Aim Sports Russian AK Rifle Medium Keymod Handguard 6061-T6 Aluminum Black Hard Coat Anodized 9.6″ Review

First Thoughts on the Aim Sports Russian AK Rifle Medium Keymod Handguard 6061-T6 Aluminum Black Hard Coat Anodized 9.6″

The AK platform is iconic for its reliability, but notoriously behind the times regarding modern accessory mounting options. Many older AK variants leave the user struggling with limited real estate to mount lights, lasers, foregrips, or even a comfortable place to grip! The Aim Sports Russian AK Rifle Medium Keymod Handguard 6061-T6 Aluminum Black Hard Coat Anodized 9.6″ promises to rectify this, offering a modern Keymod interface while maintaining a classic aesthetic.

As someone who has customized and modernized countless AKs over the past decade, I was immediately drawn to this handguard. I needed a reliable, lightweight, and robust solution to mount a weapon light and a vertical grip on my trusty AKM clone without adding excessive bulk or drastically altering its original feel. I’ve tried several other options, from railed gas tubes to bulky quad-rail handguards, all with varying degrees of success and disappointment. I was hoping this option would hit the sweet spot of modularity and traditional AK ergonomics.

Upon unboxing, I was pleasantly surprised by the handguard’s lightweight feel, thanks to its 6061-T6 Aluminum construction. The black hard coat anodized finish looked even and durable. The two-piece drop-in design appeared straightforward enough for easy installation. Compared to some of the heavier, more cumbersome quad-rail systems I’ve used, this Keymod handguard felt sleek and modern without being overly tactical.

Initially, I was excited about the potential for a lightweight and versatile mounting platform. The price point of $69.75 made it an attractive alternative to higher-end options. I did have some reservations about the mounting system using barrel clamps and receiver clamps. I have seen designs like this fail from extended use. I was cautiously optimistic that the Aim Sports handguard would deliver on its promise of modernizing my AK without sacrificing its rugged reliability.

Real-World Testing: Putting Aim Sports Russian AK Rifle Medium Keymod Handguard 6061-T6 Aluminum Black Hard Coat Anodized 9.6″ to the Test

First Use Experience

My first test of the Aim Sports Russian AK Rifle Medium Keymod Handguard 6061-T6 Aluminum Black Hard Coat Anodized 9.6″ took place at an outdoor shooting range during a carbine training course. The weather was dry, but the temperature hovered around 90 degrees, presenting a good test for heat dissipation. After following the (somewhat vague) instructions, the handguard installed reasonably easily. I immediately attached a Streamlight ProTac HL-X weapon light and a Magpul RVG vertical grip to the Keymod slots.

The handguard felt comfortable in hand, even after extended shooting sessions. The Keymod slots provided ample space for accessories without adding unnecessary bulk. There were no immediate signs of loosening or shifting, despite the rapid firing. However, after about 100 rounds, I noticed the handguard started to get noticeably hot. The aluminum construction transferred heat from the barrel fairly quickly.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several weeks of regular use, including two additional range trips and a weekend camping excursion, the Aim Sports handguard has held up surprisingly well. The black hard coat anodized finish has proven to be fairly scratch-resistant, showing only minor wear marks despite being bumped around in my rifle case and during drills. However, the heat issue persisted; extended firing strings still made the handguard uncomfortably hot to the touch.

Maintenance has been simple. I just wipe it down with a lightly oiled cloth after each range session. I also re-tightened the barrel and receiver clamps after the first few range trips. While no screws have come loose, I make it a habit to check them periodically.

Compared to my previous experience with a polymer handguard that melted slightly during sustained fire, the Aim Sports aluminum handguard is a definite improvement in terms of durability. Still, the heat transfer is a concern that I didn’t experience as intensely with the factory wood handguards. Overall, it’s outperformed my initial expectations given the price point, but not without some trade-offs.

Breaking Down the Features of Aim Sports Russian AK Rifle Medium Keymod Handguard 6061-T6 Aluminum Black Hard Coat Anodized 9.6″

Specifications

The Aim Sports Russian AK Rifle Medium Keymod Handguard 6061-T6 Aluminum Black Hard Coat Anodized 9.6″ boasts the following specifications:

• Type: Handguard
• Firearm Type: AK-Platform
• Firearm Model: AK-47 (intended for standard AKM pattern rifles)
• Material: 6061-T6 Aluminum
• Finish: Anodized (Black Hard Coat)
• Features: Keymod
• Length: 9.6 inches
• Mounting: 2-Piece drop-in style with unique barrel clamps and receiver clamps
• Rail: Picatinny 1913 top rail with a grenade sight cut out
• Keymod Rows: 9

These specifications are crucial to understanding the handguard’s performance and intended use. The 6061-T6 Aluminum provides a good balance of strength and weight. The Keymod system allows for direct attachment of accessories, reducing bulk and weight compared to traditional Picatinny rails. The length offers ample space for various grips and lights while keeping the rifle maneuverable.

