Best AK-47 Upgrades & Accessories (All Variants)

What are the best AK-47 upgrades and accessories? This article will cover exactly that. AKs are great rifles and are known for their extreme reliability.

Because of their popularity, there are a ton of aftermarket parts made for them.

By adding the best AK-47 upgrades and accessories you can unlock the full potential of the rifle and increase its usability and effectiveness.

This article will cover the best AK-47 upgrades and accessories that will work for all variants to increase the performance of the rifle. 

What Is an AK-47?

The AK-47 is one of the most popular and abundant firearms across the globe. It is the standard infantry weapon for many countries and there are around 100 million of them.

It is a popular weapon because of its simplicity and reliability. Because of this, it was mass-produced by many countries.

It shoots the 7.62x39mm cartridge and comes standard with a 30-round magazine. These rifles can be picked up for pretty cheap and the ammo is also very abundant and affordable (used to be anyway).

Kalashnikov was the designer who invented and engineered the AK-47 back in 1947 and he based it on a number of current rifles but mostly the German Sturmgewehr-44 (STG-44).

The key concept for the rifle was to be a mid-range infantry rifle that shot a medium-sized caliber. He wanted it kept simple so anyone can use the AK platform without specialized training.

Ease of use and ease of maintenance was the primary purpose. The AK-47 became one of the most dependable and iconic rifles in the world still today.

Where To Purchase an AK-47?

The glory days of picking up an AK-47 Rifle for a few hundred dollars have come to an end, but you can still get them for a reasonable price even in today’s firearms market.

There are still surplus rifles out there, or you can even purchase a premium AK-47 Rifle that is newly manufactured from a repeatable firearms company.

You can get these at a lot of different price points, but the main attraction to these rifles is that they are known to be less expensive than their AR-15 counterparts.

I believe that no firearms collection can be complete without at least one AK-47. The rifle is good but adding the best AK-47 upgrades and accessories will unlock its full potential and keep the firearm relevant for generations to come.

Click Here to check the current prices and availability of AK-47s

AK-47 Stock Upgrade

Adding a new stock and upgrading the old stock is a quick and easy way to transform your rifle. The standard stocks are often too short for most people and the under folders are uncomfortable.

Either a side folding stock that is adjustable or an M4 style stock that is also adjustable is the best option.

Magpul Zhukov-S Folding Collapsible Stock

One of the best aftermarket AK-47 stocks is the Magpul Zhukov-S Folding Collapsible Stock.

This is a direct replacement part that will work on most AK variants. It is fully adjustable and can be stowed in a folded position.

Magpul offers these in a few different colors and you can customize your rifle any way you choose. There are also QD swivel sling attachment points and your traditional sling attachment point.

The button release to fold the stock is tight and the rubber butt pad is very comfortable. It is a well-made stock and one of the best options available.

Click Here to check the current prices of the Magpul Zhukov-S Folding Collapsible Stock

Magpul MOE Fixed Stock

If you do not want a folding or collapsible stock and want a good quality fixed stock, then the Magpul MOE Fixed Stock is an excellent option.

The Magpul MOE AK Stock is an optimized fixed stock for most stamped-receiver AKM rifles.

Featuring the unique wedge block fitment of the Zhukov-S Stock, the MOE AK Stock provides internal storage, optimized QD sling swivel placement, a shock-absorbing rubber butt-pad for positive placement, and user-selectable snap on Cheek Risers

This is also available in a few different colors and is a solid and lightweight option if you do not want an adjustable or folding stock.

Click Here to check the current prices of the Magpul MOE Fixed Stock

DoubleStar AKFX(S) 8.5″ AK Skeleton Stock

If you want an extremely lightweight minimalist stock but also one that is very strong and durable, then the best option is the DoubleStar AKFX 8.5″ AK Skeleton Stock.

This skeleton-style stock is great if you want something simple that works and nothing more. This is the 8.5″ version which seems to fit most people perfectly, however, they make a shorter and longer one as well.

This stock is very lightweight and strong at the same time. It still has a QD sling swivel mounting attachment point and you can still loop a traditional style sling to it as well.

