WARRIOR TALK NEWS

TEXAS WEAPON SYSTEMS KALASHNIKOV HANDGUARD

We had done a few "tail checks" before I saw the items in Rafaga's backpack. The best way to describe the floor at SHOT comes from the words of Sir Alec Guinness playing Obi Wan Kenobi as he described the bazaar at Tatooine.

"Never has there been a more wretched hive of scum and villany".

Well...maybe not exactly like that...but the place is full of idea thieves.  Think of a "spook convention" at the height of the Cold War and you will have an idea.  It would not be a stretch to have some "eastern european businessman" or "asian entrepreneur" catch a glimpse of what I was now holding in my hands and have a knock-off made and for sale using slave labor and substandard materials before our plane touched down back in Phoenix.

Thus we took precautions.



The handguard is much more than that....it is a system, and unlike anything ever made for a Kalashnikov rifle before. It replaces the OEM gas tube with a precision made tube that is encased in the handguard chassis. Both units bolt to each other in a solid unmovable style. The lower handguard bolts to the barrel with a patented bushing design that will accommodate any thickness of barrel. The bushings also tension the barrel fore and aft, thereby improving barrel harmonics.



The handguard and top cover reach all the way to the gas block at the front totally covering both barrel and gas tube, and offering a modern and sleek high-speed look.

There are many handguards on the market these days ranging from stamped airsoft trash, to handcrafted olympic weight quality units that even Hulk Hogan would find challenging to shoulder.

The holy grail of these in the AR market for many years has been to make the rails optional and modular, and to make the units themselves as light as possible. But the AK market has gone the other way...making handguards that were so grossly oversized and overweight that they made the handy rifle into an ungainly beast.



Texas Weapon Systems has grabbed on to that holy grail and set the bar for AK rails as things stand today in early 2012. These will not be "cheap" by any definition of the word in either quality, or cost, but I do think they are the best, and the standard to which the industry will now aspire.

Available at One Source Tactical, and on TSD Combat Systems Rifles.

PRE-ORDER HERE FOR DELIVERY IN APPROXIMATELY FOUR WEEKS

TSD COMBAT SYSTEMS CQB KALASHNIKOV

This rifle is designed as the CQB Kalashnikov Rifle. We build it to fit the guerrilla rifleman  shooting method taught in our courses without any concessions to ComBloc fashions.

The rifle is chambered in 7.62x39 or 5.45x39 and has a 14" barrel with a permanently affixed AAC Blackout Flash Hider (OAL of 16"). We add the Midwest Industries X-Rail handguard systems to aid in shooting positions as well as allowing the end user to add any mission-essential accessories they might want without excessive weight.

For a stock we add the Vltor stock adapter, and a Magpul CTR stock with an optional .75" cheekpiece. This allows for both adjustable length of pull as well as a proper American cheekweld should you opt for the addition of a 1-5x optic or an ACOG. Bottom line is that if you want to shoot with the accuracy of a rifle, you will need to have a proper stock...something that has been lacking in the AK platform since 1947.

We add the American sized US Palm pistol grip and a tuned Red Star Arms trigger kit. The rifle includes one magazine (either US Palm AK30 in 7.62x39, or 45 round Bulgarian in 5.45x39). The AK system was developed by Mikhail Kalashnikov to answer the needs of modern urban combat, it was adopted by the American Gun Community to answer the needs for the ultimate civilian guerrilla rifle, and it has now been perfected by TSD Combat Systems.

www.tsdcombatsystems.com

www.onesourcetactical.com

 

The Floating Gun

If you’re going to take your point shooting skills as far as the fight needs them to be, you’ve got to have it.

Suarez International Instructor CR Williams

I see it over and over again, and I still do it myself (not as often as I did, but I still do). I see them at classes, on the range practicing, in groups, watching others work, and when working by myself. Once you know what to look for they’re pretty easy to spot. They’re like chronic or recurring illnesses.

Let's call them the 'Welded Hand Syndrome' and the 'Locked-In-Position Syndrome'.

Welded-Hand Syndrome is characterized by an unconscious but nonetheless strong and determined reluctance to release the support hand from the grip of the gun. The shooter beset by WHS acts as if his or her hands have been super-glued and duct-taped to the grip such that they are unable to let go and shoot with one hand despite the position they are in or the angle to the target they are engaging. They will twist and turn and step, bend and flex, and move the wrong way trying to keep their gun on the target, unaware that they are in the grip of the Welded-Hand Syndrome.

Related to and often seen in conjunction with Welded-Hand Syndrome is Locked-In-Position Syndrome. LIPS is characterized by the unthinking drive to keep a pre-set arm and upper-body shooting position under any and all circumstances and no matter where the target is or how they are moving (if they’re moving) whether it is appropriate to the circumstances or not.

WHS and LIPS do occur in isolation but will most often be observed appearing together. Both syndromes have the same three primary causes: A lack of experience or training, a history of training that is totally or almost totally devoted to the proactive gunfight, and the tendency we all have to want to remain ‘squared up’ to something or someone that is trying to kill us.

Diagnosis of either or both conditions involves observation of the shooter in question to answer these questions: Is the position and placement of the gun appropriate to what the shooter needs to be doing with it? Does the shooter appear to be ‘bound up’ or in an awkward position? Is the shooter moving more slowly and awkwardly than they should be or in a different direction than they intend or that is appropriate to the situation? If the answers are ‘No’, ‘Yes’ and ‘Yes’, then WHS or LIPS should be suspected. Further observation is then necessary to confirm the presence and severity of the conditions.

Examples of Welded-Hand Syndrome and Locked-In-Position Syndrome:

Moving from right to left while attempting to keep a two-hand grip and squared torso. I did not deliberately cross-step, it occurred naturally as a result of my conscious desire to keep the same grip and upper-body position. You will see this unconsciously with those suffering from WHS and LIPS. If I had continued out of camera range, I would end up walking backwards.

Here I am moving properly to about 1:00, but because I refuse to release the grip or alter extension I would end up doing two things: putting the gun in range of a still-standing opponent, and curving back into the target instead of properly flanking it like I would prefer to.

(Full-size versions of all photos available at: http://photobucket.com/FloatingGun)

Effects of these conditions range from being frustrated about your ability to easily get good hits on a target that’s other than directly in front of you to your being killed in a fight because you can’t maneuver properly, move too slowly, are unable to get the gun into line like you need to, or from ineffective use of cover that exposes too much of your body to incoming fire. Given the potential severity of the effects, serious thought should be given as to how to avoid falling victim to these conditions. Fortunately, effective treatments are available and are simple (not always easy, but simple)  to apply.

Treatments are both corrective and preventive and may need to be applied on an ongoing basis.

 Treatments are as follows:

Learning and practicing ambidextrous use of all weapons. (At the least, getting as near to full ambidexterity as is possible.)

Learning and practicing one-handed shooting (of the handgun).

Learning and practicing to be able to shoot accurately with the gun below the eye-line, in other than dead-ahead directions, and held at distances ranging from in contact with your body to full extension.

The aim of the treatments is to develop the ‘Floating Gun’. This is a state in which you will automatically and without much if any conscious thought put the gun at the level you need and extended to the distance required in any direction of the clock face as the situation and the target you are engaging dictate. Sometimes one-handed, sometimes not, sometimes in one hand, sometimes in the other, sometimes held far away and sometimes in contact with your body, high, low, in-between, getting hits where you need them as you move where you need to without binding, bending, or twisting unnaturally. Furthermore, that point, that extension, that position, that direction, can and will change the moment the situation changes and the moment your relationship to the target changes. As you turn, as you change direction, as you change levels or speed or distance, or as the target does, so does your gun. It goes where it needs to be so that it can do what you need it to do.

 

 

 

This is a simple illustration of letting the gun float. Beginning in arm's reach of the target, I displace left as I draw and fire the first shot at waist level with the gun close in. I will continue to fire as I bring the gun up to eye-level to first a close-in two-handed shooting position and then, as I cross the 'T' of the target and then turn to advance along a parallel track, move to a more standard two-hand position. (Because of restrictions necessitated by the camera view range, I maneuvered in a much smaller area than if I were running this as a full-speed drill.)

 

 

 

Another way to answer the same question is to switch hands. Beginning from the same position and with the same initial displacement, I move the gun from right to left and continue the engagement. For complete development, both options should be learned and practiced.

Note that, unlike in the first examples, I was able at all times to move normally and naturally and did not have to cross my feet or become awkwardly 'bound up' to get the hits.

To best develop and keep updated on the use of the Floating Gun concept, therapy under the guidance of a qualified Suarez International instructor is highly recommended. Formal courses of treatment include Point Shooting Gunfight Skills, Close Range Gunfighting, Point Shooting Progressions, Advanced Close Range Gunfighting, and Advanced Point Shooting Progressions. Ongoing practice and training and refresher training is advisable, as without re-emphasis of the concept, Welded-Hand and Locked-In Syndrome will often re-occur. It’s happened to me; don’t let it happen to you.

Don't forget to work on 'floating' the long-gun as well:

 

 

PSP graduates will recognize this as the parallel-track approach to evasion and counterattack. I use a rifle here to illustrate that the concept of 'floating' is not limited to handguns. Long Gun Point Shooting Progressions will teach you more about this and is recommended for those wishing to become more facile in the quick and sure handling of the rifle or shotgun.

(I’ll get a bit more serious now: I believe there are two fundamentals that should not change no matter what you’re doing with the gun, and one fundamental that almost never should but can sometimes. The two things that should not change are your grip (the way you grip, not the tension of the grip), whether one or two-handed, and the way you work the trigger; these should always be consistent. The one fundamental that should almost not change is eye-hand, or eye-weapon, alignment. Even if the gun is below your line of sight, it should as much as possible be aligned with the dominant/shooting-side eye in order to have the best chance of hitting the intended target. As long as these fundamentals are satisfied, then the gun should be allowed to ‘float’ to where it will best get the hits you need.

Being able to float the gun does more for you than just to enable you to make hits from any position in any direction in an emergency, though that would be more than enough to justify the acquisition of the capability. Where employed deliberately, ambidextrous and one-handed facility with the weapon specifically will give you tactical options you will not have otherwise. For all these reasons, having the ability to float the gun is an all but must-have skill to everyone that carries and a definite must-have skill for the serious student of the gunfight.)

Take the time, make the effort, get the skill, and learn the Floating Gun. You will not regret it.

You be safe out there. And if you can't be safe, float like a butterfly and hit like the Hammer of Thor.

The Breathing - Trigger Connection

Continuing with the discussions on marksmanship, we have covered issues such as cheekweld and length of pull as primarily ignored by the AK community. Ignorance of them will yield fun bumpfiring at a gravel pit perhaps, but poor marksmanship if true riflery is the goal.

Another important pair of aspects are the issues of breathing and trigger press. One is strictly skill related, the other is skill and gear related.

Breathing is a muscular action, whether voluntary or involuntary. The muscular action of breathing, or of holding the breath in creates movement, which is the bane of a stable shooting platform. Not an issue in run-and-gun CQB, but a crucial consideration for accurate shooting outside CQB.

In sniper school we teach the natural respiratory pause. We breathe normally...maybe taking a deep breath or two, and then allowing the air to expell naturally from the lungs without forcing it. At the point that the lungs feel "empty", you will have between 6 to 10 seconds of oxygenated blood flowing before the breathing must resume. Its during that period of time where, maintaining the visual focus on the sights or reticule, you begin pressing the trigger.

That is the timing. Focus visually on the sights or reticule. Keeping that in place, establish the respiratory pause. And keeping that in place, work the trigger in the alloted and rather long time period.

Trigger work begins with trigger characteristics. Some triggers are horrible. Take the stock M16 three round burst trigger. It is manageable, but horrible to work with. Sadly, soldiers or police officers that are issued such a weapon can do little to improve it. But the civilian that complains about his trigger has a great many options. I find it amazing that those with poor triggers on their AK rifles fail to simply fix them. Even more amazing is that so-called "custom" AK rifles are sold routinely with finger breaking trigger slap (the trigger popping back into position hard after a shot).

