By Todd Burgreen

Why did Kel-Tec introduce a 30-round capacity .22Magnum (.22WMR), 4.3-inch barreled, polymer semi-automatic handgun into the market? Is it for personal defense, a trail/kit gun, target shooting, or dare we say just for fun? The PMR-30 seems counter-intuitive, especially when compared against other semi-automatic pistol “understudy” types most often chambered in 22LR that are modeled after a centerfire “big brother.” The “understudy” 22LR handguns offer similar feel and balance while being chambered in 22LR versus 9mm, 40 S&W, 45ACP, etc. These types of 22LR handguns are ever increasing in popularity. This is based on facilitating more economical practice/training and making sure the fundamentals of trigger control, sight alignment, grip and all the other marksmanship tenants are followed without the interference of muzzle blast and recoil; all the while maintaining similar feel and operating controls of their full-power “big brothers.”

The Kel-Tec PMR-30 stands alone and defies easy categorization. It rejects being labeled as only an “understudy.” It is easy for the Kel-Tec PMR-30 to separate itself from the competition with its .22WMR chambering and ultra-high capacity alone. However, additional PMR-30 features further add credence to its uniqueness in terms of design and construction. The PMR-30 does not pose as an understudy since controls, grip angle and other intangibles of feel do not mimic any other handgun out there. Do not take this to mean it has no value as an introductory handgun. While the PMR-30’s muzzle blast will surprise with a signature more typical of a centerfire cartridge, recoil is minimal and thus manageable by all shooters. Though popular as a manually operated rifle and revolver round, few manufacturers have attempted to build a semi-auto rifle or handgun in .22WMR. This stems from various reasons such as .22WMR cartridge length standards, the case rim specifications and variations in pressure levels of different brands of .22WMR ammunition. However, Kel-Tec decided to tackle these issues in creating the PMR-30.

Some History

Initially founded in 1991 as a machine shop, Kel-Tec CNC Industries, Inc. started manufacturing firearms in 1995. Kel-Tec prides itself on specializing in innovative rifle and handgun designs for law enforcement personnel and security-conscience citizens. Along these same lines Kel-Tec has succeeded in creating an interesting twist with many firearm designs with its out-of-the-box thinking. A brief look at their website will show the bullpup KSG 12-gauge shotgun and RFB semi-auto 7.62x51mm NATO rifle, the compact foldable Sub-2000 pistol caliber carbine and SU-16 5.56 rifle. Kel-Tec’s fresh approach to firearm design always generates interest. The PMR-30 .22WMR handgun falls squarely into this mold.

Design

Kel-Tec engineers turned to magazine design and a hybrid action combining blowback and locked breech features in an effort to tame the .22WMR chambering. The magazine is oft described as pie-shaped with the tapered end toward the bullet end of the cartridge and rim toward the wider area. Kel-Tec describes proper procedures for loading the PMR-30 magazine to help in reliable operation of the PMR-30. The requirements are not onerous with the case inserted into a segment of the magazine lips before being pushed to the rear of the magazine. After every five or so rounds are loaded the magazine is to be tapped on something solid such as a palm, leg, table, etc., to help seat the rims into the magazine without getting out of orientation sequence. The magazine loading method is straightforward and does not take any more time to complete than random jamming of rounds into a magazine. Indeed, it makes one wonder how people load magazines in any different fashion. Loading directions were purposely ignored to test the effect on the PMR-30’s reliability. It was determined that a malfunction was likely if the simple magazine loading directions were not followed—thus, best to adhere to the Kel-Tec directions.

Kel-Tec engineers continued adapting the PMR-30 to the .22WMR past the magazine design. The PMR-30 operates via a hybrid blowback/locked-breech system. One of the potential issues with .22WMR semi-automatic pistols is the wide range of pressures generated by factory ammunition. Kel-Tec designed a new action that automatically and seamlessly adjusts between locked-breech and blowback operation, depending upon the pressure generated by the particular cartridge that is being fired. In simple terms, the barrel is allowed to float forward and backward a small amount in the frame. This is very similar to any design using a variation of Browning’s tilting barrel, short recoil design; however, the Kel-Tec PMR-30 has no mechanical locking system. The method of operation is determined when the cartridge case forms to the chamber during firing. If the pressure generated in the cartridge is high enough, friction will cause the case to “stick” to the chamber walls, and the barrel will recoil with the slide until pressure drops—just like a typical locked-breech firearm. If the pressure is lower, the barrel stays virtually still, and the slide recoils like a blowback firearm. This innovative system does not require chamber-friction reducing methods like fluting or porting as seen in other .22WMR autoloaders. It allows the PMR-30 to fire a wide variety of ammunition without sacrificing reliability.

