AK Underfolder

[number6]

At the main gmail account, a future attendee had a question on his backup rifle and cheek weld.

He wants to use an AK style rifle with an underfolding stock.

Here were my suggestions to get a place for a good cheek weld.

A cheekweld is substantially more difficult for the underfolder stock, however, you may be able to improvise a stock riser.  You would however need to temporarily keep the stock unfolded.  A small block of blue or pink insulating foam placed between the sides of the stock, secured in place with some "vet" tape, would then allow you to build up a riser with softer, pool noodle type foam.

Alternatively, a split piece of appropriately sized pvc pipe, slice the pipe in half long ways, then carefully cut groooves into the side wall of the pipe that fit over or onto the underfolder rails.  Secure the pipe to the stock with the vet tape. You may also need to look at PVC connectors to find an appropriate "width".

If you have time before your event, you can experiment with your rifle and find something that works for you.
The most expensive piece of either of these options is the vet tape, however it is what we normally use, as it does not damage the finish on rifles, as it only really sticks to itself.

A slightly more expensive option would be to use some industrial velcro, and a formed piece of kydex, a thermoplastic, you can get kydex online from several vendors.  I have made risers for wood stocked rifles that then allow me to move the formed kydex piece in all directions for different shooters.  The velcro would make it removable from the outside of the stock rails to allow it to fold.



I am open to suggestions from those who have seen one on the line, and have found a solution.

number6

[dragit]

My cheek weld on that type of rifle lines up perfectly with the sights, no mods needed.  It is a bit slick on the cheek, but I have seen a very nice paracord wrap Henschman from Oklahoma came up with.

[techres]

Wrapping parachord is pretty common and works well to take the edge off of the stock bite.  Different underfolders will create very different situations as some are in line with the rifle (yugo's for instance) while others meet the shoulder at a downward angle from the receiver (romanians commonly).

A cheek riser is made that can bolt on and still be folded.  Parachord can be done and still close (see below) if you stick to a single layer of wrapping.  The main issue is that the cheekweld can become a cheekbone weld or a jawweld depending on the rifle.  It is what it is.  Any of them can make a rifleman, they can just be quite the challenge and I would be surprised if a shooter got an interesting, if very slight, bruise after 2 days on their cheek.

Parachord:


With my krink the point of weld is just above the jaw and as you can see here:

AK Underfolder Cheekweld

It is less than optimal, but it is functional.

[slim]

I simply man up and put my cheek right on the stock. My "sensitive" wife had no problems shooting it.




If the issue is sight alignment I think the shooter will find himself pleased that it lines up pretty good. People are scared to put their face right on the stock but it's not all that bad. Just have to get it planted firmly in the pocket and ride out the recoil. AK looks a lot scarier than it really is. (Also, a lot like my wife.)



See, no problem with alignment!

[AFTERMATH]

Slim, didn't you have a beard before you shot that?   


Ok, on topic Number6, yours and all others' recommendations are good - however, there is one thing I see that might be missing.

Does the shooter understand what a good cheek weld is?  Most, even experienced, do not.
It's probably best to help them understand what they're trying to achieve in making alterations, rather than making alterations simply based on comfort.  Though, that's a good starting point, I suppose.

Under-folders, though my personal experience has been limited have never really bothered me.
It's those &#(*& wire stock side-folders with that beautifully sharp block right in the only part of my face that still has feeling....

[Sir Not Appearing In This Film]

All good points. number6 - I think you worded the response well.

There is also the issue of the AK pattern rifle stock's country of origin and its receiver type.

Generally, if the stock has milled or stamped struts (with no visible rivets on the stamped struts) it will have a "milled AKS pattern low angle" when extended.

For example, Romania chose not to emulate the Russian AKMS underfolder - instead they used the milled pattern AKS stock with its lower, steeper angle and mated it to their AKM pattern Md65. The milled AKS style stock offers a good "jaw-weld" at best - as seen below (I was having fun with a new build - southpaws and underfolder sling mounts don't work well together with a hasty sling). There are a number of WASR underfolders out there that will have this type of stock angle.






If the folding stock struts are stamped and have rivets on the struts the stock will generally have a better, higher angle for a good sight picture and cheek weld. Russian, Yugos, Polish, Hungarian and a few others use the AKM pattern stamped/riveted struts. Below is a Polish AKM - note how much higher the extended stock is.



Samson does make an add-on cheek-piece for the AKM pattern underfolder stock (won't work on a milled underfolder or on Romanian underfolder). Brownell's sells it. I haven't found the add-on necessary.

[dragit]

Hey SNAITF,

That last rifle looks familiar. 

[djmajors]

this may be helpful
http://www.brownells.com/rifle-parts/stock-forend-parts/stock-hardware/cheek-pieces/ak-47-cheek-rests-prod41208.aspx?avs%7cMake_3=AK-47

[slim]

^Now that right there is pretty cool.

But I'd feel all funny doctoring up an AK with anything other than Sponge Bob duct tape.