Modifications and parts I prefer, and WHY (obviously my opinion only)
KREBS CUSTOM TRIGGER PIN RETAINING PLATE FOR AK RIFLES
http://www.krebscustom.com/PartsPages/KalashnikovParts.shtmlI trained with Paul Gomez and Gabe Suarez (before he got
super crazy), and both stated that the AK part with the highest probability of breaking was the "Shepherds hook" spring, which retains the fire control parts.
This isn't a performance mod, but a reliability mod.
BENDING THE SAFETY TO LOOSEN TENSION
You can manipulate the safety a lot more easily if you bend it out, so the tension against the receiver is minimal.
KREBS CUSTOM ENHANCED AK SELECTOR LEVERS
If you want a faster first shot time, the ability to take the rifle off safe with your trigger finger will help.
I don't have this part on my AK, but if I I developed an interest in shooting it again, I would buy this safety.
Having used this safety before, it is faster and easier to take the rifle off safe and keep you hand closer to a real grip
http://www.krebscustom.com/PartsPages/KalashnikovParts.shtmlSIGHT MODIFICATIONS
Widen the notch of the rear safety for faster sight acquisition. Paint the front sight a bright color or add XS White stripe w/ Tritium or a Big Dot.
If you're target shooting, and not trying to go for speed, the stock sights are fine. The above mods will help you go faster.
The AK's I have had were all sporting "Fullerized" rear sights, which were done by Jim Fuller of Rifle Dynamics. My current AK has a Fullerized rear and XS Tritium striped front.
ULTIMAK RAIL/RED DOT
This is the sight combo I've got on my rifle and I like it a lot. Fast sighting, and if you get the right red dot, it will co-witness with your irons.
TEXAS WEAPONS SYSTEMS DOG LEG AND MAGNIFIED OPTIC
I don't own this set up, but have put some rounds through an AK with the Dog Leg Scope rail and a 3x ACOG.
If you want a magnified optic and don't want to use the side rail, this seems like the best way to go to get proper eye relief.
http://texasweaponsystems.com/id1.htmlBULGARIAN WAFFLE MAGAZINES
These are my favorite mags. The're steel lined and have steel feedlips, unlike other polymer mags that are made in the US. I got mine from COPES a few years back. They're probably still shipping to HI.
http://www.copesdistributing.net/bulgarian-762x39-waffle-30rnd-black-p-5663.htmlAlso available at Kaneohe Gun Shop. I'm not aware of any other shops selling these though.
http://www.kaneohegs.com/specials.htmBLUE FORCE GEAR VICKERS COMBAT APPLICATION SLING
The VCAS with a mash hook or the newer UDL loop is the ultimate AK sling. This gives you an adjustable sling and a durable attachment option for that sling mount on the side of your AK.
I have a couple of the VCAS Slings with mash hook sewn in from the factory, and its bomber. A lot more durable that the small clip that comes with the standard AK cotton sling.
http://www.blueforcegear.com/vickers-combat-applications-sling/http://www.blueforcegear.com/mash-hook/http://www.blueforcegear.com/universal-wire-loop/AK-100 FOLDING STOCK
Buy an Arsenal slr-107/106, or build on a receiver that accepts this stock.
It's a folding stock that feels and looks like a fixed stock when extended.
It'll never be as cool as the SCAR or ACR folding stocks, but its the best available for the AK.
FLASH HIDER/COMP
The PWS FSC47 and the Battle Comp were not available when I put my last AK together.
I'd go with either of those since their performance on my ARs has been great.
My current AK has a YHM Phantom. I like the phantom because its pokey
http://yhm.net/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=107