Big Boss 21 Posted July 5, 2009 Report Share Posted July 5, 2009 (edited) I don't mind the factory handguard, but I was sick of smelling burning plastic every time I shot, so I got the Tapco Galil HG. Seems alright so far. EDIT : quick note. I think a lot of the people who had a problem with it coming loose really just didn't tighten it enough. Seriously, you gotta give it some oomph :-P Edited July 6, 2009 by Big Boss Quote Link to post Share on other sites
thehopping1 105 Posted July 5, 2009 Report Share Posted July 5, 2009 The stock hand guard is too hot for me here in Az. After 30 rounds it is hot, and after 60 it is almost too hot to shoot. I don't think cutting breather holes in it will solve the problem so I ordered a UTG quad rail. I figure with the rubber rail covers on it will eliminate this problem. Plus stockers are just ugly IMO. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
SOPMOD 254 Posted July 6, 2009 Report Share Posted July 6, 2009 (edited) I have a melted factory Saiga 7.62 handguard if anybody wants to see it I'll take a pic of it for ya.Anything has got to be an upgrade from the factory unit doesn't it? Edited July 6, 2009 by SOPMOD Quote Link to post Share on other sites
imarangemaster 315 Posted July 6, 2009 Report Share Posted July 6, 2009 I have a melted factory Saiga 7.62 handguard if anybody wants to see it I'll take a pic of it for ya.Anything has got to be an upgrade from the factory unit doesn't it? I am not surprised. That's why I switched from the ventilated factory handguard to the AK100 series from K-Var. If I shot 200 rounds (or less quick) the factory handguard got too hot. It's a shame, as it is comfortable and protects you front the "in front of the handguard AK finger sizzle." The AK100 series works excellent! Quote Link to post Share on other sites
ishium 80439 0 Posted August 8, 2009 Report Share Posted August 8, 2009 I hadn't thought of this until reading these posts but bear with me for a moment. If you go to your local auto parts store you can find some adhesive tape designed to be wrapped around headers (you can also find the much more expensive fiberglass wrap). If you were to remove the HG and put a layer of this into it would it remedy the problem of a too hot HG? I guess the only problem I could see is that the heat has to go somewhere and it might reflect too much of it back to the barrel. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
norinco982lover 6 Posted August 18, 2009 Report Share Posted August 18, 2009 Do all of the aftermarket handguards require a retaining plate? What would be a cheap option to replace the stock handguard with? Does the Tapco Galil style handguard require a retaining piece or a new gas tube? Thanks! ~Norinco Quote Link to post Share on other sites
kope007 14 Posted August 18, 2009 Report Share Posted August 18, 2009 Any saiga specific handguard does not require a lower handguard retainer. Tapco galil saiga handguard UTG saiga quadrail Tapca saiga intrafuse DPH Tri rail Surefire tri rail and there are probably some others. Or ventilate and add rails to the stock guard. Pretty much all other handguards made for ak will require a handguard retainer. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
norinco982lover 6 Posted August 18, 2009 Report Share Posted August 18, 2009 Any saiga specific handguard does not require a lower handguard retainer.Tapco galil saiga handguard UTG saiga quadrail Tapca saiga intrafuse DPH Tri rail Surefire tri rail and there are probably some others. Or ventilate and add rails to the stock guard. Pretty much all other handguards made for ak will require a handguard retainer. That is exactly what I needed to know. Thanks much! ~Norinco Quote Link to post Share on other sites
jh664322 0 Posted August 20, 2009 Report Share Posted August 20, 2009 I hadn't thought of this until reading these posts but bear with me for a moment. If you go to your local auto parts store you can find some adhesive tape designed to be wrapped around headers (you can also find the much more expensive fiberglass wrap). If you were to remove the HG and put a layer of this into it would it remedy the problem of a too hot HG? I guess the only problem I could see is that the heat has to go somewhere and it might reflect too much of it back to the barrel. Thats a good question. I love the stock HG but the heat is a problem. Since heat rises, I don't see the use in ventilating the guard from the bottom. The sides couldn't hurt but I think you need something more. There is hardly any room between the guard and the barrel and I think thats the problem. Maybe some kind of RPK style heatsink, like you find on your CPU. I think the problem with the insulation option would be that the heat wouldn't be transferring anywhere; so I guess if you did what you are suggesting you would just be heating up the barrel more, and in theory if it kept the guard cooler it might be viable. Or....water cool it like the Maxim Quote Link to post Share on other sites
