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AK-Specific Q&A with Larry Vickers (Patreon)

Published:
2018-10-21 16:40:12
Imported:
2021-03

Content

I am going to be meeting up with Larry Vickers later this week to sign the Signature Edition copies of the new Vickers Guide book on the AK, and I figured it would be a great opportunity to do another Q&A with him, specifically on the AK. So, what would you like to ask Larry about the Kalashnikov?

Comments

Malik Lucas

I would like a clarification on if the AK was mentioned to replace the PPSH as the Soviet SMG of choice, or if it was always ment to the the standard issue rifle and the SKS was just a stopgap

Anonymous

What are the benefits of an AK over a M4?

Anonymous

Did he shoot the modern AKs in Russia and are the any or much better?

Anonymous

What is his opinion on the IWI Ace?

Anonymous

Oh sweet Jesus... 😍

Anonymous

Does the 5.45 round make the platform that much better over the 7.62x39 given the ammo quality of both? Reference Karl's difficulty recently at, I believe, desert brutality.

Anonymous

The “Nyet! Rifle is fine!” meme gets circulated a lot nowadays, but despite the radical AK purists, people have been modernizing and improving the AK system since it’s conception. However, not unlike many other firearms, it seems like AK designs have hit a plateau in recent years. Do you think that all the juice has been squeezed out of the AK platform?

Anonymous

Do you feel that the AK still has a place as a "front-line" service rifle in comparison to the AR-15 family and the various other new generation assault rifles and carbines? I.E. is there any reason a nation would be justified in choosing to adopt and manufacture an AK variant today, outside of benefiting from the platform already being in service and therefore lower cost of adoption of a new variant.

Anonymous

Many people see the Russian AKM as the original and "best " AKM. Of all the countries that made AKM variants, which is actually the best?

Anonymous

Has Russia ever attempted to replace the AK platform.

Anonymous

Which of the various styles of muzzle devices (brakes, flashhiders, etc) for the AK do you consider the best?

Anonymous

Since the AK is mostly matured over it’s long service life, what are his expectations for future AKs? Will it get updated in some way?

Anonymous

Hello Larry and Ian. Larry, in your opinion will the surplus importation of original AK parts kits from overseas ever happen in large numbers again? The PLO kits for example brought in some really interesting examples of AK's to the US market, but today command a premium because they are all original parts kits. Thank you.

Anonymous

Hi from France! I wanted to know more about the reason why they decided to put a groove on AK-74's stocks. From what I read on the internet this was done to save weight for the competition's requirements. However I can't find a lot of information about that. And also why did Zastava decided to go on non chromed barrel. Did they had a lack of knowledge on how to do it or were they short on ressources? Is it also why Yugoslavian guns are often so clean when it was used by the regular forces due to a fear to see rusted barrels which led to some better training on how to take care of their guns ? Finally I wanted to know if in a practical use the thicker AK barrel instead of the AKM's and the 1.5mm receiver of the stamped Type 56 would place it above a standard Russian based AKM for prolonged use and sustained fire while the steel is from what I read a little bit softer. And why did the Chinese decided to keep the curved stock until the end of the production ? Was it due to the fact that they wanted to keep the distinction between their Type 56 carbine (rifle role) and their Type 56 rifle (SMG role more less like the original AK) ? Thanks !

David Heck

What in your opinion are the most significant changes/improvements made to the ak platform over the last decade?

Anonymous

Why did they decide to mount the charging handle on the right side of the gun if most shooters/weapons are designed for rightys? Causing in a un-natural under or over charging technique or taking your hand off the grip, switching the weapon to the support hand and then charging with the right hand . Was it design limitations or merely the fact that older weapons mostly bolt actions were manipulated with the right hand. Difference in factor when the support hand comes off the weapon to change mags then you use that free hand go charge the system. Wondering because of the g3/fal being left hand charging

Kyle Clark

What is your favorite offshoot of the Kalashnikov family? These being AK pattern rifles that were not produced by the USSR, e.g. Tantal, PMD65, RK62, Galil, etc.

Anonymous

What will it take for a company to begin producing domesticity produced 5.45x39? What are the differences and similarities between 5.45x39 and 5.56x45?

Anonymous

How much total change has the AK gone through? I.e. can parts from an orignal first run AK be interchangeable with the the most modern ones? What are the key differences?

