AK-47 / AK-74 / Everything AK

Today I’d like to welcome Colonel Julian T. Urquidez—Director of Operations for the U.S. Army Futures Command. The U.S. Army Futures Command is a fairly new department of the Army that specializes in modernizing the Army’s arsenal, from next-generation combat vehicles to advanced small arms. While the Colonel is no longer involved with the Trigger Empire project we covered at TriggrCon 2024, he is here today to tell us about a new project that will hopefully see the delivery of the industry’s first mass-produced AK Forced Reset Trigger.

Welcome back to another TFB review. In recent years, the AK market has taken a hit with the loss of cheap 7.62x39 and 5.45x39 ammunition. Whether it’s because of import bans, supply problems because of world conflicts, or just higher demand over the last few years it can be rather tricky to get ammo for AKs like it was in the past. This week, I’m looking at the new 5.56x45 AK from Century Arms. There has been a push to create an AK that users can shoot easily without searching for paying a higher amount for ammo. 5.56 AKs could not only keep the AK market alive in America but also offer a cheaper option. Let’s take a closer look at the new Century Arms BFT556 AK.

The battlefield on the Eastern Front of World War II illustrated a horrific lesson—that victory can be won with tragic heroism and noble sacrifice. Still, ultimately, without technical and tactical innovation, it is a cruel waste of life. The Soviet Union learned quickly, changing tactics and developing vast small arms to combat the next war. With lessons fresh in their memories, new concepts were developed and evolved to change the world.

Typically, the first modification made to an AK is the trigger. Meridian Defense has introduced a new product known as the MDC-Combat Trigger. They have taken on the challenge of designing a new trigger, first implementing it in their rifle product line and now releasing it as an aftermarket trigger upgrade for the AK market. Meridian Defense is recognized for its high-quality work in building AK rifles, and they are now using their expertise to design an upgraded trigger specifically for the Kalashnikov platform.

Got Kalashnikov? If you want an AK-pattern rifle but want it made in the USA, dadgummit, then Century Arms has what you’re looking for. They’ve just expanded their US-built AK lineup to include the new BFT74 and BFT556 models.

Happy Halloween! If people can dress up for Halloween, why not firearms? In this Photo Of The Day we have a spooky Zastava Arms M90 semi-automatic sporting rifle. The images are taken by the talented Bravo42 Photography, who really knows how to get the attention going.

Luke C ( @BallisticAviation) is at TriggrCon 2024 to speak with Seth from KCI about their newest magazines. In addition to a new, shorter 20-round variant of their translucent Polycarbonate magazines, KCI is bringing out a new 5.56 AK-compatible 100-round drum magazine that's sure to please those in the "accuracy by volume" crowd. Both new magazines are set to be fully available for order through KCI and their distributors by early 2025.

Luke C (  @BallisticAviation  ) is in Wichita Kansas at TriggrCon 2024 talking with Jake from Mantis about their upcoming addition to the popular Blackbeard rifle laser dry-fire training system. The new AK-47 compatible variant will feature the same 60,000-round shot capacity as the AR-15 variant, but will now be compatible with virtually any AK-47/74 bolt pattern rifle or pistol. The two-piece system features the laser-bolt assembly and of course, the AK-style rock-and-lock battery magazine which also houses the Bluetooth module that integrates with the MantisX Training app.

Luke C ( @BallisticAviation) is on the scene in Wichita Kansas for TriggrCon 2024 with Trigger Empire and their new AK Compatible Forced Reset Trigger. The Trigger Empire AK Forced Reset Trigger (also known as the KONO) is slated to be one of the first commercially available forced reset triggers for the AK platform and will be compatible with a wide variety of AK styles including 5.56, 5.45, and 9mm AK variants from the most popular manufacturers. Today the two young company owners Alex and Jesus tell us all about how they've brought their designs together and plans down the road for three position selector kits as well.

In Part 1 of this article, I talked about the prototypes of Yugoslav AKs, in Part 2 we dived into the history of M70 rifles with milled receivers, Part 3 was dedicated to the most common Zastava M70, Part 4 went over rifles that Zastava developed during the collapse of Yugoslavia, Part 5 was about modern Serbian AKs. In this article, I want to talk about a little-known AK upgrade program developed in Serbia by a private company Reborn Arms.

