View Full Version : AK handguard/rail that extends to (or past) the gas block?
Chris17404
01-30-13, 15:04
Hi all,
I am considering the installation of a new handguard or rail system on my 2 AKs. They currently sport standard handguards. The reasons for this include:
1. I am 6'2" tall with long arms and would like to reach out a bit farther when shooting.
2. Increased protection from barrel heat.
3. Ability to mount a weapon light farther forward to avoid shadow from front sight.
What do you guys suggest? I am very interested in the new KeyMod-based rail system currently being developed by Krebs Custom. It's designed for the VEPR now, but an AK version is in the works. That appears to go past the gas block, and is very easy to install and work on.
Anything else that is a solid, proven performer?
Thanks.
Chris
Saiga handguards extend to the gas block. Here are some options
http://store.carolinashooterssupply.com/servlet/-strse-FOREARMS-HAND-GUARDS-cln-SAIGA-RIFLES/Categories
Saiga handguards extend to the gas block. Here are some options
http://store.carolinashooterssupply.com/servlet/-strse-FOREARMS-HAND-GUARDS-cln-SAIGA-RIFLES/Categories
I don't expect most Saiga handguards would work on a standard AK. Saiga handguards attach via a screw into the bottom of the Saiga gas block.
For standard AKs, I know of four options for the length you want:
Midwest Industries Extended AK Universal Handguard (http://www.midwestindustriesinc.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=category.display&category_ID=442)
Midwest Industries Extended AK-SS Universal Handguard (http://www.midwestindustriesinc.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=category.display&category_ID=449), with the slick sides (removable rails)
Ultimak Long handguard (http://ultimak.com/ACR2Long.htm)
Texas Weapons Systems (http://www.brownells.com/rifle-parts/stock-forend-parts/forends-handguards/akm-47-74-handguard-prod55098.aspx?avs|Manufacturer_1=TEXAS%20WEAPON%20SYSTEMS)
I don't personally have any experience with these, but here's what I've heard. Take with a grain of salt, find people who have tried them hands-on.
The Texas Weapons Systems handguard has heat issues. It's a replacement gas tube that the handguard bolts to. They also have supply issues as they're a small company. They don't even list it on their own web site.
The Ultimak gives you the option of using an Ultimak or standard gas tube above it, as it's only a lower. Pricey, but they make good stuff. I really like my Ultimak gas tube.
The MI handguards look promising. I've heard good things. You get an upper and a lower for less than the price of the Ultimak lower. You can get the upper with a standard rail or a mount for one of several red-dot choices. Unlike the Ultimak, the AK-SS (along with the TWS) lets you run a slick handguard, saving weight and skin. Why haul around all those rails that just remove your fingertips when you can just put them where you need them? The AK-SS also has built-in QD sling sockets.
the Midwest ind. are what my SBR draco will be getting here shortly but I did get the pleasure of fondling the Texas weapon systems handguard. Man that is wicked light, narrow/slim profile. Price was a little much(not that its not worth it) for my cheap ass.
,,,,,,,,,,,,
I have a long Ultimak tri-rail on one of my AK's but it is really heavy. I would look into the new offerings from Kreb's. I saw some pics online from SHOT. They look slim and light.
O
evilblackgun
01-31-13, 02:42
I have a Ultimak tri-rail on a AES-10B RPK rifle it's a very solid design just needed machining of the mounting ring's. I also installed a MI SS extended rail on Saiga rifle I converted for my brother as a present a few months back both are great rail systems for the AK pattern rifles. I am going to look at the Krebs when it's released but I think there are going to be $400ish being that they are Krebs and keymod any thing is in right now.
Being one of the few with hands-on time with the Krebs:
I just ordered one for my new VEPR. It's super light weight, snag free, allows near instant access to the gas tube and extends out to the front site on some models and almost all the way on others.
It's ingenious and should have a street price of about $250-275 in final trim.
