Project "Iron Plum": The Ultimate Modern-Retro AK-105 Build

There is a fine line between "modernizing" an AK and ruining its soul. Go too tactical, and you lose that rugged Combloc charm. Stay too purist, and you miss out on the ergonomic advancements of the last 70 years.

Today, we are showcasing a brand new AK-105 build that walks that line perfectly. By combining the cutting-edge modularity of JMac Customs engineering with the nostalgic aesthetic of "Rusted Plum" wood, we’ve created a rifle that looks like a Cold War relic but runs like a 21st-century race gun.

Here is the breakdown of the Iron Plum 105.

The Chassis: JMac MMS System

The heart of this build is the Modular Mounting System (MMS). Gone are the days of heavy side rails and wobbly dust covers.

• Handguard: We started with the MMS-HG-AKM-10.1L. This 10.1-inch handguard is the perfect length for the AK-105’s gas system. It free-floats the barrel (a rarity for AKs), ensuring that your hand pressure doesn't shift your point of impact.
• Gas Tube & Rail: Up top, the GT-AKM replaces the factory gas tube, linking directly to the handguard to provide a rock-solid 1913 rail for lights or lasers.
• Dust Cover: To create a seamless top rail, we installed the DC-AKM. This isn't your standard dust cover; it locks into the MMS handguard and the rear trunnion like a bank vault, allowing you to mount optics further back with zero concerns about shifting zero.

The "Retro" Vibe: Rusted Plum

This is where the build gets its personality. Instead of standard black polymer or Magpul furniture, we opted for JMac’s "Rusted Plum" laminate wood series.

• Grip: The PGW Rusted Plum pistol grip offers the vertical angle modern shooters prefer but is crafted from stunning birch laminate stained in that classic Soviet plum hue.
• Foregrip: Up front, we mounted the TAB (Tactile Accessory Boss) Rusted Plum. This M-LOK handstop/grip hybrid gives you perfect control over the muzzle while matching the pistol grip perfectly. It breaks up the aluminum monotony of the rail with organic warmth.

The Rear End: Folding Perfection

The AK-105 is known for its folding stock capability, but factory latches can be finicky. We modernized the rear trunnion setup completely.

• Adapter: We utilized the RSA-4.5. This adapter converts the standard 4.5mm folding trunnion pin (common on Arsenal and Bulgarian builds) into a vertical 1913 Picatinny rail.
• The Stock: Attached to that rail is the TS-8P triangle stock with the FM-SM-1913 folding mech. It pays homage to the skeletonized stocks of the AKS-74u but adds a rubber buttpad for grip and comfort.
• Cheek Riser: To get the proper weld, we snapped on the CRSU. This adjustable cheek riser is critical for the optic choice we made.

Performance Upgrades

A build this good needs to handle well, too.

• Reloads: The MW-AK-556 mag well funnel was added to the receiver. It acts like a jet funnel for your magazines, speeding up reloads under stress without looking bulky.
• Ergonomics: We bridged the handguard gap with the RC-QD. This clever little part covers the handguard retainer cut, protecting your hand from heat and adding a robust QD sling point right where you need it.
• Muzzle: Taming the recoil is the 360HDM-24F-X37. Threaded specifically for the 24x1.5mm front sight block of the AK-105, this device is a powerhouse muzzle brake and a suppressor mount (HUB compatible) all in one.

The Optic: EOTech EXPS3 & Magnifier

For target acquisition, we ditched the traditional combloc optics for the gold standard of modern warfighting: the EOTech EXPS3 paired with a G33 3x Magnifier.

This setup is ideal for the 105 platform. The EXPS3 provides that lightning-fast "heads up" shooting capability for CQB, while the 3x magnifier allows you to push the 5.45x39 cartridge out to effective distances. Because the EXPS3 sits slightly higher (lower 1/3 cowitness height), the previously mentioned CRSU cheek riser is absolutely essential here, bringing your eye into perfect alignment with the holographic window without needing to chin-weld.

Final Thoughts

The "Iron Plum" AK-105 is a testament to what the Kalashnikov platform can be. It retains the mechanical reliability and silhouette of the legend while integrating the ergonomics, modularity, and precision of a modern western carbine. It’s not just a wall hanger; it’s a workhorse wearing a tuxedo.