Snug sweetspot can be easily missed (z-pap users beware) - Tdi Arms Zastava Lower Aluminum M-LOK Handguards

I bought this product off of Optics Planet because of the black Friday discount. Prior to this I was researching for a new handguard for the Zastava Z-PAP M70, and decided to buy TDI’s product due to the positive feedback its received and how it looked. Per the manufacturer’s website:” The Z70 is comparable with the Zastava M70 N-PAP / O-PAP / Z-PAP & M90 rifles also the Z 70 is compatible with the Ultimak gas tube rail.” I purchased this knowing that there may be a chance of having to do some fitting as noted on TDI's website.

With that, when the product arrived it wouldn’t remotely fit out of the box. We’re talking the nubs on each end wouldn’t even go in with a rubber mallet. I then spent roughly 45 minutes lightly filing/checking the fit/filing again/etc over and over. I reached a point where the handguard sat snug with the front holder/receiver/and the gas tube cover. In order to attain this, I had to file the inserts on the front and back down in all directions which meant I had no coating left to protect the now exposed metal on the handguard. I went ahead and put the AK back together only to now find that the handguard wiggles left to right. With so much frustration I decided to cut my losses, and just go order a metal handguard from my rifle’s manufacturer. Not holding my breath for a refund from optics planet where I ordered it from as I’ve now modified the part and am not returning it in new condition, lesson learned and a fair warning of what some ZPAP users may encounter if attempting to install this part. Would have been 1 star if the quality of the material and its look weren’t outstanding, credit absolutely is due there.