The simple answer is to add a Red Star Arms trigger to your rifle. Like most things in life, some will agree and others will bemoan the system in question. But like most things in life, follow the money. Most of the guys advocating staying away from the RSA trigger are gunsmith types that instead want to sell you their trigger job. If the RSA is properly installed (an important matter with all accessories of course) it will never give you any trouble, and provide with a trigger that is exemplary for an assault rifle.

With a proper trigger, and using the first joint of the trigger finger, having established a solid shooting position and respiratory pause, we continue.

Begin pressure on the trigger smoothly and evenly. This fisrt part should be simple but what most people do is all the preceding and then pull hard on thje trigger as if to "get it over with". The result usually is a missed shot. Instead, press smoothly and evenly, without rushing. At some point the pressure will suffice and the shot will break. When that happens, your job is to keep everything as it was prior to the shot breaking. That is...staying in position, keeping the face on the stock, etc., during recoil. Do not allow the shot to disintegrate your shooting platform or focus. That last is called "follow through" and is a part of trigger control and much as the breathing.

Learn to do these things and you will amaze yourself at just how accurate your Kalashnikov rifle can be. Ignore these things, and no matter how many rounds you send downrange, you will never understand the rifle.

Red Star Arms Triggers

TWS Yugo Rifle Top Covers

Midwest Industries X-Rail Handguard System

The "Floating" Support Hand

When we look at the deployment of a rifle, we need to understand that rifle work is not limited to CQB.  The rifle is a weapon that can be used from zero distance to the limit of its intended use, which for the assault rifle is approximately to 300 meters.  Training beyond 100 yards/meters is difficult for a number of reasons.  Most ranges are limited to 100 yards and few people ever get the opportunity to really stretch their rifle's legs farther than that.  As well, few people have the opportunity to shoot in the field on a regular basis.  Thus the focus is CQB, almost to the exclusion of other distance intervals.  I believe this is a mistake,as students thus trained only get a part of the full picture.

In this article we will be discussing a concept that we have taught for many years, and that is the "Floating Support Hand".  Specifically the idea is that the support hand (alternatively called the "reaction hand", the "left hand", or by cave dwellers - the "weak hand") should not be anchored into a given position, but rather float to wherever it needs to go to facilitate the shot.

That position may range from the forward hold popular in competion circles, to the magazine hold popular in the MP5 days.  It all depends on what the target is, how far away it is, what position you are shooting from, and what the angle is.

The Forward Hold

This is from an article that was written by S.I. Instructor Dale Hunter for our Staff - Only Section. 

"With modern assault rifles, gripping the magwell as a default position is selling yourself short in terms of maximum effect on target. Usually the magwell is close to the balance point of the rifle. Ignorant riflemen say this allows quicker handling of the rifle. Physics state otherwise. Try holding a children’s seesaw at the middle/balance point; not very stable. Try moving the front axle of your car to the middle and see how well it rides and steers. We drive with the front wheels as far out aspractical.

Taking the car analogy over to riflery, we should be gripping therifle as far out as practical based on the shooters arms and position the shot is being taken from. This enables better leverage and control over the mass in front of the balance point thus permitting much quicker shot to shot recovery,transitions of targets, and less disruption of the sights while engaging on the move. Gripping the magwell is the same as gripping a vertical fore grip like a joystick and gives the same result of gripping a pistol too low; the mass is sitting on top of the hand discouraging effective control and causing the body to be reactive to the rifle."

Dale is correct about the benefits of this hold, and it is workable both on the move as well as stationary for snap shots.  At a Kalashnikov Force on Force class last year, Dale put in a stellar performance using this full speed, on a dead run against a very capable stationary adversary.  The results were that Dale was untouched while his adversary was peppered.     

While that particular hold has become popular in recent years, it - like many things in the weapons and tactics realm, is not new at all.  Here is an image of Rhodesian soldiers and their FALs.

The Middle Hold

This is the "traditional hold" involving placement mid way between the magazine and the forward end of the handguards.  This is not a "reactive" position as much as one useful for supported positions, or when accuracy at distance is paramount.

The Magazine Hold dates back to the days of the MP5 and is best suited for short SMGs such as the PPS43 and Skorpion as shown below.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

It is also useful in supported positions in order to mainatin the correct elevation while resting the elbows, such as in sitting position.

So do not get stuck to the handguard.  Doing so will retard your development as a rifleman.  Where do you run your support hand?  The correct answer is "It depends on what I am trying to do".

A Photo Essay Of TSD Long Guns

 

 

 

 

 

 

WWW.TSDCOMBATSYSTEMS.COM

WWW.ONESOURCETACTICAL.COM

 

The TSD Ultimate Kalashnikov And AR-12

TSD COMBAT SYSTEMS ENHANCED KALASHNIKOV

 

Suarez International has been teaching the Kalashnikov System for over six years.  Initially alone in the industry, they have developed the state of the art in the deployment and manipulation of that weapon platform.  When they branched out into custom weapons, the question that constantly hung in the air was "When will you do an AK?"  The answer to that is "Now".

 

TSD begins with the best AK platform available today, the Saiga rifle.  These rifles are hand selected by our agents for quality.  You will not see the common canted sight bases or crooked barrels that are so commonplace on the rifles of common AK assemblers.  You will never hear the words, "But its an AK", at our shop as an excuse for shoddy or incomplete work. And to be able to say that, we begin with "New", and with the best of "New".

 

Our technicians convert the rifles back into combat form, eliminating the ridiculous features required by 922 (r), but doing so in a way that is totally legal as well as excellent. 

We use the best flash hider from Surefire with the capability of adding a sound suppressor.  We add rail systems to aid in shooting posotions as well as allowing the end user to add any mission-essential accessories they might want. 

Rail covers (ladder style) are included in a matching color to the rifle to keep the rails protected should you decide to not use any accessories.  This rifle is chambered in 7.62x39 and has a 16"  or 20.5" barrel.

 

We add a combination of stock parts that allow for both adjustable length of pull as well as a proper American cheekweld.  Bottom line is that if you want to shoot with the accuracy of a rifle, you will need to have a proper stock and currently no stocks traditionally available on AK rifles will allow for proper rifle work outside of the close quarters envelop.  These stock, made by MagPul, will allow you shoot as far as your cartridge allows.  When coupled with the American sized US Palm pistol grip and the specially installed and tuned Red Star Arms triggers, hitting steel at 400 and 500 yards will be easy. Also featured on the rifle is a Texas Weapon Systems Top Cover that will allow you to install ANY OPTIC you wish from an ACOG to an Aimpoint, or anything in between (Optics Not Included).  The top cover comes with a peep sight added for use of iron sights.  The rifle includes two US Palm AK30 Magazines.

 

The AK system was developed by Mikhail Kalashnikov to answer the needs of modern urban combat, it was adopted by the American Gun Community to answer the needs for the ultimate civilian defensive rifle, and it has now been perfected by TSD Combat Systems.

 

Happy Birthday Mikhail Kalashnikov!!!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

PRE ORDER FOR DELIVERY IN MID TO LATE DECEMBER

 

READ MORE ON THE TSD ENHANCED KALSHNIKOV SYSTEMS

 

TSD COMBAT SYSTEMS AR-12

We received the first sample of this shotgun some months ago and gave it to our technical department to work with. After they delivered it back to us for testing we ran several thousand rounds of various loads through it with complete reliability.  Like modern semi auto shotguns, it has a dislike for super light loads and functions best with heavier birdshot, or with any buckshot or slugs.

Its handling characteristics provide for extreme speed and quick shot to shot recovery.  Those already accustomed to the M4 series of rifles will find the AR-12 a very familiar system.   It utilizes a conventional gas-operated action with a ring-type gas piston.  The piston is located around the support tube that runs below the barrel. The return spring is also located around the same tube, which is concealed by enlarged polymer handguards.

The barrel is quick-removable from the upper receiver.  Barrel locking is achieved by tilting locking piece inside the bolt, which engages the barrel extension. The charging handle is attached to the bolt and projects on the right side of the receiver. This last is the only departure from the M4 lines.  The upper receiver is manufactured from aluminum alloy.  The lower receiver, along with the integral pistol grip and butt stock, are manufactured as one piece from impact-resistant polymer.

The AR-12 shotgun uses a detachable box magazine of 5 rounds.  These magazines are quite strong and robust not giving us any problems in dynamic exercises.  While there may be higher capacity magazines made at some point, the US Government does not want any of the guns imported with magazines of higher capacity than five rounds.

 

The TSD AR-12 is first stripped down to its component parts.  The barrel is cut and a muzzle brake/flash hider/breeching device added giving a total overall length of 18.5”.  The barrel has some proprietary treatments internally to provide for a uniform pattern and reduced recoil.  A front sight unit is added to accept any M4 front sights. The internals receive the TSD AquaTerra™ treatment for lubricity and reliability.  The trigger mechanism is smoothed and polished.  The stock is shortened for speed and comfort.  Finally the weapon is finished in Cerakote (OD Green, Black, or Coyote/Tan).

 

The end result is a semi automatic shotgun built on the M4 pattern, with the reliability of an AK-47. Made to be exceptional from the moment we open the shipping box, the AR-12 will undoubtedly set the new paradigm for the fighting shotgun in the 21^st century.

 

Pre-Buy Is Open Now For Delivery In Mid To Late December

 

READ MORE ABOUT THE TSD AR-12

 

Custom-Build Kalashnikov

Custom-Build Kalashnikov

by Eric W. Pfleger (Suarez International Instructor)

The Kalashnikov rifle has become one of the most popular fighting instruments to be fielded in the world. Its rich history, unrivaled availability, legendary reliability, combined with its affordability, have made it one of the most sought after rifles by the civilian operator in the states. Many variants and configurations of the Kalashnikov are available from inexpensive mass production examples (I believe it was Stalin who stated something to the effect ‘quantity possess a quality all its own’), that range from poor to quite serviceable.  On the other end you will find custom builds that will rival the performance of any other fighting rifle one would desire, they are priced upward accordingly. Rifles available from China, Egypt, Bulgaria, Romania, Yugoslavia, Hungary, and  of course Russian manufacture, and many others have been or are currently available to the consumer. With many aftermarket parts and accessories appearing on the scene, one can set up their rifle to accomplish any number of missions.

An option that has been popular during the last decade, is the ‘build’. With many parts kits from ‘demilled’ military surplus in circulation, consumers  often have opted for the custom build to fit their needs versus the modification of an existing rifle. Just what goes into the build will vary by the content of the kit, however the customer has the advantage of choosing the parts configuration they desire. Items such as furniture, optics mounts, fire control components, sight/ gas block combinations, etc. are chosen based on the attributes and capabilities the user requires of the rifle.  The build generally allows for a better fit of parts and tuning of the overall package becomes more precise, resulting in a tight fitting, cleaner looking product that often delivers enhanced performance.

To illustrate the process that goes into a custom build, I will walk you through the steps of a recent project gun I built. I will document the particulars of this project and discuss some possibilities for similar construction.

The kit was one of the Romanian ‘G’ kit varieties. The year of manufacture was 1978. The components appeared to be in excellent condition with matching serial numbers throughout. These rifles often were issued as training rifles (indicative of stock markings) and used very little. The weapon was demilled by torch cutting the original receiver, leaving a portion attached to the front and rear trunion and the trigger guard assembly attached to the remnants of bottom metal from the original receiver, so that importation could occur. This package included original barrel (currently there is a restriction on the import of barrels) complete with sight tower, gas block, etc. fitted to the front trunion. Rear trunion, fire control components, selector, bolt and carrier and accessories were contained in a bag. The package included the original issue stock, forearm, pistol grip and a cosmoline soaked magazine. The appropriate amount of 922R compliance parts would be worked into the project and the rifle would be built on a virgin U.S. receiver.