Click Here to check the current prices of the DoubleStar AKFX 8.5″ AK Skeleton Stock

AK-47 Trigger Upgrade

One of the most noticeable AK-47 upgrades is a new trigger group.

Most standard AK-47 triggers are not the greatest. One way to completely transform your AKM is to upgrade the trigger group.

This is a quick and easy upgrade and one of the first new accessories you should get for your rifle. The difference between a standard trigger and a premium trigger is night and day.

A better trigger will increase your accuracy and allow you to shoot faster while still maintaining accuracy.

ALG Defense AK Trigger Ultimate with Lightning Bow

A fantastic trigger for the AK-47 that is smooth and crisp is the ALG Defense AK Trigger Ultimate with Lightning Bow.

This ALG AK trigger is a single-stage trigger that is designed to work with most AKM variants. It can be easily installed without modification in most cases.

This is a short resetting trigger and eliminates quite a bit of the trigger slap. It is also a lot lighter of a trigger than any standard factory AK-47 trigger.

If you have never shot with a premium trigger then you are missing out. You will be amazed at the difference the ALG AK trigger will make.

Click Here to check the current prices of the ALG Defense AK Trigger Ultimate with Lightning Bow

Franklin Armory BFSIII AK-C1 Trigger

If you want to shoot fast and would like to get as close to full auto as possible then you need the Franklin Armory BFSIII AK-C1 Trigger.

The Binary Firing System GEN 3 (BFSIII) is a 3-position trigger. In position three it fires one round on pull and one round on release making it the fastest semi-automatic trigger on the market.

This trigger is ideal for both tactical and competition use. The BFSIII provides significantly reduced split times between rounds allowing for tighter groups.

The release round can be canceled by simply moving the selector out of binary mode while holding the trigger back.

Easy to install positive reset on release phase great for competition shooters tactical shooters and recreational enthusiasts binary firing system.

These triggers are always under attack and if you thought about getting one it should be sooner rather than later. Anti-gunners want to see these banned.

Click Here to check the current prices of the Franklin Armory BFSIII AK-C1 Trigger

AK-47 Pistol Grip Upgrade

Most people find the standard pistol grips on AK-47s too small and uncomfortable. These are one of the quickest and easiest AK-47 upgrades you can do.

They usually only take one screw to replace and will significantly change the feel of your rifle while shooting. There are a lot of different pistol grips on the market and most people have their own personal favorite style.

Magpul Industries AK MOE-AK Grip

For a new pistol grip on your AK-47, I recommend the Magpul AK MOE Grip. It is the most comfortable pistol grip I have used and have many of the AR-15 version grips on my AR rifles.

The rubberized coating has the perfect amount of grippyness and there are no finger grooves.

This is a cheap and easy part that you can add to give your AK-47 a better feel.

There is also a small storage compartment underneath the grip where you can store extra ear protection or batteries.

Click Here to check the current prices of the Magpul AK MOE Grip

AK-47 Optic Upgrade

Slapping a new optic on a gun is one of many people’s favorite AK-47 upgrades.

Any modern rifle setup needs a good optic. There are huge benefits of using a red dot or scope compared to traditional iron sights.

Deciding on what to go with will be determined by what you plan on using the rifle for. If you want a close to mid-range AK-47 then a red dot or holographic sight is ideal.

If you want a dedicated mid-range rifle then a scope would work great. Low power variable optics (LPVOs) are becoming very popular and these work great for AK-47 style rifles.

Non-Magnified AK-47 Red Dots

There are three red dots that I recommend equipping on a battle rifle. All of these are non-magnified but can be magnified by adding a 3x or 4x magnifier.

This will give you the best of both worlds. Here are the three that I recommend:

1. Trijicon MRO
2. EOTech EXPS3
3. Aimpoint T2

Trijicon MRO

One of the best red dots and a favorite of mine is the Trijicon MRO. This is a great red dot that has a clean and crisp 2 MOA dot.

The MRO is good for taking quick and precise shots and does not have a busy reticle or anything distracting.

It is very compact and lightweight with very long battery life. This means you can leave the optic always on and ready to go.