Anonymous

How accurate are AKs generally, and what is good accuracy for an AK? If one would undertake a project to make a "tight" AK, what should be the goal (in moa for example), and at what point would it became just an uphill struggle?

Anonymous

Why are Mikhail Kalashnikov’s books so hard to find copies of?

Anonymous

I'm looking for another semi-auto rifle, why should I choose the AK over the AR? 7.62x39 or 5.45, knowing the limited availability of 5.45? Yes, I might already have several AR's in multiple calibers.

Anonymous

Thoughts on suppressing the AK

Anonymous

Would You consider the czech Vz. 58 an AK derivative or a completely different weapon platform?

Anonymous

If you were part of the original development of the AK, what would you change from the beginning with the foresight of future development? Eg. Safety style, rock in mag, locking system, calibre etc.

Anonymous

On the whole the AK series seem to be predominantly a one size fits all solution, iterative improvements for all rather than things branching off for specialist purposes, ie SOPMOD Vs. a regular service issued M4, Are Larry or yourself aware of any mods, hack or other such 'Guccification' that would be carried out by either by operators at anindividual level or by armorers ( perhaps for more elite units ie SPETSNAZ in Afghanistan.) and if so did any of that in theatre R&D get rolled up in to developments of the platform?

Anonymous

Mr. Vickers has mentioned in a previous interview that if he were to select a rifle for the US Military, he would go with an updated Valmet. I'm curious as to why he would go with the AK platform over the AR platform or the HK416 types.

Anonymous

Is there any reason to get an AK in 5.56 over an AR-15?

Anonymous

What would be the best AK clones

Anonymous

What are your thoughts on the AK prototypes with a recoil reduction counterweight? Are they a viable option to make the rifle more controllable or a waste of time?

Anonymous

When you find the AK rifle in a country of our enemy, Do you find a batch of the same model and manufacture rifle or is it a hodgepodge of different era guns from all areas of the world. In the modern era of not having our enemy wear a common uniform for identification, I wondered where their arms are acquired from. I love the book series and can’t wait for some info on the type 56 AK in the book.

Verdha

What makes the East German AK rifles considered higher quality than most of their other AK brethren? And on a separate note, what are your thoughts on the Vityaz-SN platform?

Anonymous

Where do you think the AK’s reputation for poor accuracy came from? Was it the use by poorly trained irregulars, it’s use primarily in full auto, American misconceptions or something else?

Anonymous

Greetings! I've read something in a book from somebody that worked at Izhmash that they experimented making AK parts like barrels and other vital components out of aluminum and titanium alloys. This may have happened before or during their testing of aluminum magazines for I think the AKM. Do you know if there is any evidence of this happening?

Anonymous

Ian and Karl have said that the AK side mounted optics are great and work reliably, several people I know, however are positive they are wrong. Who is right and what optic is best for a 74?

Grayson Taylor

2 questions, first what is his take on designs the AK may or may have not been inspired by. Specifically the potential M1 Garand > Czech ZK-420S > AK-47 lineage you have mentioned in the past. 2nd question, does he have any experience with the TKB-517 which went up against the AKM in trials to replace the millled AK and was from what little I can find considered superior in basically every way except they were already familiar with the AK type design. One of the few lever delayed blowbacks I've heard of other than the FAMAS.

Anonymous

Do you suspect the continued existence of 5.45 is purely political or does the 5.45 hold some technical merit or superiority over 5.56 (AK specific or otherwise). Using 5.45 might be seen as “hey I’m really a Warsaw aligned country” hence some former Warsaw Pact countries dumping 5.45 transitioning to align with NATO (example: Poland). With that In mind I imagine the Russians would never adopt 5.56 due to political optics even if 5.56 were better or for the simpler logistics of one world SCHV rifle round. Same logic for the Chinese 5.8x42 “totally not a 5.56 copy” (but it really is).

Josh Wilkerson

Pretty sure the AN-94 is AK enough to be classified as one. When he shot one in Russia, did he feel that that rifle would perform as the russians wanted it to, putting two rounds in the same hole, because it looked to recoil in the high speed footage between the two rounds.

Alfred Gawron

In the book "Kalashnikov: The Arms and the Man" Mr. Edward Clinton Ezell states (on page 244 ) that the slant brake wasn't meant to be a brake at all. According to the book, M. Kalashnikov himself, told the author that it was a "hearing protection device". It would be very interesting to hear your opinion on this one.

