SHOT Show 2018 Not for Purists: Iron Claw Tactical AK Tom Marshall January 26, 2018 Join the Conversation At RECOIL, we review every product fairly and without bias. Making a purchase through one of our links may earn us a small commission, and helps support independent gun reviews. Learn More Find out more about how we test products. Some of the more interesting innovations we’ve seen at SHOT this year are not coming from major manufacturers, but from the aftermarket. Iron Claw Tactical is one such company, focusing on the optimization of the AK platform. We got a chance to get up close with a Krinkov collaboration build that Iron Claw has on display this year. The actual ICT enhancement package consists of a magazine release, magazine well, and safety selector– all three of which offer some unique, non-traditional benefits to the AK manual-of-arms. The magazine release is both oversized and multi-use. There is an extended release tab directly behind the magazine, in its normal location. But there’s also a second tab that contours underneath the trigger guard, allowing you to trip the mag release with your middle finger without changing your firing grip or removing your support hand from the weapon. Speaking of reloads, the Iron Claw mag well may be our favorite part of the whole package. It allows you to insert an AK mag straight in, just like an AR reload. No rock-and-lock required. Not only does this allow you to train reloads consistently across weapons platforms, but it also increases flexibility for mounting under-barrel accessories like forward grips and grenade launchers. We got to try a couple dry reloads on the show floor and it IS pretty damn fast. Once your reload is complete, you can choose to manipulate ICT’s new push-button safety. It’s totally ambidextrous, with “safe” being the center position. Pushing left or right will make put the gun back on fire ready to go. On this particular rifle, Iron Claw also did some work on the trigger. They straightened the trigger bow and then hand-honed the internals for a highly improved two-stage service trigger. In addition to their own upgrades, Iron Claw partnered with Davis Tactical for their folding, non-reciprocating left side charging handle, Stormwerkz receiver rail, SLR Rifleworks for their short MLOK handguard and Zenitco’s new streamlined folding stock. All of these products are available now from their prospective manufactures. The Iron Claw upgrades are available individually or as a package deal. See their website for details. Why you can trust RECOIL Since our founding in 2012, RECOIL remains the premier firearms lifestyle publication for the modern shooting enthusiast. We deliver cutting-edge coverage of guns, gear, accessories and technology. We go beyond basic reviews, providing no B.S. buyer’s guides, hands-on testing and expert analysis on everything from firearms and survival equipment to watches and vehicles. Our reviewers are the backbone of our operation and come from diverse shooting backgrounds: Former law enforcement, military veterans, competitive shooters, seasoned hunters and plain old firearms enthusiasts. Furthermore, we’re not just gun experts, but dedicated journalists who adhere to the strictest standards of our profession. At RECOIL, editorial independence is the foundation of everything we publish and the cornerstone of reader trust. Our editors, writers and content creators make all editorial decisions independently, free from outside influence. That boils down to: advertisers don’t dictate our coverage, the outcomes of our reviews or what we recommend in our buyer’s guides. First and always, our commitment is to our audience—ensuring every review and article is accurate, unbiased, and driven by real-world experience. Whether you’re selecting your next firearm, upgrading your gear, or exploring the latest innovations in the shooting world, RECOIL provides the trusted insights you need to make informed decisions. Learn more about our Editorial Standards and how we review products. NEXT STEP: Download Your Free Target Pack from RECOILFor years, RECOIL magazine has treated its readers to a full-size (sometimes full color!) shooting target tucked into each big issue. Now we've compiled over 50 of our most popular targets into this one digital PDF download. From handgun drills to AR-15 practice, these 50+ targets have you covered. Print off as many as you like (ammo not included). Get your pack of 50 Print-at-Home targets when you subscribe to the RECOIL email newsletter. We'll send you weekly updates on guns, gear, industry news, and special offers from leading manufacturers - your guide to the firearms lifestyle.You want this. Trust Us.