The PMR-30 follows a similar pattern to other Kel-Tec designs using glass-reinforced nylon (Zytel) and an aluminum frame in its construction with only the barrel and portion of the slide being steel. The PMR-30’s action incorporates a recoil buffer and dual opposing extractors for reliability when combined with the hybrid operating action described above. The Zytel material facilitates lower manufacturing costs as well lighter weight for the full-size frame found on the PMR-30. As for specifics, the PMR-30 is a semi-automatic, single-action pistol with an internal hammer/striker. A 4.3-inch barrel is used. Overall length is 7.9 inches, and the height is 5.8 inches. The empty weight is only 13.6 ounces. A loaded magazine weighs a mere six ounces. This means that a fully loaded PMR-30 weighs less than 1.5 pounds. Kel-Tec has installed fixed fiber optic front and rear sights onto the pistol. The front sight is adjustable for windage only. The front color is yellow/green, and the rear is orange/red. PMR-30 controls are minimal—trigger, ambidextrous safety and slide lock lever. The dust cover features an integrated Picatinny style rail for attaching lights or other accessories an end user may desire. In front of the rear sight one will find four screws indicating that Kel-Tec has tapped and threaded the slide to accommodate one of the many miniature red dot sights hitting the market. Bases are available from Kel-Tec depending on what type of red dot a user may choose. The magazine release is a European-style heel release at the base of the grip. Each pistol ships with two magazines and padded plastic case. As expected the magazines, considering the use of Zytel in the handgun frame, are constructed of high-strength polymer.

Testing at the Range

The PMR-30 was tested with a myriad of ammunition from Hornady, Winchester and Federal such as Hornady 22WMR 30gr. V-MAX and 45gr. FTX Critical Defense; Federal JHP and FMJ; and Winchester FMJ and 45gr. PDX1 Defender JHP. Kel-Tec ships the PMR-30 with recommendations and more importantly a list of ammunition that they council against—mostly non-U.S.-made .22WMR. Range time exhibited all positives in terms of performance and reliability. The trigger pull was a pleasant surprise in terms of minimal creep and weight required to initiate cartridge ignition. RCBS gauge averaged just under 4 pounds after averaging 10 pull tests.

Unequivocally, it can be reported that no issues were encountered during evaluation of the Kel-Tec PMR-30. Why such a strong statement? This is based on various reports of problems encountered in the PMR-30 that were uncovered during research of this article. This is not meant as refutation of these reports only that this PMR-30 performed without issue. In all fairness, Kel-Tec themselves admit to product evolution in the PMR-30. For example, the barrel’s twist rate was altered from 1:16 to 1:11 based on feedback from customers related to key holing issues. Another complaint often heard is that the PMR-30 is not being produced and sent to retail shelves fast enough since its 2010 SHOT Show introduction. Frankly, this is outside the preview of this article.

With a 30-round magazine it did not take long to send large quantities of rounds downrange during this evaluation, with many willing volunteers stuffing magazines and running the PMR-30’s trigger. One interesting nuance discovered with the PMR-30 was that the slide could not be “sling-shot” forward during reloads once the slide locked rearward after the last round was fired. The slide release lever had to be used. This is not a big deal, just worth noting. Another anecdote is the surprisingly loud blast and muzzle flash that the PMR-30 emits. This is based on the .22WMR being primarily chambered in rifle-length barrels and thus the use of slower burning powders that do not get consumed in the PMR-30’s 4.3-inch barrel. Quite truthfully, this made firing the PMR-30 more like the experience of firing a centerfire defensive handgun without the associated recoil. Plate racks and other targets strewn around Echo Valley Training Center (EVTC) were engaged repeatedly as were more traditional paper targets in an effort to get the full sense of the PMR-30’s capabilities.

PMR-30’s Role

As with many new products the PMR-30 was initially touted as filling a role it was never intended to do. The PMR-30 was labeled as the “poor man’s” 5.7x28mm handgun in reference to the FN FNH introduction of its Five-seveN handgun. The PMR-30’s high capacity and chambering in the .22WMR versus 22LR was behind this misleading statement. The two weapons share similar aesthetic lines, dimensions and are light weight. This is where any similarity ends as the .22WMR does not compete with the 5.7×28 in terms of velocity achieved in either a handgun or rifle and was never intended to when it was designed. The PMR-30 chronoed loads across an RCBS Chronograph in the 1200-1400fps range depending on bullet weights being fired.