Anonymous

In Range's mud tests have shown that the AK was actually lesser in its ability to function after being drenched in mud than the AR. What about the other purported advantages of the AK? Would you say it is more rugged, resilient and resistant to wear than the AR, or is it all myth? Should a military force with a small budget and poorly trained conscripts go with an AK-type today, or would they be just as well served by an AR-type rifle?

Anonymous

Does Larry have a personal favorite variant of AK or specific build?

Anonymous

A forgotten weapons Q&A entirely about the AK? I might cry tears of joy Hello Ian and Larry, I was curious if either of you had an opinion on the "hot-die" forging process we see used in manufacturing today. Quality, cost, etc.

Charles Easton

In your opinion, does the compact size advantage of the AKSU74 outweigh its perceived drawbacks (muzzle flash, recoil, reduced accuracy) in its intended roles?

Anonymous

The AK has the popular image of being so simple that it could be built by small shops without specific firearms experience. Have you seen or heard of "bush built" rifles or rifles with major parts that are made by a real factory? If not do you think it's not possible to do or is that it's always just easier to get another gun?

Anonymous

Similar to other questions, we have seen AKs from all Corners of the world. How many of these productions were “grassroots” set ups or were most of them a form of Soviet Block aide? Did these countries get the TDP for the guns with tooling or did they have to reverse engineer new guns together?

Anonymous

I would be interested in knowing more about what new AK the russians are adopting or testing , and what features it shares with the originals . Are the things we value the AK series for still as important for the russians ?

Anonymous

Quality AKs in the US either come from importation or select boutique manufacturers (Rifle Dynamics). Why? Thank you.

Bruce Brodnax
>>16491397

I think it's more a question of timing and doctrinal evolution: the skS was begun before the Soviets had a chance to analyze the results of equipping entire regiments w/ submachine guns, but after having realized the SVT wasn't living up to expectations. In the aftermath of the Great Patriotic War [hey, Goebbels didn't hold a patent on propaganda! ;-) ] they probably just reached the conclusion that "more is better" and only kept the skS as gap-filler until they could implement the ak47 throughout...

Anonymous

What was the idea behind the very short length of pull on AK stocks?

Bruce Brodnax
>>16491408

Prior to the end of Obama's 2nd term and the massive drop in MSR parts co$t$, it was [& had been all along] cost of entry [aka "cheapness."] Now? Heck, you can home build a middle-grade AR15 for less than the cost of a blaster-grade AK...

PHAZE

Is there a solution to Karl's problem with getting reasonably priced good quality 5.45 in the US, or will ammunition supply always hold the AK platform back in the West, at least in ComBloc calibers?

Bruce Brodnax
>>16491462

Evidently, MK hisself always felt the .30SS round was a better choice than the 5.45 [much like Stoner always preferred the .308 over the .223 in his own platform...] ;-)

Bruce Brodnax
>>16491496

By "best" do you mean highest quality? Or most reliable? Or best bang for the buck? Or...?

Bruce Brodnax
>>16491497

They have continued to explore other alternatives, but so far, none of them has really "took."

Bruce Brodnax
>>16491567

What will it take? A large enough perceived market willing to pay for higher cost ammo to justify the expense of starting production. As long as the existing market share of ammo sales is perceived as being wholly or substantially satisfied with the cheap steel-cased imports, nobody is going to go there.

Anonymous

I had heard that the AK’s bolt was inspired by the M1, (Personally, don’t believe it) is there any truth to that?

Bruce Brodnax
>>16491635

The second one. No real similarities, beyond the Soviets compelling the Czechs to chamber the Vz58 in the Warsaw Pact cartridge...

Bruce Brodnax
>>16491857

Irregular ammo consistency... Accuracy wasn't a production parameter; going "bang" was the primary objective.

Anonymous

Where there any unique features on the prototypes that never made it to production?

Anonymous

If I want to own everything within 300m, what's my optimal barrel length (accuracy/velocity) for a 7.62 or 5.45 gun?

Matthew Zagone
>>16492134

No, the AN-94 is not an AK or related to the AK at all. It's an entirely unique system for a specific purpose (hyperburst). If you haven't seen Ian's video on it, you should watch it.

Anonymous

Could you guys find the metallurgy for for real AK parts? It's hard to know AK quality without metallurgy. What're the barrel, trunions, bolt, bolt carrier, and receiver made of? I know this might be hard because of the different countries that make the AK may have differences, but I was thinking Russia, China, or Bulgaria when I thought of this. Thanks, and tell Mr. Vickers his books look phenomenal.