For this build it was decided to discard the original furniture and equip the rifle with an ACE folding stock mounted flush with receiver. A US Palm AK battle grip was selected to replace the Romy pistol grip for its enhanced feel in the hand and internal storage compartment .  A copy (US manufactured) of the Bulgarian synthetic forearm was selected for its clean fit and appearance when combined with an UltiMak gas tube, plus its ability to manage heat with the metal heat shield. It was decided that the front sight tower would be deleted and the gas block would be replaced with one of the fine units from Bolton equipped with front sight.  The rear sight would be replaced with a windage adjustable model as issued on the RPK. As mentioned above, an UltiMak with a picatiny rail would provide  the foundation for a red dot optic. Fire Control Group parts (hammer, trigger, disconector) would be a one of the popular Tapco G2 packs. The barrel would be left in its as issued length with a Fortress flash hider replacing the original slant brake. Often it has been a popular option to cut the barrel back and permanently affix the flash hider bringing the overall barrel length back to the legally required 16”, resulting in a very light and fast handling rifle with the Bolton block. In this project it was opted to maintain the factory threads to support the addition of a sound suppressor without registering the platform as a short barrel rifle, so for sake of appearance the original sight tower pin channels in the barrels top would be welded in and contoured. The finished rifle would have all steel parts parkerized and the entire weapon with exception of sights would be finished in a camouflage pattern, using Brownells Alumahyde 2 as a base.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

We begin the process by placing all of the parts in a bin, making sure that everything needed is present and in serviceable condition. Everything that can be disassembled by hand, such as rear sight, muzzle brake, and such are removed. The demilling of the ‘kit’ starts with pressing the barrel pin from the front trunion. Once free of pin, the barrel is placed muzzle down in a purpose built assemble plate in an upright hydraulic press. Penetrating lubricant applied to assist the departure of 30 plus years of parts being mated is advised. Several copper pennies are placed over the face of the chamber for cushion.  A section of old barrel is placed between the pennies and the ram of the press. Once aligned the barrel is slowly pressed forward out of the trunion.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The trunions and trigger guard/ selector stop plate with attached remnants of original receiver are then clamped into the mill and all rivets heads are ground off and rivet shafts punched free. All rivet holes are cleaned up with the appropriate gauge drill bit and parts are measured for proper tolerances. Thorough cleaning and degreasing of everything out of the kit is performed.

 

  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The receiver selected for this project was considered ’ virgin’ in that after stamping, folding, heat treating , and installation of the center support, it was left sans rivet holes for the trunions. The receiver is loaded with the appropriate trunion drilling blanks to support the interior of the receiver and then place in the drilling jig. Proper trunion holes are drilled for the Romanian parts with appropriate sized bit to match the holes in the trunions. This is very much a measure twice-drill once operation. Receiver is then removed from jig and all holes are then inspected for round. Trunions are slid into place and lined up with the ends of the receiver, checking for the proper placements of holes and true fit. This is an area of the build that must be to utmost spec.

 

  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 At this point the trunions are set aside and the receiver is placed into a hydraulic hand press. The selector stop plate and trigger guard with magazine latch assembly are aligned with the holes on the bottom of the receiver. Rivets are placed into holes and pressed to 2500lbs, making sure that they are crushed uniformly.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Upon installation of the trigger guard and satisfactory fit of trunions to receiver, each rivet is placed in its hole joining trunion and receiver , and hand fit if needed. Rivets are then initially pressed with a pneumatic rivet gun. All rivets are inspected to insure they are crimped flush to host surfaces and another measurement series to insure spec is conducted. Receiver is then placed back into the hand press and trunion rivets are then pressed to a full 5000lbs and the crimped side is squished in a cup to mimic the dome shape of the head end of the rivet. All rivets are again inspected for proper crush and receiver is measured for spec.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The barrel assembly is inspected for proper spec. The uniformity of front sight tower, gas block, hand guard retainer plate, rear sight block should be checked at this point, in particular if these parts are to be retained in the final build. In this project both front sight tower and gas block were to be replaced, but alignment of all were inspected and found to be in line with nothing canted. At this point I weld the rear face of the barrel pin cut, placing just enough material to allow me to ‘redrill’ the pin channel after head spacing. This step is often bypassed when building guns from demilled matching kits as the parts were previously joined. Taking this step however allows the barrel to receive a fresh head spacing against the gauge and ensures solid alignment and engagement with the barrel pin. On ‘new ‘ manufacture barrels( as are being supplied by domestic sources as a result of importation bans) a slightly different process may be applied as pin holes for barrel, sight towers, and gas block may not be in evidence and one may be drilling gas ports and milling extractor claw cuts later in the build process.

 

  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The receiver is now placed in purpose built assembly with a bolt carrier ‘blank’ in place for support. The chamber end of the barrel is placed into the trunion. Once properly aligned, the barrel is pressed approximately 90% of the way into the trunion. The barrel and receiver are then double checked for uniformity and that nothing is canted. The rear sight tower extension must be properly aligned between the’ ears’of the trunion.  All is good, so the bolt is placed into the carrier and the appropriate head space gauge is placed on the bolt face and chambered. The barrel and receiver assembly are then given the final press home, setting head space and orienting parts where they will mate henceforth. Headspace gauges are then utilized to ensure appropriate spec and all critical measurements are checked. The barrel pin is measured with a micrometer and the appropriate gauge drill bit is run through the hole in the trunion and barrel channel. The barrel pin is then pressed into place.

 

  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Bolt and carrier are checked for smooth function in the rails of the receiver. The ejector tab must engage the cut in the bolt properly, and the carrier must not ‘hop’ the retention cuts in the rear of the receiver with rod and recoil spring installed. The carrier group must travel smoothly and the bolt cam into battery correctly. At this point the tolerances of the top cover are checked for fit with the rear sight tower and the groove in the rear trunion. I disdain a sloppy dust cover on an AK. If it doesn’t sit snugly, the pin retaining the rear sight tower is removed, hole welded, adjustments made, and pin hole redrilled and installed. The gas tube fit needs to be checked as well if you are retaining the original tube. In this case an UltiMAK was in order so no worries.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fire control parts were installed and selector lever placed into the receiver. The pistol grip and T nut were joined to the receiver and tightened down.  Bolt and carrier were checked for smooth reciprocation with the FCG installed. Fifteen rounds were place into a magazine and the rifle was brought to the test fire trap. Eye and ear protection in place, the muzzle was inserted into the trap and I hollered the obligatory ‘Fire in the hole’! Fifteen rounds of 7.62x39 went off with a muffled thud, accompanied by the steam and water vapor from the traps exhaust port. Good!

The rifle was brought back to the bench and visually examined for any potential problems from the TF. Headspace was rechecked. All checked out and no adjustments to the bolts locking lugs were needed. The bolt, carrier, FCG, pistol grip, and gas tube were removed.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The barreled receiver was placed on the bench and the four pins retaining the front sight tower and gas block were punched out. The weapon was then placed back in the pneumatic press. Purpose built press blocks were secured to the front sight tower and gas block. The parts were then pressed from the barrel, leaving it clean from the handgaurd retainer forward. The handgaurd was temporarily installed to check fit then removed. The visible channels in the barrel left by the retaining pins were welded up and carefully contoured to the surrounding barrel.

  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Bolton block, with front sight post installed and centered, was slipped onto the barrel and aligned with the existing gas hole.  With rear sight placed in the rear tower, the block was adjusted by hand for cant. After ‘eyeballing’ alignment, a laser bore sighting device was placed in the muzzle and confirming the ‘in line’ state of things, the bolts on the gas block tightened.  A third check with the square proving satisfactory it was time for the installation of the UltiMAK.  The barrel stirrups were placed around the barrel and held in place with the hand guard. The UltiMAK tube was positioned for proper fit between the Bolton Block and the rear sight tower. With some slight adjustment and bumping things in place, all appeared square. Bolts on the Ultimak were snugged. Pistol grip, selector, and trigger pack were reinstalled and bolt and carrier placed in the receiver. A function check to make sure the gas piston was in line with UltiMAK and gas block were checked. Recoil spring and Top cover in place, a thirty round magazine was test fired into the trap. All shots flinging empty cases a healthy distance across the shop.  Bolt, carrier, FCG, rear sight, and pistol grip were removed. An inspection of the gas block and UltiMAK displaced everything was in order and nothing shifted. The UltiMAK stirrup positions were marked and the tube removed. The handgaurd was removed as well as the front sight, spring, and pin from the Bolton block. A final torque was applied to the Bolton block.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The next step was to remove the tang (rat tail) from the rear trunion as the Ace stock being installed on this build would incorporate the flush fitting receiver block from Ace. A cut off wheel made short work of the rat tail. The cut was cleaned up with a file and an abrasive wheel. The Receiver block from ACE was checked for a seamless fit. Excellent.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Now that the rifle was essentially ‘built’ and functioning properly, the time to apply the first finish was near. The Rifle parts were disassembled . The muzzle was plugged with an eraser and tape and the chamber was plugged with an empty cartridge case.  All steel parts from barreled receiver to top cover, to the flat spring for the rear sight, were suspended on wire and placed in a tub. The parts were transported to the blast cabinet and all surface were tickled with aluminum oxide to ‘stand up’ the surface. After blasting the parts were handed only by their wire hangers, dusted with compressed air, and degreased. After checking temp in the Parkerizing tank, parts were submerged for a 20 minute boil, extracted, dipped in the degreasing tank, and aired off. A nice uniform grey was achieved with no indication of rub off. Excellent! The parts were left clean and dry with no oil, as the rifle was eventually to get a second skin. The interior of the barrel was thoroughly cleaned after the dunking.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

After allowed an overnight dry time, the rifle was completely reassembled and all furniture installed. Next up was the firing range. The iron sights were adjusted (by filing the front on the Bolton Block) to zero at 100yards. The rifle proved itself by delivering a five round two and half inch group from the bench rest at 100 when fed Wolf Military Classic FMJ. Point of impact/ point of aim were consistent with 1970s Yugo FMJ and some Winchester USA Ball. Two magazines containing a total of sixty rounds of Yugo were ‘bump fired’ without stoppage. Having roughly confirmed the rifles zero and proofing it as reliable it was back to the shop for a camouflage skin.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The rifle was ripped down to its major components, thoroughly degreased, and taped in a few places. The metal work was warmed with a heat gun as a base coat of Alumahyde 2 was applied to the weapon. After a second coat applied after approximately 20 minutes, the painted parts were given a week of ‘hang time’ allowing the finish to cure. The final pattern was applied using stencils cut from plastic sheeting with an assortment of matte colors. Several days dry time were allowed and a final coat of non-yellowing matte clear finish was applied to protect the surface. The final touch was wrapping the top bar of the Ace stock with two tones of parachute cord for some insulation from heat and cold on the cheek. A proper cleaning of the rifle and lubrication of the mechanism and it is ready to go!

 

 

 

 

This rifle build is representative of the quality weapon one can expect from a good parts kit, a quality build, and selection of parts that accomplish the desired use of the rifle. The accuracy of the rifle is very good for any infantry carbine and function has been without hitch. For those seeking a Kalashnikov better than the average shelf variety, look at having a quality build, performed using a clean parts kit. Now the only thing left to do is figure out what optic to compliment the rifle with!

 

 

 

 

TSD Combat Systems Expands

TSD Combat Systems 

 

We have some very interesting and exciting announcements coming, one of which is that we are expanding the Technical Services Division to its own building and renaming the enterprise as TSD COMBAT SYSTEMS. There is simply not enough room at HQ. So we obtained a brand new 2200 SF industrial building to move that branch into, with full FFL, manufacturing, gunsmithing, etc. 

 

We will also be expanding the weapon systems we offer. We will be expanding the  TSD Pistol Program in ways that will surprise. Be ready for updates on this within the month.  As well, TSD will be venturing into...."other weapon platforms". Nothing is off limits. Whatever we wdo will be an example of quality.  No race to the bottom.  Think Rolex, not Timex. 

 

Performance without compromise, quality without excuses, and delivery without drama.  That is what has driven TSD since inception.  That is what drives us today, and that is what we promise our customers.  TSD Combat Systems - “Eyeball accuracy at room distances with 100% reliability, and first round hits at 100 yards with unsurpassed elegance”. Guaranteed! 

 

TSD COMBAT SYSTEMS

Kalashnikov 2011

We have been working with the AK for many years now. I am told by industry insiders that when talk turns to the AK in the USA, we come up prominently, and first, in the conversation.

In the early years, we focused on the CQB aspects of the rifles as that was what everyone seemed to want, as well as what needed to be prioritized.