Accuracy with the rimfire PMR-30 was more than acceptable and probably superior to what most users are capable of when being fired from any non-bench position which is the reasond’etre of the PMR-30 to begin with. It is no problem keeping rounds in the “A” zone of the IPSC targets back to 25 yards and very possible further out as long as users pay heed to sight alignment and trigger control resisting the temptation to blast rounds downrange knowing 30 .22WMR rounds were sitting in the magazine awaiting release.

Ammunition

In terms of ammunition, it was a surprise to find a number of .22WMR loads directed towards the personal defense realm. Both Hornady and Winchester offer prime examples of this in the form of Hornady’s 45gr FTX Critical Defense and Winchester’s 45gr PDX1 loads.

Conclusion

As questioned at the beginning of the article: is the PMR-30 a candidate for personal defense, a trail/kit gun, target shooting or dare we say just for fun? Users will have to decide what roles the PMR-30 will fill in their collection. It can be stated that the evaluated PMR-30 performed without issue, and its high capacity in a surprisingly light-weight package is extremely attractive in whatever role it is destined for.

“All Business with No Wasted Effort”

Rifle Dynamics’ Interest in the AK

Las Vegas-based Rifle Dynamics (RD) is one of the premier AK gunsmiths in the U.S. Jim Fuller’s Rifle Dynamics is one of the few truly qualified companies that can improve the AK platform beyond its out-of-the-box potential without impacting its “hell and back” reliability, simplicity and ruggedness. Jim has always been impressed and attracted to most Soviet-Block weapons; even though many in the U.S. discounted Soviet arms as inferior tools of the enemy. This led him to intensifying his study of the AK system of operation beginning in the early 1990s. Jim believes the AK is the most dependable fighting rifle ever produced. While it may not be as inherently accurate as other rifles, the AK is still plenty accurate for the job it was designed to do as a combat arm. Rifle Dynamics is an 07FFL/SOT manufacturer which allows for work on machine guns, suppressors, SBRs and SBSs combined with being considered a dealer as well.

The true hallmark of the AK-series of rifles gaining acceptance in the U.S. is the rise of gunsmiths, ammunition manufacturers and aftermarket accessories starting to cater to its clientele. Based on this, Fuller decided to introduce a Rifle Dynamics AK signature line that encompasses many upgrades and modifications over “factory” standard AKs. With so many customers inquiring about Jim’s opinion for a solid, no “frills” AK fighting rifle, he decided to invest in making this type of AK available to customers without having to experience the wait associated with custom projects. These production RD AKs will benefit from years of experience gained from doing improvements on customer-provided rifles and custom orders.

Jim Fuller explains, “We (RD) are doing different production rifles that are basically the same except caliber (7.62×39 and 5.45×39) and stock configurations. All RD models will have our custom front end with Bolten Gas block. The muzzle device will be a Battle Comp AKBC on the 7.62 guns and Battle Comp 2.0 on the 5.45 guns. TAPCO G2 triggers will be used as standard fire control. A Fuller designed rear sight is included as well as a U.S. Palm AK Battle grip. The RD AK production AKs will have an UltiMAK upper rail installed.” Jim goes on with, “There won’t be any other options since these are production rifles. The quality will be what you would expect from one of our (RD) custom builds, but we have to limit options in order to produce them in a timely manner.” The current RD production AKs will be labeled RD700 for 7.62×39 rifles and RD500 for 5.45×39—simple enough.

The RD702 AK

The particular Rifle Dynamics rifle tested is the RD702. The RD702 AK is chambered in 7.62×39 and utilizes the RD AK/M-4 stock adapter to affix a Magpul CTR rear stock. The RD702 AK benefits from a custom front end consisting of a Bolten gas block offered through Venom Tactical. Aesthetically, the RD702 gets your attention immediately with its 14.5-inch barrel with pinned PWS FSC flash hider. Rifle Dynamics is proud of its custom front end work featuring the Bolton Gas Block; this sets apart RD AKs from others. The RD modification removes almost 1 pound off the front of the rifle, moving the center of gravity about 4 inches closer to the body making the RD702 feel very light and more importantly the fastest handling non-SBR-length AK on the market. The RD front end work is complimented by adding an UltiMAK gas tube scope rail. The UltiMAK provides a solid mount point for whatever forward mounted optic you prefer.

