Want to make your AK-47 even better?
We’ve tried a lot of the stuff out there and here are our favorite AK-47 upgrades that span everything from furniture to optics mounting, triggers, and muzzle devices.
By the end you’ll know exactly what you need to make your AK the best suited for your task.
Table of Contents
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1. AK Scope Rails
One of the biggies…you can finally mount some optics and scopes to your AK. If you have a side scope mount…
We like Midwest for all their AK stuff (and their AR-15 Handguards). There’s a couple different options.
Midwest Industries AK Railed Scope Mount
The Midwest Industries Rail is the most versatile mount since it gives you Picatinny rails on the top.
Very secure and adjustable quick detach method…although my recommendation is to really read the instructions. You don’t want it TOO tight and the disengagement system is a little hard to figure out initially.
So far so good with the zero when taking it on and off to access the internals…at least with a red dot.
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
Midwest Industries AK 30MM Side Mount
If you’re rocking a 30mm red dot like our favorite Aimpoint Pro (full review)…you can skip some weight of a Picatinny rail.
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
Midwest Industries AK 30mm Scope Mount
And…if you’re going with a low power scope (Best 1-6x Scopes) that uses 30mm rings…you can get Midwest’s Scope Mount.
Again…saves weight from the Picatinny option and lowers the optic for an easier cheekweld.
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
Cheaper Option
Disclaimer…I haven’t tried this out but I know some of you out there are looking for more budget options that have decent reviews.
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
2. Gas Tube Optics Mounts
I’ve used the option of replacing the gas tube with a mount the longest.
It holds zero very well but does heat up the optic so you’ll have to either shoot slowly (boooo) or opt for a good optic like the Aimpoint H-1 I have above (Best Red Dots).
It also places the optic a little farther up which gives you a great field of view but makes it a little harder to acquire the dot. No problem if you have a proper cheekweld though.
Ultimak AK Optic Mount
Ultimak’s version is the gold standard and has worked for 5+ years for me.
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
Midwest Industries AK Gas Block Mount
Midwest has come out with their version which features an adjustable nut that makes install really easy. I’m testing out mine so I’ll update…but so far so good.
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
3. Handguards
The OG versions work well…and there’s those that find anything but the regular wood furniture is blasphemy.
But I love my polymer furniture!
Magpul AK Handguard
Proper length, gives you access to M-LOK, and holds up to the heat.
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
Midwest Industries Railed Handguard
Another few options from Midwest to give you rail access up front while giving your AK a more updated look.
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
Or if you don’t need quadrails…go for the M-LOK option.
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
4. Buttstocks
There’s nothing wrong with the original…but I really like Magpul’s Zhukov.
It is length adjustable AND foldable. And with a robust attachment system (make sure to follow the instructions).
Plus it looks super cool when combo-ed with the Magpul handguard since I think the Zhukov front (above) is too long.
My favorite stock right now.
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
And if you’re in love with a specific AR-15 stock (Best AR-15 Stocks)…you can get an adapter.
Here’s our go-to…
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
5. Pistol Grip
I haven’t tried out too many pistol grips for the AK…but it’s pretty similar to AR-15s.
Magpul MOE AK Grip
The keep-it-simple-stupid grip that gets rid of finger grooves.
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
Hogue AK Grip
If you like the best grip with a rubbery texture…I suggest the Hogue.
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
Strike Industries Featureless AK Grip
And if you’re in a restricted state…
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
6. AK Magazines
I love the old Bulgarian mags for but for new generation polymer magazines I like Magpul’s Gen 3 versions.
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
7. Piston
An over-gassed AK can cause premature wear and tear on the firearm itself not to mention it can increase perceived recoil. So, it makes sense to prevent this by installing a new piston.
I recommend the KNS Precision Adjustable AK Piston.
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
8. Smaller Parts
Retaining Plate
If you take apart the internals or swap out a trigger…I really like swapping out the pins with a one-piece retaining plate.
It’s cheap and keeps everything together.
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
AK Safety Latch
Finally gives you bolt hold open capability!
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
9. AK Muzzle Devices
The AK-47 kicks more than the AR-15…and though the slant brake is ok…it can always be better.
I like the PWS since I’ve run an older version the longest…
It tames the recoil and muzzle rise very well.
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
Need a flash hider? There’s not too many choices out there but I like AAC’s which utilizes the tried and true triple prong.
