Q&A #23: Kalashnikov Questions w/ Larry Vickers

[@j.yossarian6852]

Holy crap, Larry is looking great! Good on him.

[@d4ngru5h83]

Was thinking the same, damn I should write a book if this is what it does to your physique ;)

[@TheBobes]

Yeah, he looks so slim. Wow!

[@thegoldencaulk2742]

No kidding, its like he's back in his Delta days ;)

[@TheBobes]

@@thegoldencaulk2742 Time to turn ISIS into WASWAS! :D :D

[@Fenster21]

Larry Snickers no more.

[@russell28533]

Larry's reaction to when Ian asked him about the AK107, speaks very highly of the 107.

[@foleymaj]

Had not seen that before and my god, that is something else.

[@antoncomrade2043]

@@foleymaj Available in Russia for more than a year. So, if you can smuggle one from here, welcome. Cost - about 121 900 roubles, which is about 2000$ In my local gun store - 108 000, with a discount. About 1800$. ak.kalashnikovgroup.ru/card/sr1

[@warshipsatin8764]

@@antoncomrade2043 i'll take 2

[@HarrisonCountyStudio]

Anton Comrade ✌🏽it’s kind of funny... I don’t know what those guys were saying in that video you linked to the AK107, but they were speaking my language. 👍🏽

[@albatro2676]

@@antoncomrade2043 Please tell me that you are going to have english option on your website

[@brookford5506]

Why you two dont have a podcast together or do this weekly is beyond me. Excellent chemistry and some of the deepest gun knowledge on the planet. More of these collabs please!

[@GRAFITTI000]

For sure. Ken Hackathorn as well. That thompson/ mp5 video they did together is one of my favorites

[@sickofhobos]

I would sooooo donate on patreon if they did

[@axelpatrickb.pingol3228]

Schedule problems I guess.

[@seanforehand755]

10 out of 10 would enjoy.

[@brookford5506]

@@axelpatrickb.pingol3228 they dont have to be in the same room. Recording of a video call would be almost as good

[@Funhaus_Ryan]

I think Larry is preparing to deploy again lol.

[@jasonarmstrong5750]

Rhino IV at his age I don’t know about him being deployed but I could definitely see him gearing up to do some Sam Fisher type shit in his spare time

[@Funhaus_Ryan]

@@jasonarmstrong5750 Exactly, when he's not making videos he's out fultoning some soldiers to create his own Outer Haven.

[@mycrappyplaylists]

@@allunavaliable *laughter stops*

[@danielmarshall4587]

That's what I saw thinking.

[@green2blue309]

Ryan M Is he taking applications for his Outer Heaven? Do I get a sweet Militaires Sans Frontières beret? Vision? Dental? 401K? 11B

[@USP9mm]

Still remember the look on Larry's face after shooting that 107. " Yes"!!!!!!" That was Awesome "

[@TotalRookie_LV]

Russians usually say, that SKS was a backup, a "plan B", an insurance in case if the idea of an assault rifle - AK doesn't take off. Besides SKS used proven technologies, while stamping used on AK was still brand new back then. IIRC in Soviet comedy "Maxim Perepelyica" (Максим Перепелица) made on 1955 or 1956, starring very famous actor of the period Leonid Bikov (Леонид Быков), where the main heroe serves in army, you can see soldiers carrying mostly SKS's and some AK's, which is unusual and rare, as, just as you said, the period when something like this was happening was really short.

[@MegaBoooooooooooooob]

Is SKS still a good rifle worth buying? I have a Bulgarian AKM I love but I've always wanted an SKS just don't know what kind.

[@crimsonadder6313]

@Michael Meyer at the very beginning of its production it wasn't cheap.

[@crimsonadder6313]

@Michael Meyer that's what I'm saying. First tries with stampings failed, milled recievers were too expensive. I took years to find right production technology for the AK.

[@GunFunZS]

@@MegaBoooooooooooooob for a lot of them the inherent accuracy is pretty good and I know people who can shoot them very well . I've never personally like them though. The ergonomics are just wonky to me . The trigger is heavy and the cleaning process is a lot more complicated than it needs to be . Also the trigger isn't just heavy they are often gritty with a bit of a slap to it . So you get an awkward length of pull, very tiny notch sites, awful trigger, and stripper clips. Also a weird safety. they aren't cheap anymore either . So one reason to have them might be you live in a very fudd area, and hunting with an AK would be frowned on. right now the main one is you just like the idea of it . Maybe the history maybe the aesthetics . A dollar for dollar right now you can buy better AK or better AR for the same or less money . You getting in SKS it's because you just like the idea of an SKS . And that's a fine reason , but if it isn't your reasoning you probably want a different gun.in

[@MegaBoooooooooooooob]

@@GunFunZSAh ok yea I thought they went up in price, definitely just a novelty/historical buy for me. Need an AR though, thanks.