The Rifle Dynamics’ RD702 AK features a Fuller Modified Rear Sight unit. Jim reports this is one of his most popular AK modifications in terms of customer feedback. Over the years many have complained about the iron sights on the AK; the Fuller Rear Sight improves this tremendously. The Fuller Sight has the notch widened and corners radiused to a spec that was given to Jim by an Optometrist for maximum efficiency in centering the front post in the rear notch. Both windage and elevation adjustments are made on the front sight. Jim ships the rifle with a long front post expecting elevation adjustment to be fine tuned by filing down the sight and windage adjustments made by turning the front post to whichever side is necessary. The finish on the RD702 AK tested is Norrell’s Moly Resin gray applied over fresh Parkerizing. Rifle Dynamics has found this to be the best finish for a rifle that will take a lot of abuse, heat and lack of cleaning. Jim reports the finish has proven itself many times over in the worst conditions.

There is a tremendous amount of fitting that goes into the Rifle Dynamics’ RD702. Even though a “production” rifle, the RD702 benefits from RD quality control via internal reliability checks, fire control group polished and light planing on the bolt/carrier group and guide rails, combined with exterior surfaces being dehorned where users touch them. Jim takes great pride in the amount of fitting that goes into everything Rifle Dynamics produces. Most owners will not even notice the Rifle Dynamic attention to detail but can take comfort that everything possible has been done to make a Rifle Dynamics’ AK the best fighting rifle available. Even without firing a live round the Rifle Dynamics AK superiority over a standard AK can be detected in the smoothness of the action, trigger pull, quality of re-finish and overall weapon feel. Rifle Dynamics is well-versed in the nuances of the AK platform and can educate even the most diehard AK connoisseur. The RD702 7.62×39 reviewed in this article will retail at $2200.

Evaluation

After a quick verification of 25-yard sight zero, range evaluation commenced with a function test involving firing several magazines in rapid succession at various steel man targets and vehicles that dot Echo Valley Training Center (EVTC) where I do my testing. While not unique, this is a good way to establish a baseline for reliability. Let’s face it: if an AK-type weapon does not have pristine reliability, its major attribute is nullified. I made sure different types of AK-47 magazines were used to verify compatibility with the RD702 AK. Metal and polymer 30-round magazines of various manufacturers performed fine with no issues inserting, removing or feeding the rifle. The U.S. Palm AK-30 polymer-style magazines were the primary magazine used after initial magazine trials. The U.S.-made AK-30 magazine is molded so that disassembly is not possible or warranted. The AK-30 magazines were complimented by the AK Attack Rack. The AK Attack Rack is a low-profile, secure platform for 4-AK magazines and 4-pistol magazines. The AK Attack Rack chest rig can be worn over hard or soft body armor and is built to military specifications out of 500d Cordura nylon for durability and minimal weight.

A more comprehensive 100-yard sight zero confirmation took place after functionality was established. After first using the Fuller modified rear sight found on the RD702, I decided to mount a Trijicon MRO. Many will be more than satisfied with the Fuller rear sight and eschew mounting anything on the rifle choosing a more traditionalist route. I found the UltiMAK rail too tempting and favor the advantages associated with red dot sights. Red dot sights offer the capability to engage multiple targets in rapid sequence compared to open sights. Age may be catching up to me as the single focus plane with the red dot is easier to shoot accurately than coordinating front and rear sights.

The Trijicon MRO (Miniature Rifle Optic) is a sealed miniature reflex sight intended for use on rifles, carbines and shotguns to provide fast target acquisition. The large aperture and tapered light path maximize the viewing area and allow for better situational awareness and fast target engagement—especially from non-standard shooting positions. Combine all this with the ambidextrous brightness controls, sub-flush adjusters, advanced lens coatings and the fully sealed, waterproof, hard-anodized forged 7075-T6 housing, and you have the ultimate mini reflex sight on the market. The MRO’s 2MOA red dot offers the capability to engage multiple targets in rapid sequence compared to open sights, while at same time providing adequate accuracy out to a couple hundred yards on man-sized targets; yards due to the red dot not obscuring the target due to the dot not being that large.

