Canonshooter
14 October 2007, 08:01
We're all familiar with the old "AR vs. AK" arguments, with AR proponents citing better ergonomics and accuracy and AK proponents citing low cost reliability. No need to rehash that here as we are all familiar with each platform's strengths and weaknesses.
Up until a few years ago, I had no interest in the AK platform. Every sample I had seen and handled struck me as crude, unsophisiticated and certainly not something I would want to invest any time or money on. I then came across an online review of a Krebs Custom rifle, and based on the glowing review I paid the Krebs website a visit. While custom pistolsmiths and riflesmiths abound, I never would have thought that someone would specialize in building AKs. The concept of a high quality, hand-fitted AK caught my interest and a few weeks later, I placed an order with Krebs.
A few months later, the Krebs rifle (a Russian Izhmash/Saiga conversion) arrived at my local gun shop/FFL dealer and with much anticipation I went to pick it up. Initial inspection revealed an AK like I have never seen/handled before - a rifle that exuded a very high level of quality and workmanship.
It's now been a few years since I have owned the Krebs rifle, and it has continued to earn my respect and admiration. I have used it for a few IDPA-style carbine matches, used an assortment magazines and ammo, and it functions with absolute reliability. Accuracy with Russian Barnaul steel case bi-metal projectiles stays under 3 MOA if I do my part, which for a defensive close-range carbine is more than adequate. With an Aimpoint mounted in a modifed BP-02 mount, I can make fast hits as well.
Since owning and using this rifle, I have come to admire and respect Mr. Kalashnikov's design. It will never have the "finesse" of a more highly-engineered design, but the combination of simple/rugged design and the excellence of Kreb's execution is something that instills confidence. The current low cost of quality 7.62 X 39 ammo is a major benefit too, allowing me enough range time to "stay in tune" with this rifle.
While I ponder "reliability upgrades" for my Bushmaster, the Krebs AK-103k remains my go-to rifle. Even if I end up with a Colt or LMT in my safe, the Krebs rifle has earned its spot and will always remain a rifle that I would stake my life on.
FWIW, I still have no interest in "low end" AKs, but the ones that are put together right - with quality components - are IMO worth the investment.
http://www.canonshooter.com/photos2/ak103k-4.jpg
Photo 1 - my AK-103 in its current configuration with Aimpoint CompC3 in a modified BP-2 mount, SAW grip and Blue Force Gear sling. A stud was installed in the lower handguard for use with a Harris bipod.
http://www.canonshooter.com/photos2/ak103k-5.jpg
Photo 2 - Aimpoint does not sit low enough to co-witness, but the BP-02 mount detaches quickly and hold zero well.
http://www.canonshooter.com/photos2/aktarget-1.jpg
Photo 3 - typical 100 yard group using Russian Barnaul 123 grain full bi-metal jacket, steel case ammo. Not on par with a good AR, but more than adequate for close-range defensive use. I discovered (by accident) when sighting in the Aimpoint that this projectile sails right through the 1-inch angle iron target frame at 100 yards - something to keep in mind in any defensive-use scenario. I use "Silver Bear" hollow point ammo for matches that include steel targets.
Up until a few years ago, I had no interest in the AK platform. Every sample I had seen and handled struck me as crude, unsophisiticated and certainly not something I would want to invest any time or money on. I then came across an online review of a Krebs Custom rifle, and based on the glowing review I paid the Krebs website a visit. While custom pistolsmiths and riflesmiths abound, I never would have thought that someone would specialize in building AKs. The concept of a high quality, hand-fitted AK caught my interest and a few weeks later, I placed an order with Krebs.
A few months later, the Krebs rifle (a Russian Izhmash/Saiga conversion) arrived at my local gun shop/FFL dealer and with much anticipation I went to pick it up. Initial inspection revealed an AK like I have never seen/handled before - a rifle that exuded a very high level of quality and workmanship.
It's now been a few years since I have owned the Krebs rifle, and it has continued to earn my respect and admiration. I have used it for a few IDPA-style carbine matches, used an assortment magazines and ammo, and it functions with absolute reliability. Accuracy with Russian Barnaul steel case bi-metal projectiles stays under 3 MOA if I do my part, which for a defensive close-range carbine is more than adequate. With an Aimpoint mounted in a modifed BP-02 mount, I can make fast hits as well.
Since owning and using this rifle, I have come to admire and respect Mr. Kalashnikov's design. It will never have the "finesse" of a more highly-engineered design, but the combination of simple/rugged design and the excellence of Kreb's execution is something that instills confidence. The current low cost of quality 7.62 X 39 ammo is a major benefit too, allowing me enough range time to "stay in tune" with this rifle.
While I ponder "reliability upgrades" for my Bushmaster, the Krebs AK-103k remains my go-to rifle. Even if I end up with a Colt or LMT in my safe, the Krebs rifle has earned its spot and will always remain a rifle that I would stake my life on.
FWIW, I still have no interest in "low end" AKs, but the ones that are put together right - with quality components - are IMO worth the investment.
http://www.canonshooter.com/photos2/ak103k-4.jpg
Photo 1 - my AK-103 in its current configuration with Aimpoint CompC3 in a modified BP-2 mount, SAW grip and Blue Force Gear sling. A stud was installed in the lower handguard for use with a Harris bipod.
http://www.canonshooter.com/photos2/ak103k-5.jpg
Photo 2 - Aimpoint does not sit low enough to co-witness, but the BP-02 mount detaches quickly and hold zero well.
http://www.canonshooter.com/photos2/aktarget-1.jpg
Photo 3 - typical 100 yard group using Russian Barnaul 123 grain full bi-metal jacket, steel case ammo. Not on par with a good AR, but more than adequate for close-range defensive use. I discovered (by accident) when sighting in the Aimpoint that this projectile sails right through the 1-inch angle iron target frame at 100 yards - something to keep in mind in any defensive-use scenario. I use "Silver Bear" hollow point ammo for matches that include steel targets.