Can’t make up my mind. I like the aesthetics of the black satin, it looks awesome, but it really doesn’t offer anything in versatility or actual use. The grip is thin, the handguard is smooth, fixed stock, etc. Meanwhile, the MOEkov still looks pretty awesome IMO, but adjustable and folding stock, better grip on handguard, better grip on…well, the grip, and it’s lighter. Plus M-LOK slots.
Keep an AK looking cool, or make it more practical and modern?
Do you want to use it or look at it? Not being sarcastic, that black satin is beautiful. Go through one heavy use day with it though and your hand will be sore for 2 days with that thin flat sided grip. I’ll also say the combination of that MOE grip and handguard is the most comfortable/versatile I’ve found.
If I could have both I’d buy the AK with the MOEkov set and keep the black satin laminate one , but if this is gonna be my one and only AK I’d switch it to the more practical and modern furniture.
But yeah, I know exactly what you’re saying. I don’t find it very comfortable to shoot with the thin grip and smooth handguard without gloves, and I prefer shooting without gloves if I can. There’s really nothing you can do to the laminate set to improve it, either.
Thanks for the reinforcement on the comfort of the MOEkov set. I think I’m going to do it.
Good point. I noticed that too and wondered whether it would lock folded with that enhanced safety lever. Had to cut the tab back on a UF to make it work. Still usable open but will clear folded.
I’ve seen elsewhere the Zhukov will fold and still fire on a PSA as long as you don’t install a cheek riser, but even if it doesn’t lock over I’m not sure if it’s something I really care about. It’s one of those things I would file under “cool benefit, not a dealbreaker.”
Although l am not a AK operator or owner, the wood reels me in. I for one am a glove operator and use Magpul Technical. Comfortable, snug and smart phone friendly. Just my 2 cents.
the wooden furniture is more aesthetically appealing, but polymer furniture gets it done. if you hang it on the wall or just take it out on an occasion definitely keep the wooden furniture, if you are like “truck gun” magpul
After reading these replies over about 14 times give or take, I think what I’m going to do for now is stick with the black satin and cut out some grip tape for the grip and the bottom of the handguard, and look for a softer recoil pad for the stock.
The folding feature of the Zhukov stock isn’t a big deal by my own admission and my biggest complaint with the wood is the grip, so I’ll try a small low-key solution first and if that doesn’t work out then I’ll revisit replacing the furniture as a whole.