Multiple 7.62×39 loads were tested with the Rifle Dynamics’ RD702 AK such as Hornady, Wolf and Red Army Standard. All of the loads produced approximate 3-inch groups at 100 yards. In all fairness, a magnified optic would have probably produced better accuracy results in lieu of the open sights, especially with the Hornady SST loads. Gilt edge accuracy is not the goal with any Rifle Dynamics’ AK; it is a fighting rifle measured by a different set of parameters.

Other range tests consisted of completing several runs on EVTC’s “Jungle Walk” range. Several ISPC-style man targets and steel silhouettes were engaged from different firing positions. Multiple shots were fired at each target, and a magazine change was mandated before leaving cover. I find testing any rifle in this format helps highlight any strengths or weaknesses in handling or weapon manipulation. The Rifle Dynamics’ RD702 AK handled as well as any rifle I have tested. There is a fundamental reason why AK versions proliferate around the world and now are spreading across the land of its Cold War nemesis. This is due to the AK’s well-earned reputation for ruggedness and reliability.

Rifle Dynamics’ understanding and appreciation of the AK as a fighting rifle translates into the RD702 accentuating these characteristics with no urge to make it into anything else. The UltiMAK rail is a nod to the advantages offered by a red dot optic or by possibly mounting a tactical light without succumbing to the urge to hang items that are not necessary on the forend, ruining handling. The Fuller rear sight is another subtle refinement intended to upgrade the AK platform without hindering its design intent. The honing, polishing and fitting of internals such as trigger mechanism and bolt carrier are done to compliment smoothness of operation, not reduce tolerances to a point that compromises reliability out in the real world. All business with no wasted effort—that sums up the Rifle Dynamics RD702 AK.

FOR MORE INFORMATION

Echo Valley Training Center
echovalleytraining.com
Hornady Mfg. Inc.
hornady.com
Rifle Dynamics
rifledynamics.com
Wolf Ammunition
wolfammo.com

To the casual eye, the rifle being reviewed will appear to be another Kalashnikov AK. More discerning readers will identify it as an AK74 chambered in the 5.45×39 versus the more wide spread Soviet/Russian 7.62×39 load due to the magazine profile. A yet smaller percentage of readers will identify the rifle as a Jim Fuller Rifle Dynamics’ customized AK74. Built from a Bulgarian AK74 parts kit that included a chrome-lined barrel, the RD AK74 arrived with an AK74 style flash hider/muzzle brake installed on the muzzle via 24mm threads. A NoDak Spud receiver is combined with KVar furniture that includes a double-shielded forend handguard. A G2 trigger group is installed in conjunction with the polishing of the trigger surfaces and a Fuller modified rear sight is utilized. The RD AK74 features a Norrells Moly Resin Gray finish over Parkerizing that Rifle Dynamics has found to be the best finish for a rifle that will take a lot of abuse, heat and lack of cleaning. Jim reports the finish has proven itself many times over under the worst conditions. This rifle may appear as a basic AK74, but it benefits greatly from Rifle Dynamics’ treatment.

As it arrived from Rifle Dynamics, the RD AK74 represented a return to a more traditional AK form compared to a rifle equipped with rails and such – though this was altered with addition of a Midwest Industries/US Palm front handguard and folding wire stock. There is a tremendous amount of fitting that goes into the RD AK74. It receives an internal reliability check with a light honing of the bolt/carrier group and guide rails. All exterior surfaces where users touch are dehorned. Most owners will not even notice the Rifle Dynamic attention to detail, but can take comfort that everything possible has been done to make it the best fighting rifle available. Even without firing a live round the Rifle Dynamics AK superiority over a standard AK could be detected in the smoothness of the action, trigger pull, quality of re-finish and overall weapon feel. Rifle Dynamics is well versed in the nuances of the AK platform and can educate even the most diehard AK connoisseur.

The simplicity and reliability of most Soviet-bloc weapons has always impressed Jim Fuller. This led him to studying the AK system of operation beginning in the early 1990s. Jim believes the AK is the most dependable fighting rifle ever produced. Rifle Dynamics is a 07 FFL/SOT manufacturer, which allows for work on machine guns, suppressors, SBRs and SBSs combined with being considered a dealer as well. Jim is more concerned with form following function as all weapons are fighting utensils with work reflecting this mindset. Jim’s shop offers custom work on ARs, Saiga, PSL rifles, as well as MACs, along with other typical work found in custom shops involving revolvers, 1911s, stock work, and other tasks. Rifle Dynamics is also involved in providing dynamic firearms training along with armorer courses and has a large selection of belt-fed and select-fire Com-bloc weapons to facilitate orientation demonstrations bringing personnel up to speed on operational use of these weapons.