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
Or how about a compensator that pushes the blast forward…especially good if you have teammates and a shorter barrel. Your range friends will thank you too.
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
10. Triggers
We end with a super important upgrade…the trigger.
Getting a better trigger (especially on an AK) is probably the best bang-for-the-buck upgrade for immediate accuracy results.
For mine…the ALG AK Trigger brought down my AK trigger to 3 lb 1 oz and reduced the post and pre travel. Amazing!
Plus, it’s not that big of a pain to install.
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
What’s your take on the ALG?
Another option which yields a better overall trigger pull…but at a much higher expense and potentially a much harder install (depending on your gun).
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
Conclusion
There you have it…our best AK-47 upgrades with a couple of choices each.
Whether you want to mount an optic affordably…or fully trick out your AK to bring it to the 21st century…there’s an upgrade for it.
Anything else you’d add onto the list…or how have these upgrades affected your rifle’s performance? And…if you’re looking at a new (or first) AK purchase…check out our Best AK-47 post.
Or now that you’ve got an optic mount…check out our Best AR-15 Optics (since they are pretty much the same for AKs)
16 Leave a Reply
I've got a Norinco MAK90 from back in the 90s. Shoots as smooth as butta. Never liked the hardware though. I'm seeing plenty of items out there, but seem to always get tripped up by the upper receiver attachment for stocks. Any recommendations out there? (Already own several USA products, thank you)
What happened to item 7?
How do the Midwest rail systems stand up to heat? Have to wear gloves? The Russian Molot AK grip is popular for those with large hands (if you can find one). I'm running the RS Regulate scope mount and it seems to work well but it is almost too adjustable. It is a two-piece affair with a bunch of screws that must be perfectly aligned and then Loctited securely. The add-on which seems to be getting the most press lately is the KNS Precision Adjustable Gas Piston. I have one on order. Allows you to custom-tune the gas settings and is essential for those running suppressors. I tried a Texas Weapons System top cover and found the aluminum too soft. Very delicate piece of kit that is easily deformed on installation (don't ask me how I know). The TWS product is not sufficiently robust to run on the AK platform. Stick to the side scope mount. I run a standard AK-100 side-folding stock and the length of pull is perfect for me. While the triangle side-folder looks way more cool, the full stock is far more comfortable to shoot.
Everything is upgradeable and its mostly a matter of preference but my top picks are 1. CMC trigger 2. Texas Weapons Top Cover 3. Iron Claw Tactical Magwell 4. KNS Precision Adjustable Gas Piston and 5. Krebs MKVII Safety Selector. I have upgraded other things but I think these are what make my AK what it is.
Anyone ,Im looking for barrel clamp on mossberg 930 spx.So far Im not sure what choice I have.
Eric, why do you think the full-length Magpul Zhukov handguard is "too long"? Is it an aesthetics issue or something else?
RS Regulate blows Midwest Industries junk out of the water. MI scope mount is garbage and unusable on any AKM - won’t fit due to rear sight or sits back too far to view. There’s a lot more out there than what’s listed and feel this is luke warm at best from an informational and practical perspective. TWS products are nice but I’ve experienced shift in zero so can’t recommend them. Longer sight radius is offset by loss of range adjustments. Troy and VLTOR handguard options are sweet and rival MI. Troy also makes a railed gas tube option.
I have a MI mount on PSA AK with 1x6 ACSS scope. No problems whatsoever. Returns to zero every time. Works fine, last a long time. Added a .75 in cheek riser to the Z MOE stock.
I am a bit disappointed with my 2 piece drop in Mlok handguard from Midwest Industries on my AR upper. There’s a bit of play and rattle, and I know the upper is good. It’s not terrible but I am a bit ocd and it’s enough to bother me at times. The Magpul MOE was much tighter (pain in the butt to take off without the handguard tool actually). I don’t want to make this upper low profile for free float either.
Thanks for the recs!
Great article, definitely look into the Texas Weapon Systems Dog Leg Rail, Gen-3 - AKM, AK-47 / 74. I have it on two rifles and it is rock solid when mounted and makes mounting and getting a good cheek weld really easy. Not really added bulk/ weight and you can easily swing your dust cover up and off to field strip without any difficulty. No crazy drilling holes required either!
Will do thanks for the recs!
Best upgrade to the commie AK? An AR, you're welcome. America, love it or leave it.
Lol, best comment yet
Definitely loving the increase in AK related articles.
We'll keep em coming!