[@sae1095hc]

I'd like to see the class where they try to teach recruits how to disassemble and do maintenance on the AN-94. Speed it up and set to Benny Hill music.

[@dandini0698]

or g-11. Crazy germans really thought people would want a device like that.

[@danielamador5932]

@@dandini0698 I’d want a G11, I couldn’t afford one but I still want it

[@dandini0698]

@@danielamador5932 i'd settle for a regular ar-15 mate, i cant buy rifles in my country :/

[@DB.KOOPER]

I love seeing Larry and Ian do these videos ad I very much appreciate the sense of respect between the two even with their different backgrounds. Sometimes, guys who've been in these special team roles will have a bit of a chip on their shoulder regarding non-veteran shooters but Larry treats Ian, deservedly so, like a peer, and Ian clearly is eager to hear and learn from Larry background and wealth of experience as well. Just two great sources of information sharing their passion for engineering, learning and shooting and we all get to come along and reap the rewards of such a meeting of the minds as it were. Great content as always Ian, much thanks for what you do and much thanks to Larry Vickers for all he's done for the shooting community and showing us interesting things the average shooter doesn't get to see.

[@rapl1183]

Wow, he has lost so much weight! That's great!!!

[@theguuchful]

Payton Lefler, he got sick of the internet ninjas calling him fat. In my opinion he can get as fat as he wants. It doesn’t change the man!

[@iguessthisisnowmyname2258]

Bano Esparza yeah, he’s still hundreds of times more badass than those people.

[@KristianHerdi]

I'm glad that Larry lost some weight, I myself gained a lot of pounds when I left the army 15 years ago.Best wishes from Serbia to both of them!

[@dragonsword7370]

Serbia? How's the weather on your side of the world. It's nearly winter in North america.

[@joedulewich4037]

Snowing in the Kootenays. ....

[@KristianHerdi]

@@dragonsword7370 It's a bit warm for this time in the year.Today in my hometown of Novi Sad, during the day was about 23 C or 73 F...

[@nickhowatson4745]

Ago.Best

[@nickhowatson4745]

year.Today

[@usctrojan8572]

Larry and Ian can read the dictionary and i'd still be fascinated

[@Mrgunsngear]

great info as always!

[@markbecker71]

You should write a book...😊🤑$$$

[@Hammeroftheirish]

Larry Vickers is a boss. I want to make it clear that I love him on this channel doing these Q&As and other videos. Please do more.

[@iLLeag7e]

You are winning at life Ian. Side note: Larry Vickers is becoming one of my favorite people by showing up here so often. Looking forward to the future collaborations between the two of you. Cheers from Colorado, gentlemen!

[@operator1192]

I love this book so much! I'm a massive AK fan and I can't wait for more. But, this book is top notch with a lot of excellent information and fantastic super rare photos. The entire team that put this book together did an unbelievable job! The other Vickers Guide books are awesome too but this one is my favorite so far.

[@ThorneyedWT]

22:09 - I know for sure that during development of what will become Makarov's pistol (PM) soviet army leaders deliberately asked for round almost identical to 9mm para/luger (which impressed them a lot) but NOT interchangeable with western block guns. Reasoning was simple - since both major wars for Russia/USSR started with deep retreat and therefore huge stock of ammo got captured, they didn't want to give chance to future enemies to use soviet ammo. It is well-known that one of the biggest problems for Germans in 1941-42 was logistics - simply getting supplies from Germany to Moscow or Stalingrad. If they had some captured ammo compatible with their guns, it could free loads of transporting lines, let them deliver warm clothes for winter for example and maybe even move further. I have no information on 5.45, but my best guess would be that soviets had same reasons for making something like 5.56, but not compatible.

[@lgbtqisahategroup9781]

Interesting.

[@AlbertaDMode]

This is the MOST informative video on KZbin with regard of AK engineering! Larry attends crossfit and lost a lot of weight, he looks so much healthier. Keep it up! Ordering my AR and AK books straight away.