The glass is clear and there is a slight blueish tint but I do not find it distracting in any way. Trijicon does have the newer version of this optic out now, its the Trijicon MRO HD and it has a reticle selection option.

The good thing about the original MRO is that it has dropped in price and is very affordable.

If you want to add the option for some magnification, they sell a Trijicon MRO HD Magnifier Combo that comes with a magnifier that has a flip mount.

Click Here to check the current prices of the Trijicon MRO

EOTech EXPS3

If you want a holographic sight that has a large field of view then the best choice is the EOTech EXPS3.

This is a little heavier but comes with a mount integrated that is also a quick detach. There are very clear optics and are great for anyone, especially anyone with astigmatism.

They are reliable and rugged but the battery life isn’t as long as some others in its class. Shooting with an EOTech is very fast and accurate though.

The EXPS3 is night vision compatible and easy to mount and zero.

If you want to add a magnifier they make an EOTech EXPS3 Magnifier Combo that has a 3.25x magnified scope that has a flip mount.

Click Here to check the current prices of the EOTech EXPS

Aimpoint T2

Finally, for the best AK-47 red dot, there is the Aimpoint T2. This is the smallest and most reliable red dot there is.

It has the longest battery life and it is simple but works flawlessly. If you want just a clean and crisp red dot without anything fancy the Aimpoint T2 is perfect.

The glass is super clear and it’s easy to use. It has night vision settings if you use night vision. Aimpoint makes some great reliable products.

They do make an Aimpoint 3x Magnifier for this also but do not sell a combo kit.

Click Here to check the current prices of the Aimpoint T2

Magnified AK-47 Optics

AK-47s are not long-range guns but can be very effective at mid-range, especially with a magnified optic.

For this rifle, I recommend having a good LPVO that will be a 1x and can quickly be adjusted to 6x to shoot further.

LPVOs are becoming very popular and even being adopted by different militaries and special forces around the world.

The three I recommend are:

1. Primary Arms 
2. Vortex Strike Eagle
3. Steiner P4Xi

Primary Arms 1-6x24mm Rifle Scope

A good entry-level option LPVO with a great reticle is the Primary Arms 1-6x Rifle Scope.

This scope has the ACSS reticle which was originally invented by Primary Arms and is now used by a lot of scope companies. It is an excellent reticle for ranging targets with useful holdovers.

This is a 1x to 6x scope so great for close range and shooting greater distances. This scope also has an illuminated reticle for shooting in low-light situations.

The Primary Arms 1-6x scope is a good entry-level option if you do not want to overspend and is a quality scope.

Click Here to check the current prices of the Primary Arms 1-6x Rifle Scope

Vortex Strike Eagle 1-6x24mm Rifle Scope

My next recommendation and a good mid-tier LPVO is the Vortex Strike Eagle. This is also a 1x to 6x scope but much higher build quality, especially the glass.

Vortex has some of the best glass for the money. It is very clear and crisp with a clean and bright image.

The Strike Eagle has an illuminated reticle with more brightness settings making this viewable in direct sunlight.

It is heavier but the number of features and durability of the scope makes it worth it. This is the best all-around LPVO for the AK-47.

Click Here to check the current prices of the Vortex Strike Eagle

Steiner P4Xi 1-4x24mm Rifle Scope

If you want the best possible scope for your AK-47 then I recommend a premium scope like the Steiner P4Xi 1-4x Rifle Scope.

The Steiner P4Xi 1-4x24mm Tactical Illuminated Rifle Scope packs a lot of functions into a small package that looks great and fits great.

The true 1x low-end power setting of these scopes lets you aim with both eyes open, which is ideal for retaining situational awareness.

You can quickly dial up the magnification for accuracy out to 400 yards on the Steiner P4Xi 1-4x24mm Compact Rifle Scope.

The Steiner P4Xi 1-4×24 Tactical Illuminated P3TR Rifle Scope has great glass for clear images along with 11 brightness settings for sighting in daylight, low light, and night vision.

