[kev]

Does anyone have a folding stock on their AK-47? If so, what is the brand name of the stock, do you like it, does it work ok?

I am interesting in a stock that folds to the left so it does not interfere with the safety and bolt operation of the AK.

Years ago I read an article that made perfect sense. The author said why do ak-47 stocks fold to the bottom, where they can hit the magazine, or fold to the right where they can interfere with the bolt and safety operation, when the stock can just fold to the left and be out of the way. It was like the designers of the folding stocks were stupid or blind or both. This article was wrote back on the 1980's. So I am wondering if designers of folding stocks have wised up any?

I am looking at buying a folding stock for am AK, so any suggestions or input would be helpful.

 

[rodanvssct]

I have folders on all of mine. During a Katrina type event, you would not want to just walk around with an AK visible. A folder allows you to keep the thing handy in a duffle bag, chair bag, tennis racket bag, etc...

I'll only mention folders that drop in here since that is what you want to do. For folders that would require drilling holes in the receiver, I would just buy the AK with that type of folder based on how much it would cost otherwise.

The folders I'm familiar with are as follows:
1.http://www.k-var.com/shop/product.php?productid=16737&cat=329&page=1

2.http://dpharms.com/romanian-ak-47-folding-stock-p-87.html

3.http://riflestocks.com/AKStampedNoMods.htm

4.I'd stay away from the tapco plastic folders. They break.

The kvar folds to the left. It is great unless you have optics. With optics mounted on the left reciever side mount, the stock will not lock on the left side.

The Romanian/East German question mark looking stock actually works very well, and is very strong. Apparently the communists weren't concerned with a cheek weld like we are here though. It is not as comfortable, but I don't seem to suffer any in my training. It folds to the right, but does not interfere with the bolt in any way. I wrap paracord around it to add some comfort and utility. This is the cheapest way to go by far.

The ACE folders work well also, but I don't have one. I have used them however. They can fold either way from what I understand depending on how you install it. You can get different configurations to install with this one. You can either get a bold on version or another kind where you have to mill your tang off, and then bolt it on (this is sturdier and cuts down on length).

Again, the three stock I mentioned above are easy to install. I would say even a caveman could do it.

 

[DocYoung]

ACE are the best hands down. They are way to $$. K-var are the most practical and well built for the money. As already stated the tapco are pretty close to craptastic.

 

[Survival Helper]

Kev, I'll post some pics of mine when I get back home. I am really curious who has tested the Tapco stock to be able to make a claim like they have here. Maybe I will do a quick test video because mine has been to Iraq, security detail, heck, high water, dropped, kicked, slammed on the ground stock first, and rides in the truck wherever I lay it and it isnt broken yet, not bad for three years of beating it to death, does it have flaws? Yep so do all folders. I would be much abliged if someone can show me some broken Tapco stocks, and not stories either. I searched the net, asked gunsmiths and never has anyone heard of this, but yet we have two of the same opinion?

 

[DocYoung]

"I would be much abliged if someone can show me some broken Tapco stocks, and not stories either."

Never had it break but have had it fold while firing. I dont have a video but can get you a picture of my chiped tooth if you'd like.




Also have seen the hand guard melt.

 

[rodanvssct]

I've seen far too many posts on these breaking on several forums from people who I would trust. Some I know personally, and some I know through others. Some I don't know. Having handled them, I would tend to believe the accounts I've heard.

They are cheap enough that you could get one yourself, and test it. I just had other options, and chose not to go with Tapco. I could point to other forums, but I don't have a personal picture or experience breaking one.

If I heard one account, I would want more evidence. I just happened to see too many accounts of problems, and decided to stay away.

 

[rodanvssct]

On the Tapco stock again let me add this. I may be looking at this from another angle than some others. I look at the AK as a fighting tool. Let me explain. The AK can excel at not just shooting reliably and efficiently, but also at it's ability to be used as a bludgeoning instrument. A solid metal or wood stock gives me some peace of mind as a student of martial arts, and the ability to use the AK as a weapon even without ammo in it.

For techniques on using the AK beyond just shooting, look up Sonny Puzikas' video.

http://www.ak47videos.com/

I believe this video is being discontinued as he is coming out with some more. I hope this was helpful, and again I'm no expert. I'm learning too.

 

[badkarma]

The Tapco folder breaking at the hinge is a well documented issue. To the point that Tapco added the following to their online catalog:

http://www.tapco.com/proddesc.aspx?...04-4cb8d46ad866

the above pages content has since been edited, but below was the wording in March of 2006

"Our Galil style U.S. made AK Folding Stock now has a steel hinge pin and we have reinforced the latch and locking mechanisim by adding more material to the hinge and lock surface. This change has improved the function while eliminating any chance of breaking.
Although there are thousands of the TAPCO AK Folding Stocks that are still functioning 100%, we have made this change for all of the new production stocks to better guarantee a lifetime of un-interupted usage.
There are many new products that will be released from TAPCO in the upcoming year. One of our main goals is to continue to bring you U.S. made parts, stocks and accessories to fit your requirements, as well as for our Armed Forces and Law Enforcement.

