Dive into a world where AK tradition meets modern innovation.

The AK platform has been around since 1947 and hasn't changed much since then. Sure, it's come out in new calibers like the AK-74 and had some experimental versions like the Bizon and the AN-74, but the base of the firearm hasn't kept up with the times as much as it's "rival" the AR-15 outside of Russia's AK-12. It's a solid base to build on, it doesn't need a buffer tube-based stock like the AR, it's over gassed firing mechanism isn't only easy to clean it's pretty reliable for what it is, and its ammunition at one point was cheap thanks to, now banned, foreign companies importing it.

I miss her so much bros....

So how do you modernize an AK? Well, you'd usually have to be forced to either attach a rail on the gas tube so far up front you'll turn a 1 MOA dot into a 20, you'd be forced to use quad rails to grind your hands to dust that would heat up rapidly (especially in the Florida sun), and you'd get out a Dremel and go to town on your lower receiver just to have an A2 AR-15 stock.

Picture unrelated because this is what PEAK performance looked like until now

🚨 Introducing the Kobra MOD 1 🚨

A complete overhaul of the AK platform from the top down allowing the modern operator space for a quick disconnect sling, grips, flashlights, optics, lasers, and anything else that will fit on a pic rail or m-lock. If you've ever worked on an AK, you already know that everything from furniture to stocks don't just attach like an AR would. There isn't exactly a common mil-spec between AKM's, 103's, Polish, and Yugos. Each maker and country have their own quirks when designing an AK, what would attach to a Zastava (Serbia made), might not fit on a Palmetto (USA), but could fit on a Reily Defense (USA) even though they're not made in the same country. AK fits and cuts are in a close second place to trying to figure out what optic you can put on your handgun. The Kobra is an answer to this problem. (The AK fit problem, not the handgun one. That's worth a separate report on it's own.)

Most AK's won't even allow you to change their length of pull, our Kobra not only allows you to adjust the length of the stock, it also folds making it perfect for tight spaces such as home defense or vehicles. The Midwest Industries folding stock even has an adjustable cheek rest which allows you to get a perfect view of your chosen optic. You can check out our full selection of Midwest Industries parts for AK's here.

When adding an optic, we wanted to choose one that was low profile due to the AK platform having relatively high sights over its barrel when compared to an AR-15. A Sig Sauer Romeo 5 on its included low mount was perfect for that job. It's built to last, shake awake, and doesn't break the bank and was low profile enough that we only had to raise the cheek rest on the stock a few notches while not being too low that your vision is blocked by the front iron sight.

If you've been following us for a bit or if you're familiar with modern AR's you already know Magpul furniture, and mags are the way to go. Standard AK grips are generally thin and slick, but the Magpul MOE AK grip is thick and has a coarse texture without ripping apart your hand like sandpaper or a Smith and Wesson pistol grip. (Not much of a difference to be honest.) The Magpul M-LOK MVG vertical grip not only matches the pistol grip, but it's also just short enough not to bind up the mag on reloads. A very common problem in the world of AK modifications and why you see those little shark fins or those (pardon my French) "dongs" that always look like they face the wrong direction.

Typically adding a railed dust cover on an AK is a very cheap way to add a red dot sight. They generally don't hold zero, since they were never made to that's why you always see AK's with red dots/optics far up on the handguard over the gas tube. I poked a bit of fun on them earlier, but they were a solution to a problem, but not the optimal solution. With the Midwest Industries dust cover, it mounts to the MWI handguard, locking it in place and giving you a rail that will hold zero. Midwest Industires Alpha AK handguard gives you multiple new m-lock attachment points allowing for flashlights, grips, and more without paying for the keymod-tax. A built-in heat shield keeps your hands cool and your attachments un-melted unlike the older "sporterize" AK upgrades from back in the day.

A personal favorite upgrade of mine is the Hob Knob by Texas Weapon Systems. It's a small, but very noticeable upgrade to the charging handle of the AK. Screws right onto the old charging handle and I haven't had an issue with it slipping or sliding as it's screwed on from multiple points. Makes reloads quicker and easier, think of it like the Radian Raptor charging handles from the AR world.

The entire RnR Tactical Kobra MOD 1, except for the optic, is proudly made in America. It takes what we love about the AK platform and brings it into the 2020's. It's more than just a chassis or a new coat of paint, it makes the AK a viable option in the civilian defense market for the modern warrior.

Thank you for taking the time to read this all the way through. If you want to see the Kobra in person, check us out at our gun shows, full dates and times can be found here. The Kobra was featured in Andre from Florida Patriot's video from the West Palm Beach gun show which you can check out here.

As always you can drop us a question or comment in the bottom right corner of this website or email us at "[email protected]". We want to start doing more of these posts and would love to hear from people on what topics to do next or anything else they want featured. Your question might even be answered here. Until next time, later.