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AKOperator762's Review of FAB Defense AK-47 Vanguard M-LOK Handguard System
Short version: Sturdy, plenty of options for adding accessories, required some work to fit on WASR-10 so be prepared to file or sand material to fit.
Long version:
After deciding I needed more modern ergonomics and modular capability on my AK pattern rifle (WASR-10) I decided to go with the FAB Defense Vanguard for the following reasons:
It does not bolt onto the barrel. Many M-Lok hand guards bolt onto the barrel which may affect barrel harmonics. The Vanguard attaches in the same manner as classic AK furniture, utilizing the hand guard retainer/sling mount.
The Vanguard has two QD swivel mounts so that you can attach a modern sling to your rifle.
The M-Lok system allows you to attach modern accessories to your rifle without an unconfortable grip like a quadrail and is lighter than a quad rail system.
The Vanguard is lightweight yet sturdy polymer.
The Vanguard met and lived up to these expectations.
What else to expect from the Vanguard:
The upper and lower hand guards fit together very tightly. This is good if you plan to run a forward mounted optic. The tight fit will help reduce movement which will throw off your zero. The downside to this tight fit is that you may be required to sand or file material off the hand guards to be able to fit them to your rifle.
When I installed the upper hand guard on my WASR-10, the gas tube sat too high and couldn't be secured. I had to file material from the area in which the upper and lower hand guards contact each other. I also had to file a small amount of material from the upper hand guard where it was contacting the sling mount/retaining plate for the lower hand guard. This will be useful for anyone attempting to fit this to their rifle.
The Vanguard has an opening for the AK cleaning rod but I was unable to fully seat the cleaning rod. I'm sure there is a fix for this. I plan to remove the hand guard and investigate later.
The Vanguard features some textured surfacing which provided a better grip than my wood furniture.
I have not fired the rifle since installing the Vanguard so I cannot speak to how well they handle or dissipate heat.
Putting a rail on top of the Vanguard will obstruct the iron sights.
Overall I'm very happy with the Vanguard. I took a risk in purchasing it because there is very little info on it. I was able to find a few videos in Russian language that I couldn't understand. This is a solid product. It is not tacticool mall ninja gear so don't be afraid of that.
Long version:
After deciding I needed more modern ergonomics and modular capability on my AK pattern rifle (WASR-10) I decided to go with the FAB Defense Vanguard for the following reasons:
It does not bolt onto the barrel. Many M-Lok hand guards bolt onto the barrel which may affect barrel harmonics. The Vanguard attaches in the same manner as classic AK furniture, utilizing the hand guard retainer/sling mount.
The Vanguard has two QD swivel mounts so that you can attach a modern sling to your rifle.
The M-Lok system allows you to attach modern accessories to your rifle without an unconfortable grip like a quadrail and is lighter than a quad rail system.
The Vanguard is lightweight yet sturdy polymer.
The Vanguard met and lived up to these expectations.
What else to expect from the Vanguard:
The upper and lower hand guards fit together very tightly. This is good if you plan to run a forward mounted optic. The tight fit will help reduce movement which will throw off your zero. The downside to this tight fit is that you may be required to sand or file material off the hand guards to be able to fit them to your rifle.
When I installed the upper hand guard on my WASR-10, the gas tube sat too high and couldn't be secured. I had to file material from the area in which the upper and lower hand guards contact each other. I also had to file a small amount of material from the upper hand guard where it was contacting the sling mount/retaining plate for the lower hand guard. This will be useful for anyone attempting to fit this to their rifle.
The Vanguard has an opening for the AK cleaning rod but I was unable to fully seat the cleaning rod. I'm sure there is a fix for this. I plan to remove the hand guard and investigate later.
The Vanguard features some textured surfacing which provided a better grip than my wood furniture.
I have not fired the rifle since installing the Vanguard so I cannot speak to how well they handle or dissipate heat.
Putting a rail on top of the Vanguard will obstruct the iron sights.
Overall I'm very happy with the Vanguard. I took a risk in purchasing it because there is very little info on it. I was able to find a few videos in Russian language that I couldn't understand. This is a solid product. It is not tacticool mall ninja gear so don't be afraid of that.
Pros:
- Lightweight
- Sturdy polymer construction
- Doesn't bolt onto barrel
- Plenty of M-Lok rails
- comes with picatinny rail sections
- Textured for enhanced grip
- Two QD mounts
Cons:
- some fitting required
Best Used for:
- Modernizing AK Platform Rifle
- mounting accessories to AK rifle
Would Recommend:
Yes
7 of 8
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