AK Sponsor
Posted: 12/30/2008 11:00:29 PM EDT
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OK
I did a search and came up with nothing here.... Let me know what you guys think. Surely some guys here have some experience with it! |
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i bought a copy of it on theakforum earlier this year. it charges on the left side but still ejects on the right side. it works great. the guy charged $75. it included the carrier and top cover. if i get a chance i'll get a pic up and figure out who i got it from.
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Another way for crap to get into my rifle. I'll pass.
The regular setup really does work just fine. I use my stock AK at local rifle matches and don't have any real problems. with reloads or running the safety and charging handle. I pretty much use the M1/M14 method for reloading and running the handle. BSW |
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Hmm, I think thats pretty rough calling it a work around...
Have you read the write up in SWAT? Seems lots of contractors are using them and I think they put their rifles through more abuse than most of us will.... Has anyone here had real experience with them? Sorry but seems lots of people here bash things just because they are new or are not the norm before ever having real experience with them |
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Yep, introduces a large slot for crap to get into and significantly weakens the topcover. A bent or dented topcover could lead to malfunctions. It's a work-around for people who don't want to commit to learning to run the platform. now that is funny. "learn the platform" any booger eatin moron has the "platform" down pat. it's an improvement. for whatever reason the two most used guns have right hand charging when only a small percentage of people are left handed to utilize it. placing the charging handle and the left side of the gun changes this ass backwards design. if you're worried about debris getting in the action you need to "learn the platform", it's an ak, it can take the abuse. just watch some of the demo videos on the lightening bolt. the guy uses the gun in real world situations, not a benchrest. i do own one and it works great. i have used it on my romanian gun. it's a bulgarian bolt carrier and topcover. i had to fit the top cover a little but it works fine. it really makes it so much easier to charge the weapon. i'll post pics later. |
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Lightning Bolt: Allows one to use left hand to charge bolt of rifle.
Standard Bolt: Allows one to use left hand to charge bolt of rifle. After changing magazines and while keeping your firing grip on the rifle, just rotate the rifle counter-clockwise ever so slightly so that your left hand now has easy access to the charging handle, over the top of the rifle. I've been doing it this way for over a decade with great results and no "down side". |
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Lightning Bolt: Allows one to use left hand to charge bolt of rifle. Standard Bolt: Allows one to use left hand to charge bolt of rifle. After changing magazines and while keeping your firing grip on the rifle, just rotate the rifle counter-clockwise ever so slightly so that your left hand now has easy access to the charging handle, over the top of the rifle. I've been doing it this way for over a decade with great results and no "down side". +1 Plus you can pick up any AK in the world and you muscle memory still works. BSW |
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Yep, introduces a large slot for crap to get into and significantly weakens the topcover. A bent or dented topcover could lead to malfunctions. It's a work-around for people who don't want to commit to learning to run the platform. +1 ive used standard AKs for years, very much used to and comfortable around them and the standardized controls. If this was a major improvement I am sure the Russians would of modified the AK design by now, 50+ years later after original concept. |
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Yep, introduces a large slot for crap to get into and significantly weakens the topcover. A bent or dented topcover could lead to malfunctions. It's a work-around for people who don't want to commit to learning to run the platform. now that is funny. "learn the platform" any booger eatin moron has the "platform" down pat. No. They don't. Many, many, many people around the world own and shoot AKs. Few do it well. If you like it, fine. But you can run the platform very efficiently without a left side charging handle if you practice and it does have drawbacks that a right charging AK does not. |
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Videos....
