I have recently purchased a nice condition Romanian SAR-1 AK47 style rifle. I know where it came from and I know it works well so my mind has immediately turned to what can I do to make this a better rifle. I see the AK47 pattern as an excellent platform to build upon so I've done a little web browsing and I've done a little magazine reading and I've come up with several accessories that I can see as being an improvement over the stock rifle.

Here is what I have been thinking, why don't I let the members (and lurkers) of TacticalGearReview.com (TGR) help me out in deciding on how to tacticize this new rifle. I'm going to throw out a few of the items I've got my eye on, leave it open for comment and suggestions for a little while and then I'm going to let the members vote to decide on what the first improvement to this rifle is going to be. I'll obtain that item, test it, and review it here on TGR. Then we can vote on the next one and so on and so forth until this rifle is properly accessorized.

So without further delay here are a few of the items I've had my eye on. Please leave me your comments and any suggested additions to the list so we can get ready for stage 1 of the voting.

Poll is at the left, go ahead and vote for the first upgrade for this rifle or click "Read More" to read the whole article with descriptions and pictures of all the upgrades.

Furniture

TAPCO AK Folding Stock

Patterned after the classic Galil design, the AK Folding Stock is manufactured for stamped receivers. Ideal for use in vehicle operations or confined spaces, our AK Folding stock greatly reduces the overall length of the weapon. When needed the stock easily deploys to the open position and locks for a rigid shooting platform. Constructed of military-grade composite for years of use. This item is marked as “TAPCO USA ” and counts as 1 U.S. Sec 922R compliant part.

http://www.tapco.com/proddesc.aspx?id=ee04b49c-5e27-4de0-9b93-d4522d1a7682

TAPCO AK T6 Collapsible Stock

Designed to enhance the ergonomics of the mostly widely produced firearm in the world, our AK T6 collapsible stock offers many advantages over the original. The TAPCO six (6) position stock fits the weapon to the operator regardless of body type or individual equipment. Both the stock body and the receiver extension are constructed of military grade composite. T6 Stocks are currently in use by many private security forces throughout the world. This item is marked as “TAPCO USA ” and counts as 1 U.S. Sec 922R compliant part.

http://www.tapco.com/proddesc.aspx?id=d67bddab-5c30-4440-b9a8-7778b7a5fcd8

AK-020BUS BUTT STOCK ~ Assy. Black Plastic AK-74 NATO length (Made in USA)

http://www.k-var.com/shop/product.php?productid=16309&cat=0&page=1

TAPCO FUSION AK Handguard

Designed with direct input from our military clientele, our AK FUSION handguard set enhances the look and function of your AK47. The lower handguard houses a concealed Picatinny rail for mounting lights, lasers, or vertical grips. The matched upper handguard offers increased dissipation and improved styling. This item counts as 1 U.S. Sec 922R compliant part.

http://www.tapco.com/proddesc.aspx?id=f3b6079b-3228-42c2-864d-ee01ee4f7d13

TAPCO AK SAW Style Pistol Grip

Inspired by the M249 Squad Automatic Weapon, the AK SAW grip features a more ergonomic angle and increased width for greater comfort and control. Inside the grip housing is a useful storage compartment. Constructed of military-grade composite for years of use. This item is marked as “TAPCO USA and counts as 1 U.S. Sec 922R compliant part.

http://www.tapco.com/proddesc.aspx?id=40adec41-96dc-4153-acd4-cf4a208a92d6

Sights

Krebs AK PEEP SIGHT

The new KCI AK peep sight in fixed windage only. The sights are made from 4130 steel, heat treated to a hardness of 45 Rockwell. They have a black oxide finish. They are graduated to either 800 or 1000 meters, use the original elevation slide and are a direct replacement for the original AK rear sight.

http://www.krebscustom.com/PartsPages/KalashnikovParts.shtml

Mojo Aperture Sight

http://www.mojosights.com

XS AKM Express 24/7 Set - Big Dot Tritium

http://www.tacticalresponsegear.com/catalog/product_info.php?cPath=23_93&products_id=3085&osCsid=a0d87fac9430542a08731f75c11f217b

