Not for Purists: Iron Claw Tactical AK

Some of the more interesting innovations we’ve seen at SHOT this year are not coming from major manufacturers, but from the aftermarket. Iron Claw Tactical is one such company, focusing on the optimization of the AK platform. We got a chance to get up close with a Krinkov collaboration build that Iron Claw has on display this year.

The actual ICT enhancement package consists of a magazine release, magazine well, and safety selector– all three of which offer some unique, non-traditional benefits to the AK manual-of-arms.

The magazine release is both oversized and multi-use. There is an extended release tab directly behind the magazine, in its normal location. But there’s also a second tab that contours underneath the trigger guard, allowing you to trip the mag release with your middle finger without changing your firing grip or removing your support hand from the weapon.

Speaking of reloads, the Iron Claw mag well may be our favorite part of the whole package. It allows you to insert an AK mag straight in, just like an AR reload. No rock-and-lock required. Not only does this allow you to train reloads consistently across weapons platforms, but it also increases flexibility for mounting under-barrel accessories like forward grips and grenade launchers.

We got to try a couple dry reloads on the show floor and it IS pretty damn fast. Once your reload is complete, you can choose to manipulate ICT’s new push-button safety. It’s totally ambidextrous, with “safe” being the center position. Pushing left or right will make put the gun back on fire ready to go. On this particular rifle, Iron Claw also did some work on the trigger. They straightened the trigger bow and then hand-honed the internals for a highly improved two-stage service trigger.

In addition to their own upgrades, Iron Claw partnered with Davis Tactical for their folding, non-reciprocating left side charging handle, Stormwerkz receiver rail, SLR Rifleworks for their short MLOK handguard and Zenitco’s new streamlined folding stock.

All of these products are available now from their prospective manufactures. The Iron Claw upgrades are available individually or as a package deal. See their website for details.