My First AK

[Shodown]

I've wanted an AK for several years now and finally picked one up the other day from Frontier Arms here in Cheyenne. Its a Zastava M70 N-Pap. It came with a Tapco G2 trigger and 2 mags (1 Tapco mag and a standard metal mag).

I haven't shot it yet, but I already don't like the stock because the comb is so high that its tough to look down the sights without smashing my cheek against it. Having said that I will replace with a with something else just not sure with what.

I'm new AK's so if you guys have any advice on parts, ammo, maintenance etc. feel free to share.

http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e40/Shodown69/DSC03555_zps5649ca96.jpg (http://s36.photobucket.com/user/Shodown69/media/DSC03555_zps5649ca96.jpg.html)

http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e40/Shodown69/DSC03553_zps60889533.jpg (http://s36.photobucket.com/user/Shodown69/media/DSC03553_zps60889533.jpg.html)

http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e40/Shodown69/DSC03557_zps3c47e042.jpg (http://s36.photobucket.com/user/Shodown69/media/DSC03557_zps3c47e042.jpg.html)

[ray1970]

Congrats!

Sorry, no advice from me. I haven't owned an AK in over fifteen years.

If it were mine I would stick to the metal magazines and feed it any ammo I could get my hands on.

[Awesom]

[Richard]

i like the n-pap alot.
for the price it's hard to beat.
new parts and very accurate with steel ammo.
the comb is pretty high, i hold my face right up by the reciver.
it gets me low enough to get a good sight picture.
good looking rifle.
let me know if you ever want to sell the wood furniture.

[BPTactical]

Maintenance- the Kalishnakov pattern is probably the lowest maintenance platform out there. A drop of oil on the fire control components, a dab of grease on the frame rails and bolt stem is about all they need lube wise. Standard cleaning procedures apply, knot up an old boot lace and dunk it in some used motor oil and pull it through the bore now and then when the groups open up to 4 feet or so[LOL]
Seriously though just a standard wet patch, nylon brush and dry patches will do fine.
About the only time you really need to be overly concerned is if you have been running corrosive primered ammo. You want to be diligent about cleaning the gas system if you do. A good trick for a quick clean after a range session is once it is cool take some cheap window cleaner with ammonia and douche the barrel and gas system down, it will neutralize the corrosive salts enough until you can do a detail clean. Hot, soapy water works best for a detail clean, flush it out with hot clear water and it will flash dry and oil it down immediately.
Ak's are happiest with genuine CommBloc mags either metal or poly, the Tapco mags can be spotty.
Can't make a comment on the Magpul mags, haven't played with them yet.
You have all kind of furniture options out there, just keep in mind if you go with CommBloc furniture your length of pull is typically shorter than "NATO" length stocks.
Apex Gun Parts and KVAR are both good sources.
Just don't make it look like the Tapco Fairy pleasured herself with it, it looks hideous just like hanging 24" dubs on a 68 Chevelle SS.
If you want optics on it just go with a red dot, hanging a scope on an AK is an exercise in futility, the rifle is built to "Minute of Man" not Minute of Angle standards.
Congrats on your new rifle, the PAP's I have dealt with so far have seemed pretty decent.

[bryjcom]

The yugos have high combs. Move your face forward and it will help. Also sanding the stock down will help

[jreifsch80]

If you're not relying on sub-par factory iron sights (like using a high quality optic mount) and you shoot a worked up hand load then 1.5-2 inch groups isn't out of the question

[stenz]

What did you pay for it if you don't mind me asking?

[ChunkyMonkey]

She is purty!!!

[Shodown]

Thanks for all the info guys especially about the maintenance and mags. I'll see if I can pick up some standard metal mags soon. I'm not going to add a bunch Tapco stuff on it. Midwest industries seems to have some pretty good options for parts so I'll look into them as well as a decent red dot because as previously mentioned, the irons are awful.


What did you pay for it if you don't mind me asking?