FPV kamikaze drones have really changed the battlefield. They are small, fast, cheap and devastating against infantry and vehicles alike. The Russo-Ukrainian war is probably the conflict where these machines have been used most extensively and ever since the sides started deploying them, they have also been trying to come up with solutions for defense against FPV drones. Arguably the most effective, readily available and affordable counter-FPV tool at the moment is the good old scattergun. However, one major disadvantage of using shotguns is that you need to carry a separate shoulder-fired weapon. Attempts to make more compact and lightweight devices for anti-FPV warfare have resulted in the creation of things like the Ukrainian MSD-5 pepperbox or the 12 gauge barrel inserts for underbarrel grenade launchers. In this article, we’ll take a look at one of the latest anti-drone devices, a rifle attachment called Dronoboy developed by Russian company BRT (one of the leading suppressor manufacturers in Russia).

We have recently seen a series of Photo Of The Day where U.S. Marines shoot various foreign firearms, in equally foreign places, and today is no different. Above you see U.S Marine Corps Sgt. Caleb Sumerel, a Spring Hill, Tennessee native and a section leader with Mobile Reconnaissance Company, 2d Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion, 2d Marine Division as he sets into a defense while conducting bilateral training with Finnish coastal brigade forces during joint exercise Keksi 24 in Upinniemi, Finland, May 16, 2024. At least he got to go there in the summertime!

Luke C ( @BallisticAviation) is at GunCon 2024 hosted by @brownells  and @TheGunCollective  to talk with the guys from Stuff & Things. This company specializes in creating some pretty interesting AK accessories and conversion kits and their latest kit is the STizon magazine, a 9mm Luger helical magazine compatible with popular 9mm AKs like the PSA AK V, KP9, Draco, etc. Each magazine is sold in two different body configurations (clear polycarbonate or aluminum) and comes with all the necessary parts needed to convert your AK to use the magazine. 

At this year’s GunCon 2024 event at Brownell’s, Stuff & Things Inc. (also affectionately referred to as STInc USA) showed off their brand new STizon Kit, which is their take on the Russian PP-19 Bizon AK variant. The Russian Bizon was originally chambered for the 9x18mm Makarov cartridge and features a helical magazine that runs horizontally under the barrel assembly, allowing for more capacity and a shorter vertical profile. Stuff and Things have already had their pre-order option available, but their new STizon Kit will be shipping soon. Let’s see how the design has progressed.

In  Part 1 of this interview which was recorded in 2018, Travis Haley talked about his first gun, a Chinese AK rifle, and why he bought it. In Part 2 he discussed the pros and cons of this AK weapon platform in general. In Part 3, we talk about the upgrades for the AK platform that make it more effective.

In  Part 1 of this interview that I recorded in 2018, Travis Haley talked about his first gun, a Chinese AK rifle, and why he bought it. In Part 2 I asked him about the pros and cons of this AK weapon platform in general.

Previously, we published an interview ( Part 1 and   Part 2) with Jim Fuller, a gunsmith who had an immense influence on the AK community in the USA. Today we will publish the first part of my interview with Travis Haley, the person largely responsible for the creation of the modern manual of arms for the AK platform.

In the early 80s, Iraq Military Industry was quite impressive for a Middle Eastern country. With the help of Yugoslavia, the country produced several different AK-pattern rifles, light machine guns, and various sniper rifles.

In the first part of the interview, I spoke with Jim Fuller about his experience with Chinese AKs. In this chapter, he will talk about the early 2000s, when US companies just started to build the first American-made AKs.

Last year, I published a series of articles about the history of Chinese AK rifles, Part 1 was about the construction of the factories and the Russian assistance, Part 2 was about the proliferation of Type56, Part 3 was dedicated to post-Cold War changes in Chinese firearms manufacturing and in Part 4 I wrote абоут modern variants of Chinese AKs. However, I ignored one important part of China AK history – importation to the USA. And who knows it better than Jim Fuller, one of the most well-known veterans of the industry who contributed to the popularity of the AK platform in the US.