Rifle Dynamics offers a wide range of services and upgrade packages for customer owned AKs without having to resort to custom builds from parts kits. One example of these improvements is the Fuller Modified Rear Sight unit. Jim reports this is one of his most popular AK modifications in terms of customer feedback. Over the years many have complained about the iron sights on the AK: the Fuller Rear Sight improves this tremendously. The Fuller Sight has the rear notch widened and corners radiused to a spec that was given to Jim by an optometrist for maximum efficiency in centering the front post in the rear notch. Both windage and elevation adjustments are made on the front sight. Many will be more than satisfied with the Fuller sight and eschew mounting anything on the RD AK74 choosing a more traditionalist route.

Importantly, the RD AK74 features the same great handling characteristics and reliability the AK family is renowned for. The Kalashnikov gas-operated piston-rod system is the heart of its reliability. The RD AK74 weighs 7.5 lbs and measures 37 inches long with its 16.5-inch barrel. With the wire stock folded, the rifle measures 29 inches in length. The original intent was not to replace the standard stock with a wire folding stock model due to previous experiences with wire stocks. However, the simplicity of doing this with the RD AK74, considering no special adaptors are needed to accomplish this combined with handling a friend’s AK74 at the range, forced a reassessment. The minimal recoil impulse of the 5.45×39 combined with an effective muzzle brake makes shooting the RD AK74 accurately and without discomfort with the wire stock very possible. Steel MGM man targets were routinely struck at 200-250 yards with rounds sent down range rapidly. This exhibits both the ergonomics of the rifle and overall accuracy of the RD AK74 /5.45x 39 combination.

For testing, both the 60gr and 70gr Wolf Ammunition was used as well as the relatively new Hornady 5.45×39 60gr VMax. Additionally, some surplus 52gr 5.45×39 ammunition was accessed. This is loaded with the 7N6 “poison pill” bullet that first gained notoriety in the Soviet-Afghan War. Basically, the Russian designers constructed the 52gr FMJ with an air cavity behind the tip of the bullet. This causes the bullet nose to deform when penetrating a target causing it to tumble that is devastating when striking flesh. One downside typical to most surplus ammunition is that it utilizes corrosive primers. Something the Russians and other ex-Soviet bloc states insist on using due to concerns with cold weather ignition and long-term storage capabilities offered by corrosive primers. The Wolf 70gr load produced approximately 2,600fps and the Wolf 60gr nudged 2,900fps when fired through the RD AK 74 with the 52gr surplus ammunition clocking in at 3,000fps.

As alluded to earlier in the article, it was decided to change out the RD AK74 Kvar forend furniture. This was an attempt to increase accuracy and effective range of the RD AK74 by enabling the mounting of a red dot optic. The US Palm and Midwest Industries collaborative AK Tri-Rail was installed. Installation of this rail is quick and does not require a trip to the gunsmith. Easy to follow instructions and all of the necessary hardware to mount this rail system is included. Since the Tri-Rail doesn’t mount directly to the gas tube, your optic is spared exposure to a large amount of heat, thus extending the life of your optic. Another benefit of the US Palm/Midwest Industries Tri-Rail is that it allows for better ventilation around the rifle’s barrel, thus cooling it down faster after long strings of fire. As expected from a US Palm/Midwest collaboration, the Tri-Rail was well made and did not move once installed on the RD AK74. The Tri-Rail was considered essential for getting the most out of the RD AK74; without the Tri-Rail it would have been impossible to proceed with mounting a red dot optic to enhance the RD AK74. The Tri-Rail enables a lower 1/3 co-witness option for a number of optics coveted by AK users. The specific optic needs are decided before ordering a Tri-Rail due to the top cover being made per individual optic base design. Current options are Trijicon RMR, Aimpoint T1/H1, Vortex Sparc, Burris Fastfire, and Leupold Delta Point.

