AK Charge Handle Modification

[CIV Tactical]

So I had this idea on converting AK charge handles so they could be operated left handed. The thought was to cut of the charge handle, TIG weld it to the left side of the carrier and then relieve the top cover on the left side for handle operating clearance. I searched around and actually saw some people had done this mod before and its actually quit beneficial. So I went for it. Here is a pic. This one is going in the AMD65 I am building now.
P1000248.jpg
The benefits include
Faster reload and charge times
You never have to remove your trigger hand from the pistol grip
you can charge the gun with the safety engaged
More air flow through the receiver during high rates of fire

Anyways Im thinking about offering this as a service.

[tujungatoes]

Looks well done.

[Noonanda]

Wouldnt this be more of a Niche type of job, plus if/when someone goes to sell it, unless the sell it to a left handed person?? I would recommend offering it as a service with a replacement topcover and bolt carrier group so that the original gun/matching parts stays with it in case of future sales.

It does look good though

[jonc]

nice JOB

[kcstott]

I don't agree that the handle being on the right makes it a right handed weapon. Nor with the handle being on the left. HK's charge from the left side using the support hand while maintaining a good sight picture holding the weapon on target with the right.

What the the AK needs is a last shot bolt hold open. Butt there is no noisy buffer tube to hear a spring sloshing around and when you don't hear the slosh you know it's time to reload. So I don't thing a bolt hold open would work as well as on an AR

Nice job by the way

[CIV Tactical]

Thanks guys. I appreciate the feedback. So I put the converted bolt and top cover in another AK to test the function and feel of the charge handle on the left side. It was awesome. There is a dramatic difference between charge times and the feel and function are great. I can keep the gun shouldered and charge it. I am definitely going to offer this service.

[watsonville]

nice mod looks factory.I'm going the upswept style on my amd build

[tujungatoes]

If it'll fit the gap and not look like sh*t, you might consider welding the removed piece of top cover on the other side to cover the original CH slot behind the ejection port. It would look really clean that way.

[kcstott]

If it'll fit the gap and not look like sh*t, you might consider welding the removed piece of top cover on the other side to cover the original CH slot behind the ejection port. It would look really clean that way.

i was thinking the same thing

[Plisk]

A self done Lightning Bolt sounds like a fun project.

[CIV Tactical]

If it'll fit the gap and not look like sh*t, you might consider welding the removed piece of top cover on the other side to cover the original CH slot behind the ejection port. It would look really clean that way.

thats a good idea. However I think that gap is ok because the safety fits there when its engaged

[tujungatoes]

Damnit you're right. I wasn't thinking about the selector lever. I almost never use it.

Hmm...Maybe a galil style thumb lever and bobbed selector...nah Eff that too much work.

[kcstott]

You could still patch the hole the safety would just double up on it.
And in that regard you could cut the lever off and put some other safety on it like the Galil. I would never suggest putting anything on an AK that make it look more like an AR though. So selector style switches are out. But that cool through the receiver thumb safety that a Galil has it neat.

[00Medic]

Love it, need it, want it. In a free state this would be awesome. Mag change, cycle action all with left hand while keeping the rifle shouldered. In this state, well........

[LOW2000]

I'm curious who is keeping any carbine shouldered while they are doing mag changes?