Author: Matt M
from Richland, WA on
Jun 22, 2011
Pros: *reinforced polymer material construction *light *helps keep heat off your hand *helps barrel cool *quad rail capable * able to mount modern tactical accessories
Cons: *You will probably have to sand a little to get it to fit
Would recommend: yes
Matt M wrote:
OF COURSE, IT TAKES TINKERING
First of all, anyone who has done any upgrades to a Combloc weapon - at all - would have learned that there is virtually no such thing as a 'snap on' part that requires no tinkering with. It's the nature of having a variety of countries copy the original Russian design: Hungary, Bulgaria, China, Egypt, East Germany, Romania, etc, etc, etc. Add to that a number of U.S. manufacturers that make AK receivers and other parts, and the complexity just increases. Add to that 922r compliance, which basically requires foreign imported rifles to have a number of U.S. parts to be "compliant", and you get a weapon that needs tinkering with to get the aftermarket parts to work.
So that should be expected.
That being said, the Mako Handguard is reinforced glass fiber polymer and it's easily sanded to get it to fit correctly.
There aren't instructions. Which, should only matter (maybe) if you really have never taken your weapon apart before. If you need a visual for taking off a handguard, Youtube it. There are plenty of vid's that show you exactly what to do. If you have taken off a handguard before (ever) then it's pretty obvious without instructions.
By the way, read the reviews on the alternatives: the aluminum handguards, etc. A lot of times, people need to modify and tinker with those to get them to fit as well. It's just the nature of AK's.
QUAD RAILS
This has integrated top and bottom rails. It also comes with two side rails that you can choose to attach or not. They are a pain to get on. I personally don't find much use for all 4 rails, but that's me. Some people want all four. This gives you the option for it if you want. I prefer 3 rails: Top, Bottom and one side. I don't usually need a flashlight or laser, but can add either or both with a 3 rail set up.
POLYMER IS LIGHT AND GOOD FOR COOLING
The reason why you want the Mako Handguard is because it's reinforced polymer, which makes it light - definitely lighter than aluminum, and the original wood stocks. The Vents also help cooling, but the material itself is excellent for keeping gun barrel heat off your hand.
Aluminum handguards are rugged, yes. But they're metal, and heat transfers to it. Shoot enough rounds fast enough, it's going to get hot. You don't have to worry about that with polymer. And it won't melt on you.
THE BEST AK HANDGUARD YOU CAN GET
There are systems available from Mako (and Command Arms) that are aluminum, and include the lower handguard, upper handguard and an integrated scope mount rail that hovers over the dust cover. You could argue that those are better than this because of the integrated scope mount rail. The price range for these is $350-400ish though. However, I still prefer polymer for the heat issue and weight. You can get a separate top rail that attaches to the rear sight leaf housing for about $40 that provides tight zero for a scope mount/red dot, etc. So given that there are options for that available, I think the handguards with the integrated scope mount are not a better choice.
Bottom line: you really cannot beat this for a Handguard.
PRO's:
*reinforced polymer material construction
*light
*helps keep heat off your hand
*helps barrel cool
*quad rail capable
*able to mount modern tactical accessories
CON's:
*You will probably have to sand a little to get it to fit