$650. I know there are cheaper options online, but not having to pay for shipping and an FFL transfer fee I think I came out OK on the price. Plus, after reading a bunch of stuff online I didn't want to buy an AK sight unseen. I wanted to look it over closely to make sure everything was straight and legit before purchasing it.

[jreifsch80]

That's looks like a nice setup

http://thefiringline.com/forums/showthread.php?p=5689909

[Great-Kazoo]

You want to mount an optic, i have an AK side scope mount, available. AND a few red dots ;) Se' Hablo' CASH

[Wulf202]

Ultimak with a primary arms t1 copy will allow you to co-witness.

[Great-Kazoo]

Ultimak with a primary arms t1 copy will allow you to co-witness.

Or the MI optics hand guard unit. I run the regular railed unit, with an AK side scope mount.
http://www.midwestindustriesinc.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=category.display&category_id=241

http://www.midwestindustriesinc.com/images/products/mi_ak4774hndgrd.gif

[Shodown]

You want to mount an optic, i have an AK side scope mount, available. AND a few red dots ;) Se' Hablo' CASH

PM sent!


Or the MI optics hand guard unit. I run the regular railed unit, with an AK side scope mount.
http://www.midwestindustriesinc.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=category.display&category_id=241

http://www.midwestindustriesinc.com/images/products/mi_ak4774hndgrd.gif

Ha, I just ordered one of those earlier today. They reviewed very well and look great IMO.

[jreifsch80]

A standard akm side mount doesn't always work on a pap rail since they are a little different the rail on a pap can be modified do a google search for yugo pap side rail or something like that and there's threads on ak files about it

[Shodown]

A standard akm side mount doesn't always work on a pap rail since they are a little different the rail on a pap can be modified do a google search for yugo pap side rail or something like that and there's threads on ak files about it

Good to know, thanks. I knew that the handguard and stock were different....are there any other parts that I should know about that differ from other AK's?

[Great-Kazoo]

That MI unit is too short for the yugo. It barely covers the gas tube on a regular length AK.

[Shodown]

That MI unit is too short for the yugo. It barely covers the gas tube on a regular length AK.

Yeah, I noticed that too so I had to search for the M70 specific model which I eventually found.

http://www.mississippiautoarms.com/yugo-m70-aluminum-ak-quad-rail-by-midwest-industries-p-2676.html?zenid=a67b404c2225fdbce6358817c450b28d

[jreifsch80]

The problem with the side rail is the mounts sit a little farther back so after market mounts that are raked forward more that average seem to work better. I've been researching this because I'm wanting to get a yugo m77 pap .308 eventually

[Wulf202]

Ive had several railed forearms. The midwest is quality but will only co witness with the specific mount since it leaves the stock gas tube in place. Dont hang anything off the bottom rail if you want to load fast making it useless and pointy.

The rails are heavier than the stock counter parts. Some wiggle even when tightened down. Some wiggle loose since thst area gets hot.

As racheal ray pointed out the side mount options can be clunky since most are ar15 designs adapted over to the ak.

[yz9890]

I'm new AK's so if you guys have any advice on parts, ammo, maintenance etc. feel free to share.

My advice is to shoot the crap out of it and smile a lot. Shoot whatever ammo is the cheapest. Even the corrosive stuff (just clean it when you get home). Maybe look into a Lightning Lever if you can't get your safety to loosen up and have your front sight/gas block straightened if it's too canted. But maintenance wise, the AK types generally live up to their indestructible reputation.

I use the older AKM side mount for my RDS and love it but while I get about lower 1/4 co-witness with it on my Arsenal SGL21, it sits about 1/2" higher on my brother's Romanian rifle. So apparently no all side mounts are the same.

http://img.tapatalk.com/d/14/03/17/3anuvabe.jpg

I don't like railed gas tubes because the ones stable enough to mount an optic on make it difficult if not impossible to clean the gas port without removing it and losing zero. Many people never clean their gas port though and their rifles work fine. I still have a few tins of corrosive ammo though so I like to be able to get to it. Plus my tube gets crazy hot. Even during very slow fire. It just seems like a hostile environment for an optic. I'm sure much of that is my own paranoia though.