Performance & Functionality

The Aim Sports Russian AK Rifle Medium Keymod Handguard 6061-T6 Aluminum Black Hard Coat Anodized 9.6″ functions primarily as a modular mounting platform for accessories. It achieves this fairly well, providing a secure and relatively lightweight attachment point for lights, lasers, and grips. Accuracy isn’t directly affected, but the enhanced ergonomics and accessory placement can certainly improve a shooter’s overall performance.

The main strength is its versatility offered at a budget-friendly price. The Keymod system provides numerous attachment points without significant weight gain. The weakness is the heat transfer from the barrel; prolonged firing will require gloves or rail covers. I would also liked to see more robust mounting hardware included.

Overall, the handguard meets expectations for its price range. However, it falls short of higher-end options in terms of heat mitigation and overall rigidity.

Design & Ergonomics

The handguard’s two-piece design is fairly simple to install, although the instructions could be more detailed. The 6061-T6 Aluminum construction feels solid, but the barrel clamps and receiver clamps don’t inspire the same level of confidence as a fully free-floated system. The 9.6-inch length is a good compromise for those wanting accessory mounting options without significantly extending the rifle’s overall length.

The ergonomics are generally good. The handguard is relatively slim and comfortable to grip, even without rail covers. The Keymod slots are low-profile and don’t create sharp edges. The inclusion of a Picatinny top rail, complete with a grenade sight cut-out, is a nice touch that preserves some of the AK’s original character. The user-friendly design makes this option very accessible for most AK owners.

Durability & Maintenance

The 6061-T6 Aluminum and black hard coat anodized finish suggest decent durability. I anticipate it will last for several years with proper care. However, the barrel clamps and receiver clamps are potential failure points if not properly maintained or if subjected to excessive abuse.

Maintenance is straightforward, requiring only periodic cleaning and tightening of the mounting screws. The anodized finish is easy to wipe down and resistant to corrosion. It is not a difficult product to maintain.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Aim Sports Russian AK Rifle Medium Keymod Handguard 6061-T6 Aluminum Black Hard Coat Anodized 9.6″ is designed primarily to enhance accessory mounting. It readily accepts any Keymod-compatible accessories, such as weapon lights, vertical grips, angled foregrips, and rail sections. The Picatinny top rail also allows for the mounting of optics or other accessories.

The handguard is generally compatible with standard AKM-pattern rifles, but fitting may vary slightly depending on the specific rifle’s dimensions. There are no included accessories beyond the handguard itself and the necessary mounting hardware. This is a great base to work from with standard aftermarket parts.

Pros and Cons of Aim Sports Russian AK Rifle Medium Keymod Handguard 6061-T6 Aluminum Black Hard Coat Anodized 9.6″

Who Should Buy Aim Sports Russian AK Rifle Medium Keymod Handguard 6061-T6 Aluminum Black Hard Coat Anodized 9.6″?

The Aim Sports Russian AK Rifle Medium Keymod Handguard 6061-T6 Aluminum Black Hard Coat Anodized 9.6″ is perfect for AK owners looking to modernize their rifle with a lightweight and versatile mounting platform without breaking the bank. It’s a good choice for casual shooters, recreational plinkers, and those wanting to add a light or foregrip to their AK.

Those who prioritize extreme durability, heat resistance, or demand a fully free-floated handguard should skip this product and consider higher-end options. Competitive shooters or those who engage in high-volume shooting may also find the heat transfer to be a limiting factor.

Must-have accessories include Keymod rail covers to mitigate heat and improve grip comfort. A quality weapon light and foregrip are also essential to take full advantage of the Keymod system.

Conclusion on Aim Sports Russian AK Rifle Medium Keymod Handguard 6061-T6 Aluminum Black Hard Coat Anodized 9.6″

The Aim Sports Russian AK Rifle Medium Keymod Handguard 6061-T6 Aluminum Black Hard Coat Anodized 9.6″ offers a solid value proposition for AK owners seeking to modernize their rifles on a budget. While it has some limitations, particularly regarding heat transfer, its lightweight construction, versatile Keymod system, and durable finish make it a worthwhile upgrade for many.

The price is certainly justified for the features and functionality it provides. It is significantly cheaper than many premium AK handguards.

I would recommend it to AK enthusiasts looking for an affordable and practical upgrade. If you’re looking for a simple and effective way to mount accessories to your AK without breaking the bank, the Aim Sports Russian AK Rifle Medium Keymod Handguard 6061-T6 Aluminum Black Hard Coat Anodized 9.6″ is definitely worth considering. Upgrade your AK today!