Quote Originally Posted by funkymonkey1111 View Post
is there any functional difference between this and what we would say is a "traditional" AK fore-end, or is it just a cosmetic difference?
Yes. different hand guards, different gas block and front sight. Up side is the butt stock and trigger guard are correct. Down side is the "true AK" look it is not. However consider thses AK's comprable to the "Dissapator" style AR's. You have a longer sight radius with the gas block under the hand guards. For the price buy it, convert front end later. OR spend another $100 (approx) and get a true looking AK.

IMO, unless you want an AK in the 5.45 caliber, i'd invest in a 5.45x39 AR upper.