Today, we’re going to find out if the tactical AK is really a thing and why so many still doubt its viability on the modern battlefield.
In this article, we cover what types of wood are being used to make AK furniture and their specific properties, the pros and cons of wood and polymer, and how to make your AK more tactical.
Introduction
Most Americans tend to think of AKs as an old post-WW2 design that never caught up to modern times- and for a few decades after their initial release in 1947, they’d be mostly right!
The original Type-1 Kalashnikovs didn’t even incorporate a side-scope rail until 10 years after its mass production in 1949.
It wasn’t until 1959 that the “modernized” AKM variant was introduced with a scope-side rail but that was the only “tactical” addition to its otherwise familiar design.
By 1974, the AK-74 was introduced in the 100 series with side-mount rails, polymer furniture, a folding stock, and a new 5.54×39 caliber round, making it only slightly more “tactical” than its predecessor.
To answer the topic at hand, it is indeed possible to enhance the functionality of any AK rifle and make it perform almost as effectively as any modern-era rifle (despite the additional weight it may bring!).
Most AK-12 rifles issued by the Russian military already possess these tactical advantages in their design.
However, the majority of AKs available in the market currently require extra investment to reach the level of standard features found in most railed AR-15s.
So, how exactly do you make an AK tactical? The first step is ditching the wood furniture and switching to polymer or aluminum solutions, or a mixture of both!
The AK Gets Tactical!
The AK-47 has been a popular weapon among military personnel and enthusiasts alike for several decades. Despite its age, the Kalashnikov remains a reliable and formidable weapon in combat.
However, to keep up with the changing times and advancements in technology, the AK-47 can be made more modern and tactical with the addition of furniture upgrades and bolt-on accessories.
For instance, the addition of a polymer or aluminum handguard with M-LOK instead of rails can significantly reduce weight and increase maneuverability, especially in close-quarters combat.
A modernized pistol grip with ergonomic designs and an enhanced grip texture can also provide better control and accuracy.
Also, the addition of bolt-on accessories can further enhance the functionality of the AK-47. A rail system can allow for the attachment of a variety of accessories such as flashlights, lasers, or even optics for improved target acquisition.
A muzzle device such as a suppressor or compensator can reduce recoil and muzzle rise, allowing for more accurate follow-up shots.
With these upgrades, the AK-47 can become a more versatile and effective weapon for a variety of combat situations, while still retaining its iconic design and reliability.
As you can see, the AK-47 can benefit greatly from furniture upgrades and bolt-on accessories. These additions can make the weapon more modern and tactical, while also improving its functionality and versatility.
With the right upgrades, the AK-47 can remain a formidable weapon for many years to come!
Garand Thumb shows us the evolution of the Avtomat Kalashnikov rifle into a tactical beast that competes with the best rifle platforms out there!
AK47 Wood vs Polymer Furniture?
No doubt the upgraded laminated wood furniture on the Type 3 Kalashnikovs was pretty durable and held up to a lot of abuse.
Although the original Type 1s and Type 2s had hardwood stocks and furniture that had less than stellar durability.
Despite the durability of laminated furniture though, when the AK-74 was introduced in 1974 they switched to an all-polymer furniture set.
Certain AK variants use their own unique furniture sets so make sure you know which type you have.
Thanks to advances in plastic molding and polymer formulations, the Russians were able to gain several advantages over their wooden furniture counterparts.
One of those advantages is its strength and durability, and the second is its ability to resist the elements.
Wood is prone to cracking under the stress of battle and changes in temperature and wet conditions will cause the wood to swell, expand, and contract.
Cracks and loose-fitting joints are gradually formed, which is undesirable in the long run. Therefore, in terms of technical aspects, polymer emerges as the superior choice. However, it should be noted that not all polymer furniture is of the same quality.
Similar to lower-quality woods and laminates, polymers also come in lower grades. From an aesthetic standpoint, wood seamlessly complements an AK, and unless you intend to treat your AK extremely harshly, either option should fulfill your requirements.
What Type of Wood Is Used On AK-47 Rifles?
Chinese manufacturers use cheap Chu wood. Solid wood stocks and furniture from the States are typically made out of cheap Basswood or quality Walnuts.
