Skunkwerks%2013/DSC00353.jpg
Please remember this is our first test mule with prototype base, it's been tweeked as we made revisions. Inserts are near production items though.
http://i650.photobucket.com/albums/uu223/Smilodon45/Skunkwerks%2013/DSC00354.jpg
http://i650.photobucket.com/albums/uu223/Smilodon45/Skunkwerks%2013/DSC00355.jpg
http://i650.photobucket.com/albums/uu223/Smilodon45/Skunkwerks%2013/DSC00356.jpg
http://i650.photobucket.com/albums/uu223/Smilodon45/Skunkwerks%2013/DSC00358.jpg
http://i650.photobucket.com/albums/uu223/Smilodon45/Skunkwerks%2013/DSC003592.jpg
http://i650.photobucket.com/albums/uu223/Smilodon45/Skunkwerks%2013/DSC00360.jpg
http://i650.photobucket.com/albums/uu223/Smilodon45/Skunkwerks%2013/DSC00377.jpg
That is slicker than snot on a doorknob. Tagged for future interest.
SpankMonkey
10-31-12, 18:17
That looks very sharp. I love seeing new ideas outside the box.
You might want to link this down in the optics & mounts subforum as well.
Tag. Very interested in this.
MattNificent
11-05-12, 11:50
looks awesome!! will the gas tube require the spring on it now to keep it snug?
maddawg5777
11-05-12, 11:57
Looks like great work. I still prefer not to lose my irons so I would tend to use the MI/us palm rail set up for a micro. Keep us updated and maybe a video with some shooting to show how stable it is under recoil. Over all great job!
This certainly has my interest as well, most of my AK's have an Ultimak and a T-1/H-1; but pushing the optic back just a bit might prove to be pretty benefitial.
plouffedaddy
11-05-12, 13:15
Very nice... Looking forward to seeing how it pans out.
No, spring is just standard on that Bulgie gas tube. We actually oversized the retension pin so any wobble could be easily removed. Usually takes just a couple strokes of the file.
RMR and T1 inserts have improved back up iron sights. If you look in the other thread you will see the cowitness of both those optics.
This set up has proven very stable under rapid fire, no problem dumping a whole mag into an 8" plate.
I do find this optic location very beneficial for speed and situational awareness. Plus it's at the balance point of the rifle, so target transitions are just incredibly smooth.
Keep the coments/questions coming guys. I aim to please! :D
Great looking design. Have you all made any decisions on price and availability?
This is going to be interesting.
When I looked at them I was very impressed I am glad to see people getting behind it.
These next few pics wil give you a real feel for the versatility our system offers.
http://i650.photobucket.com/albums/uu223/Smilodon45/Skunkwerks%2013/DSC00400.jpg
http://i650.photobucket.com/albums/uu223/Smilodon45/Skunkwerks%2013/DSC00401.jpg
http://i650.photobucket.com/albums/uu223/Smilodon45/Skunkwerks%2013/DSC00402.jpg
http://i650.photobucket.com/albums/uu223/Smilodon45/Skunkwerks%2013/DSC00403.jpg
http://i650.photobucket.com/albums/uu223/Smilodon45/Skunkwerks%2013/DSC00408.jpg
http://i650.photobucket.com/albums/uu223/Smilodon45/Skunkwerks%2013/DSC00405.jpg
http://i650.photobucket.com/albums/uu223/Smilodon45/Skunkwerks%2013/DSC00406.jpg
Definitely looks cool. Have you done any testing on zero shift after dismounting and remounting?
We haven't experienced any zero shift whatsoever w/repeated removal and reinstallation. Last Sat. we had an informal shoot for my partners brother who is heading over to A-stan for a couple yrs. After the Creek we took the Leupold off the insert for my Saiga to make a few revisions. Well, I hadn't had time to sight it back in before the shoot, we were nailing the small 2" .22lr Tannerite no problem. That's with the scope out of the rings, rings off the insert, and the insert off the gun! Honestly we were shocked.:cool:
Here's another important point, that for some reason I forgot to make. Unlike the clunky, heavy old Russian siderail mounted optics, you can fold your stock w/out removing the optic!
http://i650.photobucket.com/albums/uu223/Smilodon45/Skunkwerks%2013/DSC00475.jpg
http://i650.photobucket.com/albums/uu223/Smilodon45/Skunkwerks%2013/DSC00476.jpg
Have a Happy Thanksgiving Folks!
Cheers,
Fred
Seriously fantastic, I am not sure that losing the use of the rear sight is a negative when you gain so much modularity.
Definitely staying tuned. :cool:
Littlelebowski
11-21-12, 09:58
Seconded on the zero shift question. (Formal testing, that is)
Seriously fantastic, I am not sure that losing the use of the rear sight is a negative when you gain so much modularity.
