REVIEW: Magpul MOE AKM Handguard

For some time now on the global market, this nice accessory has now also made it to the European market: the high-end plastic parts from Magpul for the AK. We took a look at the simple drop-in AKM handguard for you.

The processing and the material used are typical Magpul, simply good. No protruding weld seams or the like. The finish is beautifully matte and very grippy. The whole thing comes in an ecological cardboard packaging in trendy Magpul design. The contents consist of the lower part, the gas tube cover, and a sticker.

The installation is very simple. Simply disassemble the AK as if for cleaning and install the Magpul handguard instead of the original one. Due to many manufacturing tolerances, it may be a bit tight to put everything on - but hey, it's an AK. So feel free to use a hammer. If it doesn't fit at all, some filing may be necessary. We didn't have any major problems.

Thanks to the M-Lok slots, you can now attach all sorts of accessories to your AK. For now, we have chosen the M-Lok MVG. You can clearly see the cutout for the rifle sling loop. In the AK model, the handguard is symmetrical and this loop must be cut off to fit the AK.

Inside there is a heat shield that can be easily removed. This may be necessary for some airsoft guns, in case some of you were wondering about the fit on airsoft AKs.

CONCLUSION: With the MOE handguards, AK has brought something very fine and well thought out to the market. Thanks to the simple installation and the multitude of M-Lok accessories, everyone can tailor their AK to their personal needs. Although this is a Western, capitalist part, it does not make the East AK look too "westernized" in any way.

Available at Armamat for €63.90 in black, beige, and OD excluding shipping