The most common milsurp laminate stocks and furniture are made of Maple, Beechwood, or Teak.
| Wood Types Used in AKs: | Characteristics of these AK wood types: |
| Chinese Chu Wood from the Catalpa Tree | Low-density hardwood that is rot-resistant, lightweight, soft, weak, and brittle. Used in the manufacturer of cheaper Chinese AK furniture and not as desirable to collectors due to its less than stellar durability. |
| American Basswood | The American “Chu Wood” equivalent is also lightweight, soft, and not very durable- but is more prone to rot. It’s also a low-density hardwood with similar properties to some pine species. Most people discard these stocks upon receiving their AKs. |
| American Walnut | The premium American option for solid wood AK furniture is known for its strength, durability, and beautiful grain structure when stained. |
| Tiger Maple | Tiger Maple has “stripes” from narrow growth rings. AK furniture is made from hard Maple. Most Maple stocks and furniture are laminated imports. It is heavy, strong, stiff, shock-resistant with a beautiful grain pattern and sought after for its properties. |
| Teak Wood | Most higher-quality Milsurp laminated wood stocks are made of teak, a naturally water-resistant, strong, and durable wood. Teak’s oils make it weather-resistant, requiring minimal care when left outside. While heavier than the other woods on this table, teak is highly desirable for collectors due to its strength. |
| Beech Wood | High crush strength, medium stiffness, and resistance to shock. Russia and Bulgaria used solid Beech Wood for their furniture because of its great properties. Unfortunately, these are hard to come by these days and fetch high prices when found on the market. |
| Birch Wood | Russia and Bulgaria utilized Birch Wood for their laminate stocks and furniture, showcasing its distinct and eye-catching grain pattern when stained. Birch is a dense, solid, and robust wood, possessing excellent inherent properties such as impressive crushing strength and exceptional shock resistance. Hence, making it the ideal furniture set for AK collectors. |
| Polymer Plastics: | Characteristics of Polymer Stocks and Furniture: |
| Polymer Matrix Composites | The main reasons for the adoption of polymer in AKs are it’s cheaper to produce, quicker to manufacture, rugged and durable, germ-resistant, rot-resistant, has good heat tolerance, is lightweight (not always though), and can be formed into any shape or size. |
Are AK-47 & AKM Furniture Interchangeable?
The Short Answer:
Yes, if the AK-47 has a stamped receiver. However, if it is milled or from Yugoslavia/Serbia, then the answer is no.
The TL;DR Answer:
The interchangeability of furniture (stocks, handguards, and grips) between the AK-47 and the AKM largely depends on the specific models and the manufacturer.
However, there are some general guidelines:
Stocks: Original AK-47s only had wood stocks while AKMs often had laminated wood or polymer stocks. Stocks can be swapped, but it depends on country and stock design. May need slight adjustments.
Handguards: The AK-47 and AKM differ in handguard designs. AK-47 has a slim, long handguard while AKM has a short, curved design. However, handguards are often interchangeable, with possible fitting required.
Grips: Pistol grips on the AK-47 and AKM are generally interchangeable with little to no modification needed. Most aftermarket grips designed for one will fit the other.
While parts can be interchanged, functionality and aesthetics may not be optimal without adjustments. The numerous variants and copies of the AK platform produced by different countries can cause fit and compatibility variations.
Are Magpul AK Stocks Any Good?
Magpul produces very high-quality polymer plastics and their molding techniques are leading-edge.
Many individuals are fond of Magpul products, while others may not appreciate them as much due to their widespread popularity and ubiquity, with seemingly everyone owning one, even their grandmothers!
They suffer from commonality much as the Glocks do but that doesn’t mean they don’t make great AK furniture! To each his own.
Here is the famous Zhukov-S folding stock that fits the standard AKM-pattern stamped receivers. It has a noticeably different mount design that is incompatible with Yugo AKs and milled receivers.
Iconic Tactical Folder
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“What can I say, bar none the best after market folding stock for your AK/AKM platform. I installed this on a m&m m10 AK47 installation was pretty easy just follow the instruction manual provided by Magpul or like everyone else, watch YouTube.“
Ken C.
Here, you can find Brownells offering the remarkably sought-after Zhukov-S folding stock at incredibly affordable prices.
They have it available in multiple colors, specifically designed for Yugo-pattern and AKM-pattern stamped AK receivers.
Fits Yugo-Variant AKs
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The complete Magpul AKM polymer furniture kit is available for purchase at Brownells, and it comes in three colors: Black, FDE, and Plum, all at a very affordable price.
