AK-47

CMMG Upgrades the MUTANT: The AR That Uses AK Mags

More than three years after CMMG’s Mk47 MUTANT took the shooting world by storm, the company continues to update and refine the platform. With the release of the Mk47 AKR and Mk47 AKR2, CMMG has upgraded the MUTANT with an ambidextrous safety selector, its new RML15 M-LOK hand guard and new ambidextrous charging handle.

The MUTANT is a mid-sized platform AR that is designed to run the 7.62x39mm round using a larger and more durable AR10-sized bolt, while still offering AR15 style ergonomics. It’s built from an AR10-sized platform that has been shortened by ¾ of an inch. A unique lower receiver is capable of accepting AK magazines and drums while the rifle itself accepts most aftermarket AR rifle parts.

One of the few aftermarket parts not compatible with the MUTANT are charging handles. This is due to the MUTANT being a shortened, mid-size platform AR. By adding the new ambidextrous charging handle to the AKR and AKR2 models, CMMG has made the MUTANT much easier to operate. The new MUTANT rifles are now fully ambidextrous thanks to the combination of the new ambidextrous charging handle with the ambidextrous magazine release and an ambidextrous safety selector.

For those who already own a MUTANT, the ambidextrous charging handles will be available for purchase as a standalone accessory.

Mk47 AKR

BARREL: 16.1″ 1:10 MEDIUM TAPER 4140 SBN BARREL

MUZZLE: SV MUZZLE BRAKE, THREADED 5/8-24

HAND GUARD: CMMG RML15

FURNITURE: MAGPUL MOE PISTOL GRIP, MAGPUL CTR BUTTSTOCK, AMBIDEXTROUS SAFETY, AMBIDEXTROUS CHARGING HANDLE

RECEIVERS: BILLET 7075-T6 AL

TRIGGER: CMMG MIL-SPEC

WEIGHT: 7.2 LBS (UNLOADED)

LENGTH: 33.5″ (STOCK COLLAPSED)

GAS PORT LOCATION: CARBINE

MSRP: $1,699.95

Mk47 AKR2

BARREL: 16.1″ 1:10 MEDIUM TAPER 4140 SBN BARREL

MUZZLE: SV MUZZLE BRAKE, THREADED 5/8-24

HAND GUARD: CMMG RML15

FURNITURE: MAGPUL MOE PISTOL GRIP, MAGPUL CTR BUTTSTOCK, AMBIDEXTROUS SAFETY, AMBIDEXTROUS CHARGING HANDLE

RECEIVERS: BILLET 7075-T6 AL

TRIGGER: GEISSELE AUTOMATICS SSA

WEIGHT: 7.2 LBS (UNLOADED)

LENGTH: 33.5″ (STOCK COLLAPSED)

GAS PORT LOCATION: CARBINE

MSRP: $1,899.95

Ambidextrous Charging Handle

FITMENT: MUTANT & ANVIL Platforms

MATERIAL: 7075-T6 AL

MSRP: $99.95

CMMG Lifetime Quality Guarantee

CMMG, Inc. will guarantee its products against defects in material or workmanship. CMMG, Inc. will repair, replace or substitute part(s) (at CMMG, Inc. discretion) at no charge to the customer if a defect of material or workmanship is found. All service work must be carried out by CMMG, Inc.

About CMMG:

CMMG began in central Missouri in 2002 and quickly developed into a full-time business because of its group of knowledgeable and passionate firearms enthusiasts committed to quality and service. Its reputation was built on attention to detail, cutting edge innovation and the superior craftsmanship that comes from sourcing all their own parts. By offering high quality AR rifles, parts and accessories, CMMG’s commitment to top-quality products and professional service is as deep today as it was when it began.

For More Information Visit:

www.cmmginc.com

Blue Force Gear AK Sling: The Combloc choice

Blue Force Gear’s Vickers slings are famous for their ingenious design, and simplicity. What started as a standard AR sling has been slowly adopted into a variety of platforms. This includes options for the SAW, the M240 and of course the AK series of rifles. This particular model is the Special edition AK Sling Version 6. It features a leather pull tab instead of webbing. It comes in a unique Olive Green color with a Red Star stamp. The result is something that looks nearly identical to the classic, old school AK web sling. Except the sling isn’t just a cheap communist piece of crap, but a functional multi-use sling.

