By David Crane
defrev (at) gmail (dot) com
All photos and video clips contained in this article were shot by DefenseReview.com, and are copyrighted. DefenseReview.com owns the copyright on these photos and video clips. The photos and video clips embedded below were shot with a Canon PowerShot S90 10-megapixel digital camera (still camera with video capability).
The following article is property of DefenseReview.com (DR) and is copyrighted material. If you are reading this article on another website other than DefenseReview.com, please email us the website address/URL (where the unauthorized DR article reprint is located) at defrev (at) gmail (dot) com. Thank you.
July 1, 2013
While Toby Melville of Bad Company Tactical was showing DefenseReview (DR) the BCT R2S (Rapid Retention System) on his AK-10 SBR (Short Barreled Rifle)-type 7.62x39mm Russian-caliber Kalashnikov AKM-type PDW (Personal Defense Weapon), he also showed us a bunch of tactical AK/AKM accessories that help the Kalashnikov approach the tactical AR in operating control ergonomics.
First up is the Bravo 18 (B18) Left-Sided/Ambi-Charging Handle. The version we saw was a round knob-style handle that fit into and reciprocated inside a left-sided slot in the receiver cover. It was very easy to grab and manipulate. However, Bravo 18 appears to be also have a straight lever-shaped charging handle. Upside? Faster, more ergonomic charging. Downside? Another opening in the receiver cover for dust, dirt, sand, etc. to get into the action. Then again, it is an AK, so you should be able to shake, shake, shake your way back into operation and the fight.
Next up is the Bravo 18 OSS VSR Visual Signature Reducer/Flash Hider, which looks pretty aggressive. The version Defense Review saw was made from titanium and had sharp points on the front, allowing the VSR to do double duty as a compliance device. I mean it's pretty nasty. Punch the enemy with it, and he's probably gonna' get compliant really quick. He's definitely going to be in pain. Since the B18 OSS VSR is an open-prong flash suppressor, it should work pretty well, at least in theory. However, the VSR DR saw was on a 10-inch-barreled weapon, so it would be pretty hard to get true flash suppression.
The BCT AKM SBR/PDW also sported an Alamo Tactical push-button ambi-mag release (ambidextrous magazine release) button for fast mag changes, which could be made even faster with a speed magwell for faster reloads (i.e., faster mag insertions and mag drops) and bolt hold-open feature, which are also available from Bravo 18.
Last up was the Bravo 18 AK-10 rail system for mounting a tactical white light and/or laser aimer, vertical foregrip, the aforementioned BCT R2S, you name it. Anyway, the videos below show it all.
Company Contact Info:
Bravo 18
529 West 9460 South
Sandy, Utah 84070
Phone: (801) 432-7412
Email: support@bravo18.com
Email Contact Form: http://bravo18.com/CONTACT.html
Website: http://bravo18.com
Alamo Tactical
4553N Loop 1604W, Suite 1227
San Antonio TX 78249
Phone: 210-646-4486
Fax: 210-595-3288
Email Contact Page: http://www.alamotactical.com/contact.html
Website: http://www.alamotactical.com
Bad Company Tactical (BCT)
Email: michelle@badcompanytactical.com
Website: http://badcompanytactical.com
© Copyright 2013 DefenseReview.com. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without receiving permission and providing proper credit and appropriate links.
Related Articles:
Kalashnikov AKSU AKM SBR/Sub-Carbine Chambered in 300 AAC Blackout Test-Fired at the Range (Video!)
BHI SOPMOD AK: Modernized AKM/Kalashnikov for SPECOPS and PSD/Security Operators
Krebs Custom KTR-03S Rifle/Carbine: A Kalashnikov for the 21st Century.