Great Budget Set
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If you wish to enhance the tactical capabilities of your AK, the poly handguard provides M-LOK slots that enable the attachment of accessories.
Best AK Foregrips & Hand Stops
If you have a tactical rail, there is a wide range of foregrip options available for your AK, such as slanted foregrips, simple hand-stops, short foregrips, longer pistol grips with integrated bipods and more!
When it comes to which one to choose or which one is best it comes down to what you need it to do.
Some prefer a lightweight hand-stop for a secure grip, others choose a lower handguard with a built-in foregrip, and some prefer a longer vertical foregrip for better AK control.
Certain foregrips have integrated bipods to provide additional functionality, while also saving rail space and reducing weight. Ultimately, the best AK foregrip is the one that you find most comfortable.
Here are just a few really good hand stops and foregrip offerings available on Optics Planet and Brownells that we’ve used on a couple of our tactical AKs:
Midwest Industries has a simple-looking M-LOK hand stop designed to save space on your handguard without adding excessive weight to an already heavy AK platform.
High-Quality Billet Aluminum
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- Mounts to M-Lok systems slots
- Features teeth that allow the user to achieve a solid anchor point for precise shots
- Constructed from 6061 aluminum with a hard coat anodized finish
This Strike Industries hand stop is a premium model made of lightweight aluminum, providing good balance and control for shooting while keeping your AK rifle lightweight.
4 Cool Colors!
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It will mount securely to any handguard equipped with M-LOK slots and comes in several colors to match your setup.
The Strike Mini HandStop is a compact accessory that enhances firearm control and organizes wires. It is lightweight and impact-resistant.
Compact Control!
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It features the patent-pending SI Cable Management System, offering versatile cable routing options and excess wire storage. It attaches to a single M-LOK slot and has a compact 1.70″ overall length.
The Strike Mini HandStop provides a rearward angle pull-style grip for weapon control. It has textured front and rear finger areas for a secure grasp and built-in barricade stops for stability.
The Strike Industries Bikini Hand Stop (BHS) offers improved weapon control and ergonomics. It’s crafted from lightweight polymer that is compatible with M-LOK rails.
Highly Versatile!
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The BHS can be mounted in any direction and comes with two per pack. Its low-profile design with rounded corners prevents snags.
The SI Bikini Hand Stop offers a quick indexing point for faster weapon deployment, supporting a “push” or “pull” grip.
It can be mounted further forward between the index and middle fingers, which helps in kneeling or prone positions, as well as with other accessories (it can also be mounted at 3 or 9 o’clock positions to serve as a thumb ledge, enabling downward pressure to reduce recoil).
This innovative LINK Anchor Handstop from Strike Industries is made from a heat-resistant polymer, providing a comfortable grip for all shooting conditions. It has a sleek, low-profile design that allows easy installation through MLOK or KeyMod openings.
Affirmative Grip in Lightweight Polymer
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This awesome handstop has a unique reversible tooth design for a “push” or “pull” grip. The LINK Anchor, with added ridges, offers unmatched dexterity.
This lightweight modification to your AK’s handguard is comfortable, has an aggressive look, and improves accuracy over time by stabilizing your grip.
The Strike Industries LINK Cobra Fore Grip improves upon the original SI Cobra Tactical Fore Grip, providing secure and comfortable grip options for any situation or position.
Cable Management Built-In!
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“Works great on M-Lok, easy to install. Great control of weapon“
Alex
This barricade stop grip has a ridged face to prevent sliding while shooting against a table or wall. It can be mounted on M-LOK and KeyMod-compatible devices with the patented SI LINK system.
Additionally, it features the SI Cable Management System function for organizing and storing excess wire from weapon lights or other cable accessories.
Magpul sells a more budget-friendly foregrip option that’s lightweight, durable, and can be conveniently attached to most M-LOK-compatible AK handguards and fore-ends.
Most Compact Vertical Foregrip
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The M-LOK MVG is constructed using the same top-notch polymer material found in other Magpul items, while also incorporating the innovative Magpul TSP texture to ensure reliable grip in any setting.
Designed with smooth curves and a reduced length, the M-LOK MVG has been specifically enhanced for seamless utilization of the “thumb break method” in shooting, while also serving as a conventional vertical foregrip.
Final Thoughts
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Should AKs be modified for tactical use or remain in their original configuration? Leave your thoughts in the comments below!
