Magpul AK-47 Pistol Grip Review & Installation

Well known for its AR gear, Magpul continues to expand its offerings for AK-platform weapons. In today’s article, I review the MOE AK Grip and show you how to install one on your AK-47, AKM, or AK-74 based gun.

Let’s jump right in.

Before We Get Started

Swapping out your AK grip is an easy task and one that most gun owners should be able to perform. Review the instructions below and the video. If you still aren’t sure, a competent gunsmith can perform the swap while you wait.

One important note: AK manufacturing worldwide has created a wide range of tolerances. Depending on the origin of your gun, there may be build variations that can cause issues when installing this pistol grip.

If you encounter any issues with the grip installation, stop and contact Magpul for assistance. Alternatively, contact a local gunsmith who can diagnose and repair the issue.

Kalashnikov USA based its guns on the original Russian patterns, so the Magpul grip should fit guns like the Komrad shotgun and the KR-9 pistol caliber carbine without any issues.

Owners of CZ Vz. 58 rifles take note: this grip is not intended as a drop-in replacement for your rifle.

Tools Needed

You need a screwdriver set to remove the old grip and install the new Magpul AK grip.

The Magpul MOE pistol grip includes a slot-head screw. Your AK could have any number of different heads; mine had a hex head.

How to Install the MOE AK Grip

Installing the Magpul grip should be (nearly) identical for any AK-type firearm. For this demonstration, I used the Zastava O-PAP that I picked up from AIM Surplus.

I like the gun – it is reasonably accurate and has been 100% reliable. However, I hate the clunky polymer grip that it came with. When Magpul announced its new MOE AK pistol grip, I ordered one immediately.

Special Note: My rifle is 922(r) compliant with the made-in-the-USA Magpul grip. To avoid any legal troubles, make sure yours will be if you swap out the pistol grip.

The Magpul AK pistol grip installation process is extremely easy. Follow these steps:

1. Ensure the gun is unloaded and remove all ammunition from the work area.
2. On a padded work surface, turn the AK so the bottom of the gun faces up.
3. Using a screwdriver with a matching tip, remove the screw securing the factory pistol grip. For my gun, I needed a hex-head screwdriver.
4. Once you remove the screw, the pistol grip should slip off the gun.
5. If needed, clean the area where the new pistol grip will go.
6. Fit the Magpul pistol grip to the AK receiver. The fit should be tight, so some patience may be required.
7. Once the pistol grip is in place, use the Magpul-provided screw to fasten the grip to the gun. The screw on my pistol grip was a slotted-head screw.
8. Once snugged down, place the grip cap over the grip hole.

The Magpul grip fits tightly around the receiver’s mounting point, providing a solid, non-wobbly feel before the screw is tightened. There was no sloppiness, and the grip truly looked like it belonged on the rifle.

Final Thoughts

The Magpul AK-47 grip borrows heavily from the styling and design of the company’s AR-15 pistol grip. This makes sense, as the AR grip is extremely popular with shooters.

The polymer grip has a hard texture; it is not rubbery. The texture is fairly aggressive but not abrasive enough to shred clothing or cause irritation to hands that come into contact with it. I expect that this grip will work very well for me in the Florida summers.

Since I originally wrote this installation article, I’ve had the rifle on the range many times. The pistol grip performs amazingly well.

I like the feel of it: it fills my hand, and the texture makes it feel very secure. Also, I think it looks much better than the OEM grip.

These pistol grips are very reasonably priced. At the time of this update, they are available in black and flat dark earth at Optics Planet. (affiliate link)