Anonymous

From an investment value standpoint what's the best parts kit available right now?

Pieter Batenburg

Yeah, I would like to know more about the difference between the different Dragunov versions/ types from different countries.

Vityaz

I know the importation of foreign military ak kits Is dwindling due to legal issues and certain countries excesses drying up. But do either of you know of any countries that should have excess aks that may be realistically imported as kits in the future that haven't previously been imported widely in the US? Or is it reasonable to just except that the supply will only lesson of the current kits coming in.

Anonymous

Hi Ian and Larry, I am super excited about having an AK exclusive Q&A! I was wondering if either of you would be willing to share your experiences building AKs from parts kits.

New Englander in Ole Anglia

Which AK variant that is no longer in production/banned from the U.S. do you wish would come back on to the market?

Anonymous

What're your favorite limited production/prototype/obscure AK based variants?

Klaton

Is the AK overrated ?

Almeida

Favorite AK variant/manufacture?

Anonymous
>>16493787

They probably used the cheapest that would work most of the time.

Anonymous

Which Kalashnikov would you say is better? The 5.45, 5.56, or 7.62x39? Because having family in Russia serving in the military and having officers as well, they tell me that they don’t like the 5.45 because the light round can get deflected on grass and leaves, and that the 7.62 is a harder kick but doesn’t have as much deflection on forest leaves. Would you say this is applicable to the US at all? Or is this even a real concern?

Anonymous

What practical improvements do you forsee in the near future to keep the AK platform relevant in modern combat or tactical competitions?

Anonymous

How accurate are the new AK-12 and 15 riles? There’s a lot of Russian claims that it’s more accurate and overall better than the any western AR platform. Does he find this to be true?

Anonymous

What's the single most effective modification you put on your AKs? For me it was the KNS gas piston, curious to see what you think?

Anonymous

Will we ever see a good American-made AK?

Nick Beckwith

Is the AK-74SU "krinkov" an effective CQB carbine or merely a good looking one? I have heard conflicting reports. What did the Alpha Team types and competitive shooters you filmed with in Russia think of the weapon?

Ian F

Any thoughts on "ban era" examples from China?

Anonymous

How does the AK-platform fare in arctic conditions compared to other weapon-systems (any particular strengths/weaknesses etc.) ?

Anonymous

Mr. Vickers, can we expect a Kalashnikov-specific 2 day training class on the East coast in 2019? I missed your Virginia class a couple years ago - please come back! If you do another East coast class in 2019, I will bring a near-mint Valmet M62/S to deflower.

Anonymous

I heard that Arsenal makes an outstanding AK for the US market, but there are many AK's for much less money. Are there any of the other cheaper AK's brands that are reliable, accurate and good quality?

Anonymous

Why did the Soviets opt for a muzzle brake for the AK-74 and other 5.45mm rifles? It seems as though a flash hider would have been a much smarter option given the rise of US night-fighting capabilities. Thank you both.

Kenneth Marshall

With the US marines adopting the MK18, Do you think AK bearing armies will re-introduce the RPK? : )

Anonymous

Got my copy of the book this past week and it is wonderfully well done, congrats to him. I especially liked the pages where he gives his thoughts on shooting impressions and magazines. I assume he will include Valmets and their development in Vol 2 ? Can he talk about any use of AKs by himself or others in the US military ?

Anonymous

I was wondering about your opinion on the Romanian aks. When I was a young 11B at Fort Bragg I bought a SAR-1 At Jim’s Guns for $235 and it has far been one of my best buys sights though off center (at gas block) they are right on. Also no feeding issues. That being said I never hear much about them.

Anonymous

underfolder, sidefolder, AR tube adapter, which one and why? I'm partial to the underfolder, I have a daily "carry" underfolder with a 20 round mag, retrofitted tritium, and a light...but I'm a rancher, the tractor one of my AKs is on goes about 10mph. It might be low drag (except when discing), but it's sure not "high speed"

Anonymous

What, if any, are the practical advantages of 5.45 versus 7.62 in the AK platform? Was the AK-74 a necessary improvement to the AK-47/AKM to modernize the platform and keep up with armament trends or was it a matter of “keeping up with the Jones’s?”

Anonymous

If you were to be dropped into hostile territory with an ak how would you want it set up.