[@proudamericanrobman2829]

Keep these Q&A coming can listen to them all day.

[@cinollozowski]

Listening to them both is like heaven. I could listen to them 24/7 untill I die.

[@Statist0815]

Over 30 years ago I was issued with a AKS 74 N and an Makarov by the east german army during my national service. I had only expirience with airguns. First time on the shooting range I was 3rd place! The sound was awful but the 74 handled like an airgun. Never had a malfunktion. The ugly safety leaver was extrem helpful in cold conditions. With the 9mm Makarov on the other hand I was unable to hit a barndor (from inside). Mr. Vickers is absolutely right. For untrained drafted Soldiers it was easy to handle. I'm happy that I never had to point a weapon on a human being.

[@kenshiassasin]

Larry's fitness journey has been a great motivator and goal

[@mattv2099]

Damn, I want this book. Larry V is lookin like a brand new operator in this vid.

[@andreahighsides7756]

MattV2099: Guns & Food who are you? Your name seems so familiar, like a lost memory from years past.

[@INoticed_XIV]

Make a video

[@paulgvb4]

Larry, my wife didn’t even recognize you. She said, “That’s Larry Vickers? Did he lose a ton of weight?” She thought you were some “young man.” My wife is 33. That must make you feel good.

[@Token_Black_Guy]

Careful before she bears his kids

[@Choo-ew9so]

I traded off my SKS's for AK variants. Prices are crazy on them now compared to what they were, so it worked out for me.

[@Swaygooy]

Keaton Jorgensen They’ve gone up in price? My dad bought his when they were being sold for dirt cheap.

[@redcat9436]

I'd love to see another Q&A with Larry.

[@tiortedrootsky]

Would be very interesting to hear those arguments on STG influence.

[@bigboi7817]

Good job staying in shape Larry, lifes too short without making it unnecessarily shorter. Excellent work with the books, loved the AR15 volumes but borrowed my mates 1911 book and was continually impressed with how clean and high quality the images were. The formatting was also excellent.

[@michaelmoore8630]

My two favorite weapons guys. Excellent.

[@usc6743]

Larry, my deepest respect. You got the courve, we say in Germany. Lost 20 kilos myself during the last year.

[@usc6743]

@ChiliContestWinner :-) Curve, I made a spelling mistake. "Die Kurve bekommen" means "get one's act together".

[@Hysteria98]

It's always an honour to have you two just sit and talk, thank you.

[@zelicopter0071]

Youre really looking great Larry. Awesome to see you doing so well

[@iluvmym4]

This by far is the greatest interview you’ve done that I’ve seen Thank you 🙏

[@russeljohn3471]

Ian and Larry. What a great combination. More please. 👍👍

[@travismachado4666]

Super fun to watch. You both are a lot of fun to listen too

[@windvale]

Talk about a study in contrasts! Ian is about the most humble guy there is, while Vickers takes himself so seriously - totally cracks me up !

[@jayfelsberg1931]

Quite informative. Good to see two masters cooperating on an important work.

[@Grubnar]

There is just something beautiful about watching two professionals talk about their field of expertise. I am not a "gun person", I am a hilariously bad shooter, and do not own even a single gun. I watch KZbin channels like Forgotten Weapons (Ian) and C&Rsenal (Othias) for the historical, and engineering context. But I if I have enough money I think I am getting that book as a Christmas present for myself!

[@DARIVSARCHITECTVS]

The discussion was fantastic. It was great to listen to Larry's and Ian's ideas on the specific AK design details and their value.

[@sailingmaster]

I really enjoyed this one. Larry always has excellent insight on the practicality of a firearm and it meshes so well with Ian's engineering background and design knowledge.

[@codenamenoob4973]

I can't wait until the next Q&A this is some very interesting stuff from Ian and Larry. I always enjoy the different points of view and the natural unedited nature of these Q&As

[@markyoung2981]

Excellent presentation, thank you for your time posting this incredibly well done content.

[@skogib4846]

A big reason 7.62x39 isn't going anywhere, especially compared to 5.56, is its solid performance in very short barreled applications without losing effectiveness and that the blast is a lot less severe. The velocity loss going from a 16" to a 10" 7.62x39 is minimal compared to what you see in 5.56. There are also superb flash suppressing devices, such as the Bulgarian 4 Piece, that eliminate flash, and direct the blast forward, far better. That or a suppressor.

