The Down Range Forum

Member Section => Tactical Rifle & Carbine => Topic started by: Bic on October 15, 2009, 05:26:00 PM

Title: Lightest AK?
Post by: Bic on October 15, 2009, 05:26:00 PM

What do you think would be the most lightweight AK(M)47  currently available with a folding (either way) stock? That impeccable source 'Wikipedia' lists the AKM at 6.8lbs., whaddya think?

Title: Re: Lightest AK?
Post by: TomS308 on October 17, 2009, 03:46:24 AM

I dont know what the lightest is.. But a have a Vector Arms underfolder.. And its light weight, and less bulky than a side folder.

Title: Re: Lightest AK?
Post by: Bic on October 17, 2009, 07:50:09 AM

Thanks Tom,
                  It seems that retailers of both AR-s and AK-s are reluctant to mention weight in their specs. of rifles for sale. MP

Title: Re: Lightest AK?
Post by: 2HOW on October 17, 2009, 09:12:04 AM

any stamped, wire folder with plastic furniture would be as light as you can go.

Title: Re: Lightest AK?
Post by: fightingquaker13 on October 17, 2009, 10:00:40 AM

Do you want the lightest? AK recoil isn't severe, but the lighter it is, the more it's felt. Also, a folding stock is one more thing that can break. At least with a collapsible M-4 style you have either a too short or too long stock. With an under folder, you're potentially SOL.
FQ13

Title: Re: Lightest AK?
Post by: tombogan03884 on October 17, 2009, 10:38:37 AM

Quote from: Bic on October 17, 2009, 07:50:09 AM

Thanks Tom,
                  It seems that retailers of both AR-s and AK-s are reluctant to mention weight in their specs. of rifles for sale. MP

That's because there will not be any noticeable difference between 2 similar models . With AK's the biggest differance will be whether it has a forged or stamped receiver.  the biggest weight difference in AR's can come from your ammo choice 30 rounds of 36 gr bullets weighs 1230 gr less than a magazine loaded with 77gr. bullets. Thats over a pound and a half.

I have to agree with FQ, weight is one of the least important concerns with these type of rifles.

Title: Re: Lightest AK?
Post by: Bic on October 17, 2009, 11:33:32 AM

Yeah, I absolutely am looking for the lightest, with total reliability, that I can find. I've always tried to shave every sensible ounce out of my pack.

I have an M4 type stock on another rifle and I like it fine but I'd like the folding option on this one.

"At least with a collapsible M-4 style you have either a too short or too long stock."  - didn't quite get that FQ, it could be just right some of the time..no?

I'm not sure about that ammo weight difference Tom, the way I figure it, it only comes out to about 4oz. - but I was wrong once before  :-[

Thanks for the considered replies - research continues,

                                                                                   MP

Title: Re: Lightest AK?
Post by: tombogan03884 on October 17, 2009, 11:50:19 AM

 
77 - 36 = 41
41 X 30 = 1230
 700 gr. / LB
1230 Gr. / 700 =  1.757 LBs

Title: Re: Lightest AK?
Post by: Bic on October 17, 2009, 11:58:40 AM

http://www.asknumbers.com/PoundsToGrains.aspx    ;)

Title: Re: Lightest AK?
Post by: tombogan03884 on October 17, 2009, 12:13:36 PM

 SH!T, I dropped a zero. ;D Crap, now I have to refigure it.
Yes, about 1/4 pound.

Title: Re: Lightest AK?
Post by: david86440 on October 17, 2009, 12:20:29 PM

Quote from: tombogan03884 on October 17, 2009, 11:50:19 AM

77 - 36 = 41
41 X 30 = 1230
 700 gr. / LB
1230 Gr. / 700 =  1.757 LBs

move the decimal 1 place to the left.   .1757 lbs

Title: Re: Lightest AK?
Post by: Badgersmilk on October 17, 2009, 12:46:16 PM

Like everyone's said.  Wire underfolder, stamped reciever, plastic handguard, and a 5 round magazine.  That's about as light an assault rifle I think exists. 

But, don't forget.  The underfolders are usually frowned on because they're not stable.  They flex and move to easy.  :(

I'd suggest you carry a .44 mag. pistol if weight is that big an issue and you want large animal stopping / hunting ability.