I don't expect most Saiga handguards would work on a standard AK. Saiga handguards attach via a screw into the bottom of the Saiga gas block.
I wasn't referring to standard/stock OEM Saiga handguards. Many of the aftermarket handguards that I have seen didn't utilize the Saiga mounting points. They just clamp around the barrel & gas tube. The only issue would be the standard AK handguard mounts would have to be removed. Mine is completely interchangeable between my Saiga & standard AK.
+1 on the MI handguards. I've read good things about them.
Chris17404
01-31-13, 07:36
Thanks for the replies, guys.
96 SS... do you happen to know when the AK-specific handguard from Krebs may be available for purchase?
Chris
The Krebs was really light and solid when I saw it a few weeks ago; other than that anything but the Ultimak honestly, it is VERY heavy.
The Krebs was really light and solid when I saw it a few weeks ago; other than that anything but the Ultimak honestly, it is VERY heavy.
I keep hearing the same thing about the Ultimak handguard. Which sucks because I love their gas tube / mount. I am nearly done building a pair of rifles that were from the outset intended to sport a rail system. I even omitted the handguard retainers on purpose for these builds. Now I'm torn between the MI rail, the Ultimak, and the new but not-yet-for-sale Krebs.
http://imageshack.us/a/img13/5483/photomar26123851.jpg
http://imageshack.us/a/img163/9208/photomar26123921.jpg
http://imageshack.us/a/img802/5696/photomar26123940.jpg
http://imageshack.us/a/img824/2849/photomar26124017.jpg
I have the long extended Ultimak rail on my AK. I'm like it alot :)
Here's the link to the product.
http://ultimak.com/ACR2Long.htm
I used to have the Ultimak rail, but ended up selling it due to its weight. Made the rifle front-heavy, though as a side effect, that weight helped control muzzle rise.
If I were to do it over from the ground up today, I'd get Midwest's SS-E rail and roll with it.
I used to have the Ultimak rail, but ended up selling it due to its weight. Made the rifle front-heavy, though as a side effect, that weight helped control muzzle rise.
Which model did you have? I've been eyebanging the standard length one. I have a couple of the midwest rails (not the extended versions) and I am not thrilled with a couple things about them. Did you end up replacing the Ultimak with the MI one?
I think it was the standard one; came about flush with the gas block. Here's a pic:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v495/rupert42/Guns/stipples6.jpg
Have since replaced it with a modified standard handguard. Cut a slot in it to act like a MOE rail slot, plugged a Magpul MVG in it, and used some repair putty to make it a smooth transition between the two, since the contours weren't the same.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v495/rupert42/Guns/AK4.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v495/rupert42/Guns/AK3.jpg
(Note that the 550 cord on the handguard is holding on rail panels at the 12, 9 and 3 o'clock positions. The 550 cord is not in contact with metal anywhere. This was just an ersatz solution I had to making sure my palm wouldn't get burned on the Ultimak tube when I gripped it normally.)
Rat, awesome post. Thanks for that. I think I might still get the Ultimak rail, but only because I limited my options more than I thought by omitting the handguard retainers on these builds. Again, much appreciated. :)
Rat, awesome post. Thanks for that. I think I might still get the Ultimak rail, but only because I limited my options more than I thought by omitting the handguard retainers on these builds. Again, much appreciated. :)
If you're really regretting leaving the retainers off, there are bolt-on retainers available usually used for Saiga conversions. They can be installed without pulling the FSB and gas block.
If you're really regretting leaving the retainers off, there are bolt-on retainers available usually used for Saiga conversions. They can be installed without pulling the FSB and gas block.
Thanks for the reminder. I did consider that strategy as well, but for now I think I'm just going to go for the rails. But very cool of you to remind me of the available option.
I have the short ultimak and it is heavy but with a fsc47 there is literally no muzzle rise whatsoever.
Powered by vBulletin® Version 4.2.5 Copyright © 2024 vBulletin Solutions, Inc. All rights reserved.