Yet, the CQB aspect is but one facet of the rifle study, just like point shooting below the line of sight, is but one aspect of the study of the handgun.

We seek to be complete fighters, thus the objective must be to deploy the weapon to the limits of its capability and cartridge.

With the Kalashnikov, the quintessential assault rifle, we need the capability of reaching out and hitting accurately to at least 300 yards. The overfed, Elmer Fudd mainstream gun gurus will scoff at the mere possibility of such a thing with those evil terrorist-commie guns, but as we have shown publically, doing that is not difficult at all. Yet I will be the first to say here that not all Kalashnikovs in the hands of americans will suffice.

But that is not the fault of the weapon platform, rather a fault of two things: assembly, and the quality of the parts used in such an assembly. That is one area where the AR-15 has retained the lead simply because you cannot swing a dead cat without hitting someone making accessories for an AR-15.

Nonetheless, you cannot compare a Daniel Defense AR-15 with a Century Arms AR-15 can you? One is a Rolex...the other is a Timex.

So what does it take to take the Kalashnikov System to its highest level.

1). New parts. Think for a moment what it would take to assemble a mish mash of rusty AR-15 parts dated from the Vietman era, and well used to boot, into a rifle that would be considered good to go by the AR crowd? The answer would ential one simple concept...using as few of those surplus parts as possible. Yet many people still think one can take a surplus set of discarded parts and "guaranteed" turn it into a tack driver just because so-and-so assembled it. Sorry, but no.

Begin with new parts and you will have 90% of the problem licked. Recently at a class, one of our students fired an admirable group with a Kalashnikov rifle. As we admired it, he was quick to say that it was because it was a rifle made by so-and-so. Tom Cornelius, our general manager was quick to stop the unwarranted homage. "Your successful marksmanship had nothing to do with the gunsmith...it is because you are a really good shot, and because that rifle is a new rifle from new parts". Indeed.

 

2). Increased shootability - While I am all for the simple caveman approach, even Mr. Cro-Magnon eventually put an edge on that sharp rock and tied it to a stick to form an axe. I suppose his fellow cavemen may have said he simply "needed to get stronger" so he did not need the added leverage of a handle, and that the "special units of cavemen never used such modifications", etc., etc., but the sharp stone axe was a definite improvement over the untouched rock.

With regards to the Kalashnikov I will say this. Nobody needs to change the handling controls such as safety lever, bolt handle, or magazine release any more than they need to be changed on the M14, FAL, G3, or any other non-AR-15 weapon. Those are fine as they are and they will not confound your actions should you find yourself using another man's rifle. So leave unnecessary and stupid things off the rifle. What are stupid things? Left side charging handles, ambidextrous safety levers, overly-extended magazine release levers, and stuff like that.

Everything else, however, is fine. Its fine if you disagree with me, but seeking to turn the Kalashnikov into a FAL or an M4 is as silly as trying to turn the shotgun into a rifle.  Go ahead, but don't mind my snickering as I do not follow.

The stocks can be adapted to the shooter. Length of pull and tight cheekweld are extremely important once you leave the CQB environment. Yet the accessories market for the AK has been dismal in this area. As they say..."The US can put a man on the moon but they can't make a good stock for the AK".  I am to the point where if we cannot come up with a better solution, using a strong M4 style stock may be the best thing to do here. So something like a Vltor adapter and stock make perfect sense if you want to be able to hit things a quarter mile away with your AK. Poor cheekweld = poor accuracy.

Triggers can be improved as well. For shots inside 100 yards, the stock trigger is fine. That said, the shipment of these triggers I got was sent back to the maker because I found they had not been heat treated properly. The best solution is the Red Star Arms Trigger. Sure its a little more money, but we have gotten past the era of the "cheap AK" haven't we? the RSA is what I have on mine.

Furniture changes will not help accuracy, per se, but they will make the rifle more comfortable to shoot, which in turn will make it easier for the shooter to employ good marksmanship. Things like handguards and pistol grips can be adapted to the shooter very easily. Pistol grips are easy.  There is the US Palm pistol grip as the best...and then everything else.  For handguards...there are some interesting developments coming in this area.

Muzzle attachments. Well....I cannot honestly think of a single reason why you would need a muzzle brake on an assault rilfe that is only to be used in semi-auto mode. That such is what the Russians did is of marginal interest to me. Everything the Russians do, or did, is not necessarily right or good. So we need a better reason, and with the availability of flash hiders, we can abandon muzzle brakes completely.

There are many good ones here and trying to bring out something new in this area is a sure way to lose money in an already crowded market. Any flash hider you use needs to be tested on your gun for both flash suppression as well as for effects on accuracy. I have a PSL that went from a 3" gun to a 1.5" gun by simply changing the flash hider. I am very impressed with the Surefire
FH762K02  Flash Hider / Suppressor Adapter for example.

3). Sighting improvements - The existing iron sights are the best submachinegun sights in the world. They allow you to track a moving target and snap shoot like a shotgun. Inside of CQB there is nothing better, and the AK sights surpass the M4 sights decisively. Yet if you want more...which is the purpose of the exercise here, sighting improvements are needed.

Please, oh please keep those big dot things off your rifle. You will not be able to hit a freaking thing at any distance. You would be better served by simply taking your sights off the rifle and point shooting. And no...there are no other iron sight improvements for the AK. Sure, you can open up the rear sight notch a little bit, anb contour the rear sight profile a little, but there is not much more possible.  Nor will it help for what we seek to do.  yes...I know...I know...that is what the Russian Army used since 1947, but even they are working to add red dot sights to the hinged railed topcovers of their new AK-200s.

 

The addition of a red dot sight will take your rifle miles farther than any other change. The cadillac of these systems is the Aimpoint T-1, Arms #31, and Ultimak. There are rumors of the Ultimak getting too hot, and such, but I will tell you that I have never...NEVER seen an issue with these. Other options exist, but they are all exercises in compromise. Ideally you have cowitnessing AND a quick detach capability. The ultimak gives you that and any unit intended to compete with them must offer the same advantages.

Red dot systems are good for about 200 yards. We have publically taken snap shots on steel IPSC with 8" barreled AKs at 200 yards with boring accuracy. Exceed 200 yards and you need some sort of magnification to operate at the top efficiency. Don't believe me?  Look at the ACOGs on the rifles of the US Military and then tell me again.

 
The next step is the use of the railed top cover system. Originally shown in the Russian AK-200 series, and later in the modernized Polish Beryl, it is available in the USA vis-a-vis the Texas Weapon Systems top cover. While it is protected by patent, there are already a couple of knock offs. Such is capitalism and the free market.

The Texas Weapon System Top Cover (regretably named "the dogleg") makes all side mounts irrelevant and obsolete. Name any optic you want and now you can mount it on the AK close to the eye. The cadillac here is the ACOG in a BDC for the 7.62x39. I have two of them currently and that system will feature prominently on the TSD Kalashnikovs.

4). Assembly - Would you have a car mechanic assemble the rifles for a world class hunt? Would you have a construction worker accurize the rifles of a Tier One group? No...you would shop for quality and not price. Cheap is never best. Let me say that again...CHEAP IS NEVER BEST.

A properly assembled rifle will not have canted sights, nor a bent barrel, nor anything installed crooked.  A properly assembled rifle will not require stories and excuses from the maker about why it is not right.  The trigger will be perfect without creep or slap. The bolt will slide back and forth like glass on oil. And the finish will be impeccable whether it is parkerizing or cerakote. And it will be able to shoot well, without excuses, lengthy delays, high school girl drama, or "the dog ate my homework" stories. It would be the epitome of the fighting rifle, robust, reliable, surgically accurate and attractive as a super model.

The excuse that such a rifle is not possible with the Kalashnikov is the excuse of the stupid and the lazy. It is quite definitely possible. Witness the Finnish Defense Force Rifles, the Sako 95. Everything the Russian AK is and much, much, more. They can do that because they follow the points in this article.

I suspect that eventually, such a rifle will be available. It will not be a "cheap" AK.  It will be more of a Rolex than a Timex, for the folks that can afford and appreciate such things.  And it will be guaranteed to do everything discussed in this article.  All of this is very doable, and possible, and an eager market awaits. I for one cannot wait to see it. 

TSD COMBAT SYSTEMS

The PPS-43: Study Gun, Kid's Gun, Historical Artifact

 
The PPS-43 SBR

The real PPS-43 (Pistolet-Pulemyot Sudaeva, model of 1943 = Sudaev SMG) was an answer to the need for more compact and handier weapon than its predecessor, the PPSh-41, then in use by Soviet Army.

The original PPS is a full-automatic only weapon, simple blowback, and is fired from the open bolt. The safety is located at the front of the trigger guard. The receiver and barrel shroud are made from stamped steel. Rear sight is L-shaped flip type and is marked for 100 and 200 meters distance, front sight is fixed blade type. The barrel is equipped with very simple muzzle brake. The folding stock is made from steel and folds up and over the top of the receiver.

 
OK..so much for historical and technical discussions.  It is a common thing for writers to take a WW2 era weapon and then compare it to an HK MP5 or an FN P90. Other than to sell the guns that may advertise in that particular magazine, doing this is foolish and akin to comparing a Stuka Dive Bomber to an A-10 Warthog.  So dispensing with such silliness I will say that the PPS-43 is a nice weapon.  By modern standards it is longer and heavier than needed, but compared to an MP-44 or a Thompson, it is sleek and fast to the shoulder.  Manipulations of the weapons – loading, unloading, reloading, etc., are very easy and almost intuitive to one that has spent a great deal of time with an AK. I suspect Mikhail Kalashnikov got to handle one or two of these when he was envisioning his creation.

There are several semi auto versions of this available today for those so inclined. Early this year I bought one of the Polish Radom copies brought into the USA as a pistol.  I also bought a rear receiver section with the stock still attached and a sack full of magazines.  Ninety days later, I had my tax stamp and set forth to turn it back into a semi auto SMG.  Removal of the existing stock, and adding the components to enable folding and opening  was quite easy and required about an hour of work. 

 
A couple of days ago, the junior staff and I went for a drive in the Arizona woods.  They were looking forward to shooting the PPS as they had seen in the Call of Duty game that I consulted on. They drove the Jeep and I sat shotgun with my Suchka.  Arriving at our training ground, we worked with the AKs, and the big Moisin rifle. But the real fun began with the SBR'd PPS43. We went through nearly 800 rounds of ammo.  Gotta love it when you see a 13 year old bust a take off and zipper a target at a dead run with a combloc SMG, and then do a after action with a harder war face than yours!

 
The PPS43 is not going to be the first line of defense at home, nor will I rely on it for anything serious any more than I will the big Moisin Nagant.  We have other “tools” that fulfill those missions.  But as a historical study gun, and a "play gun" for the junior staff, it is a very nice addition to the collection. 

Choosing Optics For Your "Assault" Rifle

In the beginning there were iron sights. These did pretty well, and every rifleman should know how to use iron sights, but as the eyes age, often the ability to align those two tiny pieces of metal and then having achieved that, superimpose them on a distant point, becomes more and more difficult to do with certainty.

Twenty years ago there were few options, but as I have said it is 2011 and not 1911. Just as we send emails and not letters, and carry smart phones to call our friends rather than use pay phones, the landscape of sighting options has changed dramatically in the last few years. Today we have many more effective options to choose from. But the choice has to be made wisely in order to acheive the goal.  Again...the goal is simple.  Hit what you want to hit within the limits of your weapon system.  That weapon system will have limits based on design, cartridge and shootability.  With an assault rifle, the goal should be to hit an enemy in the head inside of 100 yards and in the body out to 300 yards.  Don't laugh...it is easy once you have received the correct training. In fact, reaching out past that is very doable as well given the limits of a cartridge. So lets look at how do make this happen with the various sighting options available today.

First, you should know and be able to use the iron sights on the rifle. At least...know what you and your eyes can really do with them. There are two things that need to be done with the sights which any rifle student learns on the first day of class. Sadly...not every rifle school teaches rifle skills.

The sights must be aligned. Since I do most of my work with Kalashnikovs, I will focus on the AK sights. Use them just like you use the sights on your handgun. "Equal light, equal height" as they say.

