Soviet Styling, American Execution

We go hands on with dead air and Gemtech AK cans.

- Dave Merrill And Iain Harrison

The idea of slapping a suppressor on an AK has always been appealing. In practice, however, an AK with a silencer can leave much to be desired. Right from the start you’re fighting an uphill battle. There are several issues at play, each being a potential deal breaker in their own right. And when they form a confederation? Let’s just say that after a couple of attempts ourselves, we haven’t bothered to try again in a long time.

Part of what gifts the mythological reliability of the Kalashnikov is the shear volume of gas the system puts out. Sticking a muffler on the muzzle can surge the gas flow, causing issues. Not only is recoil more violent, but the rifle is louder than other rifles at the shooter’s ear due to increased ejection port exhaust. You’re also amping up the wear and tear on your rifle.

Muzzle thread concentricity is an ongoing concern with AK rifles. Having bore and threads aligned to NASA level tolerances is less of a concern when running a short, slant brake. But, mount 7 or 8 inches of suppressor on the end — and concentricity matters a helluva lot more. Soviet manufacturing was never highly regarded for its precision, and that theme continues with many an AK, despite advances in modern manufacturing techniques. Furthermore, mounting solutions for commie thread patterns are nowhere near as common as their western brethren.

Today we’ll be covering two different, but equally brand-new (and all- American) options from Dead Air and Gemtech. Both companies approach the unique challenges of putting a can on a Kalashnikov from discrepant directions, but they have the same goal dead in their sights.