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F01EqreQFoY http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DAbh2jyvX8E http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CShqxfgsCxE http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UAHYYASPDOU Last one is a home made version. Not advocating or anything though I kinda like the idea. Like everything else it probably won't work for everyone. Ain't got one or even a gun worthy of one, I just watch alot of gun videos. |
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i bought a copy of it on theakforum earlier this year. it charges on the left side but still ejects on the right side. it works great. the guy charged $75. it included the carrier and top cover. if i get a chance i'll get a pic up and figure out who i got it from. This os not a TAG for pics  and source
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you cant shoot untill you have already reloaded, so why is it necissary to hold the pistol grip while loadong? Because people try to run the AK like it's an AR. When reloading an AR you maintain a firing grip. With the AK (like the M1 Garand or M14) you support the weapon with the off hand, reload and run the bolt with the strong hand. Actually, it could be argued that the AK has better ergonomics than the AR as all the controls are in one place. The trigger, safety, charging handle, and mag release are all a handspan away from each other, instead of being scattered all over the weapon. BSW |
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you cant shoot untill you have already reloaded, so why is it necissary to hold the pistol grip while loadong? Because people try to run the AK like it's an AR. When reloading an AR you maintain a firing grip. With the AK (like the M1 Garand or M14) you support the weapon with the off hand, reload and run the bolt with the strong hand. Actually, it could be argued that the AK has better ergonomics than the AR as all the controls are in one place. The trigger, safety, charging handle, and mag release are all a handspan away from each other, instead of being scattered all over the weapon. BSW One other thing too...if you run your AK that way then it's impossible to accidentally have a ND when switching the weapon from safe to fire. IDK if it's possible, never tried, but if it is then if someone were to put their bugger banger on the boom switch and flip off the safety of an AR they could possibly have a ND. With an AK you have to break your firing grip to take the weapon off safe. However I do maintain a firing grip while reloading and I reload with my left hand. I charge the weapon by going under the gun, which works really well for me. I've tried going over the top but it's awkward and strains my shoulder a bit more then I like. The only time I go over the gun when I reload is when I'm prone...though usually then I just charge it with my firing hand. <edit> The one cool thing I like about the lightning bolt is the ability to chamber a round with the weapon on safe. |
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meh, just someone trying to make money selling something that's not needed... just practice your reloading technique and it's not needed....
tactical reload |
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Lightning Bolt: Allows one to use left hand to charge bolt of rifle. Standard Bolt: Allows one to use left hand to charge bolt of rifle. After changing magazines and while keeping your firing grip on the rifle, just rotate the rifle counter-clockwise ever so slightly so that your left hand now has easy access to the charging handle, over the top of the rifle. I've been doing it this way for over a decade with great results and no "down side". +1 Plus you can pick up any AK in the world and you muscle memory still works. BSW unless someones stuck a lighting bolt on it then your shit out of luck as you try to charge the non existant charging handle. Also it's quicker to get back "in the fight" if you never take your firing hand off the gun. once you have it charged you can fire it one handed if for example someone trying to kill u pops up out from behind a corner and now ur dicking around with a gun thats not at your shoulder ready to fire. WHere as if you don't break firing grip you can easily shoot him with a shoulderd one hand grip. You can do this really well if you practice. |
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it's so funny. all the cry babies whining about not needing it. i don't "need" a krebs peep sight either but it sure makes the ak easier to use. the guy asked about it and i told him. most of the replies are from people who DON'T have one or shot one. HOW THE HELL DO THEY KNOW ANYTHING ABOUT IT?
wah wah wah |
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When I saw the thread about the guy from Magpul making his own AK, I noticed the Dual Charging bolt that he made. Then I heard about the Lightning Bolt, that did it for me. I want one. My wife tried to get me one for Christmas, but the company that had them was out of stock.
Do I "Need" this? No. Do I want this? YES!!!! Very cool. I was trained on the AR-15/M-16 Series of rifles and I got used to the manual of arms with it. I love the AK (I have 4). But always considered the AR ergonomics better (personal opinion). This makes it easier and faster to load and charge. Going over the top or underneath to charge the weapon, I feel like a contortionist. My AK-74 is my favorite weapon and the Lightening Bolt would be a great addition. 
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Here is a write up I did on the lightning bolt for another forum, since then I have put almost a thousand rounds through the weapon with zero problems and I absolutely love the mod. I still need to do some trimming on the right side for safety lever clearance.
I have a Century Yugo underfolder M70AB that I have been shooting for a couple years and have a few gripes about it. One big gripe is charging the weapon on mag changes means taking your hand off the grip to do so. I ran across a product called the AK Lightning bolt somewhere on the net and liked what I saw. I purchased the product from Tactical Response and received the it promptly. Upon inspecting the product I quickly saw a problem, my top cover was about half an inch shorter than the one provided with the new bolt. Not wanting to risk an issue I called the owner(Anthony) which quickly answered and told me he has run into this a couple of times. Anthony confirmed that it would be ok to cut the top cover but be careful. I went down to my shop and started the project. Here are some pics: Bottom cover is the stock unit, note difference in length. 
Side view of aftermarket top cover. 
View of AK lightning bolt. 
Top cover cut to length with a Dremel and smoothed with a metal file.(I'm no machinist) 
I filed the relief cuts for the take down button on the new top cover. 
I radiused the front of the top cover to match my AKs receiver with a file. 
Top cover fits! 
Overhead view of the bolt in the rifle. 