[@skogib4846]

@Proper 3D Yeah, 5.45 does well too. It just hasn't caught on nearly as widely as the .30 cal unfortunately.

[@4PFHarrison]

I’m sensing a Captain price kind of vibe from Larry bc that beard

[@rpmc28615]

Still, some of the most intelligent content on the web.Mr. Vickers is a true American Hero. You, Ian are scholar. Hell, I had to buy the book, so I can enjoy the material with out the infrastructure. Thanks to you both.

[@tokul76]

5.45 vs 7.62x39. Seen video with Kalashnikov himself preferring 7.62x39 and expressing dislike for 5.45.

[@chrisreeves1307]

"I blame you, the americans. On why we went to 5.45" that is what he said in that interview. He expressed disdain* for the 5.45

[@chrisreeves1307]

@Boomstick McNugget fixed. Even put a * the edit

[@chrisreeves1307]

@Boomstick McNugget 5.45 being better is subjective. Each have their strengths and short comings 762x39 loses hydrostatic shock at greater ranges while 5.45 lacks the mass than the 124 grain 762x39... Times will change stubborn minds wont. I hear what your sayin

[@r.9158]

@Chris Reeves 5.45 is lighter, flatter trajectory, less recoil (easier full auto), more accurate. 7.62x39 hits harder but is inferior in every other way. 5.45 is definitely better for fighting, no doubt about it. Energy transfer on hit only counts if you hit. At 20k rounds fired by USA for each dead German in WW2: clearly more ammo with higher hit probability is preferable.

[@tokul76]

@Boomstick McNugget Bullet mass and hole that 7.62x39 makes would make your metrics not so overwhelming.

[@yejiang7085]

Thank you for this great video! Heavier sights mounted on the AK side rail would wiggle with each shot because A) the stamped receiver is not rigid enough for scope mounting, B) the AK side rail mount creates a cantilever, not stable enough even for the forged receiver like SVD or VSS rifle. For problem A, SG550 series has a stronger receiver and the inside frame as bolt carrier rail to improve the overall stiffness. Other rifles like FNC has a similar design for scope mounting. Problem B is a little more tricky, but Russians have some excellent designs to solve it. If you search Russian patent RU 2530794, this is a side rail designed for VSS/AS VAL/SR3 family. It has two pins interacting with two openings on the receiver to help the side "dovetail" to keep the scope mount stable. Of course the previous and newer AK12 have better designs to deal with it.

[@CliftonHicksbanjo]

Great work. Very informative Q&A.

[@thinman8621]

If you like guns, you gotta love this. Thank you Ian and Larry.

[@germanredneck4414]

always great so see larry on the channel

[@alifeoncechris]

I know you’ve worked with Larry a few times now but how star struck were you the first time you met him?

[@kdmag88]

A better question would be, how star struck was Larry when he first met Ian?

[@logankincade661]

If he disrespectful to Ian there is almost a million of us that would butt stroke him like a jammed up AR........hahahahahaha

[@blackjourneyman1]

logan kincade Mr Larry Vickers is a war veteran and a former Navy Seal. He gets my utmost respect.

[@paulares292]

@@blackjourneyman1 He was an assaulter in D FO, not a SEAL.

[@aw9389]

Larry Vickers is deffiantely more famous then ian is

[@hilldwler420]

God bless the men and women in uniform. I thank God,there’s men like LAV standing watch in parts unknown always at the ready. And Mr.Vickers, you owe nobody an explanation. Thank you for your time ,thank you for your service.

[@Winchester7734]

Larry is probably the best guest youve brought onto the channel

[@adamsowers8957]

A couple things I appreciate about Mr. Vickers is his service to his country, if he doesn't know the answer to a question he will actually say "I don't know" instead of filling you up with bullshit like most gun guys would, and he doesn't hate AK.

[@alekxu]

I have watched many videos of Larry - I think I have never seen him so hyped about any gun as he did with AK-107. It is officially on my bucket list now.

[@Max_Da_G]

You'd have to go to Russia to buy one.

[@dlam2864]

Thank you so much for the timestamps in the descriptions.

[@Rustebadge]

Thanks Larry. I spoke to a former Red Army soldier in the early 2000's who said that they (Russian Army soldiers) were afraid of the M16A2. They were afraid of its advancements over the Ak system, extended range and use of optics.