Anonymous

Do you think the newer AK-12 and RPK-16 are excellent systems, or is a beauty of the AK good old mass-produced, conscript friendly wood and steel simplicity?

Anonymous

Hi! Wikipedia (I know) states that the SKS was better suited for long range precision shooting than the AK. I guess this would at least explain the idea of having both weapons in production, but is there any truth to it? In any kind of practical sense anyway. <a href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/SKS" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/SKS</a> (under «service») Keep up the awesome content! Both of you are awesome! Best regards, Peter Thommesen

Anonymous

Why do you think that more rifles are not based on the AK like the SIg 55x series is. It is an AK with the recoil recoil system in the front of the bolt instead of the rear. Dont dont you see more rifles like this? It seems like with modern design techniques it would be a popular contender with modern rifles all using the AR-18 design.

Anonymous
>>16494884

Very good rifles, not worth the price tag they command these days but good rifles none the less.

Anonymous
>>16495409

WASR-10 is the go to for budget rifles. Outside of that the Yugo series are the go to. Avoid anything that is 100% USA made as corners are cut and in many cases (I.O.) they are dangerous to shoot.

Anonymous
>>16496824

SAR/WASR/CUR rifles are good to go. The WASR/SAR3 had a few issues with mag fitment but nothing that cant be fixed with a few minutes.

Anonymous

Why the change from thick stem to thin between patterns?

Anonymous

I'd like to ask Larry his thoughts and any experiences he'd be willing to share about the Chinese AK's. They're my favorite firearms and I'd love to hear what he has to say about them!

Anonymous

How many different experimental cartridges did they test before they settled with 7.62x39 M43? What were the first experimental rifles chambered for it prior to the SKS &amp; AK type rifles?

Anonymous

Can you or Mr. Vickers go into more depth on Soviet experience during the GPW that lead to the doctrine behind the AK? As we know, the Soviets considered it a subgun, but what wartime experience lead to this? Obviously, the stereotype of entire divisions of men equipped with PPShes is greatly exaggerated, so what else spoke to them?

Anonymous

What is the most common variant of AK you have encountered downrange?

Anonymous

What do the Russians think about our military rifle? Always been curious how they view the M4/M16.

Anonymous

If they didn't like the rifle, they liked the cartridge enough to re-equiip their military.

Anonymous

Was there a Soviet accuracy requirement for the AK47/AKM when they began fielding them, or some set of basic parameters the rifles had to attain, other

Anonymous

than the bullet leaving the barrel?

Anonymous

What were the more and less common variants of AKs encountered by US soldiers in Vietnam? Soviet, Chinese, other WARSAW pact nations?

Anonymous

I won a Century Arms C39V2 in a raffle. I have since been told that it is not a very durable gun. Is this true to your knowledge? If so, can one part or another be replaced to fix that problem, or is it a more general issue?

Anonymous
>>16500836

Its hot garbage. You can replace the bolt with a new one but then you will need to make sure its headspaced correctly. Your better off selling it and buying something like a WASR.

Anonymous

Are there any experimental modifications/variants that you think could have held some water if they where worked on more.

Anonymous

Why do you think the designers used a hinged rear site versus a fixed rear sight?

Anonymous

Is there any way to reduce recoil of an AK, which would make any practical difference? (Not considering the cost of such a modification)

Anonymous

why do you think the designers used a hinged rear sight versus a fixed base rear sight? The hinge sight is more complicated and moves around when fired which has to affect accuracy.

Anonymous
>>16502266

Yes, that tangent rear sight, why? Wouldn't a flip over L rear notch sight be good enough? Say ... 150 metre and 300 metre zeroes ... whatever. Just not a clumsy tangent slider with a dozen options out to a km.

Anonymous

How does the Russian GP-25 40mm grenade launcher compare to western 40mm launchers like the M203.

Anonymous

Modern small arms seem to have a distinct upper receiver attached to the barrel, which allows dog simple attachment of rear peep sight and a nice long central optics rail. Why haven't the Russians, who've just brought out a "new" AK variant not flipped the AK upside down so the firm receiver is on top, and the rattle-fit part is on the bottom? Their "new" AK doesn't address this fundamental weakness, it's just another AK with some rail space. Why do they persist?

Anonymous

Do you think private sector R&amp;D will benefit the AK similar to the AR in the future any more than it has already? I dream of an "optics ready" AK you can buy with pic rails where the irons would normally be.