Click Here to check the current prices of the Steiner P4Xi 1-4x Rifle Scope

AK-47 Scope Rings

If you decided on a scope for your rifle then you will need a solid way to mount it to the rifle. First, you need to get a good set of rings.

On semi-automatic rifles, I recommend one-piece cantilever-style scope rings. These will hold the scope very securely to your AK-47.

Vortex Cantilever 30mm Rifle Scope Ring Mount

One of the best scope mounts is the Vortex Cantilever 30mm Scope Ring Mount.

These are great rings that will accept any 30mm tube size scope. They are a one-piece design that does not require you to lap the rings.

It is a slim and sleek profile that will minimize the chance of getting snagged on anything. They also allow enough room for you to mount it anywhere on your top rail to achieve the correct eye relief.

These are fairly priced and one thing you don’t want to do is to cheap out on your scope rings.

Click Here to check the current prices of the Vortex Cantilever 30mm Scope Ring Mount

AK-47 Reciever Rail

The best way to scope mount an optic on any AK-47 is with a side receiver rail mount. This will be the most secure way for a scope mount.

There are a lot of different dust cover rails and gas tube optics mounts but this will never be as secure as a rail mounted to the receiver.

If your specific AK-47 does not have a side receiver mount then you are limited to only a gas tube optics mounts and a dust cover rail. Adding new furniture is one of the best AK-47 upgrades.

Midwest Industries AK 47/74 Generation 2 Picatinny Rail

The best option for a side receiver mount is the Midwest Industries AK-47 Gen 2 Rail Mount. These are AK scope rails that are the best option.

This side mount Picatinny rail is the best way to ensure your optic is stay in place and holds zero. This is the quick detach version and it has a very solid lockup.

It is lightweight and very strong. Snug fit with great alignment. Easy install, only takes a minute, and not too bulky for a scope mount.

Mounting optics on AK-47s has always been an issue and difficult. With this scope mount, it is the best solution.

Click Here to check the current prices of the Midwest Industries AK-47 Gen 2 Rail Mount

AK-47 Handguard Upgrade

Swapping out the old wood or synthetic handguards is another one of the best AK-47 upgrades. It will both modernize your AK-47 and make it more usable.

This will give you the ability to attach different accessories. I recommend using MLOK as your mounting type. It is streamlined and the least bulky option.

Magpul Industries Zhukov Extended Handguard

If you want to keep your rifle lightweight then the best handguard is the Magpul Zhukov Extended Handguard.

This features an aluminum chassis that aids in heat dispersion and overall strength as well as a comfortable injection molded exterior for top-notch ergonomics.

The M-LOK slots allow you to attach all the accessories you need.

It is a very comfortable handguard and is one of the lightest options. It has the MLOK attachments just where you would want them to add accessories.

Click Here to check the current prices of the Magpul Zhukov Extended Handguard

Midwest Industries AKG2 Handguard

If you want a different style handguard and not something that is polymer then the Midwest Industries AKG2 Handguard is the best solution.

These are very comfortable and strong handguard that has plenty of MLOK slots for attaching any accessories.

The lightweight, rugged construction of 6061 aluminum, hard coat anodized for a lifetime of service.

Weighs only 7.5 ounces and has a battle-proven patented clamping system. Optic-specific models include US patented design features.

M-Lok compatible design includes one 5-slot Picatinny rail section. Two anti-rotation QD sockets for QD sling swivels.

Click Here to check the current prices of the Midwest Industries AKG2 Handguard

AK-47 Muzzle Brake Upgrade

The 7.62x39mm cartridge is bigger than 5.56mm and does have some recoil. You don’t need to add a muzzle device but anything that helps to shoot faster and more accurately is great in my opinion.

A good muzzle brake will help mitigate the recoil allowing you to make faster and more accurate follow-up shots.

Precision Armament M4-72 Severe-Duty Compensator

For a good muzzle brake, I recommend the Precision Armament M4-72 Compensator.

It works great on AK-47 rifles and does a good job at minimizing the recoil of the 7.62x39mm round.

This compensator comes with shims so you can thread it properly without having any alignment issues.