Good looking rifle. Is the wood NATO length or Warsaw length?

[jerrymrc]

Congrats on your first one. I used to have 5 but downsized years ago to 2. The one thing I have always liked on mine is the Kobra sight. I am sure there are better options these days but I still like mine. [Flower]

[jreifsch80]

I love my kobra too it is clunky in its own way but the nostalgia makes it worth it (also it's a pretty decent durable sight) I run the kobra on my ak74

[sampson]

New to ak as well. Haven't shot my yugo zastava o-pap yet. Looking to get a red dot on there. It seems a bit hard to get iron sights lined up. I have to lean forward and pull rifle way up. Doesnt help I'm right handed and left eye dominant. Also getting older and eyes not as sharp. Any problems shooting ak lefty? Will I get smacked in the head with hot brass.

[jreifsch80]

You should be fine, I have a good buddy that's right handed left eye dom he shoots lefty and has never had a problem with ak's

[sampson]

Thanks for the info :) Looking forward to shootin. What mounts u guys runnin? I like the wood stock and handguard. Don't think I'd want to switch em out. Lookin to run side rail mount.

[bryjcom]

Thanks for the info :) Looking forward to shootin. What mounts u guys runnin? I like the wood stock and handguard. Don't think I'd want to switch em out. Lookin to run side rail mount.

This is probably the lowest side rail mount system. I have one and it is awesome.

http://www.aimsurplus.com/product.aspx?groupid=684&name=RS+AK-300+AK+Optic+Side+Mounting+System

[jreifsch80]

This is probably the lowest side rail mount system. I have one and it is awesome.

http://www.aimsurplus.com/product.aspx?groupid=684&name=RS+AK-300+AK+Optic+Side+Mounting+System

The xrsak301 on aim's site is the same mount as the link I posted earlier in the thread where people said it worked very well with the pap

[bryjcom]

Yeah, I've really like that mount system. I think I have the earlier one that sits slightly higher.

[sampson]

This is probably the lowest side rail mount system. I have one and it is awesome.

http://www.aimsurplus.com/product.aspx?groupid=684&name=RS+AK-300+AK+Optic+Side+Mounting+System

Emailed rs products..they said for my o-pap I need AK-310 lower and AKML upper for PA microdot. I guess I'm saving up for that mount. Mucho $$$

[bryjcom]

Emailed rs products..they said for my o-pap I need AK-310 lower and AKML upper for PA microdot. I guess I'm saving up for that mount. Mucho $$$

Sometimes AIM will run deals for around $300 that includes the RS mounting system and a Vortec Sparc. Not a bad deal....

[jreifsch80]

Emailed rs products..they said for my o-pap I need AK-310 lower and AKML upper for PA microdot. I guess I'm saving up for that mount. Mucho $$$

Like I said earlier looks like the 301 would work as well

http://www.m4carbine.net/showthread.php?142378-Zastava-Yugo-O-PAP-AK-47-Variant-Review

[sampson]

Like I said earlier looks like the 301 would work as well

http://www.m4carbine.net/showthread.php?142378-Zastava-Yugo-O-PAP-AK-47-Variant-Review

Probably right that ak301 will fit. Got info directly from rs regulate that ak310 is needed on m70 o-pap yugo. Looks the same price as ak310 though so doesn't really make a difference to me. Hoping it was cheaper.

[Shodown]

Its finally done! The only issue I have is that the cleaning rod doesn't fit with the new handguard, but whatever. I'm going to shoot it on Friday to get the red dot and iron sights zeroed.