UltiMAK AK "scout" mount Model M1-B

(I'm leaning away from putting any optics on this rifle so someone would really have to convince me of this one - Monty)

UltiMAK M1-B-- A rock-solid platform for your premium optics. With the increasing popularity of the AK based rifles in three gun competitions, the need for a handy, light, completely reliable high speed sighting system has resulted in the UltiMAK M1-B optic mount. Its Picatinny style rail is positioned well below the iron sight axis, making this the lowest optic mount available for the AK. With a tubular sight mounted low, you will be able to use your optic without a comb riser and still use your regular hold. The system allows for co witnessing (the ability to use your iron sights right through a 1x sight as a back-up sighting system) when used with a tubular reflex sight. This heavy duty mount replaces the original steel gas tube and upper handguard, so it adds less than one ounce to the weight of the rifle, making it by far the lightest optic mount installation in the world. The forward positioning of the optic gives you faster, easier and more natural targeting while maintaining your full field of view. Multiple target or moving target engagements, with both eyes open, become second nature.

http://www.ultimak.com/M1-b.htm

Safety Lever

Krebs ENHANCED AK SELECTOR LEVER

While the standard AK selector lever is well designed for the function it performs, it 's operation does require the shooter to remove the firing hand from the pistol grip. The Krebs Custom AK selector lever allows for manipulation of the selector while maintaining the shooting hand in firing position, as well as provides a notch for locking back the bolt for inspection. A one for one replacement of the OEM part.

http://www.krebscustom.com/PartsPages/KalashnikovParts.shtml

BJB S.W.I.F.T AK-47 Safety Levers - Notched

• New Blackjack S.W.I.F.T (Selector With Integrated Finger Tab) levers allow engaging/disengaging of safety while maintaining firm grip of weapon.

• Notched to hold bolt back

• Works on milled or stamped receivers

• Will work on Semi-Auto AK's

• Life Time Warranty

http://www.blackjackbuffers.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=202

Muzzle Break/Flash Suppressor

FA Enterprises Muzzle Brake Adapter AK-47 Steel Blue

Adapter converts non-threaded barrel to 14mm - 1.0 Thread. Held to barrel with set screws.

http://www.midwayusa.com/eproductpage.exe/productview?saleitemid=879324&t=11082005

Phantom Style Flash Hider for AK

Nearly Eliminates Muzzle Flash; Improves Accuracy. The most advanced design available for reducing or nearly eliminating all the muzzle flash on military caliber rifles or carbines. Three flutes dissipate the gas that contain the unburnt powder; allows increased residual burn for less visible flash. Will not loosen under heavy fire and helps align exiting barrel gas to improve accuracy.

SPECS: 14:1 LH Threads, 2¼" (5.7cm) long, .861" (21mm) diameter. 2.9 oz. (82 g) wt.

http://www.blackjackbuffers.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=76&products_id=339

Magazine Release

AK-47 Tactical Magazine Release

This new magazine release is smaller and more attractive, plus it is less likely to become snagged on brush when used in the field. In addition to a revised design, these all steel parts are now hardened to ensure greater integrity.

Strong and simple ambidextrous magazine release that really works! A natural evolution of the AK-47 magazine release. Dramatically decreases magazine change times by allowing a quick mag drop with the trigger finger while keeping the stong hand on the pistol grip. Effective for competitive shooting or any circumstance that requires reduced magazine change time. Mag release comes with black phosphate finish, is pre-drilled, and is ready to attach to your existing magazine release. Unit comes complete with instructions.

http://www.blackjackbuffers.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=70&products_id=357

Well that should be enough to get us started, let me know what you think and any other suggestions you may have. In about a week I'll set up the poll and you can vote for the first tactical accessory for this rifle.

Poll is at the left, go ahead and vote for the first upgrade for this rifle.

If you want to discuss this in the forum I've set up a thread just for this SAR1 Upgrade Project Thread

Thanks!

Monty