NEW: Midwest Industries Gen 2 AK Hand Guards -The Firearm Blog

In what may seem like a sin in the eyes of true firearm aficionados, I don’t currently own an AK-patterned rifle. But I am on the lookout for something short and 5.45-based (thanks a lot, Nathaniel F.). The one thing I struggle with when it comes to classic-but-useful guns is how to mount needed accessories without ruining traditional appearances and styling. And while I have altered wood hand guards and forends in the past, it’s not always the best choice – sometimes a full modern replacement is the best answer when utility meets style. That’s where companies like Midwest Industries is able to fill the void.

Introducing their second generation of AK hand guards, Midwest is offering M-LOK mount compatibility, railed top covers for optic mounting and quick release sling mounts all in an affordable package. The sets are compatible with most AK rifles (save for Yugo variants), lightweight and are easy to install.

From the looks of each setup, mounting an optic results in a lower 1/3 cowitness with standard AK iron sights. While the MRO-compatible top cover is available for purchase now, the railed top cover is listed as ‘coming soon’. Further options and details are in the product images from Midwest below.

Again, I’m torn. While I am a huge proponent of innovation as well as function over form, I also love the look of a traditional wood-finished AK. I wonder how these forends would look color matched Cerakoted with an appropriate wood stock? Or, it just sounds like an opportunity to build both wood and aluminum options.