gtnichols 51 Posted January 10, 2009 Report Share Posted January 10, 2009 I am going to build a x39 and want it to be as lightweight and multipurpose as possible and have been considering parts and function and realized I have little experience and YOU GUYS HAVE A LOT! So my idea of an ultralight Saiga x39 (yeah I know a wood fore-grip and an under folder is going to be about as light as it gets and compact too, this may be muy route) I wanted to get your input. Probably start off with a 16" bbl x39 (if I can find one at a decent price) and do something like this one pictured below,..... I think there is a lighter side rail mount and scope, and fore grip for that matter, that stock is sweet super-light, but doesn't fold,.. Any thoughts?? Quote Link to post Share on other sites
TR Young 175 Posted January 10, 2009 Report Share Posted January 10, 2009 Wow... I'm not real big on a lot of the camouflaged guns that I see, but I do like the looks of that one. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
gtnichols 51 Posted January 10, 2009 Author Report Share Posted January 10, 2009 I have also been researching camo paint jobs, These are some of the the one's I like,..(that aren't posted here in the forum already, that I know of) Wow... I'm not real big on a lot of the camouflaged guns that I see, but I do like the looks of that one. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
TR Young 175 Posted January 10, 2009 Report Share Posted January 10, 2009 I like the break up on the first picture, and the bolt action that looks like snake skin. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
mstranglr 9 Posted January 10, 2009 Report Share Posted January 10, 2009 To keep it as light as possible; 1) keep optics off the rifle 2) dont bother with muzzle devices, unless using a slant brake. 3) The wire side-folding stock is the lightest and handiest stock for this application. 4) AK-100 style front furniture is the lightest IMO. 5) Keep all M4 mall-ninja add-ons off the rifle. 6) use a cord carry strap rather than a regular one. If you dont like this option, use a thin nylon one over a heavier cotton carry strap. 7) Cammo paint jobs add weight to rifles, as each color of paint if actually added to the whole rifle in layers. 8) You can leave the cleaning rod off. 9) BUT THE BIGGEST IMPROVEMENT in weight is to use 20rnd mags instead of 30. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
HillBilly2 9 Posted January 10, 2009 Report Share Posted January 10, 2009 Interesting concept, I wonder how close to a "scout rifle" one could get with an AK? I agree with most of the above. I'd also remove the side optic mount and drop a few ounces. If I had to have a rail I'd use one of Cobra's mounted forward. I wouldn't worry too much about the weight of the paint. Maybe even go with the Chinese 5 rd mags. What else could be done to lower weight? How much does a 16" 7.62 weigh anyway? Quote Link to post Share on other sites
VladTepes 160 Posted January 10, 2009 Report Share Posted January 10, 2009 Probably start off with a 16" bbl x39 (if I can find one at a decent price) thats the hardest part about your project.. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
JK-47 33 Posted January 10, 2009 Report Share Posted January 10, 2009 (edited) If you want an ultra light AK, I'd choose a different caliber, specificaly, .223 or better yet 5.45. build it from the ground up and shave weight down on each individual part. You can file down the edges on the front trunion (not the locking lugs!), drill a few extra holes in the rear trunion/ shorten the tang and redrill the second screw hole. You can reduce the bulk of the rear sight block with a few lightening cuts. Cut and weld the sight tower to the gas block, this reduces weight and brings the center of gravity closer to the body, there by reducing the "felt weight" as well as acutal weight, then cut the barrel down to 12.5" and use a perforated tube flash hider to bring the length to legal requirements. Narrow the trigger guard, use a short style screw for the PG, like the tapco s.a.w. style pg's use, use a synthetic buttstock of warsaw pact length or shorter, bare gas tube with no upper HG. cut a bho notch in the saftey. If you shave weight down from each part, it will add up to a very light rifle; but the biggest weight savings comes from 5.45/223 ammo and polymer/bakelite mags over 7.62x39mm and steel mags. Edited January 10, 2009 by JK-47 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
MD_Willington 11 Posted January 10, 2009 Report Share Posted January 10, 2009 light weight front end... get a single rail section and a handle, no hand guards... pretty light Quote Link to post Share on other sites
