AK Thumb Rest for featureless grip-wrap or fin grip

[BruinGuy]

Featureless grips kind of suck, and although some innovation has taken place for AR-15 grips, like the Exile Machine MIAD fin or the Strike Industries "Megafin" that includes a thumb rest, AK users have been left with their thumbs dangling in the breeze. The AK, more than the AR, can really benefit from the extra control and purchase that the thumb rest provides.

Happily, I've been fortunate enough to have a shooting buddy who agrees and he designed a thumb rest that can be added to any AK grip (except milled or Yugos), whether a stock grip that has been wrapped with a kydex fin, or the aftermarket grips like the Strike Industries AK "Simple Grip" or the AIM AK fin grip.

This thumb rest is made of relatively thick kydex. It is super easy to install (just loosen the grip, slide it on from the rear, and re-tighten the grip). It is also designed so that you can put positive pressure on the rest with the thumb but it is swept forward so that it won't dig into your palm.

I can attest that it greatly improves control and stability. I ran my 47 in a rifle match and felt the improvement, particularly while shooting on the move, was substantial. It won't ever be as good as using the pistol grip but if we have to make do, this seems as good as it's going to get (until Strike Industries wakes up and makes a Megafin for the AK, maybe).

Here's some pictures of the thumb rest installed on my 74 with the AIM fin grip.



These are available now for $10 at www.fingrips.com (a site sponsor!).

[BlackCityTactical]

Great to see you are enjoying the device OP!

Here is a little more info on it for those who might be interested.

It is made from very thick (0.118) Kydex and is positively strong enough for the job. I made several attempts at breaking it during development and was not able to. Pretty sure my thumb would break before this does.

The aggressive stipple style branding definitely adds a lot to the grip and that is the very purpose of the device: To make the grip of the CA featureless wrapped AK stronger and better.

Here are some more pictures of it, this time on my own AMD-65:

[BlackCityTactical]

And one wet pic just because today is a good day for that

[UclaPeon44]

Does. It interfere with operation of the safety. Right hand.

[BruinGuy]

Originally Posted by UclaPeon44

Does. It interfere with operation of the safety. Right hand.

Not in my experience. Standard safety requires the hand to come off the grip to operate anyway, and those safeties with the thumb extension actuator can be operated the same as if with a standard grip.

[Sparrow Dynamics]

Originally Posted by BlackCityTactical

And one wet pic just because today is a good day for that

Nice Photo!

[BlackCityTactical]

Thanks SparrowDynamics!
I was wet slip testing the aggressive stipple style branding surface Someone asked if it was really necessary but I love it, it very much helps with maintaining a secure grip on the gun.

As far as the question about if the thumb rest "gets in the way", well that depends on a few things. I was really used to running my AK with a custom extension tab selector and there was a little confusion the first few times doing timed courses. Motor-skills, muscle memory, mittens etc everything matters. I didn't take very long to get used to it and it helps a lot with maintaining a secure grip on your grip wrapped rifle.

I took some pics to show how much clearance there is between the thumb rest and the safety/selector, including a standard safety/selector with coupled mags. I hope these help.

In "Fire":

In "Safe":

[BlackCityTactical]

Extended safety and coupled mags:

In "Fire":

In "Safe":

[BlackCityTactical]

Days like these a solid grip is a very good thing

[munkeeboi]

Listed for sale here http://www.calguns.net/calgunforum/s....php?t=1423778

[A Fox]

Definitely would like a little more style on that rest but definitely looks like quality product

Meow 🦊

[toiletfighter]

Originally Posted by A Fox

Definitely would like a little more style on that rest but definitely looks like quality product

Meow 🦊

It’s a thumb rest, how stylish should it be?

[A Fox]

Originally Posted by toiletfighter

It’s a thumb rest, how stylish should it be?

As stylish as the designer wants it to be

Meow 🦊

[munkeeboi]

I think function and comfort dictated form

[the Scholar]

Looks cool, and it might work well for the AK guys. I am not a fan of the thumb ledge on an AR and prefer just a wrap as I feel a thumb ledge would interfere with the AR safety on the right side (mainly just engaging the safety after shooting).

However, this looks awesome for the AK.

[toiletfighter]

Originally Posted by munkeeboi

I think function and comfort dictated form

Maybe they can bedazzle a few, for the more style conscious shooters.

[Top Shotta HiFi]

Interesting ... What kind of grip (Magpul MOE?) and grip wrap are you coupling your thumb rest with in this picture?

[munkeeboi]

that is one of my wraps on a MOE AK grip. BCT removed material to create straps for a better grip.