During my initial evaluation of my new WK180C I made of list of my pet peeves which I've listed below for reference.
https://www.canadiangunnutz.com/for...ECHNICAL-REVIEW-of-WK180-C-(Or-my-pet-peeves).
Item #4 was how poor the trigger was.
I then wrote up how I improved the factory trigger pull with minimal cash outlay.
https://www.canadiangunnutz.com/forum/showthread.php/1784644-Wk-180-factory-sweat-equity-trigger-job
Item #5 was how I didn't like the grip was forcing me to actuate the trigger at a weird angle.
I then went and wrote up how I changed the OEM pistol grip to one that had an indented backstrap.
https://www.canadiangunnutz.com/for...g-trigger-geometry-issue-with-original-ar-180
Item #6 was how I didn't like the fitment between the upper and lower.
I then went and wrote up how I fixed the issue.
https://www.canadiangunnutz.com/for...-upper-play-removal-simple-and-cheap-solution
What I did not anticipate was how I was required to break my grip in order to actuate the magazine release.
While I have "longish" fingers I could not reach the mag button.
My solution was to retrofit a Magpul Extended Magazine release to the WK180C which now allows me to maintain the firing grip on the rifle during magazine changes.
Close Up. Sorry for poor lighting.
And with firing grip showing finger position relative to the magazine release.
Note- I normally rest my finger under the magazine release to provide me with the tactile feedback that my finger isn't near the trigger.
You can see the top of my finger clears the selector in the fire position.
And that dropping a mag does not require me to change my grip.
With this change and the ones shown above I now have a rifle that fits me better ergonomically - leaving me with all the controls exactly where I need them.
ADDENDA (02 MAY 2019) - Did some further research and discovered there are "L" shaped extended magazine release buttons that would extend further back and downwards.
https://www.readygunner.com/product/odin-xmr-extended-mag-release-black/
(Note - haven't used this - just included for illustrative purposes).
This would allow people with shorter fingers to reach the button easier - thereby extending the number of people who could actuate the magazine release without having to break their firing grip.
At this time I believe I have optimized control placement and no further changes are required.
However, I am still debating if I should purchase an aftermarket bolt release so that I can swap the charging handle back to the right side of the receiver while allowing me to drop the bolt with the thumb on my firing hand.
https://www.rangewarrioraccessories.com/product/bolt-catch-and-release-upgrade-kit/
It's a little rich for my taste and releasing the bolt using the left side mounted handle is pretty fast.
However, I cannot leave things well enough alone.
Rational: I am considering building my own charging handle with a built-in shell deflector and closing up the left side of the receiver (just because I can).
One additional component I would like to experiment with (thanks to another forum member) is retrofitting my CZ factory over-molded folding stock to the rifle. Just trying to find a buffer tube wrench that doesn't cost an arm and a leg (only plan to use it once or twice).
Not my image of my CZ Folding stock.
Details of effort to date on the stock can be found here.
https://www.canadiangunnutz.com/for...s-and-Czechs-can-cross-breed-the-Vz180C/page5
As always, any comments, suggestions, or opinions would be appreciated.
L
https://www.canadiangunnutz.com/for...ECHNICAL-REVIEW-of-WK180-C-(Or-my-pet-peeves).
Item #4 was how poor the trigger was.
I then wrote up how I improved the factory trigger pull with minimal cash outlay.
https://www.canadiangunnutz.com/forum/showthread.php/1784644-Wk-180-factory-sweat-equity-trigger-job
Item #5 was how I didn't like the grip was forcing me to actuate the trigger at a weird angle.
I then went and wrote up how I changed the OEM pistol grip to one that had an indented backstrap.
https://www.canadiangunnutz.com/for...g-trigger-geometry-issue-with-original-ar-180
Item #6 was how I didn't like the fitment between the upper and lower.
I then went and wrote up how I fixed the issue.
https://www.canadiangunnutz.com/for...-upper-play-removal-simple-and-cheap-solution
What I did not anticipate was how I was required to break my grip in order to actuate the magazine release.
While I have "longish" fingers I could not reach the mag button.
My solution was to retrofit a Magpul Extended Magazine release to the WK180C which now allows me to maintain the firing grip on the rifle during magazine changes.
Close Up. Sorry for poor lighting.
And with firing grip showing finger position relative to the magazine release.
Note- I normally rest my finger under the magazine release to provide me with the tactile feedback that my finger isn't near the trigger.
You can see the top of my finger clears the selector in the fire position.
And that dropping a mag does not require me to change my grip.
With this change and the ones shown above I now have a rifle that fits me better ergonomically - leaving me with all the controls exactly where I need them.
ADDENDA (02 MAY 2019) - Did some further research and discovered there are "L" shaped extended magazine release buttons that would extend further back and downwards.
https://www.readygunner.com/product/odin-xmr-extended-mag-release-black/
(Note - haven't used this - just included for illustrative purposes).
This would allow people with shorter fingers to reach the button easier - thereby extending the number of people who could actuate the magazine release without having to break their firing grip.
At this time I believe I have optimized control placement and no further changes are required.
However, I am still debating if I should purchase an aftermarket bolt release so that I can swap the charging handle back to the right side of the receiver while allowing me to drop the bolt with the thumb on my firing hand.
https://www.rangewarrioraccessories.com/product/bolt-catch-and-release-upgrade-kit/
It's a little rich for my taste and releasing the bolt using the left side mounted handle is pretty fast.
However, I cannot leave things well enough alone.
Rational: I am considering building my own charging handle with a built-in shell deflector and closing up the left side of the receiver (just because I can).
One additional component I would like to experiment with (thanks to another forum member) is retrofitting my CZ factory over-molded folding stock to the rifle. Just trying to find a buffer tube wrench that doesn't cost an arm and a leg (only plan to use it once or twice).
Not my image of my CZ Folding stock.
Details of effort to date on the stock can be found here.
https://www.canadiangunnutz.com/for...s-and-Czechs-can-cross-breed-the-Vz180C/page5
As always, any comments, suggestions, or opinions would be appreciated.
L
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