[@gavin3488]

Finally a video with Vickers that does not have a filter.

[@mrmtn37]

Most excellent video. Thank you Master Sgt. Vickers you are a legend and a phenomenal addition to Ian and Forgotten Weapons. I thank you both as well for being such stand up models for gun ownership. A man could possibly not ever find 2 more knowledgeable gentlemen anywhere.

[@Waty8413]

This is pretty good stuff. Hope that these collaborations continue regardless of what books come next.

[@crowbarknight]

Q #1: a) AK and SKS were both developed and tested to use new intermediate cartridge and solely because of the emergence of that cartridge. That program was sort of a long shot started in the middle of a war. b) Ian's idea of SKS replacing SVT and AK replacing PPSh is based on both pre-war and end-war ideas of soviet automatic weapon distribution policy. See below. c) Pre-war idea was that SVT would be main service rifle for all combat units with Mosin remained a support unit / some marksmen / reserve weapon. PPSh was intended as a sergeant (trained soldier) weapon (the idea shared with Wehrmacht, although some TOE describe a squad with sergeant armed with SVT and two guys with SMGs). Officers got their pistols/revolvers. Some 1941 pre-war rifle rgt. TOE had ~50 SMGs, ~1200 SVTs, ~900 Mosins. d) In the course of the war expensive and hard to produce SVTs were phased out, new cheap SMGs introduced, SMG companies did emerge in every rifle rgt. Industry demonstrated an ability to mass produce crap loads of ammo to support mass auto weapons rearmament. e) So SKS and AK were roughly distributed 50/50 in combat units, SKS for accurate long range fire, AK for automatic fire. f) Later on, SKS was considered too expensive and under powered in contrast to miraculous AK. It was repurposed for rear-echelon troops like AA units (in use until late 80s). That's the short version of it, i did omit some crucial details.

[@briant7652]

Great discussion, hope you guys do more collaborations and that book looks great!

[@daspiper8941]

I fought against the AK in Viet Nam. but it was 25+ years later before I bought one for my own. ~My first AK was the Arsenal SLR-95 and I've been hooked ever sense. Today I own three AK Rifles with a hankering for a forth and a fifth. ~IMO, the 7.62 x 39 is the perfect 100 to 400 meter range battle cartridge with the AK the perfect platform to use it. ~I have always prefered iron sights on my AK Battle Rifles, but if I need a magnified sight, I will use an RS Regulate Side Mount or an TWS Dust Cover Mount. I have both available for me to use. My older eyes are needing magnified sights. Nature reminds me I am not 25m anymore..

[@hajanek1370]

First Forgotten Weapons video I didnt watch primarily for learning about weapons. I saw Larry on the picture and had to see whats this about. Really Larry is looking great. Thumbs up

[@NYPATRIOTBX]

Holy shit Larry Vickers back in beast mode.

[@foleymaj]

Kinda funny when Ian said you the Finns didn't want to make like 300k RK-62s. We actually did :D RK-62s production numbers were around 300k and RK-95 around 30k. HOWEVER, It is true what Ian said later that we basically stopped the production after we were able to acquire a batch of East German and Chinese AKs for dirt cheap.

[@foleymaj]

Because at the time our wartime army strength was much bigger and we didn't have enough rifles for everybody.

[@basillicus3959]

Yeah, Finland has a reservist army with only 30k guys or so going training at any given time (and of course some officers and spec ops etc. who are professional)... but if there is a threat we mobilize 300k guys and get those guns from stockpiles.

[@kimmoj2570]

@@googlepissoff5776 East German and Chinese AKs fullfilled the wartime army stocks, so that every reservist would have 7.62x39 AK, thats why they were purchased. Finns have made couple good timed purchases. One was dozens trainloads of former East German weaponry (AKs, artillery, vehicles, tanks, everything...) from newly unified Germany. Second was little before Putin started invading neighbours, just before that we bought last 100 2A6 of originally huge Dutch inventory of Leopard 2s to supplement the 2A4s we had before. Small country need to time purchases properly.😀 That was last batch of second hand Leo 2s in the wild. I doubt there is bargains like that ever again. Sorry for Dutch, but Finns need them more. Dutch have had to borrow tanks from Germany in recent years as they have sold all they had, and thought MBTs being unnecessary in threath scenario before spring of 2014.

[@sieve5]

THIS IS SUCH A GOOD VIDEO!! Thank you so much!

