Short Barreled AK

If you know me you know I LOVE AKs. So when I saw the Draco AK pistol I had to add it to my collection. I knew it would be a good base for an SBR (Short Barreled Rifle).

First a little education. If a rifle has a barrel of less than 16" it's considered an NFA (National Firearms Act) item and is regulated differently than "sporting" firearms. NFA items require extra paperwork, a painfully long wait and a $200 tax. But they are so worth it.

This is the stock Draco.

While waiting on the NFA paperwork I made a few improvements. I added a midwest industries rail, modified a Magpul MOE AR grip to fit, and added a sling. Oh and most importantly I removed the barrel nut and added an M16 style flash hider. With the sling and no stock it is actually a useful and controllable PDW (Personal Defense Weapon). Rather than pull the stock into your shoulder, you simply push forward to stabilize it with the sling.

Here it is after the mods.

You can view a video of me shooting it at dusk with and without the flash hider here.

As you can see the flash hider is a worthwhile upgrade.

The Draco comes with an underfolder style rear trunion so it would be relatively easy to convert to an underfolder. I wanted something a little more modern though so I picked up an ACE skeleton stock and folding stock adapter. The back of the trunion is flat so it was relatively easy to drill a couple of holes and attach the stock. I also added a Magpul Angled Fore Grip. I'm still undecided on the AFG.

I then sprayed it with tan Cerakote and masked off a Spartan helmet on the left side of the receiver. I LOVE this rifle.