When to use a reinforcement plate

[DavidRSA]

Is this necessary for all AK's with side or under folding stocks? I am using a E German sidefolder. I was looking at the AK-builder reinforcement plate below:

http://ak-builder.com/index.php?dispatch=products.view&product_id=29857

I noticed that Nodak sells their NDS-2SF sidefolder receiver both with and without the reinforcement plate. Under what circumstances do you choose either one?

[tujungatoes]

unless you plan to shoot it alot with the stock folded it's unnecessary.

[858casper858]

unless you plan to shoot it alot with the stock folded it's unnecessary.

This was always my understanding. The plate is for reinforcing the pistol grip area when the stock is folded or on a pistol build. If you are locking your stock open then you don't really need it... BUT, if the law ever changes or you move to a different state or you use a long MB to meet minimum length when folded then you might want it in there now so you don't have to demil the trigger guard or refinish later.

[AndrewMendez]

I agree with tujunga, and was recently thinking about the same question. I googled the hell out of it a few weeks ago, and everyone seemed to think it was useless and just a precautionary piece.

I wonder if one could just heat treat that area of the flat, similar to how you heat treat the holes.....

AK Team....thoughts? I wouldn't worry about it.

[tujungatoes]

Heat treating it could be done, but might lead to some warpage. At that point I think the plate would be a better option. But like I said earlier unless you're not using a buttstock, the PG isn't forced to absorb much if any recoil force so it's really a non-issue