Need some help deciding on some modifications to my Arsenal...

I have an Arsenal SGL21-61 that I am planning on some modifications too.

My goals are as follows:

1. Make front end lighter
2. Reduce muzzle rise
3. Reduce overall length

I have access to an AK armorer and he has all of the tools in his shop that I might need to do any work on the gun.

I have considered a few options but I am open to more.

Current gun:


Option 1––remove FSB and gas block and replace with BOLTON gas block, cut barrel to 14.5" and pin pws fsc or spikes dynacomp.
Option 2––remove gas block and front sight cut barrel and install an AK-105 threaded gas block. Permanently attach 5" (or whatever length I need) muzzle brake.

photo similar to option 1


Photo similar to option 2

Option 1 will increase muzzle rise, unless you throw something like a battle comp on it.

Option 2 will change the balance and make it front heavy.

I was in the same boat, but the 100 series brake is pretty effective for muzzle rise. Try shooting the 21 without it!

I ended up sending my 21 off for a folder and the AK-104 front end (second from the right.). Chris butler did it and I LOVE it. You're looked at a total cost (with rifle) of $2Gs', though.

Thank you for your input!

What do you mean by option 1 will increase muzzle rise? I suggested 2 good compensators?

Yours look sweet! I could have mine done like that with that gas block added and perhaps a thinner muzzle device? Wouldn't reduce muzzle rise but would be lightweight and reduce overall length.

I didn't read, I just looked at the pic. I wouldn't want a BOLTON block on my ak, especially a 7.62x39.

The brake on my 104 has the ports like the 100 series brake and performs JUST AS WELL.

Is it heavy? Do you like it better that way as opposed to like mine.

I like them both. I have an SGL21-94, an SLR-107F and the 104. The 104 is lighter and better balanced. I wouldn't have it unless I had a 103 (SGL21-94) first. I wanted all of them.

If you want some instant gratification, you could get the manticore nightbrake. It is shorter than the 74 brake and does a comparable job of reducing muzzle rise.

Here's a good video comparing the two: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LhZap2F1AWs

ya but it looks even dumber:D

I have seen those...its a good thought. For some reason I just want to drop some money on this project:D

i wish i had access to a place like that luck luck man.. make your own!!

Anything but number one.

Number 1 is fine. . You can have your gunsmith place a pin on the middle of the clamp on. The ultimak is great but it tends to weigh more than the standard gas block. I own number 1 with a standard gas block, the bolton block, and non side folder. Adding side folder adds more weight than a standard nato style stock. Even with the barrel shortened and permanently pinned with a pws brake it feels the same recoil to me.

number 2. the extended bulgarian 4pc. negates cutting the wight off the barrel and the recoil is much higher.

For an affordable budget I would drop the cleaning rod, and purchase the Battle Comp AK74 compensator and perhaps bore out the muzzle device to a bit larger than the normal 30cal size to ensure no bullet strikes. That would drop a couple ounces up front. The BattleComp ak74 It is about an inch shorter, and takes no gunsmithing. That is my plan I want to do on my little brother's build.

Guys, these aren't the actual photos lol....these were just similar examples.

That's interesting that even with a pws compensator the recoil feels the same.

I wouldn't necessarily use the 4 piece brake...I would probably use something much lighter.

Thanks for the replies! Now that spikes has made a dynacomp specifically for the AK I will probably get that to try out rather than a battlecomp. I could always have it cut and threaded for a .308 battlecomp I guess.

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