Contractors in IRAQ using cut-down AKs

[JPglee1]

Hey guys... I was watching a show called "Explorer" on Nat. Geographic channel all about contractors in Iraq...

Well they showed a bit-piece about a guy named "Harry O'setnick" over there modifying AKs to be shorty's for the guys using them as contractors.

I wonder, do you think those guys watch these boards, or is it just a world-wide desire to have shorter weapons that spawned these in-field mods?? The first thing I thought when I saw it was "they've been reading the gun sites on the net" hahaha.

Click the link below and you can see the part about the custom AKs at the end of the preview:

http://www9.nationalgeographic.com/...er/preview.html

"Iraq's Guns for Hire."



Anyone else see this?


JP

[yallknowho]

the link is shanbo'd.

[JPglee1]

the link is shanbo'd.

Try this then:

http://www.nationalgeographic.com/channel/explorer/

The link works OK on my end, on 2 differen't PCs...

I found the link by using Google. I typed in "National Geographic Contractor Iraq" and the first result was the link I posted above.

Its worth watching if you can make it work.


JP

[m1371]

I wonder, do you think those guys watch these boards, or is it just a world-wide desire to have shorter weapons that spawned these in-field mods?? The first thing I thought when I saw it was "they've been reading the gun sites on the net" hahaha.

I am sure it's safe to say that SOME of the contractors working in Iraq are reading SOME of the internet forums out there, but to think that either arf.com or an equivalent website dedicated to the ak-series is solely responsible for field expedient weapons modifications is a bit far fetched.

Consider that maybe some of the guys might have a .mil background with weapons and know how to do field mods already? You'd be surprised what percentage of guys don't read gun forums, much less go looking on the internet for info.

[JPglee1]

I am sure it's safe to say that SOME of the contractors working in Iraq are reading SOME of the internet forums out there, but to think that either arf.com or an equivalent website dedicated to the ak-series is solely responsible for field expedient weapons modifications is a bit far fetched.

Consider that maybe some of the guys might have a .mil background with weapons and know how to do field mods already? You'd be surprised what percentage of guys don't read gun forums, much less go looking on the internet for info.

Yah, I suppose you're most likely right on this account.

Its still fun to wonder


J

[phish]

I saw that episode too. It's pretty scary how a 5 mile "errand" can go to pot in zero flat.

The show I liked better was on....History Channel? It mainly focused on conflicts in Africa with the company Executive Outcomes. It was a snub at the U.N. since 1500 guys did what 18,000 couldn't, or wouldn't, depending on who you ask.

I wonder if Kojima got his inspiration for MGS 4 from that.

[-hanko]

Well they showed a bit-piece about a guy named "Harry O'setnick" over there modifying AKs to be shorty's for the guys using them as contractors.

JP

I doubt they get weapon ideas by watching internet forums

I'm aware of a gentleman locally who's finished 30 sbr Bulgarian (I think) folders for use in the middle east. I have had the 31st on order for a few months.

-hanko

[PIRATE14]

In urban enviroments.....house to house....window to window....and at the most you might be a half a block away..........you don't need a 20" barreled rifle......

LMT just supplied a "few" 10.5 uppers for CQB.

In cars, trucks, etc.....you get out shooting and run back into the vehicle shooting.....hard to do with a long barrel. Of course, if there is 50 cal mounted on the vehicle, that helps.

This was passed along via a few of my SEAL buds.....

[brando]

Do I have to post a pick of my shorty AK again?

Yes, the chop-shop AKs are out there in Iraq and not all PMCs are able to bring quality weapons and gear in country, so they acquire them on the market. That's why you often see PMC carrying Browning HiPowers and AKs. The market price for an authentic Krinkov AKR is over $1000, while a chop-shop modded version will sell for $150. It may look ugly and be less reliable or accurate though.

[Q]

i saw the ngc special and the custom ak pistol barrels. the british guy i think had a sf galil which was pretty cool!

[Steve-O]

The show I liked better was on....History Channel? It mainly focused on conflicts in Africa with the company Executive Outcomes. It was a snub at the U.N. since 1500 guys did what 18,000 couldn't, or wouldn't, depending on who you ask.

phish, I saw that one as well, about conflict diamonds in west Africa. The part I couldn't understand was how the South African mercs come in and get everything settled down and the international community raises a stink because they are mercs? If they were the only ones who could do it, then I say more power to 'em.