Best AK-47 Upgrades [Hands-On]: Rails, Triggers, & More
Want the most out of your AK? We cover everything from optics mounts to triggers, muzzle devices and more. By the end you'll have the AK of your dreams.
PPT Founder. NRA Pistol Instructor. USPSA/3-Gun/NRL22 Competitor. 250+ articles
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Updated August 2024: Removed Amazon AK side rail mount, MWI railed gas block, MWI AKG2 handguard, Strike Industries featureless grip. Added RS Regulate side rail mount, MWI AK Alpha handguard, Arsenal Circle 10 magazines, & Wolverine suppressor.
We've tried a lot of the stuff out there. Some of it worked great...other stuff...not too much.
So, we decided to help you out by pulling together some of our favorite upgrades for the AK-47 platform.
While this list does not include every option out there, it'll get you started as we span everything from furniture to optics mounting, triggers, and muzzle devices.
By the end, you'll know exactly what you need to make your AK the best suited for your task.
The Quick List
- Best AK Scope Mount: RS Regulate Side Rail MountJump to details ↓
- Best AK Handguard: Midwest Industries AK Alpha Series HandguardsJump to details ↓
- Best AK Stock: Magpul AK Zhukov-S Folding StockJump to details ↓
- Best AK Grip: Magpul MOE AK+ GripJump to details ↓
- Best AK Magazine: Arsenal Circle 10 AK MagazinesJump to details ↓
- Best Upgrade for Suppressed AKs: KNS Precision Adjustable AK PistonJump to details ↓
- Best AK Suppressor: Dead Air Wolverine SuppressorJump to details ↓
- Best Upgrade for Short AKs: Midwest Industries AK Blast CanJump to details ↓
- Best AK Trigger: ALG AKT Enhanced Lightning Bow TriggerJump to details ↓
Table of Contents
How We Chose the Best AK-47 Upgrades
Our founder, Eric Hung helmed this article, but additional input also came from PPT's editorial team. Together we have a combined shooting experience of 30+ years, including instruction, competition, and multiple shooting disciplines.
Various members of the team have time behind a multitude of different AK platforms and the accessories that go with them. We chose the items in this article based on the level of improvement they offer, their durability, availability, and value.
Best AK-47 Optic Mounts
1. Midwest Industries Side Rail Mount - Best AK Scope Mount
If your AK is equipped with a side rail, that means you take your AK to the next level by mounting an optic.
We like Midwest for all their AK stuff (and their AR-15 Handguards). There are a couple of different options.
It uses a very secure and adjustable quick detach method, although reading the instructions is highly recommended to better understand the disengagement system.
We have experienced pretty good return-to-zero when taking the mount and optic on and off to clean the rifle.
2. RS Regulate Side Rail Mount -Best AK Scope Mount
While the Midwest Industries mount is solid in its own right, some optic and rifle combinations can result in the optic being off-center from the iron sights. While this isn't a functional issue, it can be very annoying, especially on non-magnified optics.
RS Regulate tackled that exact issue with their line of side mounts by creating a modular system that allows the user to adjust the front-to-back and left-to-right centering of the optic.
This is done by having a two-piece system, where the side mount is a separate unit to which the user can attach the specific optic mount of their choice. They make direct mounts for optics like the RMR, ACRO, ACOG, and others, as well as Picatinny rails to mount anything else.
3. UltiMAK M2-B Railed Gas Block
Using a railed gas tube has been my personal optic mounting solution for quite some time.
Railed gas blocks tend to hold zero better than removable side mounts. It also places the optic a little farther forward, which gives you a great field of view but makes it a little harder to acquire the dot. This is not a problem if you have a proper cheek weld, though.
However, due to the optic being right above where the hot gasses flow, it can cause the optic to heat up during longer strings of fire.
If you go this route, you'll have to either shoot a bit slower or opt for a quality optic that is tough enough, like the Aimpoint H-1 I have on mine.
As far as railed gas blocks go, UltiMAK's version is the gold standard. I have been using this exact mount for over six years now.
Best AK-47 Furniture
4. Magpul MOE Handguard
The original handguard for the AK works well, and there are those who find anything but regular wood furniture blasphemy. But I love my polymer furniture!
Magpul's MOE handguard is the same length as a standard AK handguard but provides M-LOK slots for accessories, improved ergonomics, and does a better job dispersing the heat than metal handguards.
This is a great choice for those who want a little more modularity while staying on a budget.
5. Midwest Industries Alpha Series Handguards -Best AK Handguard
The AK Alpha series of handguards from Midwest Industries adds a whole new level of modularity to the AK platform.
These handguards have M-LOK mounting slots, QD sling points, and an integrated Picatinny rail on the top handguard for further optics and accessory mounting capabilities.
They are available in both 6 and 10-inch configurations, with the 10-inch being our top pick due to the extra mounting space as well as the ability to have a longer, more modern grip style on the gun.
On top of everything else, these handguards are compatible with the awesome railed dust cover from Midwest as well.
I still use the older, discontinued Picatinny version of the Midwest Industries rail, and it has kept all my attachments secure, and the optic held has zero --- a testament to the build quality of their handguards.