[@bricketdabrown9607]

Excellent video with lots of information, thank you for taking the time to make.

[@johnniewasr5740]

Great video. Ian and Larry seem to vibe real good together.

[@MonteGould]

I just received my signed copy. Simply amazing and the pictures are stunning. I'm extremely impressed at the quality and in depth information, very well done and detailed. Not just a "coffee table book". Looking good Larry and best of luck Ian. Glad to see you guys collaborating on projects like this, my question is to Larry: how was it to work with Ian, were you starstruck? :) .

[@brlbrlbrlbrl]

"This is the first book I've actually got my name on the cover of" - points at book that conspicuously doesn't have Ian's name on the cover.

[@eyezon1975]

lol. must be the back cover :)

[@jrshumate4488]

One of the best videos I have seen a while! GREAT WORK!

[@jrshumate4488]

And I get a strange satisfaction (No homo) when Larry Vickers vocalizes the way I feel about the AK platform and the 7.62x39 cartridge. Like I've naturally followed the right path.

[@borisslyt]

2:15 Just remember my military training in Air Defense back in 1991, and the unit just got the new AK-74. And these AK-74 were replacement for SKS. This unit never has either AK, or AKM. So, I would say SKS was the weapon for backline branches, who were not supposed to really shoot.

[@machaksilver]

Great vid, always a pleasure to listen to Larry, in real life or on video. But here one thing that you're are wrong about. Yugoslavia started production of AKs without soviet tooling and help, they reverse-engineered guns that they acquired through several different sources. I will touch on that in my article about Iraqi AK that I am writing right now.

[@sandrajanjic5700]

I am from yugoslavia, and i used our version in the army. Owned a few years later, just for the fun of it. Illegaly though, there was no other way of owning it. And i had a opportunity to try out a russian one, army issue, made in 1986. they were on par quality wise, both well made akms. And i shot a 5.45 ak 74. having to chose, i would go with 7.62. bullet weight. AKs are just a different tool compared to ARs. different. I would love to try out 100 series, and give 2 litres of blood for an opportunity to shot one in 9x39. just for the sake of curiosity.

[@whodat1967]

I have never heard Larry Vickers laugh before. Great video as always

[@XTrooper3936]

Great video! Definitely worth the time spent watching it and then some!

[@andrewfoglesong4831]

Haha, I love Larry's honesty and frankness in the beginning!

[@adejal]

The more I hear Vikers talk about AKs the more I like him.

[@KamalJamaloff]

I used both in the army. The 5.45x39 is a really big deal for accuracy, recoil managment and mobility for its weight

[@pmor5992]

I could listen to/watch larry/ian talk about/pontificate about the ak all day every day ;-)

[@robashton8606]

Where's Larry Vickers? What have you you done with him McCollum?

[@soldieroftoughlove7635]

I can mod any brake to hide flash. With virtually no added weight,and btw people have forgotten the uses of the sling we buy things to aid in recoil management,instead of using time tested techniques. Looking good Vickers!

[@alzl9026]

Спасибо, приезжайте ещё.

[@Lapinmiez]

Im surprised about your level of knowledge about our firearm stock in Finland. Very flattering 🤭😄

[@Stoikor]

You should really try to get some time on the gp25. It's literally transform an AK to a portable mortar. You can get that thing really far and accurate.

[@VxNemesis]

You should both check Sureshot Armament Group (SAG), they build a chassis for the AK that resolves all the issues. It's fixed on the front trunion, it doesn't move when you shoot, the barell is free-floated, they have a custom gas tube, they have a m-lok handguard replacable with all ACR-compatible handguards if you want. The mount is very low and yet you can remove the top cover. You have iron sights still and enough real estate to mount peq-15's, flashlights, light intensification, etc. With the rail system and handguard mounted, the weight of the rifle is lower than the base rifle with wood or polymer furniture. Any AKm or ak-74 in it's basic configuration can be turned in a 21st century rifle with only this mod (and a krebs selector if you want). I tried a prototype, the barell heats less, there is no POI shift, you can mount a bipod and retain perfect zero, etc. On a 74 you hit a torso target 100% at 500 meters with barnaul ammo. At 300 meters you hit a head 80% (might also be shooter's error). I think if you want the most modern and ergonomic AK, you take a Sig 550, but if you want an "original" AK you take a 1000$ russian 74 and this 500$ chassis.