Anonymous
>>16502242

Adjustable gas systems seem to be the hot new item for this. There's adjustable gas blocks and even an adjustable piston available. Honestly can't remember who makes them but I'm sure the internet can tell you.

Anonymous

"Nyet, rifle is fine" or "drag that thing through the MagPul catalog"?

Anonymous

Thoughts on the 9x39 for CQB?

Anonymous

Concerning US production AKs, what do see as the main problems afflicting them and why is there so much difficulty in eliminating the problems? Is it improper heat treatment, metallurgy, production methodology, critical dimension flaws or all of the above? Also, how do you feel about the Yugoslavian variants and how would you rate them versus other nation's models of AK?

Anonymous

Is an extra power recoil spring (e.g. from ALG) helpful for an AKM? Also, do you think the AK mag should be lighter (or that the AR magazine should be heavier)?

Anonymous

We uncrated 3 to 5 cases a week , 20 to a case . Lucky to hit pie plate @50 yards after cleaning the pounds of packing grease out of them 2 0r 4 of 10 would . Early 90's norinco . Heard later on they got better after being shot in with a few hundred rds (1500-4000pm)

Anonymous

Reply not question

Sean S.

The 7.62x39mm cartridge has a reputation for not being the most accurate of the intermediate cartridges. Is that the cartridge or the rifle that mostly fire it (AK's and SKS's for the most part)?

Anonymous

In your experience, which Warsaw Pact nation made the best AK derivative and why?

Anonymous

At one point, the SKS and AK were being produced simultaneously, one as a carbine, the other as a "submachine gun", and the SKS was dropped in favour of the AK. Apart from detachable box magazines, what made the AK platform superior to the SKS, and what might be different now had they gone the other way?

Anonymous

Will the AK-12 be the final iteration of the AK rifle or do you see room for more evolution in the future?

Anonymous

There are western armys (like finland) and agencies (like the North Slope Borough Police Department in Alaska) that prefer the ak platform. Does that mean the ak is superior in arctic climate to most modern rifles or are there other reasons?

Anonymous

Are there any automatic rifles that outperform the AK platforms in terms of ease of manufacturing and ease of use? Do you see them taking over in the future as the most "popular" automatic rifle?

Jago Dakari

this one is going to be a simple choice of preference for Larry but what, in his opinion, is the best variant of the AK and which is the worst? factor in issues such as handling, aesthetics etc.

Anonymous

What is the most underrated Ak variant in your opinion?

Anonymous

What do you think is a better idea?The balanced recoil system on AEK-971/AK-107,or the constant recoil system on Ultimax 100?

Anonymous
>>16509340

And by the way,what is your thoughts one the AK-12/15？Love both of your work,thank you.

Anonymous

I know Ian has given his opinion on this, but I’d like to hear Larry’s opinion on how involved he thinks Hugo Schmeisser was in the development/ refinement of the AK. Sources like the Collectors Grade Sturmgevehr book imply he was likely involved quite a bit while others suggest he had no involvement at all. Obviously national pride and propaganda make it difficult or impossible to know for sure but Hearing Larry’s interpretation would be interesting.

Anonymous

The AK has a big open space on the right side o the receiver that is closed when the huge safety lever in up, would it be difficult to change the safety mechanism so that open space could the eliminated or diminished?

Anonymous

Thoughts on 9x39 coming into the US? With ammo and barrels now on the market (albeit in limited quantities) and builds from manufacturers starting to appear, do you see it taking off, especially with the massive increase in suppressor use seen in the last 10 years? Are you excited by it and/or do you see a use for it? I have a 7.5 inch barreled straight pull upper with an adjustable gas block (to run in single shot) and a Form 1 submitted for a custom silencer for it. Hoping to use it for subsonic hunting at night.

Anonymous

Thoughts on the Bullpup PKP for a role in Alpha Assault Teams, it seems to be the best of the bullpup LMG options. Still not sold on the Ram air cooled system.

Anonymous

In reality how much interchangeability of parts is there with in AKs.

Anonymous

What are the most meaningful upgrades the AK has gotten since 1947?

Anonymous

What were the specific issues with the type 1 stamped AKs that made them be abandoned in favor of the milled guns?

