Light and Sling Mounts for Traditional AK

[DWood]

I have posted parts of this in different places but wanted to consolidate the process here. I wanted a light, sling mounts for modern slings, and an RDS over the receiver, not on the gas tube, of my SGL-31. I didn't want to start installing picatinny rails and collapsing stocks on my Arsenal AK-74. The RDS problem will be solved when Horse finishes his AKML mount for the Aimpoint T-1. Here is how my SGL-31 looks today.

http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h264/DWood13/AK%20Photos/IMAG0149.jpg

First was the Echo Nine Three single point sling mount. It was an easy drop in, 5 minutes with a screwdriver.

http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h264/DWood13/AK%20Photos/DSC_0484.jpg

Next was the IWC cantilever light mount designed for Magpul MOE AR-15 handguards. It was easy to mount by locating it in a usable position and tracing the base with a silver sharpie.

http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h264/DWood13/AK%20Photos/DSC_0485.jpg

I had to be aware of the internal ribs on the lower handguard and mount it where the threaded backing plates would mount flat. I traced the outline with a Sharpie and ground down the ribs on the outside of the handguard so the screws would grab the threaded back plates.

http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h264/DWood13/AK%20Photos/IMAG0144.jpg

The heat shield is easily removed with a thin screwdriver and does not interefere with the installation.

http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h264/DWood13/AK%20Photos/IMAG0146.jpg

The sling mount screws mount from the rear so I could not use the mount as a template. I measured the distance between the holes with digital calipers and laid out the measurement on the handguard to drill the mounting holes. I had to grind down the inside of the handguard with the Dremel to let the screws have enough room to engage the mount. I lost one (how do you loose a screw in your house?) and located pan head 10/32 X 1/2" screws locally which allowed a better connection. The supplied screws are 3/8".

http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h264/DWood13/AK%20Photos/IMAG0143.jpg

Note that the sling mount is placed forward of the tapered part of the lower handguard, which allows the mount to have full contact with the handguard.

http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h264/DWood13/AK%20Photos/IMAG0150.jpg

At the end of the project I have sling mounts where I want them, at the front and rear of the reciever. I have a magpul MMS-2 enroute (not all that popular) because I like the idea of a 2 point-single point sling. I think the VCAS with mash hooks will also work fine.

The forward sling mount is not perfectly level, but I can live with that.

http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h264/DWood13/AK%20Photos/IMAG0140.jpg

Earl at IWC was willing to ship me a replacement at no charge before I located the longer screws at a local shop and told him to cancel shipping the lost screw. His CS is great and I recommend him highly.

[Anchor Zero Six]

Looks good!

What are you using for a front sling attachment and why not use the factory sling mount?

[DWood]

I have a Magpul MMS-2 on the way and will try it. Some don't like it but I prefer a 2 point in some cases and a single point in others so I figure it is worth a try.

Also thinking about a VCAS with mash hooks. Either way, I prefer the sling in back of the light.

[Anchor Zero Six]

Food for thought SKT offers a trigger snap hook swivel option. http://sktindustries.com/catalog/doc18.pdf

http://i238.photobucket.com/albums/ff193/AnchorStation/IMAG0029.jpg
http://i238.photobucket.com/albums/ff193/AnchorStation/ak4.jpg

I tried ALOT of $ling$ and spent way too much money before getting it right or at least right by my standards. Front MASH hook,HK hook and the Magpul all I found were difficult to quickly detach from the front and attach to the rear point to convert from single to two point. The trigger snap hook opens up very wide and is easy to actuate with the large trigger tab.

I'm sure you can find the same hardware online aside from getting it from SKT but either way IMO its the best option for a convertable sling set up.

[DWood]

That looks like it will work well for me. The link is a pdf. How did you order, web or phone?

EDIT: which sling is that; I don't see it in their info.

[Anchor Zero Six]

His slings are in alot of local shops here. The exact sling pictured was a custom job which was very reasonable. I had the "D" ring sewn into one of his standard "Vickers" style slings. I prefer the webbing he uses as its very slick which makes ajustment fast unlike some others that are IMO too tight in the slider.

Sure you can call him hes got a homepage with contact info http://www.sktindustries.com While my sling was ordered as a custom I think hes offering them as a stock item now, know at least 10 were made if not more.

I ended up hacking the sling and now just attch the snap hook to the rear sling attachment or the mash hook whichever I can get to easily depending on how the weapon is positioned.

Not the best pic but you can see I removed the d ring and fastex buckle and just threadded the mash hook through the sling.
http://i238.photobucket.com/albums/ff193/AnchorStation/IMAG0070.jpg

Just added the handguard last night and threw a loop of 550 chord on there untill I pick up a RSA. With the MI rail I cant attach the snap swivel to the stock front sling mount.