AK Ranch Rifle (Read 11810 times)

Surf

AK Ranch Rifle
« on: May 22, 2016, 07:41:35 PM »
With the recent AK discussions and some new parts I thought I would post up some pics and thoughts on these parts.  This weapon is what I use as a do it all rifle on one of our ranches.

Base rifle is an Arsenal SGL 26
- SLR Rifleworks 13.5" mid keymod lower handguard
- SLR Rifleworks picatinny gas tube upper
- Magpul Zhukov stock
- Magpul AK MOE + grip
- Krebs Safety
- Deltapoint red dot (will be replaced with Aimpoint micro)
- Streamlight TLR 1 (will be replaced with Surefire X300)
- RS Regulate mount
- Pulsar N850 scope

The SLR and Magpul items are new to the rifle.  The gas tube rail allows to mount a low profile red dot and leave it mounted when I am running the scope. The rail allows for a longer reach and easy way to add a light.  The Zhukov stock adds much needed length for better optic eye relief without mounting the scope farther forward which upsets the already nose heavy rifle.

So far I like the set up but still wonder about durability of the Zhukov.  I will need to mount the sling at the receiver for when folded.  I will Look go with some 20 round tanker mags to trim weight.

Time will tell but I am pretty happy with the way it came out.





Might add a video when I get time.

macsak

Re: AK Ranch Rifle
« Reply #1 on: May 22, 2016, 08:06:38 PM »
Nice!
What is the muzzle device?


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whynow?

Re: AK Ranch Rifle
« Reply #2 on: May 22, 2016, 08:39:21 PM »
Nice rifle setup.   What is the favorite ammo for this AK?

dustoff003

Re: AK Ranch Rifle
« Reply #3 on: May 22, 2016, 08:54:17 PM »
Nice Kubota!


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dustoff003

AK Ranch Rifle
« Reply #4 on: May 23, 2016, 06:42:37 AM »
Nice!
What is the muzzle device?


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That looks to be the stock Arsenal brake. I hope to find one like it with 14x1mm left-hand threads for mine. I got a tapco ak-74 style one that I am using now the fit and finish is no where near the quality of the Arsenal one.
« Last Edit: May 23, 2016, 08:04:39 AM by dustoff003 »

drck1000

Re: AK Ranch Rifle
« Reply #5 on: May 23, 2016, 07:56:01 AM »
Awesome!   :thumbsup:

Loving that SLR handguard!  How easy was it to install?  Pretty much plug and play?

That stock raises the comb to almost level with the main receiver body.  I'm just wondering how that rail with the Deltapoint, or even an Aimpoint Micro (or similar) would work with the standard sloping AK stock.  I have an Arsenal SLR-101 and there aren't as many aftermarket stocks available for milled receivers as stamped ones.  Almost makes me want to get a stamped receiver AK just for that.   ;D

Once you have a chance to shoot it some, I'd be interested in how hot the handguard gets.  And if you need to add some sort of grip panels or if it's ok as is. 

83rdrecon

Re: AK Ranch Rifle
« Reply #6 on: May 23, 2016, 08:18:21 AM »
With the recent AK discussions and some new parts I thought I would post up some pics and thoughts on these parts.  This weapon is what I use as a do it all rifle on one of our ranches.

Base rifle is an Arsenal SGL 26
- SLR Rifleworks 13.5" mid keymod lower handguard
- SLR Rifleworks picatinny gas tube upper
- Magpul Zhukov stock
- Magpul AK MOE + grip
- Krebs Safety
- Deltapoint red dot (will be replaced with Aimpoint micro)
- Streamlight TLR 1 (will be replaced with Surefire X300)
- RS Regulate mount
- Pulsar N850 scope

The SLR and Magpul items are new to the rifle.  The gas tube rail allows to mount a low profile red dot and leave it mounted when I am running the scope. The rail allows for a longer reach and easy way to add a light.  The Zhukov stock adds much needed length for better optic eye relief without mounting the scope farther forward which upsets the already nose heavy rifle.

So far I like the set up but still wonder about durability of the Zhukov.  I will need to mount the sling at the receiver for when folded.  I will Look go with some 20 round tanker mags to trim weight.

Time will tell but I am pretty happy with the way it came out.





Might add a video when I get time.

Looks great buddy!

stangzilla

Re: AK Ranch Rifle
« Reply #7 on: May 23, 2016, 09:18:48 AM »
nice AK.

man, you must have some kind of ranch!   :shaka:

oldfart

Re: AK Ranch Rifle
« Reply #8 on: May 23, 2016, 11:14:17 AM »
I can see where you could make something like an updated cooper scout rifle on the AK platform.
What, Me Worry?