The AK Sling – What’s New?

This special edition sling at its core isn’t much different from a standard AK sling, it’s mostly looks. How does the Vickers AK sling vary from the standard Vickers Blue Force Gear sling? They are similar in many ways, but you can tell Blue Force Gear and Larry Vickers knew they had to adopt a few things for the AK platform. First and foremost is the addition of a sewn-in U-loop for attaching to the Eastern Bloc standard sling point. The rear of the stock lacks a U Loop and is designed to be used for a rear sling point or to wrap around the actual stock and tightened down. While this is an AK sling I didn’t attach it to an AK, instead, I went to a more modern platform that’s still attached to the AK heritage.

The Platform

I used my SIG 556R for this review. The SIG 556R is a SIG rifle designed to replace the aging armories full of AK’s with a modern and modular platform. The SIG 556R utilizes the same ergonomics as an AK, including the sling points. The AK Sling mounts perfectly with an additional BFG U-Loop.

In Use

Once mounted it functions like a dream. The design of the sling allows me to wear it tight to my body when patrolling, climbing ladders, crawling, etc. With this sling, you can let the weapon hang comfortably when utilizing both arms. This allows you to help medevac a wounded or teammate, or more realistically when carrying something like a range bag with one hand and an ammo can with the other.

When it comes time to start shooting you grip the pull tab and push it forward to loosen the sling and weapon for greater maneuverability. The rapid pull tab on the AK Sling makes it easy to transition between combat and movement. You can run the sling loose when engaging targets and then tighten it back down when it comes to applying restraints to a surrendering enemy.

The Vickers slings is a great choice for any platform, but the AK has its own needs. The Vickers AK Sling is an outstanding option and one of the very few modern sling options for Kalashnikov’s rifle.

Russia’s RPK-74 LMG: A Faithful Servant Since 1974

Courtesy of Tactical Life

When I was in Russia a little over 12 years ago, I had quite a few contacts with former Desantniks (paratroopers) and Spetsnaz operators and made it a point to ask them about the weapons they had used and their opinions of them. Since most had seen combat in Afghanistan or Chechnya, their views of weapons were often very practical. One of the weapons that I discussed with these veterans was the RPK-74, which basically functioned as a squad automatic weapon.

Just as the 7.62x39mm RPK (Ruchnoy Pulemyot Kalashnikova) had been based on the AKM rifle, the 5.45x39mm RPK-74 was based on the AK-74 rifle. The primary differences between the RPK and the AKM were a heavier and longer barrel that wouldn’t heat up as quickly during full-auto fire; longer-range sights; a threaded barrel to take various muzzle devices; and a sturdier trunnion and receiver cover. The wooden forend and clubfoot buttstock provided for more effective prone use. RPKs were also fitted with bipods. These same features were incorporated into the RPK-74, which, as its designation indicates, was adopted in 1974 and produced by Izhmash. Another change was the reinforced magazine well, and the RPK-74 uses a different guide rod and spring than the AK-74.

Although the RPK accepted 75-round drum magazines, the RPK-74 did not. Well, let me modify that by saying that polymer, 100-round drum magazines were developed, but they weren’t not normally issued because of reliability problems. Instead, 45-round box magazines were issued. This is the extended magazine often seen in photos of ex-Russian paratroopers most often commented on this type of magazine.

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Photo courtesy of Tactical Life

Doomsday AK: Century Arms’ C39v2 Is Your SHTF Insurance

Courtesy of Tactical Life

Although this land is still the United States, the landscape is vastly different than what our grandfathers and great-grandfathers saw as they brought this nation to the world stage in the 20th century. The ever-shifting sands of public sentiment and the loss of our society’s comprehension of and faith in our Constitution should give each of us pause. We should consider what’s important in our lives and be ready to face whatever comes our way with courage and resolve. Whether it’s a foreign threat or a peril from within, each person should be capable of protecting themselves, their loved ones and their rights to property. which the labors of a finite life and time allowed each of us to have. Essentially, I’m talking about insurance, and to be more specific, I’m speaking of insurance in the form of Century Arms’ new 7.62x39mm C39v2.