Once that alignment is visually established, the whole package must be moved onto the desired target. You see it is not just being able to see the sights...you must be able to see them in relation to the target and index them in a way that those sights DO NOT cover up the target itself. The ability to do that will get you hits, while the inability to do that will make you miss. if your sights appear bigger than the target you wish to hit, you will not be able to  index them properly on that target and whether you hit or not will be a matter of happenstance and not design.  One mistaken solution has been the use of the Big Dot sights on AK rifles. The only thing I can say to a student that has been sold these is to get rid of them ASAP. They turn a 300 yard rifle into a 30 yard gun. Another mistaken solution has been to open up the rear notch almost to the point that no alignment can take place. A little is good, too much you may as well just get rid of the rear sight for the good it will do you.

The only solution to using the AK iron sights well is this - USE THE AK IRON SIGHTS. They are the best sights for speed and for hitting moving targets. No, they are not as precise as the sights on your M1A, but they are much faster. If you want more out of your rifle, read on.

Beyond the iron sights, the first option is a 1X red dot sight. Before I get into the meat of this I will tell you that if you want to "cheap out" on this, do yourself a favor and stay with the irons. All good optics will cost you and there is no "cheap and good" on these.

The Aimpoints, and Trijicons rule the roost here. In my opinion, Eotechs do not belong on an AK. I have yet to see one Eotech - AK combination that worked well. They may be the bees knees on an M4 but they suck eggs on the Kalashnikov.

Top choices here are the Aimpoint Micro (as good as the bigger units but lighter and sleeker). next would be the Trijicon RMR series which is almost as good. The Micro has a far better battery life but is bigger (not a big deal on a rifle).

Third choice would be one of the Trijicon units such as the Tri-Power, or the various 1.5X units. If you are looking for a red dot sight of little or no magnification, my top choice guys is the Aimpoint Micro.

Note that there are various ways to mount these. Thanks to Ultimak, Midwest Industries, and Texas Weapon Systems, we no longer need to deal with the clumsy side mounts.

The red dot systems are good but limiting. They are fine for Close Quarters Battle at close range but lack the characteristics to allow you to hit farther out...or at close range small targets.

I can run my red dot equipped, short barreled rifles to 150 - 200 yards without any issues, but beyond that I need more. And yes, we run the AK system far beyond what the short-sighted "C Student" range Instructors think is possible.

Remember....IT IS A RIFLE, NOT A BIG HANDGUN!

The next step is an actual optic that magnifies what you see downrange. The trick is to have enough magnification to give you good long range capability (think 500 yards is impossible with an AK? Not with the right optics!), yet not reduce your close range capability.

Here I am not talking about some 3-9X scope. I refer to a short and light fixed power of no more than 3X. Top choice here is the ACOG TA-33. I have one on a 5.45 and another on a 7.62x39 and have taken shots with these rifles that border on the incredible...at least if you read the internet writings of the "C Students".

To use these ACOGs or other type of traditionally positioned scope) you will need a mount. There are many "jury rigged" affairs out there but the cadillac of the bunch is the Texas Weapon Systems top cover unit. That mount opens up a whole new world for the AK system.

For the guys running 5.45x39 I suggest the TA33R-H. It has a BDC for 5.56, but I have used it successfully with a 5.45. On the 7.62x39 the TA33R-13. They come in green, amber or red....my choice being Red, but Green is also very popular. This system has a traditonal reticle with appropriate BDC, plus fiber optic and tritium illumination. The reticle is a horseshoe design that has a red dot in the center giving you commonality of sighting if you are using red dots on other systems (like your TSD Glock).

Well built AKs, high quality ammo, TWS top cover, and an appropriate ACOG will allow you to do (what some think is) the impossible with your AK rifle. All of these optics and mounting systems, by the way, have been worked hard by our staff and have surpassed expectations.

So there you go guys....there is the long and short of it.

 

A Picture Worth 1000 Words - That I Know Will Be Very Controversial

 

New 5.45x39 12.5" Barrel - $200
Texas Weapons Systems Top Cover - $140
ACOG TA33 - $1100
Hornady V-max ammo - $34.00 

Hitting an IPSC Steel at 500 yards with an AK-74 - Priceless

 

*For everything else there is One Source Tactical 

The Sling - More Than A Carry Method

 

Since the first musketeer decided to cut a length of leather to carry his “smoke stick”, fighting men have added slings to their rifles in one form or another.  Some slings are so silly-complicated that they need to ship out with a special DVD.  Other slings so simple that they consist of an old bootlace tied by an African bushman to his worn G3.  Whether complex or caveman simple, the sling has many uses.

The sling exists primarily to carry the weapon in non-contact situations.  Look through any news stand gun magazine and you'll invariably see, either in an article or an ad, a photo of some guy “wearing” a long gun. I say "wearing" because he will probably be using some sort of multi-strap like device harnessing the rifle to his body.

If the issue is simply to do away with the Fudd rifle rack while standing around looking cool at the range, any sling will do.  But if the matter involves moving through rough country, running, or really needing a hand-free situation, it will get considerably more complex…or actually, it will get simpler. 

If you are in a conflict area, the rifle will be in your hands.  Some units have gone as far as to eschew slings altogether to compel their men to keep the weapon in hand at all times.  While this is not the best policy, it does kill the lazy sling carry habit.  If you need to run without the rifle in your hands, to climb, to secure a prisoner, or anything requiring the use of both hands, you will want the rifle on your back and not hanging in front of you like an additional appendage, banging into everything in sight.  Thus your sling, whatever it is, should allow you to sling to the back. 

The sling must also be simple and stay out of the way.

The rifle must be deployable without the need to “strap in”, and without a long length of nylon loop floating around to catch on everything. It must allow for a quick and dynamic transition to pistol. 

With this last requirement, I suggest taking a look at our DVD programs depicting the over the back transition method. 

There have been far more clever methods devised and in sue for quite a while, but I would submit that a non-clever, but stress-proof method, not requiring perfect timing or extremes in dexterity, that provides for a high probability of success is a far better choice than an alternative that looks cooler.

But that discussion is for another time. 

One other thing the sling can do, in some cases, is as an aid to marksmanship. 

Sling use goes back to the early part of the 20^th century.  While my research was not clear on who produced the first shooting sling, many sources point to the Boyt Harness Company and the Rock Island Arsenal.  Theirs was the famous 1907 pattern shooting sling often seen on 1903 Springfields and M1 Garands. What these slings did, and still do on the right rifles, is to lock the weapon tightly to the shooter’s upper body, and allow him to relax in position enhancing bone support while reducing muscle tension. The sling is made up in two parts, the longer part in essence creating a loop through which the shooter put his up[per arm, sand cinching down, locked him into the rifle.  The rear length of sling was there for carry and irrelevant for any actual shooting. That sling works great, but takes time to loop up.  Hardly practical in situations where time is of the essence.  

Eventually, the leather sling was usurped by the cotton webbing sling, and later nylon sling, probably to reduce weight and cost.  These later slings were of one piece and did not have the capability for a front loop.  Crafty shooters devised ways to do what they had seen others do with the older 1907 designs and worked up the “hasty sling” in which the shooter simply loops his arm through the sling tightly.  Unlike the 1907 system, this later method puts opposing pressures on the handguard, barrel, and action, which unless the rifle has been free floated, will invariably cause the point of impact to shift. 

 

 

The 1907 slings, and its various system copies such as the CW sling, and Ching Sling, do not do this, as they create pressure between your arm and the fore end only (at least if used correctly).  So unless your rifle is free floated, stay away from the “hasty sling” method, and opt for the 1907 style slings. 

The nice part is that the 1907 system can be used on your light assault rifles with a gain in accuracy, without the annoying impact drift caused by improper sling use.  Any sling can suffice here as long as it has a forward loop, adjustable for the individual, that can secure the upper arm to the handguard. 

One argument against sling use is that there is often not enough time in field shooting to “sling up”.  With the traditional 1907 system that is true, but the newer derivatives are much faster. Nonetheless, if one has a rest to use, such as a vertical surface, it will be much quicker than slinging up, but with a little ingenuity, you can still use the sling in these situations. 

 

 
So grab your assault rifle, and see what you can do with your sling.  Make sure the pressure is ONLY between your arm and the handguard, and then get out into the field and see how this simple device can improve your shooting. 

I think you will be pleasantly surprised.

The sling Gabe is using in the pictures

Assault Rifle Training Schools 

Accuracy and Performance Standards For The AK System

 

 
How much accuracy is needed and for what?

The propeller-heads with their protractors and pocket calculators would say of course, "As much as possible". Yet if that comes at the cost of reliability, weight, or ease of resupply, that would be too much.

Our targets are not some metro-sexual bullseye, or some Elmer Fudd's "bunny"...they are men...or targets that represent men. After all, one buys a Kalashnikov...or an M4 for that matter to develop skills in the martial use of the rifle, otherwise, we would be playing with Ruger 10-22s.  Martial = combat and that means shooting men. So accurate means being able to hit a man. For simplicity we divide the "man target" into head, and body. Thus head shots and body shots.

First we have the Suchka, SBR PDW, 8"- ish barrel.  That little blaster, in essence replacing the submachinegun should allow its operator to hit a man's head at 50 yards, and the body with boring consistency out to 150 yards.

Next we have the Insurgent Rifle that we wrote about in the previous article.  With a 12.5 - 16" barrel, it should be able to do head shots to 100 yards and bodies to 300 yards. And Mr. Propellerhead, I know you are reading this out there in cybespace. I have several good kalashnikov rifles that will do that. 

 

Then the Guerrilla Sniper Rifle, chambered in a full sized cartridge such as 7.62x51, or 7.62x54R, should be able to do head shots at 200 yards and bodies out to 600 yards.  As a matter or record, the last Guerrilla Sniper class had several guys shooting 16" barreled Saiga 308s hitting man-sized IPSC steels at 1000 yards.

It would be nice to have an AK in caliber that could do what a GSR can do with the ease of carry of the Suchka....but outside of custom wildcats, such a rifle does not exist....IN ANY FORM.  At least not yet.

Understand also that merely "touching" the target IS NOT enough. The goal is killing it. Killing it in the environs where the rifle is likely to be used. And when necessary, withstanding wind, rain, light brush and penetrating cover with aplomb.

The temptation is often to try to make do with one rifle only, going as big as possible, handling all problems, but sadly that will not do.

As I said...all rifles are "special weapons" and if one tries to force one to "do everything" it will....it will "do everything poorly".  Choosing the right tool for the job is essential. Choosing poorly will only yield frustration and failure.

There is a great deal of "lost knowledge" in the study of the rifle. One thing we have always been good at with Suarez International's Training Staff is researching. There is a great deal of "lost knowledge" to be rediscovered. I think that the "rifle community" has become so focused on CQB that it has forgotten much of the rifle's general application.

 

And then, when the realization is made (seldom enough) they try to "gear it" rather than learn the skills needed to surpass. This is due to a number of reasons.

1). Today's wars have a strong CQB component to them, and while that does need to be prioritized, NOT at the exclusion of everything else.  At the recent Houston class we had a father-son team attend. One was an old time Marine, and his shooting was not as good at the CQB realm and was his distance shooting. His generation focused on long range stuff. The son, back from recent service, smoked in the CQB realm, but did not do as well as his dad at the longer ranges. What we need is to blend the two.

2). Many trainers....regardless of what they may have done at one time in a past life, tend to be closed minded, ease-driven, and seldom venture out of their "comfort zone". The students are no different, parroting what they learned in school without analyzing if it makes sense or not.

3). Finally, there are far more pistol ranges reaching to 50 yards than there are rifle ranges reaching to 500 yards. So often, the training is developed as a work around to a limited training environment (and no, no matter how hard you wish, shooting a small target up close is not the same as shooting a target out at distance).

 

All of these have served to considerably lower not only the expectation of the individual, as far as what he can effectively do with his rifle, but also served to "dumb down" the rifle training available to the interested party. 

Here is what a good friend of mine commented on the material in this article -

"This was a primary objective (CQB shooting skills) when we trained in FORECON, to blend the 2. Marines being rifleman first, the CQB aspect can be built on a solid foundation.. We saw the real need during MOUT, where guys would excel in room clearing but then lose focus on a 200yd shot from a window. The ability to to slide easily along that scale makes an operator golden".