Definitely staying tuned. :cool:
Actually with the RMR, T1, and 1913 rail versions, you still have rear sights integral with the inserts. We are in the design stages of another insert that will accomodate the Aimpoint Comp series and alot of other 30mm red dot optics as well. It too does allow co-witness (like RMR & T1 versions do).
http://i650.photobucket.com/albums/uu223/Smilodon45/IMG_4240.jpg
http://i650.photobucket.com/albums/uu223/Smilodon45/Skunkwerks%2013/3gSaigaV.jpg
http://i650.photobucket.com/albums/uu223/Smilodon45/Skunkwerks%2013/DSCF0012.jpg
Seconded on the zero shift question. (Formal testing, that is)
Other than my previous assurances. What formal testing would you like to satisfy your question? We are in the process of building some "press guns" to send to various media outlets for T&E. But, if there's anything I can do in the mean time, let me know. I will do my best to accomdate. ;)
Cheers,
Fred
Anchor Zero Six
11-21-12, 13:37
If its still super secret stuff I completly understand at this point but I'm curious as to how the bottom (base I guess you would call it) actualy attaches to the rifles front trunion.
Any pics of install?
Again I understand if thats the magic part of the puzzle and you are not ready to show it but if not it would be great to see.
R/
A06
alvincullumyork
11-21-12, 14:21
Looks Great!
tagged.
If its still super secret stuff I completly understand at this point but I'm curious as to how the bottom (base I guess you would call it) actualy attaches to the rifles front trunion.
Any pics of install?
Again I understand if thats the magic part of the puzzle and you are not ready to show it but if not it would be great to see.
R/
A06
My patent is filed already, so nothing secretive going on anymore. It simply replaces your original rear sight block and is pressed on and pinned in the same manner as the original. I've got to shoot some more pics. for the website anyhow, so I'll be sure to shoot a few with the handguard removed.
Everyone have a Happy Thanksgiving from the whole crew here at Skunkwerks "13". Wait till you see what we have brewing next......:D
KalashniKEV
11-21-12, 20:50
My patent is filed already, so nothing secretive going on anymore. It simply replaces your original rear sight block and is pressed on and pinned in the same manner as the original.
I've got an AKM kit and receiver laying around I had set aside for a classy/nice build, but your product has me leaning towards perhaps another workhorse... might even do one on an unfired/ unissued '74 kit.
Looking forward to seeing more!
I've got an AKM kit and receiver laying around I had set aside for a classy/nice build, but your product has me leaning towards perhaps another workhorse... might even do one on an unfired/ unissued '74 kit.
Looking forward to seeing more!
I'm quite sure you won't be disappointed with that choice. Work horses are more fun anyhow. You know, this thing had been rattling around my head for some time before we did CAD/CNC/prototypes. To have it in the flesh, and actually be able to run it, honestly it works even better than I could have ever dreamed!:cool: Truthfully, if the world turned to crap, I'd grab my 104/T1 over anything else in the safe. I'd bet my life on this set-up. Ahh, well prob. throw the Leupold in the bag too....
Cheers,
Fred
This looks very interesting, but until someone develops a quality alternative option for mounting a light that does not weigh a ton I will continue mounting my Aimpoint on the Ultimak- which needs to be there for the light anyway.
Here's a look under the hood, so to speak.
http://i650.photobucket.com/albums/uu223/Smilodon45/Skunkwerks%2013/DSC00491.jpg
http://i650.photobucket.com/albums/uu223/Smilodon45/Skunkwerks%2013/DSC00490.jpg
With our long 1913 insert and regular rings, it works out to Be a pretty nice set-up. I still preferr the dedicated mount with LaRue rings, but this is probably our most versitile offering.
http://i650.photobucket.com/albums/uu223/Smilodon45/Skunkwerks%2013/DSC00509.jpg
http://i650.photobucket.com/albums/uu223/Smilodon45/Skunkwerks%2013/DSC00510.jpg
http://i650.photobucket.com/albums/uu223/Smilodon45/Skunkwerks%2013/DSC00503.jpg
Littlelebowski
11-27-12, 09:55
Other than my previous assurances. What formal testing would you like to satisfy your question? We are in the process of building some "press guns" to send to various media outlets for T&E. But, if there's anything I can do in the mean time, let me know. I will do my best to accomdate. ;)
Cheers,
Fred
I think documented groups before removal of the sight and after removal/reattachment would be very good and add to your product's appeal. Thank you.
That's what I was figuring, I'll try and get that done this week.