I cycled about 6 mags through the weapon with no issues. I really like the charging handle on the left hand side of the weapon and I believe it will help speed mag changes and stay on target significantly.(I need all the help I can get). Anthony asked that I call him when I worked the issue out so I did and he was extemely receptive to my problem and was very helpful. I will give an update when I take this to the range this week incase there are any problems feeding, extracting, etc. If you want more info head over to www.coloradoshootingsports.com There are some decent videos of this in action on youtube if you want to see it in action. |
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Somewhere around here an arfcommer made a top charging AK....
ETA: Found it in the Archives... |
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Are these parts US made?
Will it help with 922 compliance? Did they take an existing AK bolt and grind off the right-side bolt handle? It seems to me that an ambidextrous bolt (handles on BOTH sides) would be the best of both worlds. I might like one of those, but I can't justify spending $200+ for it. |
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Yep, introduces a large slot for crap to get into and significantly weakens the topcover. A bent or dented topcover could lead to malfunctions. It's a work-around for people who don't want to commit to learning to run the platform. So true. If it aint broke dont fix it. 
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Yep, introduces a large slot for crap to get into and significantly weakens the topcover. A bent or dented topcover could lead to malfunctions. It's a work-around for people who don't want to commit to learning to run the platform. now that is funny. "learn the platform" any booger eatin moron has the "platform" down pat. it's an improvement. for whatever reason the two most used guns have right hand charging when only a small percentage of people are left handed to utilize it. placing the charging handle and the left side of the gun changes this ass backwards design. if you're worried about debris getting in the action you need to "learn the platform", it's an ak, it can take the abuse. just watch some of the demo videos on the lightening bolt. the guy uses the gun in real world situations, not a benchrest. i do own one and it works great. i have used it on my romanian gun. it's a bulgarian bolt carrier and topcover. i had to fit the top cover a little but it works fine. it really makes it so much easier to charge the weapon. i'll post pics later. Good for you. If that is what you think no prob, but the majority of us don't need it and have no use for it. |
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you cant shoot untill you have already reloaded, so why is it necissary to hold the pistol grip while loadong? Because people try to run the AK like it's an AR. When reloading an AR you maintain a firing grip. With the AK (like the M1 Garand or M14) you support the weapon with the off hand, reload and run the bolt with the strong hand. I run the AK stronghand grip and Larry Vickers teaches this as well. I feed mags from my left side and do not want to have two methods for multiple rifles. It is easy: If I am standing or kneeling, I rotate the rifle left and reach over and charge it. If I am prone, I reach under and charge it. |
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Listen, if you haven't used it I dont give a crap what you think
UNLESS you use an AK in the real world daily.... Go stomp on another thread if you don't have any useful information. Now those of you who REALLY use and train hard with an AK IF you have used this let me know your thoughts pros or con.... Again, to the rest of you who have not used them this question is not for you... |
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The main problems I could see with this set up are:
1) The AK bolt handle reciprocates with every shot. With the handle on the left side, it will be jamming up on your gear and/or your body with every chance it gets when firing right-handed. Note that NO OTHER modern military rifles with left side charging handles have reciprocating handles. 2) The giant slot on the left side which cannot be closed to prevent entry of debris. This is not an issue for civilian shooters at target ranges though. 3) The left side charging handle precludes the use of any side-mounted optics, which are the best way to mount an optical sight on an AK. 4) If you are familiar with/have trained with "standard" AKs, this configuration will really screw you up in a high-stress situation. If you are starting fresh, this obviously won't be an issue, unless you somehow end up with a standard AK in a high-stress situation. |
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I don't know why this is pissing off all the couch commandos!
Here are my dislikes: 1. A lot of fitting required but this is more likely the problem with buying a century. 2. Cost is high. 3. Should have charging handle on both sides. Here are my likes: 1. Much faster mag changes FOR ME. 2. I can change mags in the same fashion as my M4. To address the people who don't have one but seem to know everything about it: 1. The reciprocating charging lever doesn't seem to get caught up in my gear(Maritime CIRAS with pouches and plates). 2. Yes, you are right you lose the ability to mount optics but then again it's an AK! 3. Dirt and crud getting in the top cover. I will be testing this once Michigan thaws out. I will pour dirt into the weapon and fire away. I am sure in true AK fashion it will work flawlessly. I have enough rounds in the weapon with this mod to trust it at this point as it has had ZERO malfunctions. Now I won't say I have run it like Pat Rodgers would but I have run it on a course with multiple targets, mag changes, and getting snow all over it with my gear on with ZERO problems. For the haters....give it a try, you might like it. |
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Thank you.
