The AR-15 remains the most popular rifle platform in this country for a multitude of reasons. One of the main ones is its ability to be easily modified. You can buy an entry-level AR and start swapping out handguards, grips, guts — you name it — until you get the build that fits your needs. Customizing an AK-47, though, has always been more of a challenge.
While AR-15s are designed to have modular parts, the standards for the AK platform are much less uniform. The easiest place to start is with the more expensive varieties — the ones with precisely milled receivers.
That misses the mark, though, for the scope of this project. A couple of years ago, when there was another wave of panic buying associated with potentially restrictive legislation, I took stock of what I had in the safe. I didn’t have a bog-standard AKM. As a gun writer, I’m often asked to evaluate accessories, and having a platform for that testing is key.
Which brings us to the task at hand. This Century import is a Romanian WASR-10. I’d consider this a solid starting point for anyone who wants to learn their way around an AK. There are much fancier guns, for sure, and some that are less expensive, but the WASR-10 is a reliable platform that adheres to the original vision of Kalashnikov’s masterpiece.
What needs to be changed?
Sky’s the limit on this one. It is theoretically possible to replace everything, piece by piece, until you have very little left of the original. But I’m going to begin with the furniture.
Why begin with the furniture? Typically, it is easy. Most AR furniture alterations won’t require many tools — maybe an Allen wrench — but that may not be the case with an AK.
This platform was developed before lights and foregrips were a thing. There was no need for a folding stock. And the grip was functional, not ergonomic. The forend on this AK is short and slick. I like having a hand stop of vertical grip on long guns, and the ability to add a light, so this is the first to go.
The stock on most AKMs are fixed. This adds extra length when storing or transporting. A solid folding stock will fix that.
The RS Regulate GKR-10MS Rail
For the forend, I wanted more length and more adaptability. I chose the RS Regulate GKR-10MS Stamped AKM Rifle M-LOK Rail with Sling Loop Cutout. M-LOK, QD, and lightweight — this is a clear winner. Installing it isn’t for the true novice.
To get this forend to fit, I had to file three sides of its base block — the part that extends into the receiver. This is standard practice because there’s so much variance in stamped receivers. RS Regulate starts with the largest size to allow for a custom fit.
The risk there is that you will remove too much material. Keep it slow and test fit frequently. And be patient with the small block that closes up gaps with the gun’s existing hand guard mount. It is fiddly, but will ultimately lock in place to create an exceptionally solid forend.
The Magpul Zhukov Folding Stock
Adding the Magpul Zhukov-S AK47 / AK74 Folding Stock gives you a folding option that can also add some length to fit the rifle to you. Adding this one was easy enough. Simply pop off the old stock (typically held on by two screws and some friction) and replace it with this one.
The look of the Magpul Zhukov is decidedly modern. If you are looking for a stock that preserves the classic AK lines, this isn’t it. But it is affordable, and you get a tremendous amount of versatility.
As for the grip — size matters. I had several AK grips in the toolbox, and this Hogue Overmolded AK-47 / A-74 Finger Groove Rubber Grip is big — and exactly the opposite of the stock grip that came on this rifle.
After these three changes, the gun had a completely different character. The forend is still narrow, though, and the irons — though dependable — provide a sight picture that feels a bit 20th Century.
Adding the Extras
There are three main approaches to adding optics to an AK. You can add a railed gas block that will give you space for a forward-mounted scout scope or red dot. If you replace the top cover with one with a built-in rail, you have even more options. Or you can go for the side-mount that wraps over.
There are advantages to each set-up, and all three suffer from one basic flaw. The railed gas block is streamlined and can easily co-witness. The railed cover or side mount allows for optics with greater magnification. But all three then anchor onto parts of the gun that are made of thin, stamped steel.
The gas tube and top cover aren’t permanently affixed to anything. If long-range, repeat accuracy is a concern, the side-mount may be the best option. I say may because I’ve not seen much performance difference between the three — and don’t expect minute-of-angle accuracy from an AKM, anyhow.
I opted for a side-mount and it was exceptionally easy to install. Slide it over the dovetails, and screw down the fitting until the QD lever snugs up the fit. With a Midwest Industries Gen 2 AK Railed Top Side QD Mount, if you need to remove the optic to get the gun in a case or get to the guts of the AKM, it is fast and efficient.
On the front end, I’m adding a Timber Creek Outdoors M-LOK Enforcer Mini Angled Foregrip. This streamlined skeletal piece is light, won’t snag on anything, and is still large enough to be functional for ergonomic control. As the RS Regulate rail is M-LOK, though, you have so many options.
As someone who frequently shoots suppressed (every gun should be suppressed), I wanted an easy way to convert the 14 x 1L thread pattern on the rifle to a more common pitch. This KNS Precision AK Thread Muzzle Device Adapter – 5/8×24 is brilliant in its simplicity. The rifle side is cut so that it stops on the crown of the muzzle itself, which removes any doubt about it being seated correctly.
Why the conversion? 14x1L. I don’t speak Russian. Like all self-respecting Americans, I measure thread pitch against the size of some long-forgotten Roman’s foot. 5/8 x 24 may be the most common thread pitch for threaded muzzles — very easy to accommodate now.
The last addition is a sling. The Blue Force Gear Vickers 2-To-1 Point Sling with Quick-Detach Swivels is a personal favorite. After adding the Magpul stock, there’s now a QD mount. As small as this addition might seem, it is one major upgrade over the AKM’s typical sling mounts. If you want to go with two points, there’s a QD on the new RS Regulate forend, too.
What’s left to be done?
As a larger-than-average shooter, I like being able to hold farther out on the forend, adjust the length of pull, easily adjust the length of my sling, etc. The optic, of course, helps with time to target. But what else needs work
The logical answer is two-fold. AK triggers — while reliable — are typically rough around the edges. If I really wanted to take the accuracy potential of this gun to the next level, I’d begin with an Elftmann.
On the outside of the gun, I’ve got something of a Frankenstein aesthetic working. If this were a vanity project, I’d begin looking for a way to get the whole gun matching. That will be complicated as the mix of aluminum, steel, and plastic isn’t going to accept finish options equally well.
If I really wanted to push it, I might look at charging handles and a safety with a bolt-hold-open slot. But I’ve been running AKs of one kind or another for more than a decade and I’m comfortable with the performance expectations of the old-school standards.
There’s really just one consideration to make when looking at an AK overhaul, and that’s 922R compliance. If you are familiar with import restrictions and the need for your AK to have a set number of American-made parts, do a bit of research. It is a technicality, usually, but better to know the rules than to feign ignorance.
