AK 47 Folding Stock installation

Awhile back I saw an AK47 with a wire folding stock at the range. When the owner and I got into the usual "geee that is nice" type conversation I asked about it. After getting permission I fondled it and found it delightful. He mentioned it was a WASR 10 and a Romanian side folding stock then suggested OST as a source for the stock. He also had a US Palm grip on it which I found very nice but have yet to get around to ordering (which I will rectify that eventually) so isn't really worth further discussion.

Since I got back one of the preparedness oriented things I did want to do is install a folding stock on my rifle. I got out the stock and the rifle which was a good first step. Next I opened a bottle of Heineken. After initial inspection the stock had a little bit of rust on it. I took that off with some sandpaper (yeah I don't care about the finish at all a reason AK's are awesome, it will get touched up with spreay paint) easily enough. When I was in the garage I also picked up a phillips screwdriver from the garage when I was out there. Consulting the wire side folding stock I was it had two screws. One was exposed on the stock and the other was on the inside (take off the top cover and pull out the working parts, it is in the back). I removed them easily enough with the screwdriver. I grabbed the stock and gave it a tug. It did not come off. I looked to confirm it was not attached anywhere. Then I grabbed a flat screwdriver to pry with (AK's are great, who cares if I scar the wood a little bit) and stock it through the small hole in the receiver where you can see the end of the stock and gently pried. It came out easy enough. Old stock off.

Now to put the new stock on. I looked at it and upon getting it ready to install noticed it had hex bolts. I could not find a hex key anywhere (not my residence) but found a screwdriver which would work using the redneck method of finding a screwdriver that just barely fits and can turn the bolt. I went to slide it the stock in and it wouldn't quite fit. I took the combination outside and gently bumped the butt of the extended stock into the concrete patio. Two bumps later it and the stock slid right in. I put the screws in and it slid right into place. I tightened the bolt, put the working parts back in and it was good to go.

I am lazy and did not take pictures but thanks to the power of google I still show you. Here is what the new stock looks like, this is what the rifle looked like and this is what it looks like now.

The butt as it hits my shoulder is almost identical. The lockup is rock solid both when extended and collapsed. The sling swivel already atttached is a great touch. The rifle folds up pretty darn small also. It could easily fit into a medium sized duffel bag or a rucksack. Somebody makes a nice backpack that just happens to fit this setup.

What uses does this have? Well discrete transportation is obvious. Being able to carry a rifle to or from my residence, outdoors or wherever is just convenient. No point in scaring the sheeple. It could also be very helpful in numerous darker scenarios. Also collapsible stocks are great for handling a rifle in and around vehicles, etc, or just comfortably carrying a rifle in situations where you want it but the odds of actual contact are low.

This was truly a "drop in" part change. I am thrilled with it.

The next steps in project AK will be a more intentional sling and a us palm grip. After that I have some other ideas but will talk about them later.