In  Part 1 of this article, I talked about the first prototypes of Yugoslav AKs, in  Part 2 we dived into the history of M70 rifles with milled receivers, Part 3 was dedicated to the most common Zastava M70, Part 4 went over rifles that Zastava developed during the collapse of Yugoslavia. In this final chapter, I will talk about modern Serbian AKs that I’ve seen over the years.

In  Part 1 of this article, I talked about the first prototypes of Yugoslav AKs, in  Part 2 we dived into the history of M70 rifles with milled receivers, Part 3 was dedicated to the most common Zastava M70s and this chapter will go over Zastava AKs developed during the collapse of Yugoslavia.

The new RUK AK magazine adapter from Occam Defense brings standard AK mags to the Ruger American bolt-action rifle. Rather than the standard Mini-30 mags, which can be expensive and hard to find, AK mags practically grow on trees and tend to be more affordable (as long as you aren’t buying rare ones). Let’s check it out.

In Part 1 of this article, I talked about the first prototypes of Yugo AKs, in Part 2 we dived into the history of M70 rifles with milled receivers. In this article, we’ll take a look at the stamped receiver M70B1 rifles.

In Part 1 of this article, I talked about the history of AK rifle production in East Germany, and  Part 2 was dedicated to my personal experiences with East Germany AKs. In Part 3, I want to talk about less-known variants of DDR AKs and their destiny after the Berlin Wall fell and communism in East Europe collapsed.

Photo Of The Day: Proficiency with allied and enemy gear and firearms is something all pros train for, and that’s why these American soldiers are in Sodankyla, Finland, to learn how to use the 7.62mm RK62 assault rifle.

In Part 1 of the article, I talked about the origins of AK production in Hungary.  Part 2 and Part 3 were dedicated to the most well-known Hungarian AK – AMD-65. In Part 4 I will talk about less-known Hungarian AKs.

Dive into the world of elite firearm craftsmanship with our latest project: constructing the Ultimate Urban AK, where cost is no object. Join us on an unparalleled journey with the masters at Rifle Dynamics in Las Vegas, as we meticulously select and assemble the finest components to build not just a Kalashnikov, but a masterpiece. From choosing the perfect caliber for urban environments to the most ergonomic buttstock and furniture, precision-engineered triggers, and cutting-edge accessories, every detail is carefully considered to enhance performance, reliability, and aesthetics. This isn’t just any AK; it’s the epitome of what the iconic AK can become with no expense spared and no compromises made. Whether you’re a gun enthusiast, a collector, or someone who appreciates the art of fine craftsmanship, this video will take you behind the scenes of creating the ultimate AK, designed to be the best in its class. Witness the birth of the Ultimate Urban AK, where innovation meets tradition in the pursuit of perfection.

In the world of modern rifles, there are countless options on the market. Whether it’s a bullpup, AR15, or other type of rifle, there’s a wide variety of options in the semi-auto rifle market. In the past, I’ve looked at the AKM platform and prefer the ergonomics of the AR15. There are plenty of options on the market that mix the two systems together. I recently saw some of the IWI Galils chambered in 7.62X39 and decided to try them since I have almost no experience with them. Over the last few months, I’ve had time to shoot and experience the Galil ACE. Let’s take a closer look at the IWI Galil ACE Gen II.

Filmed against the backdrop of Enforce Tac 2024 in Nuremberg, Germany, James Reeves engages with Zastava Serbia representatives to uncover the intricate details of the M21 BS. This short-barreled version of the iconic M21 rifle is engineered for superior performance in close combat and urban operations. The video provides an overview of the M21 BS, including its technical specifications: the rifle features a shortened barrel length of approximately 300mm, enhancing its maneuverability in tight spaces. The M21 BS operates on a gas-actuated system with a rotating bolt, ensuring reliable cycling and accuracy. It is chambered for the 5.56x45mm NATO cartridge. Viewers will gain insights into the M21 BS’s enhanced durability features, such as its chrome-lined and cold hammer forged barrel.