n102788 6 Posted August 20, 2009 Report Share Posted August 20, 2009 I hadn't thought of this until reading these posts but bear with me for a moment. If you go to your local auto parts store you can find some adhesive tape designed to be wrapped around headers (you can also find the much more expensive fiberglass wrap). If you were to remove the HG and put a layer of this into it would it remedy the problem of a too hot HG? I guess the only problem I could see is that the heat has to go somewhere and it might reflect too much of it back to the barrel. Thats a good question. I love the stock HG but the heat is a problem. Since heat rises, I don't see the use in ventilating the guard from the bottom. The sides couldn't hurt but I think you need something more. There is hardly any room between the guard and the barrel and I think thats the problem. Maybe some kind of RPK style heatsink, like you find on your CPU. I think the problem with the insulation option would be that the heat wouldn't be transferring anywhere; so I guess if you did what you are suggesting you would just be heating up the barrel more, and in theory if it kept the guard cooler it might be viable. Or....water cool it like the Maxim i used this welders fabric i got at home depot for a heat shield. its like quarter inch thick fabric and i lined it at the bottom of my HG up to my vent holes, it did a good job but i was worried about the heat being transfered to the barrel and possibly over heating the barrel after a couple hundred rounds of medium speed consistent fire. Any thoughts? ( the fabric came in contact with the barrel and singed some of the fabric, it didnt burn any fabric off but it got kindal llike singed the threads together) Quote Link to post Share on other sites
BuzzKillin 21 Posted August 20, 2009 Report Share Posted August 20, 2009 I don't mind the factory handguard, but I was sick of smelling burning plastic every time I shot, so I got the Tapco Galil HG. Seems alright so far. EDIT : quick note. I think a lot of the people who had a problem with it coming loose really just didn't tighten it enough. Seriously, you gotta give it some oomph :-P Man, that is one beautiful rifle you've got there... Quote Link to post Share on other sites
imarangemaster 315 Posted August 20, 2009 Report Share Posted August 20, 2009 I had the Tapco Galil handguard on the 223 I had. It worked very well, especially after I put a heatshiel from an M4 handguard in it under and around the barrel. It reflected the heat upward. If I get another 223, that is the way I would go, along with Galil orlites like I had. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Krom 36 Posted October 9, 2009 Report Share Posted October 9, 2009 (edited) I have a melted factory Saiga 7.62 handguard if anybody wants to see it I'll take a pic of it for ya.Anything has got to be an upgrade from the factory unit doesn't it? Yeah I'd really like to see your pic of the melted HG. I'm kind of concerned about the stock HG not cutting it in a SHTF scenario cause I want my handguard to be able to keep up with my barrel and overall weapon design. I wonder if lining the stock HG with reflective tape (heating and air type or the header stuff) would bring it up to an acceptable level. Also anyone have any issues the tapco Galil HG melting? I have love my ultimak rails and I don't want to pay $200 to get a good performing HG to go with it. (I'm throwing around the idea of trying to install a standard AK retainer with kvar HGs) Right now I have a modified stock HG with an ultimak on my 5.45x39, and a tapco galil HG on my 7.62x39. But I like the feel and overall design of the stock HG I just don't want it to melt off.... Edited October 9, 2009 by Krom Quote Link to post Share on other sites
raftman 1 Posted October 9, 2009 Report Share Posted October 9, 2009 I think it looks pretty bad. Ended up replacing it with the Tapco galil-style handguard, it's a bit a less comfortable, but now that I'm used to it, it's fine. Looks by far better. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Rhodes1968 1,638 Posted October 14, 2009 Report Share Posted October 14, 2009 I have a melted factory Saiga 7.62 handguard if anybody wants to see it I'll take a pic of it for ya.Anything has got to be an upgrade from the factory unit doesn't it? Yeah I'd really like to see your pic of the melted HG. I'm kind of concerned about the stock HG not cutting it in a SHTF scenario cause I want my handguard to be able to keep up with my barrel and overall weapon design. I wonder if lining the stock HG with reflective tape (heating and air type or the header stuff) would bring it up to an acceptable level. Also anyone have any issues the tapco Galil HG melting? I have love my ultimak rails and I don't want to pay $200 to get a good performing HG to go with it. (I'm throwing around the idea of trying to install a standard AK retainer with kvar HGs) Right now I have a modified stock HG with an ultimak on my 5.45x39, and a tapco galil HG on my 7.62x39. But I like the feel and overall design of the stock HG I just don't want it to melt off.... Helps a ton just as long as the heat has a good path out the top. I used similar materials on a infusion HG and it never even gets warm now. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Paulry 50 Posted October 20, 2009 Report Share Posted October 20, 2009 Folks with the Tapco Infusion forearm, how does that hold up and does it vent the heat OK? Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Killshot44 0 Posted November 9, 2009 Report Share Posted November 9, 2009 Gotta recommend the UTG Quad-rail(available at Gilbert's Guns for $69.99). It is a two-piece design and bolts on rivet-tight in 3 minutes. Rails everywhere and very nice rubber pads to cover unused rails. Just ran 200rds thru it in 10mins and no pesky hot hands...just my .02. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