[@reddevilparatrooper]

Looking great Larry!

[@kenhelmers2603]

Good talk! Thanks guys :)

[@paulmelindaanderson5892]

Geez Lazza, shifted you from the back to the front paddock mate. Nice work. Fantastic insight to a firearm that we only get to see on the six o'clock news down in Aus. Cheers to you both.

[@andrewcraft1078]

Great conversation. Really enjoyed it!

[@SgtStinger]

Sight radius on AK47 is basically the same as a M4 carbine. So it isn't really that bad. The problem is that a peep sight is better than an AK style blade sight.

[@509Gman]

SgtStinger and it’s closer to your eye.

[@weasle2904]

LOL. AK irons are trash... They're super far away, not only that but the sight picture itself is also trash. They're worse than WW2 1911 irons

[@SgtStinger]

Worse than WW2 1911 irons? Not even close.

[@OriginalBongoliath]

Meh, I like the AK sights. It is what I am used to. Peeps are weird to me.

[@SlytigerSurvival]

The AK is the assault rifle ICON. It is fantastic. I’d live to see Larry write a book on the original Tactickle Rifle, the Roller Delayed Blowbacks.

[@Hachi501st]

these two guys are the gun kings

[@richardsveum8452]

My Understanding is that the SKS was adopted just in case the AK failed and to allow for product improvements before full scale adoption of the AK could be implemented.

[@bobwampler3387]

Excellent Q & A.

[@daspiper8941]

~I have many comments: ~I am a serious AKM Rifle Fan. It has become my favorite Battle Rifle, but I'll never give up my AR or M14 Rifles I trained with while with the U.S. Navy nearly 50 years ago. I've never stopped training with my weapons. ~I hope the day will come that there will be a great American Made AKM Battle Grade Rifle. I think there will be. Those on on today's market are getting better, IMO. ~I like RS Regulate Side Mounts and Texas Weapon System's Top Mounts for my Red Dots and Magnified Scopes. ~Manticore Arms Night Brake and Smith Enterprises Vortex Flask Eliminator are my two all-time favorite AKM Muzzle Devices. ~Since all my AKM Rifles are sighted for Combat Accuracy at 100 meters, I make use of the "Cave Man's" EoTech's sighting system. It's actually all I really need. ~I'd love to own a 5.56 NATO AKM Rifle, even though I'm a big 7.62x39 Fan. I prefer the 30 Caliber's hitting power. That's why: "I Don't Need a Teenage Queen, I just want my M14" said it all then and it actually says it all today, but now I would change it to "I Don't Need a teenage Queen, I just want my AKM". ~I have no problem with the Original AKM Hand-Guard. ~I love my Arsenal SAM7SF and to date She's the Queen of my AKM Rifles. ~I don't make my tools adjust to me, I adjust to my tools. Who knows what you must pick-up in the field that you will pick-up and use to defend your men and yourself. Learn to adapt to your tools. ~I've never desired a SKS, like I have the AKM. I dream about the AKM. ~Two shoots in the same hole at 20 meters with an AKM is what I call being Lucky. ~This is a Great Video. I thank you both.

[@Max_Da_G]

Buy one from Rifle Dynamics, if money is available. Though not everyone can justify spending around 2K on an AKM

[@alinanet94]

Russia's attempt to replace the AK platform was the Abakan project. AK-74 was meant to be a temporary solution that uses 5.45 cartridge while a rifle of the 21st century is in development. Nikonov's AN-94 and AEK-971 have made it to the finals, the Nikonov's design has won, and has been formally adopted as AN-94, but the USSR had collapsed and Russia couldn't mass-produce it. I even heard that some early designs of AN-94 had moving magazine like G-11 in burst-mode, but I can't provide any publicly available sources.

[@azk3826]

The Sig 550 is the best AK variant ! But I may be biased, considering it's my service rifle

[@RustedCroaker]

It is. But it's most expensive and time consuming to make also. That could be a problem if you need millions of them.

[@esahermo4847]

Sako RK 7,62 mk3? Finnish made and the Rolls Royce of AK variants.My service rifel was RK 62 which was old version of finnish assault rifel,but it is very accurate and good made gun.

[@alexvogel610]

Larry's really trimmed down; kudos to him!

[@JSCO-]

Hey guys, great video! I hope to see more videos put out like this one!

[@alphakilo9066]

I just found this video. What an excellent interview and discussion. Thanks