Back in February of 2018, we published an article telling about a Sureshot Armament Group AK chassis/handguard system called MK2. The installation of MK2 required removal of the rear sight block and gas block and reinstallation of the latter. While it is not a difficult task if you have the proper tools and skills, for most of us it probably means taking the gun to a gunsmith. Acknowledging the need for a drop-in solution, the company came up with the MK2.1 chassis which allows the end-users to install it on their rifles using just a screwdriver.

SAG MK2.1 chassis with Picatinny rail on the front portion of the upper handguard

SAG MK2.1 chassis with M-LOK slots on the front portion of the upper handguard

The Sureshot Armament Group AK Chassis MK2.1 is compatible with AKM/AK-74 pattern rifles (stamped receiver). It is available in two versions that differ from each other only by the rail solution (M-LOK or Picatinny rail) on the top handguard, in front of the rifle’s rear sight. The chassis is compatible with Bushmaster ACR handguards. You can use polymer Bushmaster handguards with the SAG upper handguard, however, the company notes that “polymer handguards may require to file down rear end face to fit“.

The MK2.1 chassis consists of the base part, rear sight block insert, upper handguard, gas tube, and lower handguard. The base part is inserted into the handguard cavity of the receiver and clamped to the barrel via the RSB insert thus forming a base for installing the upper handguard. The latter houses the gas tube and in conjunction with the base part allows attaching the lower handguard. Here is a video (in Russian) showing the installation process.

When installed, the upper and lower handguards of SAG MK2.1 chassis do not touch the barrel which means the pressures and forces applied to the handguard will not transfer to the barrel thus allowing it vibrate more consistently shot after shot. Now I know that technically we can’t probably use the term “free-floated barrel” when talking about any gas piston operated firearm. However, eliminating the barrel and handguard contact does improve the rifle’s performance in the accuracy department even though the barrel still comes in contact with a big ol’ moving part, the piston/BCG. By not having a direct contact with the barrel, the aluminum lower handguard also heats up much slower. According to Sureshot Armament Group, “the handguard remains cool even through 120 shots string“.

When installing this chassis, you can keep the original AK handguard retainer but then you’ll need a special lower handguard with a cutout to accommodate the AK handguard sling loop or cut a slot in the handguard yourself. However, if you cut the sling loop, then the Bushmaster ACR lower handguards will fit just fine.

The rail section that protrudes rearward, behind the rifle’s rear sight does not block the iron sights which means you can still use the standard sights if there is no scope attached. Another interesting feature of this rail section is that it has a built-in slot to directly attach Trijicon ACOG scopes without using the Picatinny rail. By directly mounting an ACOG to the rail, you’ll make it sit much lower compared to attaching it via the Picatinny rail. This rear rail portion also won’t interfere with the standard disassembly process.

SAG MK2.1 chassis installed on an AK

The Sureshot Armament Group AK Chassis MK2.1 is listed on the company’s website at an MSRP of $520.

Images from www.sureshot-armament.com