Keep in mind that these are not compatible with Yugo-style guns such as the ZPAP M70.
6. Magpul Zhukov Stock -Best AK Stock
Our clear favorite when it comes to upgrading the stock is the Magpul Zhukov.
It is length adjustable, foldable, and has the ability to accept a cheek riser that easily clamps into place, which is useful for those considering using optics.
Not only is it foldable, but it folds to the right side rather than the traditional left-side folding stocks. Folding to the right means this stock won't interfere with any optics or mounts you have mounted on the left-side rail.
Plus, it looks super cool when combo-ed with aftermarket handguards. It really gives the AK a much more modern look.
However, if you're in love with the way a specific AR-15 stock feels, you can get this adapter that allows your AK to use any of them that you like.
7. Magpul MOE AK+ Grip -Best AK Grip
This keep-it-simple-stupid grip fills the hand better than the thinner stock AK grip, adds some texturing to the front and rear, and has a storage compartment.
8. Hogue AK Grip
If you want to maximize the grippyness and like a more rubbery texture --- I suggest the Hogue AK grip. The finger grooves and texturing provide an ultra-positive grip regardless of conditions.
Many people with larger hands also appreciate the Hogue AK grips for extra girth, as the standard AK grips tend to be very thin.
9. Magpul PMAG Gen M3
I love the old Bulgarian mags, but for new-generation polymer magazines, Magpul's Gen 3 PMAG are where it's at. The AK versions of the PMAG have the same reliability and durability that their industry AR-15 counterparts do.
10. Circle 10 Magazines -Best AK Magazine
We get it; not everyone digs putting Magpul stuff on their AK. For those who want to retain function while going for "form," look no further than the Arsenal Circle 10 AK mags.
These are regarded as the absolute highest quality magazines you can get in terms of reliability, function, and fitment. But like most things with the Arsenal name attached to it, they sport a premium price. But if cost isn't a concern, these are the gold standard.
Best AK-47 Performance Upgrades
11. KNS Adjustable Gas Piston -Best Upgrade for Suppressed AKs
An over-gassed AK can cause premature wear and tear on the firearm itself, not to mention it can increase perceived recoil. So, it makes sense to prevent this by installing a new piston.
It requires a little bit of "machining" with a drill to remove the old piston and then tapping in the KNS. Check out this video to see if you have the chops to do it yourself.
This is also a must-have for those who are considering suppressing their AK platform otherwise you get a TON of gas back in your face since AKs are normally over-gassed for reliability.
12. Dead Air Wolverine
Speaking of suppressors, it used to be a big ordeal to suppress AKs because of the over-gassing issue (solved with the KNS Piston).
But also because the threads were different, you couldn't count on them being concentric enough, and there's the pesky muzzle device detent pin to deal with.
Enter the Dead Air Wolverine which came with all the AK flavors of threads with a collar and thread insert system. Plus, you can see below that it uses the detent pin for attachment.
And...it's modeled after the Soviet PBS-1 suppressor for some extra clone points.
If your AK isn't M14x1 LH, you'll need to pickup the correct collar and thread insert combo. Then install the KNS Piston and tune it with the suppressor attached.
And be amazed at a fully suppressed AK!
13. Krebs Custom Enhanced Safety
Finally, bolt hold open capability on the AK! This safety lever has a notch in the middle that allows you to flip the safety up when the bolt is held to the rear and lock it into place.
14. PWS Muzzle Brake
The Primary Weapons Systems (PWS) muzzle brake tames the AK's native cartridge and makes shooting much more pleasant. I have an older PWS brake since I've run for years.
It tames the recoil and muzzle rise very well without adding too much mass or length to the end of the barrel.
15. Midwest Industries AK Blast Can - Best Upgrade for Short AKs
Have a shorter-barrelled AK? How about a can that pushes the blast forward? These make it easier on the shooter, and your range friends will thank you too.
16. ALG AKT Enhanced Trigger - Best AK Trigger
We end with a super important upgrade...the trigger.
Getting a better trigger (especially on an AK) is probably the best bang-for-the-buck upgrade for immediate accuracy improvements.
On my AK, the ALG AKT Trigger brought my trigger weight down to 3.1 pounds and reduced the post and pre-travel --- Amazing!
Plus, the installation was fairly easy.
The ALG trigger would also make a great addition to those running 9mm AKs, like the KUSA KP-9 (check our video review).
Remember, the best way to see how much of an upgrade your trigger really was is to measure the weights before and after. Check out the Best Trigger Pull Gauges recommendations.
What's your take on the ALG AK Enhanced Trigger? Rate it below.
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Final Thoughts
Let's be real; customizing a gun is a very personal decision.
So, while these are some of the PPT crew's favorites, this is by no means a definitive list. There are a ton of other options out there for you when it comes to upgrades.
Whether you want to mount an optic affordably or fully trick out your AK to bring it to the 21st century, there's an upgrade for it. But hopefully, we've helped you narrow down the list a bit.
Anything else you'd add to the list? Let us know in the comments below. And if you're looking at a new (or first) AK purchase, check out our Best AK-47 post. Or, now that you've got an optic mount, see our Best AR-15 Optics (since they are pretty much the same for AKs).