Riley Defense AK-74 5.45x39

Published on February 7, 2021
Duration: 10:03

This review of the Riley Defense RAK74-P AK-74 in 5.45x39mm highlights its US-produced components and quality build. The presenter, with prior positive experiences with Riley Defense, praises the rifle's heat-treated receiver, chrome-lined barrel, forged trunion, bolt, and carrier, and a machined scope rail. He notes excellent fit and finish, particularly the rivets, and a true sight line. The rifle demonstrated reliability with various ammunition types, including challenging 55-grain hollow points, and offered exceptionally low recoil, making it a pleasure to shoot.

Quick Summary

The Riley Defense RAK74-P is a US-produced AK-74 in 5.45x39mm, praised for its quality build, including a heat-treated receiver, chrome-lined barrel, and forged trunion. It demonstrated excellent reliability with various ammunition types and features exceptionally low recoil, making it a pleasure to shoot. The rifle is compatible with Magpul PMAGs.

Chapters

  1. 01:04Introduction to Riley Defense RAK74-P
  2. 01:355.45x39mm Cartridge and Market Value
  3. 02:00Specs, Features, and Build Quality Overview
  4. 02:22Available RAK74-P Versions
  5. 03:07US Components and Quality Materials
  6. 03:16Receiver, Barrel, and Trunion Details
  7. 03:43Riveting and Fit/Finish Assessment
  8. 04:26Ensuring a True Sight Line
  9. 04:56Handguard Heat Shields
  10. 05:23Overall Rifle Aesthetics and Features
  11. 05:31Safety Lever and Bolt Hold Open
  12. 05:59Front Sight, Gas Block, and Muzzle Brake
  13. 06:10Bayonet Lug and Cleaning Rod
  14. 06:18Range Performance and Reliability
  15. 06:33Ammunition Tested: Wolf Polyformance
  16. 07:03Ammunition Tested: 60gr FMJ
  17. 07:26Additional Ammunition Functionality
  18. 07:47Accuracy Assessment
  19. 08:12Overall Operation and Trigger
  20. 08:26Recoil Comparison: 5.45x39 vs 7.62x39
  21. 08:56Magazine Compatibility: Magpul vs Pro Mag
  22. 09:36Summary and Final Thoughts

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the key features of the Riley Defense RAK74-P AK-74?

The Riley Defense RAK74-P is a US-produced AK-74 in 5.45x39mm featuring a heat-treated stamped receiver, chrome-lined barrel, forged trunion, bolt, and carrier, a machined scope rail, and an extended safety lever with a bolt hold-open notch. It also includes heat shields in the handguards and a quality muzzle brake.

How reliable is the Riley Defense RAK74-P with different ammunition types?

During testing with approximately 200-250 rounds, the Riley Defense RAK74-P demonstrated excellent reliability, experiencing zero failures to feed or extract. It successfully cycled challenging ammunition like 55-grain hollow points and 60-grain full metal jackets.

What is the recoil like on the Riley Defense RAK74-P?

The recoil on the Riley Defense RAK74-P in 5.45x39mm is exceptionally low, described as 'buttery smooth.' This significantly reduced recoil compared to 7.62x39mm platforms allows for rapid follow-up shots and easier target transitions.

What magazines does the Riley Defense RAK74-P prefer?

The Riley Defense RAK74-P reportedly functions very well with Magpul PMAGs for 5.45x39mm. It is noted that the rifle does not perform reliably with Pro Mag magazines.

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