View Full Version : Drop in left side charging handle AK platform
Doc. Holiday
01-24-14, 10:19
Buddy of mine showed this to me. Interesting concept. Thoughts?
1st Gen http://www.thefirearmblog.com/blog/2013/12/08/ak-ratchet-charging-system-ship-january/
2nd Gen http://www.thefirearmblog.com/blog/2010/09/29/2nd-generation-ak-rcs-ratchet-charging-system/
Sweet. I'm left handed so don't interest me!
People have trained lots to be proficient with operating an AK, would it be an improvement?
Doc. Holiday
01-24-14, 10:35
I personally wouldn't buy it just because like what you've said. I'm well trained on my AK platform the way it is.
crazymoose
01-24-14, 10:55
Looks like it would get really hot with any serious amount of firing, but otherwise very cool.
KalashniKEV
01-24-14, 11:45
At least it's appropriately named...
All of these new cutaway mods are unsound.
I wouldn't use it because I have an Ultimak gas tube with an Aimpoint Micro on it.
This however is an appealing option for me: http://lastroundholdopenak47.com/
NCPatrolAR
01-24-14, 15:38
This however is an appealing option for me: http://lastroundholdopenak47.com/
I've been using a LINCH for a little over a year and it's awesome. The only drawback is that it prevents the use of side rail mounts
Yeah, no issue there for me since I have an Ultimak for my optic. If they had these in stock and ready to ship, I'd be whipping out my credit card so damn fast. The website doesn't say when that will be, only when the preorders will ship.
Doc. Holiday
01-24-14, 15:59
I think the linch is a much better desin if I were going to go towards that route.
Unnecessary complexity that is beyond the original design envelope. Novelty at best imho.
It does not look too complex at all. The point will be whether it is rugged in the long run. I think the videodemonstrates that it should NOT be a problem, and the 'old method' is still instantly accessible if there is a problem.
But it would change the manual of arms for your AK - and mostly for the better. It would definitely improve the manual of arms in certain positions. I don't not think anyone would say that the AK charging handle sitting on the right side is an advantage as opposed to the FN FAL or the Sturmgewehr. It is likely a vestige of MK using M1 Garand and M1 Carbine aspects.
Use with an ultimak or similar set up would be fine. But if you have several AK's you may have to use a different manual of arms or buy one for each, as it may require some fitting - and tis may be an issue for some. The one video misses the point entirely this is not a left handed man's solution.
Unnecessary complexity that is beyond the original design envelope. Novelty at best imho.
The original design 'envelope' is obsolete, which is why the AK is being left in the dust.
Short of replacing the entire weapon, which is really the only way to free yourself of the AK baggage, many shortcomings of the system can be overcome by innovative thinking and adaptation. Besides, it's fun to make stuff, and modify guns. Some modifications are good. Some, it could be argued, not so much.
I dig the AK for what it is...an AK..but I think progress is cool too.
I put the first generation version on an AK and I was not impressed with the fit. It has too much movement in it, maybe 3/4 of an inch, before it engaged; I did not like how that felt. Otherwise, it was fine. I sold the AK.
The second generation may have solved that problem. However, I've joined the point of view that it is a solution for a non-existent problem.
The original design 'envelope' is obsolete, which is why the AK is being left in the dust.
How do you arrive at this conclusion?
Cagemonkey
01-25-14, 16:31
Interesting concept. The only major problem I see besides having to change ones instilled weapons manipulation is that the Handguard is now even smaller. I think that they should come up with a new handguard/forearm to go with this devise.
How do you arrive at this conclusion?
By comparing it to contemporary, modern weapons.
Trailrunner
01-26-14, 17:05
I would rather run a AK Lighting bolt with a Ultimak/T1 combo.
It's not standard set up but seems stronger, simpler.
http://m.youtube.com/results?q=ak%20lighting%20bolt&sm=3
YMMV
NCPatrolAR
01-27-14, 06:39
I would rather run a AK Lighting bolt with a Ultimak/T1 combo.
It's not standard set up but seems stronger, simpler.
http://m.youtube.com/results?q=ak%20lighting%20bolt&sm=3
YMMV
Not supporting a douche such as Navarro, plus the Linch gives you the advantages of left side charging without having to open up both sides of the dust cover and the Linch's charging handle folds down to be less obtrusive
Trailrunner
01-30-14, 20:11
All these designs are open on the left side to varying degrees.
Less obtrusive? Maybe but folks don't seem to have issues with non folding ones - SCAR-17, etc.
Did Navarro treat you bad? Seems so.
Does it work with Arsenal/Bulgarian 100 series left folding stocks?
Wow, that Linch looks like it needs to be on my SBRed Draco.
As far as lightning bolt, have seen people cut and re-weld charging handle to left side http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iFLz33Cg97E (< first vid that poped up, there is other info on net) Not for me though, don't like the open air for debris to get in dust cover and possible mess up bolt works (more so than Linch).
BTW not the first time I've heard harsh words used about lighting bolts owner, but douche has been one of the nicer terms used.
I doubt it would shave more than a tenth of a second in a reload (if so, the charging handle is too far forward) for a user well trained in the AK, at the cost of added complexity, uncertainty about durability/reliability issues, a different manual of arm from all others AKs, and more cumbersome left hand use.
For me, not only is a "a solution for a non-existent problem" but the original design is probably better.
I think that it's interesting that the 2 western AK variants, the FN FNC and Sig 550, thought it was a good idea to cover the slot for the reciprocating charging handle slot on those rifles. As does the original AK design.
I'm generally adverse to changing military pattern rifles away from the stock configuration, as the benefits rarely outweigh the compromises.
H
Wow, that Linch looks like it needs to be on my SBRed Draco.
As far as lightning bolt, have seen people cut and re-weld charging handle to left side http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iFLz33Cg97E (< first vid that poped up, there is other info on net) Not for me though, don't like the open air for debris to get in dust cover and possible mess up bolt works (more so than Linch).
BTW not the first time I've heard harsh words used about lighting bolts owner, but douche has been one of the nicer terms used.
I've seen a DIY version that was a standard bolt carrier drilled and tapped for a knurled knob to be threaded in, and topped with a standard dust cover with a relief cut for the mod. This seems like a far better option than dropping $275 for a special bolt carrier.
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