I would normally use real steel components when it comes to my AEG accessories, but I wound up getting this foregrip at a price that was so cheap ($8.00 shipped) that I couldn’t say no and not try it. Considering the real steel (Zenitco) version of the PK-6 runs around $60, and the repro’s from most sources around $20 – $30, it wasn’t a bad deal at all either.
Asura Dynamics is the manufacturer of this particular grip, and they offer several other replicas of the Russian Zenitco products as well. TWI is another reproduction manufacturer that is fairly well known too, but commands a significantly higher price point nearly on par with true Zenitco items. For the most part, finding real Zenitco products isn’t the easiest in the US. Quality replica’s (until quite recently) were almost as hard to find – if not impossible at one time. Which is unfortunate, as Zenitco makes AK accessories that are almost bombproof in their design, and they far surpass the quality of anything the US has brought to market thus far.
The PK-6 is a somewhat purpose built grip designed primarily with the AK platform in mind. Long time users of the AK will likely have noted that mounting a vertical foregrip on an AK can interfere with magazine changes. This is more problematic on the 47 series than the 74, due to the greater curvature of the magazines. Unlike the M4 platform which uses a straight-up motion for inserting magazines, the AK requires the “nose” of the magazine to be rocked in first. This in turn causes the butt of the magazine to swing into the space underneath the handguard. Certain foregrips can severely inhibit a proper reload, or prevent it altogether unless the foregrip is mounted in the farthest forward position possible.
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With these conditions in mind, the PK-6 is designed to be significantly shorter than a traditional foregrip. The more notable feature is the sharply sloped base, which helps facilitate better clearance for magazine changes. You can in fact mount the PK-6 to the extreme rear of the handguard and still perform magazine changes – something that is not possible with a traditional foregrip. Due to these design features, one would be strongly advised to not use this foregrip with a ‘broom handle’ style hold, but rather use it as a modified hand stop. You will likely be disappointed with this grip if your only method of holding a foregrip is to grip it like a broom handle.
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The Asura Dynamics PK-6 replica is constructed entirely out of aluminum. I doubt it’s the same grade as that used by Zenitco, however. Finish wise, it appears to be a black powder coat similar to the real deal, but not as durable thus far. This grip is “brand new” as I received it, and has already evidenced some minor scratching and paint flecking off. Not a big deal – it’s going on an AK after all. The writing on the side is in Russian, and closely approximates Zenitco trades.
There is a removable allen key screw on the top of the grip that is used for indexation purposes on picatinny rails. One reason to consider removing this allen screw is in applications where you have limited rail space and it is preferable to get attached items as tight as possible. This is in fact the case with the Midwest Industries Krinkov rail I am using in conjunction with some Magpul XTM rail covers on my modded Real Sword Type 56-2.
Observations from Use
Previously on this AK, I was using a Magpul MVG foregrip, and before that a Tango Down stubby grip. Neither were especially “optimal” in my opinion, mainly due to interference with magazine reloads. The Tango Down grip probably came the closest to being a good working solution, especially if you remove the grip plug, which shaves a lot of length off the overall package. The PK-6 with its built in slope makes reloading a breeze, however, and does not offer any interference at all when doing such. Some folks will of course argue: “Why not go without a foregrip?”
Personally, I enjoy the increased muzzle control afforded by a foregrip as it allows for a more aggressive hold on the rifle. Additionally, they have usefulness as a steadying brace when pressed against a barricade, tree, car, etc. If you’ve ever just ran half a mile across the field and are trying to draw a bead on someone while trying not to suck in air lest it throw your shots off, you will greatly appreciate the ability to brace off of the nearest cover (which is what you should be standing behind when shooting at folks anyways). I don’t use foregrips in the ‘broom handle’ hold either. Rather, I prefer to use them as a sort of modified hand stop.
I would appreciate the Asura PK-6 grip better if some of the edges were more rounded, particularly the part that attaches to the picatinny rail, which has a sharp squared off edge. Even the bottom slope could probably benefit from some rounded edging too. It’s not sharp enough to cut you, but it is slightly uncomfortable with bare hands. With gloves on, it is not noticeable at all though. If you aren’t Dremel or file adverse, it would be possible to smooth out the edges.
The overall weight of the PK-6 is fairly light, and does not represent a significantly noticeable weight increase over polymer designs. The build quality appears to be decent, though I hold doubt that it would hold up to heavy abuse without cracking. All in all, for the price of this grip (assuming a retail price of $20 +/-), it’s not a bad buy and serves well on the AK. It is somewhat application specific, in that it designed more for AK’s than other weapon platforms, but that should not dissuade someone from using it on other setups. Any weapon system that uses similar reloading method to the AK (Galil, Vz.58, etc.) could certainly benefit from the PK-6 design.
If Zentico ever releases their much rumored airsoft “PTS” line of accessories, I would suspect it would be the better option in fit, finish, and overall quality. Until then, your options for this particular grip are limited.