Anonymous

if he could comment on how the AK was designed to be manipulated with the right hand (changing magazines, etc) and how things gradually moved to the American way (shooting hand on the grip, manipulating with the left) even as the charging handle remains on the right. Even Russian forces use the American way now, at least those elite enough to do public demonstrations on TV.

Anonymous

If Larry had one piece of advice he could give the American AK manufactureres, on how to rehabilitate there image and to improve the quality of there products, what would it be

Anonymous

What was the most effective muzzle device fitted to a factory AK? What is the most effective aftermarket muzzle device?

Matteo Manino

Maibe a little of topic, but i will love to know your opinions on the type 68/73 cinese. I know that is an ibrid, but can we consider it a kalashnikov or not? Thanks from Italy

Duncan Pruyne

In your opinion, what AK was the best from the users perspective?

Anonymous

Not AK related, but I'd love to know if Mr. Vickers intends to have a second printing of the AR-15 Vol 1 Guide available as they are unfortunately sold out. I'm looking forward to reading your contributions to the AK guide in Nov, Ian!

Anonymous

AK is good for people Russia, much help, food rifle.

Anonymous

Would he prefer to carry an ak over more modern rifles

Anonymous

Would he prefer to carry an ak over more modern rifles

Anonymous

Hello Ian, Hello Larry, my copy of the AK-47 Vickers Guide came in the mail today, while I'm very excited to get started on it, I wanted to know if there was anything either of you learned during the process of authoring it together that you didn't know before hand that you found fascinating. I look forward to enjoying the book and this Q&amp;A,

Anonymous

1) Why are we not seeing more AKs in the U.S. chambered in 6.5 Grendel or 300 Blackout, especially since AK specific suppressors and adjustable gas pistons / gas blocks to match are starting to show up? 2) Can Larry give us his thoughts on the VZ-58 vs. the AK?

Anonymous

Do you know if any of the Eastern Bloc nations tried experimenting with bullpups based on the AK during the 60s, 70s, and 80s like so many Western nations did with NATO designs?

Anonymous

what do you think makes an optimal AK? or alternatively. what in your thoughts makes the AK just so iconic?

Anonymous

What is the most common fully transferable AK variant available on the U.S NFA market

Anonymous

In your opinion, how much influence did the design/deployment of the Stg44 and it's intermediate cartridge by Germany in WWII impact the design of the AK-47? In other words, in the alternate universe where the Stg44 and associated prototypes never happened, does the AK-47 still get developed at a much later date or even at all?

Anonymous

What would it take for the AK to become as versatile as the AR-15? The AR platform is very modular, and "building" and AR-15 isn't much more complicated than snapping together Lego. Could the AK ever get to that level of modularity? Is the gun limited by it's design? Or by it's construction? What would Kalashnikov do?

Anonymous

Why did the Finns stick with milled AKs even after Valmet began making stamped ones for the civilian market in the 70's?

Anonymous
>>16534268

The Finnish military actually received stamped RK-62 76 from Valmet during 1977-1982. After a short period of use, military deemed the stamped receivers not being tough enough for conscript use, and they were harder to repair when they were broken. There were couple of thousand of those stamped RK-62 76 guns made, and they are in reserve. We have to remember that we are talking about the Finnish Defense forces here, and some of the requirements they have set on equipment have sometimes been "over necessary". I don't know how much more unreliable the stamped guns would really be, but military has it's own standards. When we adopted the RK-62, a new rifle had accuracy acceptance requirement of being around 1 MOA (don't have the documentary but that's what I've heard from multiple sources). That's just insane for an assault rifle. This is also the reason why our RKs don't have chrome lined barrels, with the first method the accuracy was deemed unacceptable (probably somethhing like a standard soviet AK) and with the improved method the cost was too high. This accuracy standard of 1 MOA was eventually lowered, but I have no doubt the newer RK-62s and RK-95s had a higher accuracy standard than US military AR-15s.

Anonymous

Hello from New Zealand if you two could jump in your time machine and go back to be in the AK R&amp;D team what is the one thing you would change apart from last round hold open? Cheers Kurt

Anonymous

Greetings from Israel! The AK's Chinese cousin, the Type-56 uses a folding spike bayonet. I have heard there is a misconception that these bayonets are internationally illegal. Can you shed any light upon the history or origins of this myth? Thank you and keep up the good work. Yonathan Ho

Anonymous
>>16503693

By extension, is the AK-Alpha (CAA variant of the AK) kind-of what you are talking about, as it seems* the upper receiver is attached to the trunion rather than the lower? *Going by photos of the firearm (I haven't seen disassembly or schematics)

Anonymous

My AK47 has an under folding stock (AKMS) and I would like to replace it with a fixed stock. Is that possible? Are stocks interchangable between different versions of AKs?