gtnichols 51 Posted January 10, 2009 Author Report Share Posted January 10, 2009 I like the idea of a complete custom build, but will most likely wait on that till I have more experience. I am pretty set on the 7.62 round because I think it performs a greater variety of tasks better than .223 even though it is weighs more. I like cutting down the bbl and putting on a flash hider to make min legal length,. that's cool I have a gunsmith friend that can do that. Interesting idea about a front hand guard,.. nothing, or perhaps 1/2 of something existing,... Magazine and bullet weight is a given for let's say 120 rounds, a nice "don't leave home with out it,.." amount This gas tube looks like No Top hand gaurd http://www.blackjackbuffers.com/index.php?...products_id=219 Will it fit a saiga x39?? Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Agias 0 Posted January 10, 2009 Report Share Posted January 10, 2009 I don't think you need that heat shield. Just leave the bare gas tube. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
gtnichols 51 Posted January 10, 2009 Author Report Share Posted January 10, 2009 I am going to guess these are about the lightest,.... Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Agias 0 Posted January 10, 2009 Report Share Posted January 10, 2009 (edited) Not with those metal mags they're not. Besides those yugos are built on an RPK reciever. Bulkier front trunnion, thicker reciever sheet. An RPK reciever is definitely not something i'd choose for lightness. Edited January 10, 2009 by Agias Quote Link to post Share on other sites
gtnichols 51 Posted January 11, 2009 Author Report Share Posted January 11, 2009 Ok, so synthetic mags,I wonder has anyone ever weighed them? metal VS poly? Quote Link to post Share on other sites
patriot 7,197 Posted January 11, 2009 Report Share Posted January 11, 2009 AMD-65 is pretty light in 7.62x39 if you decide to go that route. Loud as hell with that brake too. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
gtnichols 51 Posted January 11, 2009 Author Report Share Posted January 11, 2009 Well there's something else I did not think of, LOUDNESS! I would be better to keep it quieter, if at all possible,.. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Coal_forge 15 Posted January 11, 2009 Report Share Posted January 11, 2009 Hmm titanium gas piston and mount a vertical grip to the barrel under the gastube and forget handguards. Maybe some alumiunium cased rounds. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Agias 0 Posted January 11, 2009 Report Share Posted January 11, 2009 But seriously forget about Zastava rifles. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
gtnichols 51 Posted January 11, 2009 Author Report Share Posted January 11, 2009 JK 47,. THANKS, this is good stuff, I like the idea of cutting the front sight down and welding it to the gas tube,.. ("Cut and weld the sight tower to the gas block, this reduces weight and brings the center of gravity closer to the body, there by reducing the "felt weight" as well as actual weight, then cut the barrel down to 12.5" and use a perforated tube flash hider to bring the length to legal requirements. Narrow the trigger guard, use a short style screw for the PG, like the tapco s.a.w. style pg's use, use a synthetic buttstock of warsaw pact length or shorter, bare gas tube with no upper HG. cut a bho notch in the saftey. If you shave weight down from each part") Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Norty 13 Posted January 11, 2009 Report Share Posted January 11, 2009 (edited) But seriously forget about Zastava rifles. +1 on the Yugo Underfolders...they are heavier than the Saiga. Lightweight & Compact for transportation, folding stock is a must have. Saiga x39 Tromix Receiver Back Plate instead of the Ace receiver block Tromix Stock with Folding Mech. Poly HGs maybe K-Var (a vert grip most likely weighs the same so leave it off) better off with HG set than Vert grip. Loose the FSB & use an Ace clamp-on Front sight (mounts to the gas block) I would think you should use a Flash Hider...so have the barrel cut & FH welded on to bring the rifle back to 16". The amount you cut off most likely will weigh more than the FH. Whichever PG that feels good to you Use Bulgy or Polish Poly Mags Edited January 11, 2009 by Norty Quote Link to post Share on other sites
gtnichols 51 Posted January 12, 2009 Author Report Share Posted January 12, 2009 +1 on the welded back plate Thanks Norty,.. The ace parts look good too I also found their "ultra light" folder,.. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