I could not agree more and that is the goal, focus, and mission of our rifle program.  So make sure your PDW, your Assault Rifle, and your Sniper Rifles are up to the task, and more important....make sure YOUR rifle skills are up to the task as well.

MORE ON THE SUAREZ INTERNATIONAL RIFLE SCHOOL

Kalashnikovs In Houston - Student's After Action Reports

 
 
By "Golucky"

Folks what a weekend!

A very informational, functional, and enlightening course. Coming away, much appreciation for what Suarez has been offering; past, present, and the future. Yes, bring the "fitness" and coming mentally & physically prepared.

First day started off with the ever great Texas weather in the morning with light rain that was no where near of the predicted forecast. Gabe has the fine integration of combining the instructions, methods, and physical strength. This is demonstrated first hand with Saturday's morning "circle". Whenever there was an opportunity, Gabe and the staff took every opportunity. After a set of instructions, demonstration, then by the rest of the class; was followed by another learning opportunity where questions were raised, answered, and any feedback was welcome by Gabe and the staff. Many thanks to Jon and Ryan for their assistance in the class.

They pointed out many details to me that I wouldn't have noticed. Especially my "shakes". Not only did they identify them; they reinforce it with necessary modifications & corrections. Gotta love those "teaching moments". This class showed what works, doesn't work, transitioning, different positions, and so much more. I won't say how many AK push-ups I accomplished, but I did managed a few. But that 's one of the eye-openers of this class. It's brings forward what you're good at and what you need to improve upon (homework!). You gotta be Ambi-dex ! I truly have a higher appreciation for this system and my confidence for the AK is significantly at a higher level. The online description of this class doesn't serve it justice. This class severely exceeded my expectations.

Our AK's were hitting steel from 100, 200, and 300 yards. Some with optics and others with irons! For me, this was accomplished with my WASR-10! With Ryan's insight, it became apparent that my stock was lose from the 100 yard mark in the beginning of this exercise. I was still able to hit my mark on all three distances. Many will try to point out the accuracy theory of the AK, it's just that...a theory. Those who were there, like many before me; we know the truth!

Anyone who hasn't taken S.I. classes, its an opportunity you can't afford to miss. Do it as soon as you can; for yourself and your loved ones. Don't believe me, make the judgment yourself and try it!

P.S. Glad to have taken this class with a great bunch of folks. Part of the success of this class was the composition of the class, and how much we all learn from each other. If I missed anything, I apologize as there was so much and words don't fully express how much we accomplished this weekend.

 

by "PMhogdog"

This was a great class. Gabe once again demonstrated that he is a phenomenal instructor. He had us doing dynamic movement drills, both dry-fire and live-fire, that would have shocked many firearms instructors, yet he did so in ways that maintained a high level of safety. This is one of the things that I really appreciate about SI classes. You get training that is much more advanced and applicable to real-world situations than what most instructors offer, without safety being compromised. Gabe also took advantage of every "teachable moment" that arose, but he never belittled anyone. His criticism was always right on target and constructive. 

Ryan and Jon were very helpful to the class as well. They watched for flaws in what we were doing and provided good suggestions to help us improve. They also reinforced good performance. 

The class involved everything from using the AK as an impact weapon, to CQB work to shooting at 300 yards. Once again, the myth that AKs are inherently inaccurate was debunked. Given a good shooting position, hits were achieved fairly consistently at 300 yards. Some guys were even doing that from a standing position with stock AK iron sights despite a breeze. 

Gear was tested in the course as well. People learned about what works for them and what doesn't. It was a bit muddy on the first day, when we did most of the ground work, and that reinforced the importance of choosing equipment that can keep working when dirty. The range was rocky too, so gear (and joints) had to be durable. 

It was a pleasure to meet and train with a great bunch of guys. I highly recommend Advanced Kalashnikov Rifle Gunfighting to anyone looking for top quality training.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

by "PMPGW"

I drove from Washington State with a friend and training partner to take all four days of AK training in Houston (basic and advanced). This was the first experience either of us had with Gabe and crew, although we've trained with some of the most recognized names in the industry. I won't list them here so that can of worms doesn't get opened, but it is a "who's who" list to be sure. I'm also in nuclear security, and get paid to carry a fighting rifle every day. There isn't much that surprises either of us anymore. We may see different variations of things we've seen before, and maybe new drills to incorporate into our training, but rarely anything truly new.

With Gabe, we both spent four days feeling like were were brand new to shooting. We were not the top of the class like we're used to. We certainly didn't embarrass ourselves, but we spent much of the four days outside our comfort zone and learning new things. It was a little uncomfortable at first, but was a very welcome surprise. 

Where most classes spend 80% of the time shooting from stationary positions, and much of that standing up, Gabe's classes reversed that. We did a little of that just to keep fresh in our minds what good marksmanship fundamentals are.

Other than that, it was gunfighting.

Gunfighting is moving.

Gunfighting is using whatever position is best for the cover available.

Gunfighting is a 360 degree environment.

Gunfighting is not being able to call a time out if you or your kit can't keep up with the pace.

Gunfighting is stuffing rounds in your mags and getting water down your throat whenever there is the slightest lull in the action.

Gunfighting is making sure your partners do the same. This was the training we got in Houston.

I've often heard instructors say that if you or your gear are not up to the challenges, you may have to sit out at times. I've very rarely seen an instructor follow through. Gabe and his crew did. I never felt held back by other classmates issues. Gabe pushed hard, and shooters who couldn't keep up needed to step out for short periods of the most extreme drills. That said, the members of the class almost universally impressed me. The older members were generally in good mental and physical condition. The less in shape shooters dealt with sore muscles and joints with a good sense of humor. The inexperienced members learned very quickly. The guys with lower budgets learned to make due with more simple kit. These were some of the best people I've taken a class with. We had a three generation group from Houston in the class. The grandfather and father were both seasoned shooters who did well, and the grandson was lightning fast with all of his weapons manipulations. He made some impressive hits with iron sights out to 300 yards. He has all the natural talent to be an armed professional or competitive shooter in a few more years, and a great work ethic also. Kudos to him, and to his father and grandfather who are clearly raising him right.

I also appreciated the assistant instructors. Both were well rounded in their skills and knowledge, but each had areas that they excelled in. I learned a lot from Jon's technical knowledge about the inner working of an AK, and Ryan's extensive LE training background and humble assertiveness was great when learning new movement and positional skills and drills.

There are two things that I think made the class a true bargain. One is that Gabe always explained why a particular technique or tactic was being used, and what real world events led to him adopting them. The second is that he always explained how it could be practiced on our own. This gave us a context for everything, so it could be applied to other situations in the future. It also gave us the ability to train on our own to develop the skills that were were shown in class. That's the sign of a true teacher, and I'm personally very grateful for the experience.

I'm not sure what my next Suarez class will be, but these will not be the last.

TO TRAIN IN THE SUAREZ INTERNATIONAL KALASHNIKOV SYSTEM

 

Rifle Applications - The Insurgent Combat Rifle

 

THERE IS NO PERFECT RIFLE

THERE IS NO PERFECT RIFLE

THERE IS NO PERFECT RIFLE 

The 308 battle rifle is great until you need to hide it in a tennis raquet bag and walk through an NPE. The 308 battle rifle is great until you need to hump it for ten miles through rough terrain or run the walls in a house. The Assault Rifle in 223/545/ or 7.62x39 is great until you need to hit a man at 600 yards and kill him dead on the spot. Or shoot in a high wind, or penetrate what he is hiding behind. The SMG is great until you need to reach way out there or punch through body armor...or a car door. The Bolt Gun Sniper Rifle is great until you have a platoon charging at you with disciplined fire and maneuver....or you need to clear a house. 

another little saying.....

ALL WEAPONS ARE "SPECIAL WEAPONS"

ALL WEAPONS ARE "SPECIAL WEAPONS"

ALL WEAPONS ARE "SPECIAL WEAPONS"

Perhaps those who think there is such an animal can begin a thread under that name at http://www.warriortalk.com and I will show you where your choice sucks. 

That leaves us with "A pretty good choice that handles most of the problems history has shown us may happen".

When we put it those terms, I still choose my Kalashnikov platform....in 5.45 Suchka for the house, and in 7.62x39 for the outside world general purpose.

Just as some "man" coined the phrases/terms "Assault Rifle", "Scout Rifle", and "Battle Rifle"...I am now setting some "concepts guns" into print - Some new..some not so new.

 

The Guerrilla Sniper Rifle - a semi auto, magazine-fed, military styled rifle in .308 caliber minimum, with a variable power optic going up to at least 6X, and capable of head shots at 200 yards and body shots out to 600 yards.  Based on our research, we don't need a super heavy crew served bench rest bolt gun that shoots shirt buttons out to 3000 yards. Why not? Because sniping happens much closer.

Reports we have been getting back is that most of the work takes place inside of 400 yards...well inside. So we established the GSR requirements of being able to hit heads out to 200 yards and bodies out to 600 yards. We did this without any issues at the various GSR classes. The typical rifle for this application is some sort of semi auto magazine-fed rifle with a ten round magazine and a magnifying optic of at least 6X. Calibers, to do what we require without any drama or undue stress on the sniper, begin at 7.62x51.

 

The Insurgent Combat Rifle is an assault rifle in the intermediate cartridges. It is much LIGHTER, and HANDIER than the Guerrilla Sniper, and its intended range is half...or 300 yards realistic range. Given it is 2011 and not 1911, we use optics and modern quality ammo to maximize the results. So I have been working the concept out.

The original term "assault rifle" is a translation of the German word Sturmgewehr (literally "storm rifle). The name was coined by Hitler to describe the Sturmgewehr 44, the firearm generally considered the first assault rifle. Incidentally, I was able to work an StG 44 in Eastern Europe and to say that Kalashnikov was not inspired to emulate it strains the suspension of disbelief.

The strict definition of Assault Rifle is -

It must be an individual weapon with provision to fire from the shoulder

It must be capable of selective fire

It must have an intermediate-power cartridge: more power than a pistol but less than a battle rifle

Its ammunition must be supplied from a detachable magazine.

And it should at least have a firing range of 300 meters 

I know that propeller-heads worry about point number two, but I will say that a good man with a semi auto can easily keep up with a full auto shooter for anything other than “mad minute bullet dumps”.

During World War II, the Germans pioneered the assault rifle concept, based upon research that showed that most infantry firefights happened at close range, within approximately 300 meters. This was confirmed by the Soviets in their after action of the fighting in WW2. The power and range of contemporary rifle cartridges was excessive for most small arms firefights. As a result, armies sought a cartridge and rifle combining submachine gun features with an intermediate-power cartridge effective to 300 meters. 

So I think it is reasonable to expect our rifles to reach out and hit a man in the torso out to 300 yards. More than this is really not necessary...specially if the price is reliability and weight.

As well…rifles with optics should be expected to do that with increased accuracy. It is a myth that optics will not help you shoot better. They will not make up for slovenly marksmanship, but will allow a good shot to see better and index on target better. So we will establish a training criteria for this system. Iron sighted rifles should be able to place head shots at 50 meters, and optically sighted rifles at 100 meters. Either one should be expected to be able to hit a chest at 300 meters.

I think that the rifle training world has been excessively focused on CQB and has ignored the distance intervals beyond 50 meters. Why?

Simple. Few ranges have capability beyond 50 yards or 100 yards. But an overachieving student of the combat rifle will remedy that by at least…getting out once in a while and verifying he can accomplish the requirements we have suggested.

And before we begin hearing the “I can’ts”, I will say that at Houston, after a briefing on the fundamentals, we had relative novices to the AK platform (four days of training) hitting a steel human-sized target from standing at 200 yards and from sitting at 300 yards.

So there it is.

The RPK (Ruchnoy Pulemyot Kalashnikova )

The RPK (Ruchnoy Pulemyot Kalashnikova ) or "hand-held Kalashnikov machine gun, is a 7.62x39mm light machine gun, developed by Mikhail Kalashnikov in the late 1950s, parallel with the AK-47. It was created with the intention of standardizing the small arms of the Red Army, and specifically to replace the aging 7.62x39mm RPD light machine gun. The RPK continues to be used by the armed forces of countries of the former Soviet Union and nations that were assisted by them. The RPK was also manufactured in Bulgaria, Romania, and variations of it manufactured in the former Yugoslavia.