Christian Hanes

Why are Tula made AK74s almost unheard of? Did they make very few, and what was the reasoning behind thinking they never made any in the first place?

Anonymous

In terms of quality where would you rank each country that produces the ak in terms of quality control, from the factory and who makes the best standard variant excluding the galil and valmet

Anonymous

Is the Ak-47 action and locking system a direct decent of the French RSC 1917 via the M1 Garand?

Anonymous
>>16531944

Chinese Polytech and Norincos conversions I would imagine.

Anonymous

Why didn't I buy a Tula AK74SU parts kit from Rguns in 2010 when they were only $650? :/

Anonymous

Do you prefer fixed stock, underfolder, side folder wire stock, or side folder solid stock?

Anonymous

I have a couple of questions. 1. I have heard numerous people say that the 7.62x39mm round is obsolete and needs to go away. Yet the .300BLK has virtually identical ballistics and is lauded as a modern round. Do you feel the 7.62x39 is an obsolete round and if so why?

Anonymous

2. What do you feel is the best mounting for an optic on an AK? 3. With all of the recreations of an AK there has been in the US, I am surprised that no one has reversed the charging handle to the other side of the rifle for right handed shooters. Do you think this is a good idea or a poor one? Thank you for your time.

Anonymous

What are your general thoughts on the Romanian AIMS 74 front-swept lower hand guard vertical grip? Those stand out as unusual for assault rifles of the era but we see them commonly now in surplus remans.

Bruce Brodnax
>>16496330

Did you mean to say the M27 IAR? Because if not, your question doesn't make any sense to me... %-|

Bruce Brodnax
>>16498324

Eh, Wikipedia confabulation. The limit on long range shooting in either platform is the ammo and the craptastic issue sights [open topped tangent leaf], which were an obsolescent sight design since the advent of military peep sights in WW1 30 years prior to their development. Is the skS capable of greater accuracy than the AK? Perhaps nominally, but in real terms it's a toss-up, and in military context, the AK has the advantages of quick-change box mags and the happy switch...

Bruce Brodnax
>>16499256

Not that many: the Soviets knew that they were going to continue using .30cal barrels &amp; bullets, that they wanted a rimless case, and they had all of Nazi Germany's notes on medium power carts from the '30s when the two countries were all pallsy-wallsy due to the Ribentropp (sp?) pact. ;-)

Bruce Brodnax
>>16499542

Why do you think the stories of entire divisions of tank riders being equipped with the PPSh is greaty exaggerated? Like Stalin said, "Quantity has a quality all its own," and the Soviets got two PPSh barrels for every one Mosin barrel they gave up: faster build time, less skilled labor required, etc. etc. No exaggeration required...

Anonymous

Many people think of 5.56 AKs as a waste of time (just get an AR, etc). Does the Zastava M21 accomplish what many 5.56 AKs fail at?

Bruce Brodnax
>>16514426

Ian has already answered this question in one of his videos that showcased an early AK [I forget if it was a T1 or T2.]

Bruce Brodnax
>>16536846

Probably a conflation of the fact that the cruciform wound profile has been proven slower to heal, and many countries not allowing their citizens to own bayonet-equipped rifles?

Anonymous

what is Larrys opinion on the Balanced Automatics Recoil System (BARS) in the Ak 107 does it hold merit or is it just to complicated to ever be a viable option for mainstream adoption

Andrew MacKenzie

Did the Czech try to use the 7.62x45mm in their VZ.58?

Harold Snyder

My AKM seems to be way over-gassed. It thows shells at about a 20 degree forward angle. Anything I can or should do about this?

Anonymous

FN-FNAR is it based off an AK style system or is it based off a BAR system. Im curious im thinking of purchasing one

Anonymous

Favorite side mounted Russian optics? I run high end air soft aks (up in Canada that's all i can get :( ) and had to do some research and thinking to get a good 50-75m engagement against human targets. wondering your fav side mounts! thanks (I got a PK-01}

Anonymous

If Larry has any anecdotal stories of SF first encounters with the Ak74 in Afghanistan with Soviet forces or weapons familiarization in his career I'd love to hear them.