Milled For Battle

The Century Arms C39v2 is a 100-percent American-made AK rifle that offers a load of premium features for a modest price. As most gun enthusiasts know, the standard AK platform is known for its simple operation and takedown process for cleaning, as well as its exceptional reliability. Century Arms started with those platform advantages and built in a suite of extras that makes this a standout rifle.

First, the C39v2’s receiver is milled from a block of 4140 ordnance steel, whereas most AK receivers (AKMs) are stamped into a sheet of steel. The milled receiver makes the C39v2 more durable, stiffer and arguably more accurate partly because of the increased stiffness. This is a rifle that can hold up to generations of use.

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Century Arms Unveils ‘Red Army Standard’ 7.62x39mm Boat Tail Ammo

Courtesy of Tactical Life

Florida-based AK manufacturer Century Arms is now shipping a new version of its 7.62x39mm ammo as part of its Red Army Standard lineup.

RELATED STORY: 11 Magazines and Drums to Keep Your AK Well Fed

According to the press release, this ammunition—part of the Century Arms’ efforts to boost the “performance potential” of the AK-47 platform—features a boat tail bullet, as well as a sealed neck and primer for “resistance to adverse elements.”

The new 7.62x39mm ammunition is made in Russia in a facility that specializes in cartridges for military and sporting/hunting small arms. It boasts a 124 grain FMJBT (Full Metal Jacket Boat Tail) bullet with a bimetal jacket and lead core, non-corrosive primers, and a lacquered steel case for smooth feeding and extraction. Meanwhile, the sealant around the bullet and primer keeps out moisture, which means the ammo can be stored for long periods of time and used in harsh environments.

“We are very excited to be able to offer some of the finest 7.62x39mm ammunition we have seen,” Jason Karvois, Century Arms’ Director of Sales, said in a statement. “We have worked very hard to bring this new product to the U.S. Market to provide a higher quality option for 7.62x39mm enthusiasts while still maintaining a reasonable price point.”

Century Arms’ new Red Army Standard 7.62x39mm FMJBT ammo is shipping to dealers and distributors in 20-round boxes at a MSRP of $5 per box, and in 1,000-round cases at a suggested retail price of $250 per case.

RELATED STORY: All-American AK – The Century Arms C39 7.62x39mm Rifle

For more on Century Arms, visit centuryarms.com.

Leupold LCO Carbine Optic | Quick Look

I’m a nut for trying out new optics: I’m constantly buying and borrowing various aiming devices to fulfill a darwinian selection process atop my rifles. In this never-ending journey, I came across a Leupold LCO and couldn’t wait to take a crack at it. On paper, the LCO (Leupold Carbine Optic) is a technological wonder. Boasting a 5 year battery life on a CR123a battery, 1 MOA dot, motion sensor and rugged aluminum body, the LCO’s features list has a “whats what” of options. The body is big enough for a huge viewing window but is still surprisingly light. The dot is very crisp and with 16 brightness settings to choose from, always having the right option available. The distinctive shape makes it feel like a cross between an Aimpoint Comp M and an Eotech, combining the best of both. .5 moa clicks are the adjustments available and feel solid.

Leupold LCO | Quick Look — Range day with the LCO. Photo by Flint Traeger.

During hands-on time, I noticed the LCO is a real quality made product. As with all Leupold products, this means you’ll pay a premium price up front but have a lifetime of support. The brightness control knob is well placed and the LCO will remember your brightness setting when off. The “leupy” zeroed easy and has held tight between shooting sessions. I have to mention again: despite looking like a mid-to-large red dot, this thing really feels light. The scale says 9.5oz but even that feels high. The large field-of-view means that even when firing higher recoiling rounds or rapid strings of fire, the dot stays visible at all times. This isn’t always true with red dot sights that have smaller housings.

The LCO will stay on until 1 year after the presidential election we’re about to vote on is over. Leupold says it will hold zero, stay fog-proof and keep kickin’ ass long after that time and they’re willing to put their money on the line to back that up. MSRP is $1299 but street price is under $1K at Midway USA. With a lifetime gold ring warranty, the juice is worth the squeeze.