 
It is the Yugoslavian version, or the Zastava M72, that we are taking a look at in this article.  The Zastava M72 rifle chambers and fires the same 7.62x39mm round of its counterparts. It is gas-operated, air-cooled, drum or stick magazine-fed, and uses a fixed stock. There are some differences between the M72 and the Russian, Romanian, or Bulgarian RPK.  The M72 does not have a scope side rail mount, or the so-called “Clubfoot Stock”. The M72 also comes with night sights and no carry handle. Unlike the other RPKs, the barrel is not chromed lined, which creates maintenance concerns when using military corrosive ammo.  As a point of note, no Yugoslavian weapons were issued with a chrome-lined bore and some surplus versions have bores that have been virtually worn out.

My particular rifle was a kit from the long ago days of plenty when you could buy a matching serial numbered kit, with unfired barrel for less than $150.00.  I sat on this kit for some time and finally had it built into a working rifle with the issued barrel.  My intent for the rifle was as a dry practice tool.  Being considerably heavier than a light Suchka, or AK-104, the concept of difficulty training applied.  It is the same thinking that professes training with a heavy steel pipe and fighting with a light rattan stick applied. I would show students in the Red October series how we would work in a set of kettle bell snatches and then some transfer drills with the heavy RPK.  But sadly, the nice Yugoslavian RPK M72 would not shoot.  The best I could manage was a 12” group at 25 yards.

But via our TSD technicians we located a new US barrel and rebarreled the weapon.  The finish was nearly gone on it so we also refinished it in an as-issued black semi-gloss.  What I did not change however was the wooden furniture.  It showed the dings and scratches of action seen.  This rifle most likely saw action during the Balkans wars, as evidenced by the several purposely cut notches in the stock.

Some might sneer at such a heavy semi-auto rifle with the usual brainless quip of “what good is that for a civilian”. Well I will tell you.

  One, it is a heavy understudy for the main rifle platform.  Do a 45 minute session of snap shots and position assumption with this beast and the 5.45x39 rifle you rely on for a “GO TO” weapon will seem weightless.

Two, believe it or not…a man with a trained trigger finger with a semi auto RPK can serve as a fearsome base of fire for a small group.  With a 75 round drum in the weapon, and several more in the wings, a good man with a good RPK can keep up a very healthy volume of fire providing cover and maneuver capability for his team mates.  No, it is not better than a true full auto RPK as we have seen in the Kalashnikov Training sessions, but it is in fact, the next best thing and gives up very little to the faster talking brother.

Three, it is a welcome addition to anyone’s Kalashnikov collection.  While I am all for modernizing the AK rifle with modern magazines and red dot sights, etc., there is always a fond place for the original. I have this rifle for the same reason I have a 1945 Tula Arsenal SKS.  Because I can, and because it is cool.  One more reason of course…it causes fear and dread in the craven hearts of liberals.

 
If you are interested in the RPK, and think you might ever want one, now would be the time.  Prices are low and the “uncertainty” of the futures effects on your ability to get these things has not yet hit. And then…bring your RPK to class and let’s learn how to run that heavy beast to its best effects.  You will be surprised at how good you can get with it.    

Magazines for your RPK

Training with your RPK

RED OCTOBER KALASHNIKOV RIFLE SCHOOL - FREE AMMO

 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

RED OCTOBER (КРАСНЫЙ ОКТЯБРЬ)

KALASHNIKOV RIFLE SCHOOL 

OCTOBER 19-23, 2011

PRESCOTT, ARIZONA

 

The Ultimate Kalashnikov Rifle Training Session In America

 

October 19, 2011 - Kalashnikov Rifle Armorer

Learn the guts and workings of your AK pattern rifle at the bench of Jim Fuller, one of the best AK gunsmiths on earth. 0900 - 1700

 

October 20-21, 2011 - Kalashnikov Rifle Gunfighting

The AK-47/74 series of rifle is one of the most prolific and useful weapons on earth. Close to 100 million have been made in various parts of the world and anyone's chances of encountering these weapons is high. This special course will take a close look at the Kalashnikov Rifle System and teach you to fight with it in both the standard "urban rifle" engagement as well as in the Close Range Gunfighting matrix. This material will have you appreciating the AK platform like no other rifle. It is too simple to be "tactical".  

 

October 21, 2011 - Evening Dinner and Celebration at One Source Tactical

 

 

October 22-23, 2011 - Advanced Kalashnikov Rifle Gunfighting

Advanced Kalashnikov Rifle Gunfighting is the most advanced level rifle training available outside of Special Operations schools. This class will consist of all new material and take your rifle fighting skills, both as a firearm and as an alternative force tool, far beyond what you would think possible. This class will leave you gasping for air with a red-hot smoking rifle barrel.

  

List Price: $1,000.00

Your Price: $650.00

You Save: $350.00 (35 %) ENOUGH TO PAY FOR THE AMMO IN CLASS!!!

 

Spring Enrollment Special - Price good until April 1, 2011

ENROLL HERE

Gear for the Rifleman

by Suarez International TN Staff Instructor

Ryan Acuff

 

I got an email last week from a guy that was wanting to take a Fighting Rifle class I'm teaching in March.  One of his questions was "Other than a rifle, what other equipment do I need?".   Good question!

If you plan on employing your rifle for more than just a safe queen, you’ll need a way of holding ancillary equipment.  When deciding what to get, we need to understand that there are lots of different missions to plan for. Private citizens should at a minimum have a rifle with a good sling and have a haversack with enough space to hold the two bare bones pieces of gear…ammo and water.  There are plenty of options for this role, the Terrorist Interdiction Bag or the US Peacekeeper Rapid Deployment Pack.  A step up from there and we start to get into equipment that is typically associated with high risk operators, Military/SWAT/Security Contractors/Partisan Operators etc.  For those of us that train in high risk operator tactics I recommend a layered system also referred to as “lines of gear”, with a 1st, 2^nd, and 3^rd line.

Let’s start off with the first line.  I’ve always liked the ALICE gear that was so popular years ago, which was basically a belt with padded shoulder straps.  Today’s rifleman has a similar option.  Enter the era of padded MOLLE belts.  I’ve played around with no less than 4 different brands of MOLLE belts.  All worked, but weren’t just right.  At a friend’s suggestion I bought the High Speed Gear Inc. Suregrip belt along with “Taco” mag pouches, 1^st aid pouch, and suspenders.  The belt comes with a removable polymer stiffener (insert witty remark) and an inner duty belt.  The inner belt is thick enough to hold up thigh rigs without the belt rolling over.  In my case a Blade-Tech WRS in flat dark earth.  The MOLLE portion also has 3 open slots in the bottom for mounting sub-loads, such as the Blade-Tech.   The MOLLE belt’s Suregrip feature is an inner lining of Neoprene that helps to keep the belt in place and aids in distributing the weight. 

 

The belt can be used as just an outter belt to carry the holster, pistol mags, and dump pouch or you can really load it down with extra rifle mags and even Nalgene bottles.  I chose to go middle of the road and currently have my pistol, three rifle mags, two pistol mags, cool guy multi-tool, med pouch, Surefire light, and dump pouch mounted.  The Tacos pouches work great at securing different magazine types.  Everything from Makarovs to .45 Glock 21 mags will fit in the pistol pouches.  The rifle pouches fit both the AR15 mags and US Palm AK30’s and are tension/size adjustable via shock cord.  The rig is set up so that I can still go prone and actually move while wearing it.  Another approach would be to place just one rifle mag on the belt and the rest would be on a chest rig (2nd line). 

The suspenders help to reduce fatigue with shock cord loops at the ends.  This really helps to stabilize the belt platform while running.  This is important because if you can’t run in your gear then you're either using the wrong gear for you or you're using crap.  The suspenders go unnoticed when worn in conjunction with hydration bladders, chest rigs, and rucks which would fall under our 2^nd and 3^rd lines of support gear.

 

Keep in mind that gear is not the prime focus of our training and tactics, but we can’t dismiss it either.  Having quality equipment is important.  You shouldn’t have to fight with your gear every time you’re on the range and certainly not in the real world.  We’re fortunate that we live in the golden age of quality support gear. 

Link to Rifleman's Gear

Links to train with Ryan in  TN and KY

 

 

"Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist"                                   

Ephesians 6:14

  

 

    

The Kalashnikov's Missing Link

 

I have been teaching the use of the kalashnikov platform for six years now.  I could say we were shooting AKs when AKs weren't cool.  But today, the AK has become america's second rifle.  At SHOT, I saw almost as many AKs as M4 clones.  Along with a copy of the M4 and 1911, SIG is coming out with an AK.  Even those who have denigrated the AK are realizing that whether they like it or not, the AK is here to stay.

While I am an advocate of leaving the operating controls of the rifle, such as the safety lever, the bolt handle, the magazine release and locking method alone, I admit that the weapon, like any weapon, can be made better.  One of these areas of improvement has been the ability to mount optical sights.  An AK devotee has had few choices.  The forward mounted optics offered by the Ultimak or the Midwest Industries handguard models work great in the CQB environment and have proven themselves in battle and on ranges around the world. 

But the shooters and operators of  today want choices, and the choices for the AK have been quite narrow in this area if someone wanted a traditionally mounted optic. All of them revolved around the side mounted rail system on the left side of an AK rifle.  While that system works fine, it is not without its problems. 

Specifically there is a limit to the eye relief available, height over bore, ability to disassemble with scope mounted, and the users of the popular Russian and Bulgarian AK-100 series folding stock needed to remove the optics to fold the stock.  Not good.

There have also been rail systems inspired by the Polish Beryl rifle that attached to the rear sight interface and locked over the top cover and latched via the tang screw at the juncture of the buttstock and receiver.  This also worked well after a fashion but at the cost of weight, expense, and a very high scope position.  As well, the return to zero capability has been very questionable on some models.

 

Then Texas Weapon Systems entered the picture with its Railed Top Cover system.  Called the 2nd Generation Dog Leg™ Scope Rail, it is the brainchild of Nelson Fesas, an up and coming weapon designer with some revolutionary ideas, most of them focused on improving the kalashnikov platform.  AFter a lengthy lunch time discussion with Mr. Fesas at SHOT Show, I will say that if even a fraction of them are actually put into production, they will change the world of the Kalashnikov rifle forever.

The focus of this article is Nelson's Dogleg Top Cover.  I wrote about them briefly last month.  This will serve as a more thorough and detailed write up of the accessory.    

Installation was relatively easy if you know how to change the rear sight on an AK pattern rifle.  It locked in easily and closed rock solid.  Shooting the rifle showed no change in zero when lifting the top cover up to access the internals.  SInce totally removing the top cover is not a part of normal maintenace with this unit, we did not uninstall it and reintsall it to check zero.  In normal use it does as intended.  The rear peep sight is a very nice and strong unit, probably stronger than the original AK sight.  The one issue I had with it is that it requires a taller ring on some scopes. Hopefully, a folding rear sight may be a future option which would allow for a lower scope mount. Regardless, the scope position is still low enough to afford a reasonable cheekweld.  Those wanting more can opt for a custom cheekpiece.

On our test rifle we mounted the new excellent CMR scope from Leatherwood-Hi Lux.  The designer of this scope intended it for an eastern european special ops unit, and he had all the data for the reticle when using the 7.62x39*.  This scope is a true 1-4X and allows for CBQ use as well as extended range within the cartridge's limits. 

The scope has a circular reticle similar to the Leupold MR/T Special Purpose Reticle, but at less than half the price. We have successfully used this same optic on the in house PSL rifle with excellent results.

What is even more cool is the fact that, not using the typical AK side mount, nor requiring a rear stock tang, it works with the very popular AK-100 polymer side folders, and the AK-74 steel triangle folder as seen in the photos.  No other existing scope mount allows this.