They’re all heat-treated stainless steel to give them the durability required for extreme combat conditions.

Available in a number of Ionbond high-temperature CrCN coatings in a number of different finishes, you can match your barrel compensator to the rest of your firearm, or contrast it to really stand out.

When it comes to managing recoil, this is the correct part to help control the gun.

Click Here to check the current prices of the Precision Armament M4-72 Compensator

AK-47 Weapon Light

No rifle setup is complete without a dedicated weapon light. If you plan on using this for tactical or self-defense situations, then being able to see in the dark and properly identify your target is a must.

There are a few good lights that I recommend but the ultimate setup is a good quality light activated with a pressure pad switch and a solid mount. This is one of the most important AK-47 upgrades.

SureFire M600 Ultra Scout Light

The absolute best weapon light for any rifle is the SureFire M600 Ultra Scout Light.

This light puts out an impressive 1000 lumens of white light and the hot spot center is evenly dispersed.

It is made of lightweight aerospace aluminum and has a sealed O-ring to keep it working in all weather conditions and environments.

I own a few of these lights and it is my go-to weapon light for all my rifles and builds. These are expensive but you will be happy you have the best light available on the market and one with a proven track record.

Click Here to check the current prices of the SureFire M600 Ultra Scout Light

Arisaka Defense Inline Scout M-LOK Mount

In order to properly mount your weapon light to your handguard, you will need the Arisaka Defense Inline Scout MLOK Mount.

If you have an MLOK style handguard then you will need a way to mount the light and this mount is simple and works perfectly.

If you didn’t decide to go with MLOK and have a quad rail then the mount that comes with the SureFire M600 will work just fine.

The benefits of having MLOK and this mount are that you can have the weapon light as close as possible to the rifle.

Doing this will prevent it from snagging and keep your AK-47 as sleek as possible. This also allows you to mount your weapon light as far forward as possible eliminating a shadow from your muzzle.

Click Here to check the current prices of the Arisaka Defense Inline Scout MLOK Mount

SureFire Pressure Pad Tape Switch

To properly set up your weapon light I highly recommend adding the SureFire Pressure Pad Tape Switch.

This will give you the ability to activate the light with momentary on and off. Without this, you can only have the constant on and off feature.

The pressure pad tape switch also allows you to activate the weapon light without having to adjust your shooting grip and move your hand.

Removing your hand to press the tail cap button can be distracting. This switch also keeps the constant on and off tail cap button and can be used in conjunction with the momentary on and off pressure pad.

This is truly the best setup for a weapon light, especially on an AK-47.

Click Here to check the current prices of the SureFire Pressure Pad Tape Switch

Cloud Defensive Light Control System

The final piece for the ultimate weapon light set up on your AK-47 is the Cloud Defensive LCS Mount.

With this mount, you can properly mount the SureFire Pressure Pad Tape Switch to any MLOK slot on your handguard.

This way you will be able to customize the placement of the switch to line up where your hand is naturally the most comfortable on your handguard.

There are channels under the mount to route the wire for good cable management and eliminate the need to use electrical tape to secure the wire. This is a cleaning and more ideal setup.

This mount will hold the switch with a lot of tension and you do not have to worry about the pressure pad following off as you do with the standard SureFire mount.

It seems like a small touch but it is very necessary.

Click Here to check the current prices of the Cloud Defensive LCS Mount

AK-47 Sling Upgrade

To secure your rifle to your body and if you plan on doing any serious tactical or running and gunning you need a sling.

Personally, I recommend a good two-point sling for a rifle like the AK-47. It is the best option and will allow you to transition to a pistol smoothly.

Blue Force Gear Vickers Padded Sling

One of the best slings I have ever used is the Blue Force Gear Vickers Sling. It is the best quality sling that is the most functional.

This is the QD version that has push-button attachments that make switching mount points or even rifles quick and easy.

There is a pull tab that allows you to quickly tighten or loosen the sling on the fly.

They make this sling in a few different colors and camo patterns and the quality is top-notch. This sling is durable and rugged and will last for a very long time.

If you still do not own a good quality sling then now is a good time to make the investment and pick one up.

