Type-81 pictures, range reports, and modifications thread

I've taken my folder out a few times now... I don't think I've used up so much 7.62x39 this quickly before, and I've owned multiple rifles in the calibre since I first got my license. Love, love, love this rifle. Super soft shooting and feels "just right" when shouldered. If I could change one thing it would be the iron sights- they're not terrible, but I still vastly prefer the aperture style. Despite this I still managed to get some 3-4" groupings the last time I went out, totally satisfied with that kind of accuracy all things considered.
 
AK mags can be easily modified to fit T81. However, those mags, which have "BHO option" due to a changed shape of the follower (changed from the original AK47 mag), may pose a problem in rifles which lack BHO (M10x) or if integrated BHO was removed (SKS-KD). It may be a problem in rifles, in which BHO is independent from the mag ( I have not personally tested moded BHO-Croatian mags in T81 in great extent).

The BHO due to the follower in rifles without integrated BHO will eventually fail, as the bolt will start heavily destructing the follower on each last round. BHO mag follower will also somewhat stress the bolt as well. Not all bolts may stand it and I really doubt US gun manufacturing lately is on its way to improvement. For example, bolt may do this:
https://ic.pics.livejournal.com/mpopenker/3193340/1050359/1050359_1000.jpg

I personally bought enough T81 mags for SKS-KD and T81, so I just modified a couple of IWI plastic mags for T81, just for fun and they kinda worked. I think modification of the metal AK mag (without BHO-follower) would perform in T81 better than plastic because T81 is steel all over and steel usually beats plastic.

For M10x, I found that the only mags which worked for me (as long as the charging handle doesn't fly away) are Magpul plastic mags (aluminum is softer on plastic, so there will be less wear of the mags).

SKS-KD eats all mags and especially likes T81 mags as shown in the video above.

Thanks 3-D!
 
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Thanks to 3-D and Pecheneg!

Why did that bolt get destroyed? Poor quality or was the rifle using Yugo mags? I don't see why hitting the mag follower would be any different from hitting the T-81 bolt hold open parts.
 
Parts question:

Will any AK parts work with a Type-81? Firing pins, extractors, springs, pins etc... Since there are very few spare T81 parts available.
 
Thanks to 3-D and Pecheneg!

Why did that bolt get destroyed? Poor quality or was the rifle using Yugo mags? I don't see why hitting the mag follower would be any different from hitting the T-81 bolt hold open parts.
Hi Norwegian, well if BHO effect is due to magazine follower, then on the last round the bolt hits hard magazine follower again and again, and, provided we have stupid 5 rounds limit, this happens really 4-6 times more often than in normal jurisdictions without this stupid limitation. This leads at best to a magazine wear and at worst to the bolt damage. So I strongly recommend not using BHO-magazines unless you shoot 20-30 round magazines and even then, BHO due to magazine follower is very unhealthy for the bolt. The problem is not only a bolt wear, but also forced angle of the bolt, so there is not only force along the barrel that acts on the bolt, but also an angle force.... not good, imho. Best is when BHO is integrated into the firearm: VZ58, T81. Bad when it is removed: SKS-KD. Worst, when BHO is effectuated via magazine construction: stupid M10x, presumably modern rifle, decide to use 1950 mechanism of no BHO from AK, and reliance on BHO from magazine... crazy piece of sh.t. The only reason why I prefer SKS-KD over T81 and VZ58 for survival purposes: milled receiver AND acceptance of most AKM/AK47 mags with NO any mods. I still like my VZ58 and T81 for other reasons.

As this is T81 mods branch, I will mention what I like re: T81: fire switch-better design than in SKS, very very reliable-I have not experienced a single fail after 2000 rounds, buttstock and pistol grip and forend feel like AK47AKM. Internals remind me AK, which I really miss, I like open sights of T81, stamped steel of the receiver is beefy enough to mount AK style side mount with some minimal mods, T81 accepts VZ58 forend lower furniture with almost no mods=room for tacticoolists, installation of the side rail/mount is really easy and easier than for SKS (which is beefy milled), it is pretty accurate in my hands, not as accurate as my specific SKS (this is a beauty of milled) with #1 on the front sight, but fine for the storm rifle, tolerates dirt and abuse... etc. I understand all this smoke about it being overpriced etc, but... if you are deprived from AK, and provided that some SKS cost already 700-900$, 1000$ for a new T81 it is OK. Buy two folder and non-folder while you can.
Meanwhile, in Albuquerque and Innisfail, AB..... that's why buy ASAP: anything: SKS or T81, refrain from M10x
 
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i have some ak mags modified for a friend that is using is t81 on trapline and 5 rounds works great in the sks kd and t81 but that was a speicif use but i do agree why bother when the t81 mags are great and easy to use in kd and t81 ...
 
Type-81 mags are now running $60-100 each thanks to price gougers. Up from the $29 Tactical Imports sold them for. I'll go for cheaper AK mags.
 
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