WTF?Shane

Re: AK Ranch Rifle
« Reply #9 on: May 23, 2016, 07:38:30 PM »
I like it!

I have an Ultimak rail setup on mine and it is quite bulky and hefty.  :(

Surf

Re: AK Ranch Rifle
« Reply #10 on: May 24, 2016, 11:57:18 PM »
Nice!
What is the muzzle device?


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As mentioned, it is the Arsenal Inc that came with the weapon.

Nice rifle setup.   What is the favorite ammo for this AK?
The Arsenal's are very good accuracy based AK type rifles in general but I am not an accuracy snob with this rifle and I shoot pretty much anything, but mostly Russian soft point and Some Hornady and Federal. 

Nice Kubota!


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Thanks, we (or my parents) are definitely Kubotan's and they have tractor, RTV and a mid sized excavator that are Kubota.  I am separately trying to get my property equipped but machinery isn't cheap.  :(

Awesome!   :thumbsup:

Loving that SLR handguard!  How easy was it to install?  Pretty much plug and play?

That stock raises the comb to almost level with the main receiver body.  I'm just wondering how that rail with the Deltapoint, or even an Aimpoint Micro (or similar) would work with the standard sloping AK stock.  I have an Arsenal SLR-101 and there aren't as many aftermarket stocks available for milled receivers as stamped ones.  Almost makes me want to get a stamped receiver AK just for that.   ;D

Once you have a chance to shoot it some, I'd be interested in how hot the handguard gets.  And if you need to add some sort of grip panels or if it's ok as is.
Installation was very simple.  No special tools.  Remove forend, click new rails in place, set screws, done.  I will have video on it when I get time.

The Deltapoint, at least with this set up, is pretty much in line with the irons, so a standard stock will be gtg.  Yes, the stamped give more options and saves a bit of weight.  I have put about 40 rounds through it at a pretty standard, non-rapid fire pace and didn't notice much heat.  I will however say that I am sure it will react just like an M4 with a lightweight aluminum rail.  I don't think heat will ever be an issue for the role that this weapon will serve, but if it was a heavy use training rifle, panels or gloves would probably be necessary.  One thing I don't do now, is that I don't burn my hand on the barrel because it is completely covered.  With the stock forend, I sometimes forget and get too much stretch on the weapon and got a reminder that this was not an M4.

I can see where you could make something like an updated cooper scout rifle on the AK platform.
This was exactly my idea.   Pretty similar in concept to the scout rifle, but indeed a more modern updated version.  If we had bigger critters in Hawaii, I might want more in regards to ballistics, but this round handles everything well.  Pigs, deer, cows, wild dogs, etc.  I like the semi-auto as opposed to a bolt, for faster follow ups, but I do plan on going with lesser capacity mags to keep weight and size more manageable.  I will also have a separate RS Regulate mounted with a low power variable as the N850 is electronic and can chew up batteries.  Due to terrain, there is not really much call for anything outside of 150yds maybe 200yds, but it is still capable past that.  In reality it would be another rifle / caliber if that was necessary.

nice AK.

man, you must have some kind of ranch!   :shaka:
My parents are semi retired in their mid 70's but still maintain a modest working ranch.

I am constantly working at my own property and unfortunately pigs and wild or un-monitored hunting dogs can be an issue and dangerous to livestock or even people, especially children, so a rifle like this for me is a must.  While I always carry a handgun, this rifle is always near me when I am working the property.

robtmc

Re: AK Ranch Rifle
« Reply #11 on: May 25, 2016, 09:59:37 AM »
What sling is that?  Happy with it?

drck1000

Re: AK Ranch Rifle
« Reply #12 on: May 25, 2016, 10:56:02 AM »

Installation was very simple.  No special tools.  Remove forend, click new rails in place, set screws, done.  I will have video on it when I get time.

The Deltapoint, at least with this set up, is pretty much in line with the irons, so a standard stock will be gtg.  Yes, the stamped give more options and saves a bit of weight.  I have put about 40 rounds through it at a pretty standard, non-rapid fire pace and didn't notice much heat.  I will however say that I am sure it will react just like an M4 with a lightweight aluminum rail.  I don't think heat will ever be an issue for the role that this weapon will serve, but if it was a heavy use training rifle, panels or gloves would probably be necessary.  One thing I don't do now, is that I don't burn my hand on the barrel because it is completely covered.  With the stock forend, I sometimes forget and get too much stretch on the weapon and got a reminder that this was not an M4.


Great!  Looking forward to the video!  Been putting in a bunch of OT lately, so will have some fun $$$.   :thumbsup:

Good deal on the optic alignment.  I'll eventually just have to sack up and get something and try.  I've put a bunch of money into my ARs and handguns lately, but can transition to other stuff now and the AK is on the list. 