Similarly, this scope mount platform now opens the door to the use of non-extended eye relief scopes such as the ACOG system and the simultaneous use of Aimpoints with Night Vision units and magnifiers. This is great timing as a large US optics manufacturer advised that they are going to unveil a Popular BDC scope with the BDC calibrated for 7.62x39.

The 2nd Generation Dog Leg™ Scope Rail links the great Kalshnikov platform with the advanced optics available in the USA without needing to resort to substandard mounting platforms. And at a price point of $140, it is within reach of every AK owner wanting to mount a scope in the traditional  location.

 

You can order yours at One Source Tactical

 

Kalashnikov Rifle Scope Rail Topcover (Dog Leg Scope Rail / Gen-2)

Scoping the AK platform has always been a compromise. If you wanted a forward mounted red dot optic (like an Aimpoint or Trijicon RMR), the answer was simple. You went with either an Ultimak or a Midwest Industries handguard and that was that.

But if you wanted a traditional rear mount for your optic, or if you wanted to use a traditional scope like a Burris or Leupold on a DMR type rifle, your only option was a side mounted unit.

These side mount units had several problems. One was eye relief. With eye relief, you got what you got. I had all sorts of issues with this set up on my Saiga 308 for example.  If it is not good for you, too bad...there isn't much you can do.

The other problem was cheekweld. You either opted for a low mount which required removal of the scope mount to clean the rifle, or you opted for a high mount that while it allowed for the removal of the top cover, required either a special cheek piece or a chin weld for any type of shooting position.

None of these were optimal.

Then we saw a photo smuggled out of Russia of the new AK rifles. All of them sported a Krinkov-like hinged top cover with a rail over the top. I thought it would be a great opportunity for an american company to make one. The concerns of course were about retaining zero, as past top mounted rail systems have not been great in that area. 

Soon after that I came across Texas Weapon Systems. It does everything it is supposed to do, including retention of zero.  I think it is one of the greatest advancements of the AK platform I have ever seen, and recommend it strongly.

The rest of it is from the Texas Weapon Systems website -

Most scope mounts for the AK place the optics too high to maintain a proper cheek weld. This is done as a compromise solution to allow scope mounting while permitting dust cover removal. This unfortunate compromise forces the shooter to brace the buttstock along the jaw line or in some cases completely under the chin.

TWS solves this dilemma with the innovative new second generation Dog Leg™ Scope Rail with integral dust cover. Incorporating a unique joggle shape behind the rear sight block the Dog Leg™ railed top cover provides the lowest possible MIL-STD-1913 mounting surface. Field stripping capability is preserved with the quick release cam lock mechanism that precisely returns to zero, yet is so simple to operate.

The Dog Leg™ replaces the standard dust cover and easily installs with a single hinge pin to the rear sight block in place of the rear leaf sight. The included cam lock release button replaces the standard release button and is installed to the return spring.

Fits most AK pattern rifles including stamped and milled receivers, as well as fixed, underfolder, and side folding stocks. The adjustable front tab allows custom fitting to the user's individual weapon. Will not fit Yugo AKs.

Gabe's Note: In addition, those using the popular AK-100 side folders can fold their stocks without having to remove the side scope mount.  Perfect for a Saiganov Guerrilla Sniper Rifle or an AK DMR style weapon.

THIS IS A DISCOUNTED PRE-BUY. DELIVERY IN THREE TO FOUR WEEKS

ORDER HERE

US Palm Plate Carrier Shingles

 
The US Palm Hard Armor has been very popular and the entire first shipment sold in little over a week.  Soon thereafter US Palm sent us the magazine pouch shingles intended to go on that armor.

Made in singles, doubles, or triples, and in the usual tactical colors, ranger green, multicam, khaki tan and black.

This innovative design is specific to the Kalashnikov magazine family and accepts the cadillac AK30 magazine as well as steel european magazines and even magazines for the Czech VZ-58.

While they were designed with the AirSave Armor in mind, these shingles will also easily fit on any existing MOLLE system.

 

Learn more here

The Ultimate Kalashnikov Handguard System

 
The Kalashnikov rifle has become an icon in America.  As much as the Ar-15 crowd hates it, there have been more AK rifles (of varying grades) sold in the past two years than AR-15s.  The newstand publications focusing on the AK rifles have outsold those devoted to AR-15s by a wide margin.  Soon, we may see a high quality AK-esque rifle produced by SigArms.  And true "all US made", and high quality AK-47 platform rifles are on the horizon. 

I have been in the fortunate position of being asked by various industry groups to consult on the development of accessories for these great rifles.  Some of these include the cadillac AK-47 magazine, and the americanized pistol grip produced by US Palm.

Kalashnikov shooters all over the world have taken advantage of these developments and enhanced their AK platforms to a level of greater usability without bastardizing their rifles with M4 accessories.

One of the things we had discussed was the development of a good handguard system for these rifles.  The stock handguards are fine for protecting the hand from the barrel, but not for much else. What the modern shooter wants is this:

1).  Protection from heat.  Most handguards work adequately at this but the cooler the better. Even the vaunted heat shielded things from Bulgaria get pretty hot.

2).  The ability to add useful accessories.  Before you bring up that stupid Jpeg with the Chicom guy saying, "Keep that crap off my AK", reread the first sentence and focus on "useful". 

Useful would include a light mount that is ambidextrous in use regardless if running the rifle right handed or left handed.  It would include sling swivels that are positioned in better locations than the stock ones. It would also include VFGs for those who like them on their rifles. While I do not use a VFG, I recognize that they do have utility.  As well, the ability to add a CQB Optic is a very desirable addition to any rifle.

On that note, we are seeing smaller and smaller and stronger units than ever before.  To those who think red dot sights are a foolish addition to a weapon, I would reply that the red dot sights of today are often stronger than the rifles they are installed on.  Moreover, they will automatically improve your shooting. 

So anyone who wants to enhance their combat ability will take a serious look at them.  My prefernce is either the Aimpoint T-1 or the Trijicon RMR.  The RMR being considearbly smaller and lighter than the competition.

Up until now there has not been a handguard system that did everything and was sufficiently light to be considered.  There have been many attempts but sadly all of them have been over engineered with excessive girth, excessive weight, and over done with rails.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Enter the collaboration between US Palm and Midwest Industries.  When I got one I installed it on one of my Fuller Kalashnikovs.  Unlike the other units I examined recently, this one did not change the weight, balance, or feel of the rifle at all.  As well, the upper handguard had a nice carved out place for a Trijicon RMR.  20 minutes in the Armory and I had this entire unit installed.  I added some rail covers to protect my caveman hands, and ran a few magazines through the rifle.  The enhanced airflow served to keep the rifle very cool in comparison to the Arsenal handguards originally on the weapon.  Nice!

The Trijicon RMR gave me a solid cowitness capability with the AK's iron sights.  Another very nice touch that shows some solid thinking went into its design and execution.  Since we are working up a family of Low Light classes, I added one of our in-house Surefire X400s to the bottom rail.  This goes on like it was designed specifically to fit.  Moreover, it allows use of the light with the forearwd hand regardless of which side you are running the rifle.  This is a definite benefit over other flashlight platforms.

All in all, I really like this system and strongly recommend it for users of the kalashnikov platform that want to bring their rifle into the modern age.

 

 Get More Information here 

 

Getting Into The Kalashnikov Game - 2010

I have been working with AKs for many years now, and teaching AK specific classes for over five years. The AK market has changed drastically since the first AK parts kits sold for little more than 80 bucks, and you could buy a thousand rounds for about $150.

I want to present this discussion on "how to get into the AK" today since we get many of the same questions we did back then.  

 

First I want to discuss "why". The advantages of the AK have been written about extensively here and I won't get into them too deeply. No, its not a SOCOM M1A, nor a Daniel Defense M4, but there are things you can do with an AK that neither of those two American rifles will allow.  Within the intervals of combat that we keep seeing around the world, the AK can stay up with either one of those rifles anywhere.

 

Century Arms delivered some 3 million AKs to its dealers last year and this year so I suspect the american gun world (the one that is never written about in gun magazines) is catching on to the value and effectiveness of the AK-47/74 system.

When selecting an AK, you need to ask yourself why you are getting one. If it is for playing gun games, or to do the Bubba Bump-Fire at the local gravel pit between beers and doughnuts, then don't bother reading anymore because I cannot help you. Go get the cheapest thing you can find and go enjoy yourself. Gun games are not our focus and we cannot make any suggestions for such endeavors.

If your needs are for a weapon to defend yourself, your home, and your family, then we can talk. The first thing, like with anything, is to get the best you can afford. Most often we hear about buying a "cheap AK". I laugh when I hear that.  Would you buy cheap brakes for the family car?  How about cheap fire extinguishers for your home? Or if you were sick would look for cheap heart doctors? Nope. Stinginess in life and death purchases is never a wise course.

Cadillac AKs can be found in the shops of Jim Fuller, Will Hayden, Mark Graham, or Marc Krebs. You can have a rifle made up in any way you like. Sure it will cost, but a Porsche or Land Rover will always cost more than a Hyundai or Smart.

Next best are the generic AKs found at Atlantic Firearms, made by Vector, Interarms, and Arsenal to name a few. These will run a little less but are often very nicely made rifles. These are more like the Chevy/Ford line, than the Porsche but still a great value.

Finally we have the Century rifles. These are difficult to classify because when we say "Century" we don't know who made them. Some are very good and other have some issues in assembly. To gain an understanding about what to look for in a new purchase, I suggest Jim Fuller's Kalashnikov Rifle Armorer DVD. That said, if the rifle has been inspected and found solid, you can get into a very nice AK pattern rifle for about $350-400.

There are of course other things that will need to be purchased with your new AK rifle. First you will need magazines. I classify them in three categories. Combat Use, Training Use, and Trash.

Combat Use magazines: Again, don't cheap out here. You can buy very good surplus steel magazines for about $15. These will be new surplus and are usually very nice. Resist the temptation to buy those "bulk packed" magazines that only cost $9 a piece. They are trash.

The better magazines will be the US Palm magazines made in the USA with current technology, lighter and stronger than everything else out there. They will run about $30 but you won't have to sort out the good ones from the bad ones. Almost as good are the Arsenal magazines.

Training Magazines: There are some Bulgarian Commercial magazines that are plastic. As well there are Korean magazines, and some "more used than average" steel magazines from eastern europe. These are OK for training uses but have not kept up with our use. Again...good for the range but not for betting your life on.

Trash magazines: Along with the "Fair" condition surplus magazines, the Tapco, and Pro-Mag magazines are also trash and to be avoided.


Ammo is another consideration. Again...US AK tradition is to go as cheap as you can. Ghetto ammo may be cool to shoot in training, but not what you want for serious duties. Much of the inaccurate rep the AK rifles has is due to trashy ammo. To train with, sure get the cheapest, but for serious uses, get a couple of magazines of the good stuff.

Two magazines is 60 rounds. These are the magazines that will be in your rifle and belt when you grab the rifle to repel home invaders, or to handle any other life and death issues, and not for shooting targets on the range. Think if you had to take a shot at a home invader past your daughter, will you want ComBloc Cheap-Ass-Bunker ammo, or Hornady V-Max. Even if the ammo was a dollar per shot (which match ammo usually is), $60 will not cause you to default on your mortgage.

Slings and miscellaneous items such as web gear are next. Most ComBloc webgear is unusable by larger american shooters. You will need a sling. For sling uses please see my description of it in my DVD. The sling should be as long as you are tall at the shoulder. That is a good rule of thumb. There are plenty of really good US Made slings out there although I am prejudiced to those I have designed and sold at OST. Even a length of tubular nylon, tied with 550 cord will be better than the ComBloc sling guys.

To carry your magazines and other miscellaneous items, get a rifle bag. These can range in cost with the lowest cost one being the TIB, and the higher dollar and more featured SneakyBag being the Cadillac.

That is it gents....a good AK (which is not hard to find), a set of fighting magazines, and a set of training magazines, along with a suitable sling, and either a magazine carry bag, and you are all set to go. In order to have a structure to your training, I suggest The Fundamental Kalashnikov, and Kalashnikov Rifle Gunfighting (Volumes 1, and volumes 2).

There you go. Now you have all the guidance I can give. Go get one and get to training!!!