AK Wood vs Polymer? Try M-LOK With Wood Up Top

For AK wood vs polymer, a third option is an aluminum M-LOK lower with wood up top. JMac's MMS handguard gives M-LOK at 3, 6 and 9 o'clock, and the GTCW-AKM birch laminate gas tube cover keeps a wood upper. JMac does not make polymer handguards or stocks, so this guide covers wood and aluminum M-LOK only.

Parts in this post

• 
  MMS M-LOK Handguard
• 
  Wood AKM Gas Tube Cover
• 
  MMS 1913 Gas Tube
• 
  SFG Skeleton Forward Grip

Which AKM handguard do we pick for a 16-inch barrel?

For 16-inch-barrel AKMs, our pick is the 14.25-inch HG-AKM-14.25L, the length our handguard page lists as optimal for 16" barrels (AKM, AK-47, AK-74, 101 and 103). It fits with conditions on the Century WASR and the Arsenal SGL 21-61, 21-62, 21-66, 21-71 and 21-94. Our WASR-10 build runs the shorter 11.80" for more exposed barrel.

What does M-LOK give you that wood does not?

Mounting points. The MMS handguard has M-LOK slots at 3, 6 and 9 for a light, a laser, a handstop or a grip. It clamps to the barrel at the rear rather than the receiver, and keeps the rear sight and cleaning rod. The lower mount is 7075-T6 and the handguard is 6005-A T6 aluminum, both with a Type 3 hardcoat.

What does a wood gas tube cover give you?

The look. The GTCW-AKM is birch laminate, CNC-machined then hand sanded and finished in shellac. It comes in Bakelite Orange or Rusted Plum and weighs 4.00 oz. It is made to match JMac grips and handstops, and each piece is hand-finished, so grain varies.

Fit note: the product page says it is for AKM-length gas tubes and not for Zastava-pattern rifles, Krink-type rifles, Mini or Micro Dracos, Mini Beryls, or AK pistols with barrels under 10". It is the wood upper on our WASR-10 build.

What about a rail up top instead?

The GT-AKM is a 4 oz 1913 gas tube that partly sleeves over the gas block and, per the product page, does not touch it.

Grip or handstop on the M-LOK?

The SFG-T works as a forward grip or a handstop, depending on its orientation.

Green or tan?

The MMS handguard comes in green and tan. Color does not change fit.

Wood and M-LOK fit table

The 11.80" handguard is on our WASR-10 build.

FAQ

Which AKM handguard do we pick for a 16-inch barrel?

For 16-inch-barrel AKMs, our pick is the 14.25-inch HG-AKM-14.25L, the length our handguard page lists as optimal for 16" barrels (AKM, AK-47, AK-74, 101 and 103). It fits with conditions on the Century WASR and the Arsenal SGL 21-61, 21-62, 21-66, 21-71 and 21-94.

Can a wood upper go with an M-LOK lower?

Yes. An MMS M-LOK handguard pairs with a wood gas tube cover such as the GTCW-AKM, which is made for AKM-length gas tubes.

What wood is the GTCW-AKM?

Birch laminate, CNC-machined, hand sanded and finished in shellac, in Bakelite Orange or Rusted Plum.

Where are the M-LOK slots on the MMS handguard?

At 3, 6 and 9 o'clock.

Does the GTCW-AKM fit a Krink or Draco?

No. The GTCW-AKM product page lists Zastava-pattern rifles, Krink-type rifles, Mini and Micro Dracos, Mini Beryls and AK pistols with barrels under 10 inches as not compatible.