Click Here to check the current prices of the Blue Force Gear Vickers Sling

AK-47 Magazines

AK-47 Magazines can be picked up for cheap and are not that expensive so make sure to stock up.

Having enough magazines is critical for any rifle, especially a battle rifle like the AK-47.

I recommend having a basic combat loadout at a minimum for every rifle you own.

A basic combat loadout consists of 7 magazines. One in the rifle and 6 extras on your person. AK magazines are pretty reliable as long as you buy good quality ones.

Also, it’s nice to have a few extended magazines like a drum-style mag. These are constantly under attack of being banned by anti-gunners so picking up some now might be useful.

Click Here to check the current prices of the AK-47 Magazines

AK-47 7.62×39 Ammo

One of the most attractive selling points of these rifles is that ammo is cheap. Well, it’s getting more expensive but still more affordable than 5.56mm.

The great thing about the AK-47 is it was designed to shoot steel-cased ammunition which helps you buy more ammo because it is less expensive. These firearms are known for eating through any ammo and are very reliable.

If you do not own at least 1000 rounds of 7.62x39mm Ammo then you need to stock up now.

Ammo is becoming harder and harder to find especially for a decent price. No one knows how high the price will go but I always recommend having a stockpile of at least 1000 rounds for every caliber of firearm you own.

Click Here to check the current prices and availability of 7.62x39mm Ammo

Best AK-47 Upgrades & Accessories

That is my list of the best AK-47 upgrades and accessories. All of the items mentioned will increase the capabilities of the AK platform.

These AK add ons, muzzle devices, and rail systems will all help enhance and improve the performance of the gun. Whether you are target shooting or building a seriously dedicated self-defense rifle, they will help control the rifle and modify the performance.

Improved performance of the gun depends on how you set it up and what parts you add.

What is better, the AK-47 or the AR-15?

AR-15 rifles are lighter and have a higher rate of accuracy than the AK-47, but the AK-47 is considerably cheaper and more dependable in comparison. Modern AR-15 are becoming more reliable and are an enclosed system.

What is the maximum effective range of an AK-47?

The AK-47 and AKM, with the 7.62 × 39 mm cartridge, have a maximum effective range of around 300 meters (330 yds).

Can you customize an AK-47?

Because of its popularity, there are virtually unlimited options in the market to customize your AK-47 in any way you see fit.

Complete List of Items Mentioned

(Click the links for the most up to date prices)

• AK-47 Rifle
• Magpul Zhukov-S Folding Collapsible Stock
• Magpul MOE Fixed Stock
• DoubleStar AKFX 8.5″ AK Skeleton Stock
• ALG Defense AK Trigger Ultimate with Lightning Bow
• Franklin Armory BFSIII AK-C1 Trigger
• Magpul AK MOE Grip
• Trijicon MRO
• Trijicon MRO HD
• Trijicon MRO HD Magnifier Combo
• EOTech EXPS3
• EOTech EXPS3 Magnifier Combo
• Aimpoint T2
• Aimpoint 3x Magnifier
• Primary Arms 1-6x Rifle Scope
• Vortex Strike Eagle
• Steiner P4Xi 1-4x Rifle Scope
• Vortex Cantilever 30mm Scope Ring Mount
• Midwest Industries AK-47 Gen 2 Rail Mount
• Magpul Zhukov Extended Handguard
• Midwest Industries AKG2 Handguard
• Precision Armament M4-72 Compensator
• SureFire M600 Ultra Scout Light
• Arisaka Defense Inline Scout MLOK Mount
• SureFire Pressure Pad Tape Switch
• Cloud Defensive LCS Mount
• Blue Force Gear Vickers Sling
• AK-47 Magazines
• 7.62x39mm Ammo

Have you added any upgrades and accessories to your AK-47?

Did you initially start with a better stock?

Let me know in the comments below.

Further reading on Firstworldcrusader.com: Are you interested in learning more about guns and gear?

This list of the Best Gun Safes can help you choose the best safe for your firearms collection.

In addition, here are the Best Glock Upgrades that can help you get more out of your Glock pistol.