Can't help myself guys, gotta let the cat outa the bag! We've developed platforms to accomodate PSL/RPK and milled versions too... They'll use the same inserts as the AKM version. :D
Here's a link for those who have subscribed to this thread.
https://www.m4carbine.net/showthread.php?p=1468232#post1468232
Howdy Guys, I've got a special update for you all. If you go check out the site www.skunkwerks13.com you'll see we're offering some special New Years pricing. Right now we have stamped platforms, T1 Micro, short rail, long rail, and long magnified optics inserts in stock and available for immediate shipment. Everything else is projected to be available by the end of the month. We look fwd. to doing business with you all in the new year, after all it's 2013....and we're SKUNKWERKS 13!
Cheers,
Fred Stecher Jr.
skunkwerks13@mwt.net
ThreeFingerPete
01-06-13, 23:09
Looks like a great product. Any idea if it will fit a mini Draco?
Absolutely, that would be a fantastic application for our system. I've thought of picking one up a few times myself.
KalashniKEV
01-08-13, 16:14
I'm still very interested in seeing someone do a RTZ experiment...
FlyingHunter
01-08-13, 23:19
Very Cool!
I'm still very interested in seeing someone do a RTZ experiment...
I'm waiting on this as well, before I make a decision between this and other options.
With forward thinking like this, and maybe a decent safety selector option, the AK could take a big step forward out of the stone age.
Very cool.
Another push for the RTZ test. Im loaded to the gills on 5.45 and since my Krebs is lacking a siderail, its this, ultimak, or the MWI setup. I want this to work...show me the money!
I'm still very interested in seeing someone do a RTZ experiment...
We have not experienced any notable shift with our prototypes and test mules. We now have full production product in hand which is even more precise than our prototypes. Our machine shop has actually figured out a way to EDM the rail feature on our platforms to maintain the tightest of tolerences. And, they did it without raising our production costs, so definately a "win/win" on that! We are in the process of building some guns to send to the media for evaluation right now. As a matter of fact I'm heading out to the shop right now...
Cheers,
Fred Stecher Jr.
www.skunkwerks13.com
Is the current "long rail" about as long as you can go? I'm looing at putting an Acog, probably a TA33 and exploring the current options.
Is the current "long rail" about as long as you can go? I'm looing at putting an Acog, probably a TA33 and exploring the current options.
I believe so. If we went much further, I doubt the top cover could be removed, w/out removing optic. Let me know if you need any measurments for your calculations.
Cheers,
Fred
TA33 has as much or more eye relief as any 1-4x scope and will sit plenty far back.
Wow, great idea.
Can anyone recommend a good smith for this sort of work? What do you think he would charge to do the conversion on a complete rifle?
Wow, great idea.
Can anyone recommend a good smith for this sort of work? What do you think he would charge to do the conversion on a complete rifle?
Any competent AK smith or homebuilder should be able to accomplish installation in under an hour. We did my first Saiga in less than an hour, and honestly, I think a pin'd gun would be easier than the pinched Saigas. Our other mules were full on homebuilds we did ourselves.
Cheers,
Fred
TA33 has as much or more eye relief as any 1-4x scope and will sit plenty far back.
I guesstimated by picture, the location where the rail ends and held my ta33 there to get a rough estimate of eye relief. I think another inch would be needed, atleast with the factory stock. I might be ok with a vltor receiver extension.
I guesstimated by picture, the location where the rail ends and held my ta33 there to get a rough estimate of eye relief. I think another inch would be needed, atleast with the factory stock. I might be ok with a vltor receiver extension.
Ok, ran out to the shop. I've got one of the guns we're building for media evaluation of our system with the long 1913 mount on it. The back of the last slot measures 5 3/8" from the rearmost surface of the top cover. Does that help with your calculations? If there's anything else I can do to help, don't hesitate to ask.
Cheers,
Fred Stecher Jr.
skunkwerks13@mwt.net
I'm told by my machine shop we should have everything else in stock some time next week! I'll get to the photography right quick so you can see all the new wares. Including our new 30mm Red dot mount, which will accomodate Aimpoint M2 and similiar optics. I'm pretty excited about this one myself!
I just got this rifler ready.
It is one of the first rifles I set up to sell.
The rifle optic and all is only 6.15lbs
http://i807.photobucket.com/albums/yy358/SuperiorFirearms/ak%2047/IMG_3622_zps18c7efed.jpg
http://i807.photobucket.com/albums/yy358/SuperiorFirearms/ak%2047/IMG_3626_zpscdd6ea9d.jpg
http://i807.photobucket.com/albums/yy358/SuperiorFirearms/ak%2047/IMG_3631_zpsa731dc8d.jpg
http://i807.photobucket.com/albums/yy358/SuperiorFirearms/ak%2047/IMG_3623_zps569dce97.jpg
It is a SLR107-CR in 762x39 that got all the love.
it is so weird that is almost exactly how i pictured mine being setup LOL!
I like how you milled off the front of the gbfs. Very cool look.
I cut the threads off to get the rifle as light I as possible.
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