The main problems I could see with this set up are: 1) The AK bolt handle reciprocates with every shot. With the handle on the left side, it will be jamming up on your gear and/or your body with every chance it gets when firing right-handed. Note that NO OTHER modern military rifles with left side charging handles have reciprocating handles. 2) The giant slot on the left side which cannot be closed to prevent entry of debris. This is not an issue for civilian shooters at target ranges though. 3) The left side charging handle precludes the use of any side-mounted optics, which are the best way to mount an optical sight on an AK. 4) If you are familiar with/have trained with "standard" AKs, this configuration will really screw you up in a high-stress situation. If you are starting fresh, this obviously won't be an issue, unless you somehow end up with a standard AK in a high-stress situation. |
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Yep, introduces a large slot for crap to get into and significantly weakens the topcover. A bent or dented topcover could lead to malfunctions. It's a work-around for people who don't want to commit to learning to run the platform. So true. If it aint broke dont fix it.
I prefer a left hand charging handle. It's really that simple and with no emotional involvement. |
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Listen, if you haven't used it I dont give a crap what you think UNLESS you use an AK in the real world daily.... Go stomp on another thread if you don't have any useful information. Now those of you who REALLY use and train hard with an AK IF you have used this let me know your thoughts pros or con.... Again, to the rest of you who have not used them this question is not for you... Your 1st post in this thread was: "OK I did a search and came up with nothing here.... Let me know what you guys think. Surely some guys here have some experience with it! " When people (like me) told you that they don't have any experience with the lightening bolt and why they don't think it's the greatest thing since sliced bread, you got all hostile and start the 'stomping on my' thread BS. If your thread title was 'CHEERLEADERS FOR LIGHTING BOLT CIRCLE JERK WANTED' I probaly would not have commented as I have nothing positive to add to that topic. Make up your mind. BSW |
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OK I did a search and came up with nothing here.... Let me know what you guys think. Surely some guys here have some experience with it! plain and simple, all spelled out pretty clear in ENGLISH. "surely some guys here have some experience with it!" he didn't say "surely somebody with NO experience with it can troll this post with their unexperience with a product i am interested in. after all, they may have more unexperience with it than i do!!!!!" |
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i have one. i like it alot. it works, it's robust.
some of the negative comments. introduces a large slot for crap to get into and significantly weakens the topcover only when the gun is operating does the large slot have an opening. if you have had the opportunity to actually touch a topcover with the slot you could see that it is just as sturdy installed. only removed does it seem a little less durable. Lightning Bolt: Allows one to use left hand to charge bolt of rifle. Standard Bolt: Allows one to use left hand to charge bolt of rifle. the difference is that it is EASIER. most gun experts will tell you the flaw in the most distributed gun is that it has "a right hand charging handle" Plus you can pick up any AK in the world and you muscle memory still works. what in the world would you do if you had to pick up an ar or g3? would your muscle memory all of the sudden give you two left hands? cmon. i operate all of my aks with and without the lightenbolt just fine. i don't suddenly forget which gun i have in my hands. i don't lock up when i grab a pump shotgun from muschle memory vapor lock! ive used standard AKs for years, very much used to and comfortable around them and the standardized controls. If this was a major improvement I am sure the Russians would of modified the AK design by now, 50+ years later after original concept. really now, why would they change something that they own millions of and would greatly hinder the parts interchangablity of the main battle weapons they already have. the same reason the u.s. govt. won't change calibers or even add a gas piston system. Good for you. If that is what you think no prob, but the majority of us don't need it and have no use for it. you sound like Nancy Pelosi, "the people have spoken". what people? why would you think you represent the majority? |
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Listen, if you haven't used it I dont give a crap what you think UNLESS you use an AK in the real world daily.... Go stomp on another thread if you don't have any useful information. Now those of you who REALLY use and train hard with an AK IF you have used this let me know your thoughts pros or con.... Again, to the rest of you who have not used them this question is not for you... Your 1st post in this thread was: "OK I did a search and came up with nothing here.... Let me know what you guys think. Surely some guys here have some experience with it! " When people (like me) told you that they don't have any experience with the lightening bolt and why they don't think it's the greatest thing since sliced bread, you got all hostile and start the 'stomping on my' thread BS. If your thread title was 'CHEERLEADERS FOR LIGHTING BOLT CIRCLE JERK WANTED' I probaly would not have commented as I have nothing positive to add to that topic. Make up your mind. BSW Let them drown BSW. This thread has fail written all over it. Take care Sir. |
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