My AK-47 Review Part Two

First of all, I'm very proud of this gun. I feel like owning a piece of history, as the AK-47 is probably the most iconic firearm EVER in the history of the world. It is the most numerous, and most recognizable rifle in the world, and I got it in its original 7.62 x 39 mm caliber.

The trigger pull was surprisingly light, and smooth, not coarse at all. Pretty nice, actually, and totally opposite of what I was expecting. It does bother me that when you pull the trigger, there is a heavy chunk of metal that goes forward to hit the primer. I think this will have some effect on the gun's accuracy, especially at long range. As far as I know, the AK-47 is not supposed to use an open bolt principle, but it sure feels that way.

The gun does feel heavy, in fact, front heavy, but you can probably blame that on the light folding stock. I would imagine that the fixed stock version would probably feel more balanced.

'Tactical Slings'
I really like those Tactical Slings. They allow the gun to be carried in a relative safe manner (muzzle pointed down), and yet still allow them to be deployed quickly when needed. Here's another video showing how to use it effectively:
- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CIQkN4AemFc&feature=related

I discovered that with the stock folded, it is better (for me) to carry the gun in the "Jungle Carry Mode" (but with the muzzle pointed down) as I can bring the gun easily in line with my hips to quickly hip-aim the rifle (in theory, anyway. Got the hip-firing idea from reading "The Death Merchant").

With the stock extended, the "Front Slung" carry is better because I can bring the stock quickly to my shoulders. So easy to do it when the rifle is hanging in front of you.

'Initial Doubts / Complaints'
A couple of things bother me about the gun at this point, though: First, how come Norinco did not put their brand and logo on the receiver? You'd think that a MAJOR firearms manufacturer like Norinco would not be shy on putting their names on their firearms. I looked at my Model 59 made by Norinco, and though they did not put their logo there, they did put a sign on the slide that said, "Made by Norinco". But no such luck with this gun.

The second thing that bothered me, is that how come the manual is so shi__y? It obviously is a colored photocopy, and is not even a Norinco Manual: The manual has the "Technicians For Victory" logo on it, indicating it was made by and/or for them. The color pics are unviewable, and I had to rely on Youtube to get decent references like Disassembling and Assembling the weapon.

I looked at pictures of Norinco AKs in the web, though, and it does seem they do not brand their weapons, for some reason. As for the Manual, it could be that there were no English versions available, hence they had to get it somewhere. You'd think Norinco would have an English manual out there, but then again, I may have to rethink the thought that Norinco is a world-class firearms manufacturer (as long as the gun works fine, it should be okay).

Disassembly and assembly was relatively simple, once you get the proper instructions (thanks as always, Youtube). What strikes me about the gun's internals, though, is that first, how big the Piston Rod is. Its huge, really made for durability. Second, was the presence of steel cable wires inside the gun. No flimsy springs here, no sir. Heavy duty Steel Cable Wires. No wonder these guns can reportedly fire right away even after being buried for a year under bog with a decomposing body on top of it.

'Ergonomics'
This is one area where the AK really fails, especially when compared to the M-16. Cocking lever is on the RIGHT side of the gun, so the only way to cock it would be to do it awkwardly, as in:
- Hold the Pistol Grip with the right hand; Tilt the gun so its left side will be pointed to the ground; Then pull the cocking lever with your left hand.
- Or; Hold the Front Stock with your left hand; Push the butt against your body; Cock the lever with your right hand.

Compare those, to the simple hold the pistol grip with your right hand and pull back the charging handle on the M-16.

Another bummer; You need both hands to operate the Selector Lever. And its NOT ambidextrous, mind you. So your only option would be similar to operating the cocking lever I described above.

Now, compare that, to the AMBIDEXTROUS Selector Lever you can operate WITH YOUR THUMB on the M-16.

This is a major concern for me, as it means there would be a tradeoff between safety, and deployability. With the AK, you cannot favor one, without sacrificing the other. Engage the Safety, and you won't be able to bring the gun to fire quickly. Leave the safety off, and you are going to risk firing the gun inadvertently. In my case, safety comes first. Unless the Zombies attack.

The side-folding stock also interferes with the motion of the Selector Lever when folded, so I may have to abandon that Jungle-Carry-Muzzle-Down-Hip-Fire fantasy of mine. Too bad. Would've been great in a movie. :D Might work with AKs with Fixed or Front-Folding stocks or M4/M4geries, though.

The Pistol Grip exceeded all expectations, though, because I thought it would be something like a Plow Handle. Its not. However, the material is a bit too hard and smooth, that your hand starts to hurt a bit when you're holding the heavy gun for long. It will have to go, along with the Front Stock.

'75 Round Magazine'
"Casa Armas" and "Twin Pines" are offering the 75 round magazine for P7k, but I know somebody offering it for about half the price, that's why I was curious. Took a close look at it, and it is a bit heavy already when empty, so I figured it will be a tad too heavy when loaded with 75 rounds of 7.62 x 39 mm rounds. Plus, won't be able to fold the stock with it in place.

I think the extended 40 round mag would be a better option, or that half-moon 60 round magazine, but still haven't found those in any of the gun stores I looked at.

Now, the only thing to do, is fire the gun in June 2010.

(End of Series)
Update, 2012-04-19 - Sold off my Norinco AK-47 in February 2012, no further reviews planned for this rifle. Regret not having fired it, but then got tired of playing around with it and not being able to fire it because of the strict rules for Permit to Transport (PTT) for High Powered Rifles (HPR) as of February 2012. None of the gunstores I asked around was willing or able to process the PTT. No regrets, if I wanted to shoot full auto, I just pull out my Glock. No problems getting a PTT for that one.

--> My AK-47 Review Part One