It was decided to mount a Trijicon RMR on the US Palm/Midwest Tri-rail. The RMR sight is a proven commodity able to withstand the recoil and heat generated by repeatedly long strings of fire. The RMR only weighs several ounces; thus adding little in weight to the Rifle Dynamics AK74 preserving its natural handling. Due to engineered co-witnessing, the RMR sat low enough on the Tri-Rail that no adjustment of cheekweld was required to pick up the RMR’s amber 7 MOA dot. The beauty of the Trijicon RMR sight is that it does not require batteries to generate the aiming dot because of the dual use of fluorescent fiber optics and tritium lamp. The lack of reliance on batteries appealed to this author as matching the RD AK74’s rugged nature. The mounted Trijicon RMR did not disappoint in range tests proving more than capable of withstanding the RD AK74’s recoil and heat generated from firing multiple magazines during Team Tactics exercises. The RMR’s dot aided in acquiring a fast aiming point at CQB ranges. The 7 MOA dot in the Trijicon RMR proved more than capable of hammering steel man targets out to 200 yards reliably. For reference sake, a military silhouette target measures almost 17 MOA at 100 meters. It was found that a 50 yard zero with the Trijicon RMR fit the needs best when mounted on the RD AK74. The red dot sight offer the capability to engage multiple targets in rapid sequence compared to open sights. Age may be catching up to us as the single focus plane with the red dot is easier to shoot accurately than coordinating front and rear sights, especially at speed.

The Rifle Dynamics AK74 was evaluated at Echo Valley Training Center (EVTC). Echo Valley Training Center hosts numerous well known training entities every year along with DoD personnel, Federal, State, and local law enforcement agencies. Manufacturers are also finding their way there to take advantage of what the facility offers. Echo Valley Training Center has multiple 100 yard enclosed bermed bays capable of handling numerous students conducting “square” range drills or more dynamic/fluid types of training utilizing the barricades, building facades, and doorways constructed for this purpose. In conjunction with the individual training bays, EVTC features multi-stepped target berms that are strewn with reactive steel targets, fluid drained automobiles, and moving targets at ranges varying from 150 yards out to 350 yards. EVTC is further enhanced by the existence of prepared firing positions. This allows for more realistic prone and “dug-in” trench-style firing points. These firing positions and target arrangements are ideal for all types of training scenarios with most types of weapon systems including assault and precision rifles, not to mention belt fed weapons, and ultimately team exercises for team members to train coordinated fire sequences.

Range evaluation commenced with a function test involving firing several magazines in rapid succession. A 100 yard open sight zero confirmation took place after functionality was established and rifle sights shot on paper at 25 yards. While not unique, this is a good way to establish a baseline for reliability. Let’s face it: if an AK-type weapon does not have pristine reliability, its major attribute is nullified. The Rifle Dynamics AK74 functioned fine leaving the handguards smoking. Accuracy with the Wolf Ammunition 60gr and 70gr loads hovered in the 3-inch range at 100 yards. The surplus Bulgarian mirrored this performance. The Hornady VMax produced 2-inch groups. This is probably more indicative of my deteriorating eye sight than actual accuracy potential of the RD AK74. Other range tests consisted of completing several runs at a carbine course set-up at EVTC. Several ISPC-style man targets are engaged from different firing positions. Multiple shots were fired at each target and a magazine change was mandated before leaving cover. The various stages consisted of three different styles of barricade with one including coming through an operable door frame. Time was stopped by engaging two steel man-targets placed approximately 125 yards downrange. I find testing any rifle in this format helps highlight any strengths or weaknesses in handling or weapon manipulation. The RD AK74 turned in times that were on par with any of the different rifles and competition times previously tested at the range.

The Rifle Dynamics AK74 exhibited all of the positive Kalashnikov characteristics combined with the lethal Russian .22 caliber service round – the 5.45×39. Arms aficionados will find and appreciate Rifle Dynamics’ attention to detail. The RD AK74 proved desirable due to its reliability, accuracy, ammunition costs, and controllability during rapid strings of fire. It is strongly suggest anyone interested in a 5.45×39 chambered AK, whatever their reasoning, to contact Rifle Dynamics about your needs.

SITES OF INTEREST:

Rifle Dynamics
(702) 860-7774
www.rifledynamics.com

Midwest Industries, Inc.
828 Philip Drive, Suite 2
Waukesha, WI 53186
(262) 896-6780
www.midwestindustriesinc.com

Trijicon Inc.
49385 Shafer Ave
Wixom, MI 48393
(248) 960-7700
www.trijicon.com

US Palm/SGCUSA
14860 N. Northsight Blvd
Scottsdale, AZ 85260
(480) 222-4369
www.uspalm.com