I recall last time I shot my AK, I want to say I shot about 60 rounds in groups of about 10 in less than 5 mins and the handguard was hot enough that it was uncomfortable, but not quite painful.  That was with a DD Omega rail.  I've always wondered about the lower profile rails like the BCM Keymod.  Another item on my "to buy list". 

Sounds like a nice ranch and good idea to have a long gun with you.  When I used to live in WA, I thought of getting a lever action rifle to pack when we fished in the boonies.  We would see mountain lion and all sorts of tracks.  Used to carry a handgun at times, but figured a long gun would be better for some of those critters.  A buddy of mine lives in Australia and he does pest culling as a side job.  He's invited me down there to go with him, but I haven't had the chance.  That said, if your property ever gets to the point where you need help with the pests. . .  ;D

Surf

Re: AK Ranch Rifle
« Reply #13 on: May 26, 2016, 10:09:02 PM »
Since this rifle really goes with the ranch theme and with some other video I have shot, I decided to do separate online content from pure firearms stuff.  So I started a new channel for things other than just pure shooting and it may be a bit more laid back, open or direct to certain points then other online content that I currently have or that I may have or had in the past.  This is a new channel and over time I hope to cover other topics related to living a sustainable life, particularly in Hawaii.  I have uploaded a few other video's for the channel also if anyone is interested they can check out the channel.  I hope to have more to come and am open to any ideas for content that someone may be interested in hearing my ramblings, err thoughts on a topic.   :)

Here is an overview of the rifle


Installation of the Magpul Zhukov stock

Installation of the Magpul AK MOE+ grip

Installation of the SLR Rifleworks handguard and gas tube

drck1000

Re: AK Ranch Rifle
« Reply #14 on: November 22, 2016, 09:45:18 AM »
Hey Surf!  Finally getting back into modding my AK.  Have you had a chance to shoot with the SLR handguard yet?  If yes, have you noticed if it gets really hot? 

My Arsenal has all stock furniture and still has the plastic handguard.  I recall if I shoot something like 60-80 rounds in about 10-15 minutes, the handguard becomes hot enough to be uncomfortable without gloves.  Not a big deal either way, but just something I noticed.  It's not often that I would shoot the AK like that though.  If I were to take it to a class, I would expect to have to wear gloves at some point.

Now that I recently picked up a stamped AK that will be my project gun, I am looking really hard at the SLR rail.  In that case, I think there are panels that you can mount with the keymod to help with the handguard temps, but I was just wondering how the gun performed with just the plain rail. 

Surf

Re: AK Ranch Rifle
« Reply #15 on: November 23, 2016, 03:46:01 PM »
Yes, this rifle really is a good working rifle.  It is always with me on the tractor or bouncing around in the trailer rain, shine, mud etc.  I take it into some thick stuff, take pigs and train with it.  Definitely treat it harsh.

  The rail has been 100% but I am not overly sold on the Zhukov stock and how it folds or more how it is locked open.  I am more surprised at the abuse the Leopold gen1 delta point has put up with and is still going strong.

Yes the rail gets hot, just as you would expect from a similar equipped M4 when run hard.  Yes there are panel's or gloves work.

drck1000

Re: AK Ranch Rifle
« Reply #16 on: November 25, 2016, 08:41:17 AM »
Awesome!  Thanks!

Yeah, I am sure that rifle could take a beating and not be affected much.  I haven't purposely torture tested any of my guns, but sounds like this one is going through some "hard work".   ;D

I emailed the SLR folks and it appears that the A version and Mod 1 is what they recommend for my FEG AK.  When I saw the finished rail install, my first thought is "I'd better watch where my support hand goes.  I might put my thumb over top of the front end of the gas block".  I bet that would get my attention.  Haha.  Good to note that it wouldn't get any hotter than a similarly setup M4/AR.  I have panels on the two ARs that I've taken to training classes, so I guess I didn't notice the heat.  I definitely noticed the heat with my Arsenal AK.  My next AR upper will be with the BCM KMR and I've heard similar feedback about the heat.

Still looking at stocks as well.  Your feedback on the Zhukov is disappointing.  I just want something that raised the cheek position from the standard AK stock.  I've also always been wary of the sort of the exposure of the lens of the Delta Point (and same for RMR), that they would be more susceptible to damage than say an Aimpoint Micro.  That your has held up well so far is a good sign.  I think I'll end up going with an Aimpoint Micro, but might be tempted to try a cheaper option as well. 

Will see what kinds of sales I can find this weekend.   ;D