Tapco stock kit
Tapco G2 trgger
Hogue grip
Midwest Industries handguard
Primary Arms Microdot
American Defense QD microdot mount
Blackhawk 2 point sling
Magpul forward hand stop

http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e40/Shodown69/DSC03567_zpsbc053bc2.jpg (http://s36.photobucket.com/user/Shodown69/media/DSC03567_zpsbc053bc2.jpg.html)

http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e40/Shodown69/DSC03559_zps9ccdb179.jpg (http://s36.photobucket.com/user/Shodown69/media/DSC03559_zps9ccdb179.jpg.html)

http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e40/Shodown69/DSC03566_zps06920219.jpg (http://s36.photobucket.com/user/Shodown69/media/DSC03566_zps06920219.jpg.html)

[ANADRILL]

nice

[beast556]

Let me know if you wanna sell the orginal wooden handguards please.B

[jreifsch80]

Looks good for a Tacticool ak ;)

[Shodown]

Thanks for the compliments.



let me know if you ever want to sell the wood furniture.


Let me know if you wanna sell the orginal wooden handguards please.B

I'll let you guys know about the wood furniture. I want to shoot it a few times to make sure that I like the aftermarket setup before I start selling the stock parts.

[vossman]

How did it shoot? This exact same AK next on my list. I hear these are pretty good for the price.

[Shodown]

How did it shoot? This exact same AK next on my list. I hear these are pretty good for the price.

It shot really well. I put 80 rounds of Herter's, Tulammo, and Wolf down range with zero hiccups. I really like shooting the red dot, but the iron sights are absolutely awful. I got them sighted in decently, but it was a chore and I don't plan to use them regularly. I really like the trigger and was surprised at how smooth it was.

Below is a pic of 5 shots at 50 yards. Nothing too impressive, but I was happy with it considering it was my first time shooting it.

http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e40/Shodown69/AK50yds_zps4c6e09d6.jpg (http://s36.photobucket.com/user/Shodown69/media/AK50yds_zps4c6e09d6.jpg.html)

[jerrymrc]

That is pretty good for just steel ammo. Nothing wrong with that at all. [Flower]

[sampson]

I think I'm going with that microdot as well now that I see how you like it. But I think I'll keep my wood furniture going with the r_s regulate mount.

Nice gun!

[zteknik]

It shot really well. I put 80 rounds of Herter's, Tulammo, and Wolf down range with zero hiccups. I really like shooting the red dot, but the iron sights are absolutely awful. I got them sighted in decently, but it was a chore and I don't plan to use them regularly. I really like the trigger and was surprised at how smooth it was.

Below is a pic of 5 shots at 50 yards. Nothing too impressive, but I was happy with it considering it was my first time shooting it.

http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e40/Shodown69/AK50yds_zps4c6e09d6.jpg (http://s36.photobucket.com/user/Shodown69/media/AK50yds_zps4c6e09d6.jpg.html)

Impressive.With the right components they do make accurate shooters.
The iron sights were just meant to get you on target.
Now imagine what it would shoot like with some good commercial ammo :)

[sampson]

Impressive.With the right components they do make accurate shooters.
The iron sights were just meant to get you on target.
Now imagine what it would shoot like with some good commercial ammo :)

I dunno. I think these guns like the cheap russian stuff. :)

[vossman]

Very cool, thanks for posting your results.

[Great-Kazoo]

I dunno. I think these guns like the cheap russian stuff. :)

AK's are like my ex, they'll take anything you stick down it's throat. Except in some cases, hollow points.

[vossman]

Picked mine up from Silent Precision today, thanks Chris. Gonna run it hard tomorrow before the weather turns to poop. Will have pics to post I hope.

[jreifsch80]

That's not bad at all especially considering primary arms says their microdot has a 3 MOA dot

[vossman]

Well I ran almost 200 rds through it with only one issue. Its like a punch in the face every time you pull the trigger. The stock is so high you have to really get your face on the stock to use the sights so I need to look for a way to change it. I want to keep the wood on it so that may pose a problem.
Other than that its a pretty awesome gun. That Wolf Polyformance is powerful stuff. Cases were thrown 20-30 feet out. Sorry no pics of me shooting, when my face bruises though I'll post a pic of that.

