Zhukov vs Troy Alpha AK forend

[m4brian]

Looking for a longer front end solution to my SAIGA, and I haven't found a head to head comparison between these two.

I'd go with Zhukov, but am a tad concerned about weight on the front end. The SAIGA already feels a tad heavier than say, my SA 85M. Also, while I like that it shields you from the gas block heat, I've read threads that discuss how the Zhukov is a heat sink, and once it heats up, takes a considerable time to cool down.

I am also considering the Troy Alpha - the short version because it does allow for a hold longer out, especially it you add a vertgrip, and its lighter.

Function desired: Longer hand reach and a light mounted forward. Also, do NOT want to consider solutions over the price of the Troy Alpha short. (Either of these would be adequate).

Thanks.

[Hizzie]

If you haven't converted the front end:

http://www.carolinashooterssupply.com/CSS_Saiga_rifle_forearm_Ar_style_ventilated_VEPR_p/css-rifle-ar-slots.htm

[housertl]

Looking for a longer front end solution to my SAIGA, and I haven't found a head to head comparison between these two.

I'd go with Zhukov, but am a tad concerned about weight on the front end. The SAIGA already feels a tad heavier than say, my SA 85M. Also, while I like that it shields you from the gas block heat, I've read threads that discuss how the Zhukov is a heat sink, and once it heats up, takes a considerable time to cool down.

I am also considering the Troy Alpha - the short version because it does allow for a hold longer out, especially it you add a vertgrip, and its lighter.

Function desired: Longer hand reach and a light mounted forward. Also, do NOT want to consider solutions over the price of the Troy Alpha short. (Either of these would be adequate).

Thanks.

I had a Troy on my AK before I sold it. It was nice, a pain in the butt to install. Also, for a Saiga, you would have to have the standard handguard retainer installed. The Troy uses an expanding tenon to apply pressure between the front trunnion and the handguard retainer. You might be able to get it to work with a bolt on handguard retainer, but it would be a REAL pain to install, and I wouldn't trust those two parts together to not vibrate loose. Lastly, I found that the bolts that hold the front expanding block to the actual handguard were right where I would want to put my hand. They heated up BADLY. You might be ok with squidgrips installed, I didn't have them. Oh, and figure out exactly what you want to install on the rail, and where you want it, before you put the handguard on, otherwise you get to repeat the handguard installation. A 7" or longer ball end "T" handle hex wrench will help with the installation. The supplied wrench is a cruel joke; turning a screw 1/8 turn at a time SUCKS!

No experience with the Zhukov.

[m4brian]

Thanks much! I think you have it right about a bolt on handguard and trusting it. Of course my other option is to bolt on a picatinny section for a light and use it as is, but Zhukov would be he more robust solution.

[Uprange41]

You could check out MI... I can't help you on the Zucchini vs. Troy, plus, you got the weights on the 'files, but I've used the standard MI handguard and it's a fine piece of hardware. They make extended versions with their SS system, a KeyMod, and a tri-rail for $150-$170 MSRP, which, when you consider the SS and KeyMod models come with rail sections and the Troy doesn't, it's not much of a price discrepancy.

You don't need a sling mount for them to work, as they clamp to the barrel, the quad rail is a comfortable profile and the SS/KeyMod versions are even better. If you can eat the price difference, they may be a good option for what you're needing.

Also, one option for you, if you do go the handguard retainer route... a Venom FSB/GB combo would be an excellent upgrade while you have the barrel components off, and is a whole lot easier to install than pressed-on barrel components. It would also help pull some of the weight back towards you, since you'll be adding a bit of weight with an extended handguard.

[Hizzie]

Extended MI SS on AMD65.

http://i984.photobucket.com/albums/ae322/strangler366/Draco/1341527196.jpg (http://s984.photobucket.com/user/strangler366/media/Draco/1341527196.jpg.html)

http://i984.photobucket.com/albums/ae322/strangler366/Draco/1341527199.jpg (http://s984.photobucket.com/user/strangler366/media/Draco/1341527199.jpg.html)

http://i984.photobucket.com/albums/ae322/strangler366/Draco/1341527203.jpg (http://s984.photobucket.com/user/strangler366/media/Draco/1341527203.jpg.html)