Thank you for your support."

I personally do not own one, but I have handeled quite a few, and the hinges are a weak point in the design. Many have been fine....but many have not. If yours is fine, consider yourself frotunate as many have not been so lucky.

 

[kev]

Ak-47

Next month I am looking at getting another AK47, or at least putting one on lay-away.

I dont know about those tapsco stocks, they look nice but this is the kind I really want

http://riflestocks.com/AKStampedNoMods.htm

 

[Beaterar]

Seems to me that when you take in to mind the fact that you can get a battle proven side folder for a cheap cost its just not worth the risk to get something with such a reputation. That is not to say that it doesn't work or will not work.

I like the east German side folder because its got a lever that locks and unlocks the stock that is strong, it has a built in wire cutter that can cut some monster wire. Yes they fold to the right, but folded stocks are really for ease of storage IMO. I Have tried to shoot them with the stock folded and find it greatly hinders my ability its a last ditch maneuver IMO.

They lack a decent cheek weld though.

If I were to buy anything it would be a AR15 style collapsible stock for the AK47.

 

[Survival Helper]

http://www.tapco.com/proddesc.aspx?Id=09553700-2465-4907-a21e-eb13df0bd4ac

Features & Benefits:
Manufactured in the US by TAPCO

Solid Locking

Lightweight

Counts as 1 Sec 922r Compliant Part

Lifetime Guarantee

Like I said anyone have any proof? I have looked all over the net, emailed Tapco, and several other companies and not one has any proof. ALL products will have failures and to base an opinion of a product off a few internet stories is just plain crazy. I have now been convienced to do the torture test yet again on this stock. Since it is about 25 degrees and we have snow this should be fun

Really ALL stocks that fold to the right (tapco included) will interfere with the operation of the weapon. They block the safety and make charging the weapon a pain but both can be done. If I would buy another it most likely would be a left side folder, but they were way out of the price range when I got this one. As for wanting a solid striking surface then you need to leave the weapon alone with a solid fixed stock. The entire point of a folder is it WILL compromise strength for size, regardless of the style of folder.

 

[kev]

I sent an email to J&T Distributing, about this folding stock. http://riflestocks.com/index2.htm

The reply email said the stock alone it $64.95. $65 for a metal stock aint bad in my books. I paid $39 or $49 for a mini-30 folding stock 10+ years ago.

Someone suggested an AR-15 stock, that is just ugly.

The other option is the TAPCO stock. Tapco would be the less expensive option. I think cheaper then dirt and midway USA both sell the tapco stocks.

 

[badkarma]

so....sell yours to kev since we know it works.

 

[madcritter]

now if you just want to have some play toy that works and have a glock you can get one of these

http://www.israelmilitary.com/tactical-stock-glock-p-1705.html

but then of course you have to register it with ATF

 

[rodanvssct]

Kev,

I think you need to order more than just the stock if you go from ACE. The site says you need 3 components. It all adds up to well over $100. I thought I'd mention that so you'd be aware. The KVAR stocks are on sale around $95. The Romanians are around $50 or less. I got mine for $35. They have a very strong lockup.

This is from their site:
To order an ACE side folding Stock for any other weapon, you will need to order three ACE components.

1) A Receiver Block

2) A Folding Mechanism

3) An ACE Modular Stock

 

[RevPaul]

I have owned several "folding" stock weapons, and currently own one AK factory folder.
For concealment or Airborne uses, a folding stock is fine, but the ergonomics are very poor.
Full stock gets it done every time.
Folders are a comprimise.
I can hit with what ever, because a tool is a tool, but some require more effort.
Think of the use, think of .......................
Think.
How do you intend too use this platform, will it fill your needs, or will it cause failure?
I can use it, but prefer fixed, but I may need concealment, and fixed will give me away.............
OP's specific.
Will it suffice in an all around senerio ?
.02 cents

 

[RevPaul]

Opps, I forgot my Krink.

 

[madcritter]

The only folding stock I own is on a Mossburg 500 and I do have a sliding stock on my Car15. Folders just are not that stable always got a little wiggle in them. The sliding lock stock on the Car is more stable with very little play.

 

[CPL_BS_88]

how hard would it be to make your own? get a $20 conversion block sold on CTD. some aluminum and fire and you got yourself a sweet rig.

But seriously, has anybody tried it? I was thinking of geting that block thingy and a buffer tube then truing to make a jig to bend the tube and weld it all up Looking for somthing like the ace stock but about 1/32 the price.

 

[4norsemen]

Thanx for the info on AK-folding stocks. before reading this I was in the position of not replacing my original stock on my AK because I was just too lazy or thought the wood stock was more reliable and less fuss. Now I can safely say I dont want to replace it until I really know what Im getting. Like the old wise man said," if it aint brike dont fix it." Please keep the posts coming so I can be more informed.