Slowly but surely a variety of different upgrades have been made available to Russian Alpha AK 47 operators. Despite that, the AR15 operators still have an advantage regarding rifle customization.
We all know the AK market today, so try to learn how to build your own Alpha AK47 clone.
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In this article:
- The Alpha AK47 Rifle
- Rifle Customization
- Crucial AK47 Operator Upgrades
- Trigger Installment
- Threading Barrels
- Reflex Sights, Optics, and Iron Sights
- Other Installations
Russian Alpha AK47 You Can Customize
The Russian Alpha AK47 Rifle
In the firearms industry, there are so many accessories available for the AR15. This particular rifle is known as the “Barbie” rifle or the “Lego” rifle of the market.
However, unlike its counterpart, the Alpha AK assault rifle, does not have as many accessories available.
Recently, members of the Russian Special Operations Teams are showcasing an aesthetically pleasing Alpha AK47 rifle. They call this rifle the Alpha AK and most of its upgrades remain a mystery.
Operators belonging to the Russian government are keeping it a secret. Some information has been shared with the public, especially Americans who appreciate the Russian-founded Alpha AK47 rifle.
A variety of upgrades to the Alpha AK build are already available on the various versions of the AK 47. For example, some versions of the Alpha AK parts have a side rail mount like the Bulgarian and Russian designs.
Others do not yet have other options such as the Chinese designed Norinco MAK 90. Looking at the AK market today, you can now build your own AK Alpha without waiting for the market to provide one for you.
1. Rifle Customization
In order to begin customizing your AK47 to meet the standards of the AK Alpha, you will first need to begin with basic furniture upgrades. Most AK47 versions come with the original wooden stock and handguards.
Although wooden furniture retains value, they need replacement in order to provide the AK operator with the same close quarters' maneuverability as the AK Alpha.
Replace the stock and the handguards with reliable and durable furniture such as Magpul. For the Alpha AK47, Magpul Zhukov furniture is particularly dependable for the needs of the AK47 operator.
Be sure to research what version of the AK47 platform you have. This way, there will be no problems with the furniture you add.
Some AK47 platforms cannot accept a wide variety of furniture upgrades because of the different country regulations placed on their own manufacturing designs.
However, Magpul furniture provides some of the most common furniture upgrades for the most common AK47 platforms.
The video ‘Magpul Furniture Upgrade Norinco MAK 90 AK47’ shows one example of how great Magpul Zhukov furniture is. Click this video link.
2. Crucial AK47 Operator Upgrades
This also includes basic furniture upgrades such as forward pistol grips, forward angled grips, and even folding stocks. Be sure to check in with your local laws as a Short Barreled Rifle (SBR) AK47 or AK74 cannot have a forward-angled grip but a standard size rifle can.
For an AK47, a forward angled grip is more commonly utilized as this allows the AK operator the same maneuverability as a forward pistol grip without the distance seen with AR15 operators. Forward angled grips also tend to be more aesthetically pleasing than forwarding pistol grips.
3. Trigger Installment
In order to bring your own AK Alpha Clone closer to the Russian-inspired Alpha AK47, you must upgrade two crucial components required by AK47 operators.
First, the internal trigger assembly needs a replacement coming from a stock AK47 rifle. The stock trigger typically has a longer reset and a greater trigger resistance which can ultimately take away from accuracy due to inconsistencies in the trigger pull.
A reliable trigger upgrade to add to your AK Alpha Clone is the ALG AKT Defense AK47 Trigger. This trigger is a fraction of the weight needed to squeeze around in comparison from the factory trigger with a ⅛” reset.
This trigger makes for an ideal trigger to simulate rapid-firing or for laying down suppressive fire.
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4. Threading Barrels
The second upgrade crucial to every AK operator is a threaded barrel to mount stabilizers and/or suppressors. The AK47, chambered especially in 7.62X39, can have a heavy recoil causing accuracy to become askew if rapid-firing more than one round due to muzzle climb.
A threaded barrel with a stabilizer can help reduce recoil. A stabilizer and/or suppressor can also help to reduce muzzle flash which will give your position away from the enemy if having to engage in firing from a tree line at night.
What Is a Threaded Barrel? A threaded barrel is an application to the muzzle in order to mount a suppressor to reduce the amount of muzzle flash or muffle the noise when the gun is fired.
5. Reflex Sights, Optics, and Iron Sights
Every Russian-inspired AK Alpha Clone must have its original AK iron sights. It is these iron sights that have helped give the AK47 rifle its reputation.
Upgrades such as optics and reflex sights exist as long as there is a co-witness available alongside the optics upgrade.
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For example, if the battery life of a reflex sight begins to diminish then the reflex sight will need to be dismounted in order for the iron sights to be used. This ultimately loses zero within the reflex sight.
As long as the reflex sight can continue to be mounted during the use of iron sights then a co-witness is achieved. In order to mount reflex sights and optics to an AK47 platform, a side rail mount needs to be installed.
6. Other Installations
Other installations include a Picatinny rail or at least a dog leg rail which are made available by ‘Texas Weapons Systems’.
Ensure that no matter the type of optic, access to the weapons factory iron sights are still available in order to achieve a true Russian-inspired AK Alpha Clone.
A currently upgraded optic to the AK Alpha is the Hartman MH1 Reflex Sight which features a USB rechargeable reflex sight.
That should do it for your Alpha Ak47 clone. You can try your own customizations and rifle upgrades if you want.
Though it's better to go with these tested rifle enhancements for a more optimal firearm performance. Enjoy being a gun carrier and keep safe at all times.
Loading ...Can you now picture out how you'll build your Alpha AK47 clone? Share your thoughts in the comments section below!
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Editor’s Note: This post was originally published on August 20, 2018, and has been updated for quality and relevancy.
A very interesting article! I’m thinking of something like this, just haven’t decided when or how to get it done. Thanks!
“Build Your Own…” … hmmm, for that to be a valid title, there needs to be some discussion on shopping for the 80% receiver, jigs to finish it, what other parts you need to get the thing up and running, THAT IS “BUILDING”. This article is only about customizing the AK you already have. Totally misleading title. Sorry I wasted my time reading it.