shades_of_grey 1,092 Posted November 12, 2009 Report Share Posted November 12, 2009 Folks with the Tapco Infusion forearm, how does that hold up and does it vent the heat OK? The Tapco Intrafuse handguards are pretty well-made and absolutely solid, (as some Tapco products are; e.g. Tapco G2 FCG, Tapco SAW grip, etc). They have a steel heat-shield on the lower handguard, just as the K-Var poly handguards do. 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
finslayer83 1 Posted December 13, 2009 Report Share Posted December 13, 2009 You can always upgrade your factory HG...................... Where is this piece of rail from? thanks Quote Link to post Share on other sites
jimdigriz 580 Posted December 13, 2009 Report Share Posted December 13, 2009 I have a melted factory Saiga 7.62 handguard if anybody wants to see it I'll take a pic of it for ya.Anything has got to be an upgrade from the factory unit doesn't it? I'd be interested in hearing exactly what sequence of events led to the handguard melting. I suspect the scenario is an unlikely one. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
jimdigriz 580 Posted December 13, 2009 Report Share Posted December 13, 2009 I like the stock handguard fine. I left it on my wife's rifle because it is light, and comfortable. She is not likely to need to fire over 50 rounds in rapid succession, so the heat is not a problem. Don't forget that if the handguard heats up too much, you can switch to using the magazine as a forward grip. This is not an illegitimate tactic for an AK; in fact, it is presented in the Soviet AKM manual as one of two standard ways of running the gun. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
shades_of_grey 1,092 Posted December 14, 2009 Report Share Posted December 14, 2009 Don't forget that if the handguard heats up too much, you can switch to using the magazine as a forward grip. This is not an illegitimate tactic for an AK; in fact, it is presented in the Soviet AKM manual as one of two standard ways of running the gun. That's the way I prefer to fire my rifle, regardless of how hot the handguards, (barrel and gas tube), are. I find the front of the mag provides a natural and comfortable grip, and using the rifle this way makes quickly changing targets while keeping a good sight picture very easy. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Blackjack_21 0 Posted December 15, 2009 Report Share Posted December 15, 2009 I had Devin mod my standard HG (venting, reshaping, rail, Duracoat) and don't regret it. I also got rid of that dumbass sheet steel cover on the gas tube and repainted it with black engine enamel (brand name escapes me right now). If that gets a little toasty, there's always the mag. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
danklab 57 Posted March 8, 2010 Report Share Posted March 8, 2010 Just wondering if anyone using the Surefire tri rail handguard can confirm a heat shield or not? It also looks like it would be a little more comfortable than the factory. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
icefire 10 Posted March 8, 2010 Report Share Posted March 8, 2010 Myself, I went with the MI quad rail for saigas. Lots of rails to hang stuff on, solid metal so vents/cools nicely, and leaves 'just enough' of the gas block and barrel visible for a AK look. It's just right for me. Pix are up in the pic section of the 7.62 gallery, mine is on pages 36 and 37, I believe... Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Klassy Kalashnikov 1,393 Posted March 8, 2010 Report Share Posted March 8, 2010 (edited) I wear gloves whenever I use mine anyway as it gets very hot. Personally I like the stock handguard a lot. I railed two of them with vertical grips for 2 of my builds. Edited March 8, 2010 by Klassy Kalashnikov Quote Link to post Share on other sites
jimdigriz 580 Posted March 8, 2010 Report Share Posted March 8, 2010 I wear gloves whenever I use mine anyway as it gets very hot. Personally I like the stock handguard a lot. I railed two of them with vertical grips for 2 of my builds. Do you have problems with the retaining screw walking out after lots of firing? Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Mr. Kalashnikov 0 Posted March 8, 2010 Report Share Posted March 8, 2010 I normally just grab the mag when firing. The original handguard worked fine. I just wanted more of an AK look so I change to the Tapco Galil handguard. I'm going to try to put a video on youtube in a day or two shooting my saiga with the Galil handguard on it. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
hebbeclan 0 Posted March 10, 2010 Report Share Posted March 10, 2010 I didnt care for either the tapco or the stock foregrip the stock foregrip heated to bad so I bought the tapco and it solved the heating problem but didn't feel right so I bought a dinzag barell reatainer from a friend and a ak gas tube and some kvar ak grips from another and now I like how it feels and it works for me but if I had to choose between the tapco and normal tapco wins in my opinion Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Klassy Kalashnikov 1,393 Posted March 10, 2010 Report Share Posted March 10, 2010 I wear gloves whenever I use mine anyway as it gets very hot. Personally I like the stock handguard a lot. I railed two of them with vertical grips for 2 of my builds. Do you have problems with the retaining screw walking out after lots of firing? The retaining screw would wiggle loose after a couple hundred rounds, but I put some loc-tite and no more problems with that. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
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