SOPMOD 254 Posted January 12, 2009 Report Share Posted January 12, 2009 (edited) I wonder if the AK104 style FS/GB shaves any weight from a normal separate FSB and GB?The polymer stocks are pretty light and if you need an optic mount for a dot sight there are to different designs that replace the rear sight leaf with a mounting point for a dot sight.I shot my AK104 Saiga clone today and it was surprisingly light after shooting my 308 and my buddy's tricked out,rail forend, trijicon 7.62 gun.How light does it really have to be and how important is it?If you want really light build a Krink with an extended barrel This is the lightest AK with at least a 16" barrel Edited January 12, 2009 by SOPMOD Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Azrial 1,091 Posted January 12, 2009 Report Share Posted January 12, 2009 Or, get some dumbells and start pumping some iron. I am serious, some light weight (20-35 Lbs) that you lift and play with a few times a week will do a lot to improve your perception of weight and ability to carry it and hold it study. I mean there is nothing wrong with your plan, I am just suggesting an alternative and physical conditioning is important. I carried a Browning BAR (the WWII vintage) for a short period of my life on a temp assignment with two BAR belts, plus all my other kit. Let me tell you about a heavy rifle! And hell no, I am not THAT old, they still use that thing around the world! Quote Link to post Share on other sites
dillwad 0 Posted January 12, 2009 Report Share Posted January 12, 2009 I am going to build a x39 and want it to be as lightweight and multipurpose as possible and have been considering parts and function and realized I have little experience and YOU GUYS HAVE A LOT! So my idea of an ultralight Saiga x39 (yeah I know a wood fore-grip and an under folder is going to be about as light as it gets and compact too, this may be muy route) I wanted to get your input. Probably start off with a 16" bbl x39 (if I can find one at a decent price) and do something like this one pictured below,..... I think there is a lighter side rail mount and scope, and fore grip for that matter, that stock is sweet super-light, but doesn't fold,.. Any thoughts?? Hey if you like i can weigh this gun for you I have since replaced the front fore grip with a Tapco part for one more compliant part. The butt stock is still made from a company out of Texas the name escapes me but if you are interested i can find it for you i paid 20 or something like that a few years ago Quote Link to post Share on other sites
whitetrashrn 74 Posted January 12, 2009 Report Share Posted January 12, 2009 AMD-65 is pretty light in 7.62x39 if you decide to go that route. Loud as hell with that brake too. +1 on the AMD. Wire stock short barrel no frills. A couple wraps of 550 paracord on the stock laced from the middle to the back so it closes and you get a little cheek weld. You never know when you could use about 10' of cord in an emergency. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
SOPMOD 254 Posted January 12, 2009 Report Share Posted January 12, 2009 I have thought about the possibility of casting items like the RSB,FSB,Forend Retainer,Gas tube,top cover from Aluminum just because it would be easier than steel but it would be lighter as well.Maybe someone needs to build an ultralight AK(keep critical parts steel)?I would love to see a comped ultralight AK104 clone! Quote Link to post Share on other sites
cellsworth 21 Posted January 12, 2009 Report Share Posted January 12, 2009 It's not an AK, but a VZ58 is considerably lighter than a Saiga, especially with the metal folding stock. They are really nice guns. Just a thought. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
HarvKY 72 Posted January 12, 2009 Report Share Posted January 12, 2009 There are 12 yr old kids slinging AK's 24/7 in the jungle/desert and we're talking about the need to lighten up one of the simplest, most reliable, effective weapons ever made ? I don't get it? HarvKY Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Agias 0 Posted January 12, 2009 Report Share Posted January 12, 2009 ^point Quote Link to post Share on other sites
HillBilly2 9 Posted January 12, 2009 Report Share Posted January 12, 2009 (edited) Hey guys, Its the challenge ya know! Can we build an AK in 7.62 and keep the weight below 6 lb? Technically for a scout rifle it should be under 6 lb with a forward mounted LER scope. Ammo not included. this thread has me thinking about buying an AMD65 kit from J&G just to see what I could end up with. And I have better things to do, like finishing my S-12's. Oh well, onward & upward! Edit for damn typo's Edited January 13, 2009 by HillBilly2 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
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