[ChunkyMonkey]

Well I ran almost 200 rds through it with only one issue. Its like a punch in the face every time you pull the trigger. The stock is so high you have to really get your face on the stock to use the sights so I need to look for a way to change it. I want to keep the wood on it so that may pose a problem.
Other than that its a pretty awesome gun. That Wolf Polyformance is powerful stuff. Cases were thrown 20-30 feet out. Sorry no pics of me shooting, when my face bruises though I'll post a pic of that.

That's how the Russians shape their hard cold chiseled masculine face. Keep on shooting, comrade! By the 12000th round you would look like Vlad Putin!


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[jreifsch80]

Well I ran almost 200 rds through it with only one issue. Its like a punch in the face every time you pull the trigger. The stock is so high you have to really get your face on the stock to use the sights so I need to look for a way to change it. I want to keep the wood on it so that may pose a problem.
Other than that its a pretty awesome gun. That Wolf Polyformance is powerful stuff. Cases were thrown 20-30 feet out. Sorry no pics of me shooting, when my face bruises though I'll post a pic of that.
Do a 100m sight in on the 300 or 400 setting, I've heard of people doing this (including Russians)

[vossman]

I was thinking that. Maybe someone make a taller replacement sight post so I can get the rear sights even higher.

[Shodown]

Do a 100m sight in on the 300 or 400 setting, I've heard of people doing this (including Russians)

That's exactly what I did with the irons. They were physically painful to shoot otherwise.

[beast556]

. That m70 stock is straight in line with the receiver. I have a m76 stock on my opap and no problems with cheek slap. This is a very common problem with the Yugos. I think apex still has m76 stocks.

[zteknik]

If the comb of the stock sits too high for your comfort level you always can sand it down to fit :)

[vossman]

I had to send my AK back to Century to fix. The front sight pin was not holding the slant brake pin/spring in. It looked like it was drilled a little too low. Century has been good to work with though, sent me a return tag and said they'd get it back to me as soon as they could.

[BPTactical]

I had to send my AK back to Century to fix. The front sight pin was not holding the slant brake pin/spring in. It looked like it was drilled a little too low. Century has been good to work with though, sent me a return tag and said they'd get it back to me as soon as they could.

Or you could have driven up here, I ream it for a slightly oversized pin and you drive home with it.......



Jus sayin......[pick-me]

[Coffee]

[jreifsch80]

Actually I think Cheyenne might be higher than us Burt so he would have had to drive down here ;) but yeah since it's an n-pap they probably have more to send you so it should work out fine. Now you get to sight in your new ak all over again so more fun excuses to shoot :)

[vossman]

Bert, you were next in line. I thought I'd give them a chance to fix it.

[ASCBLUEYE]

I had really good luck with mine for the first 4 spam cans of Tula, then the ejector wore off and receiver cracked. Century replaced it no questions asked........took 8 weeks though. I agree the cheek weld for irons use is annoying but at least you have wood to work with and not synthetic. I ended up going the ACE route. Did a few videos on how too

[ASCBLUEYE]

44865 Receiver detail

[ChunkyMonkey]

I had really good luck with mine for the first 4 spam cans of Tula, then the ejector wore off and receiver cracked. Century replaced it no questions asked........took 8 weeks though. I agree the cheek weld for irons use is annoying but at least you have wood to work with and not synthetic. I ended up going the ACE route. Did a few videos on how too

And the plug..

https://www.youtube.com/user/ASCBLUEYE

[Coffee]

[Chad0724]

I'm thinking an AK might be my next purchase :) or a .22 AR for plinking I can't decide.. Maybe a Mossberg 500..


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[ChunkyMonkey]

I'm thinking an AK might be my next purchase :) or a .22 AR for plinking I can't decide.. Maybe a Mossberg 500..


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Fortunately all 3 are must haves ;)



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[Great-Kazoo]

I'm thinking an AK might be my next purchase :) or a .22 AR for plinking I can't decide.. Maybe a Mossberg 500..


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Buy a dedicated 22 upper for the AR, leaving you a few coin for the 12 ga.