Zenitco Short Handguards for AK Platforms: B-10M, B-10U, B-10L, B-10LS

For AK rifles and carbines based on them, it is possible to use both short and long handguards.

By short we mean handguards that are the same length as the standard factory handguard. They are fixed at the front by the retaining ferrule.
Long handguards are longer than the standard ones and extend forward beyond the ferrule.

In this article, we will look at the features of short handguards B-10M, B-10U, B-10L, and B-10LS.

*This article covers the following AK models: AKM, AKMS, AK-74, AK-103, AK-104, AK-105, AK-74M, AK-200, AK-205; civilian carbines Saiga-5.45 / 7.62 / .223 (both short- and long-barrel versions), TG2 (except Magnum), Vepr-K, Vepr-KM.

All handguards described in this article are made of aircraft-grade aluminum, produced by solid milling. They are press-fitted tightly into the receiver, providing a rigid and reliable base for mounted sights. They also improve barrel cooling, which increases the service life of the weapon (see details in the video).

What should you pay attention to when choosing a handguard?

Compatibility with an under-barrel grenade launcher (UBGL).
Short handguards B-10M and B-10U are compatible with a UBGL.
Long handguards are not compatible.
Therefore, if you plan to use a grenade launcher, you should choose a short handguard.

Picatinny vs. Basis mounting systems.
Zenitco handguards differ by the type of side and bottom mounting interfaces. We manufacture handguards with two mounting standards: Picatinny and Basis.

B-10M – Picatinny rails on all sides. Mini-Basis on the bottom at the rear of the handguard. The Mini-Basis is used to mount the RL-1 hand stop (sold separately). Weight: 180 g.

B-10U – Picatinny rail on the bottom, Basis rails on the sides. Mini-Basis on the bottom at the rear for mounting the RL-1 hand stop (sold separately). Weight: 125 g.

B-10L – Basis rails on the bottom and sides. Weight: 89 g.

B-10LS – Reinforced Basis rail on the bottom, Basis rails on the sides. Weight: 101 g.

The Basis system is usually chosen to reduce weapon weight, while still allowing Picatinny rails to be installed where needed. Basis rails come in standard (lightweight) and reinforced versions. The reinforced version has steel inserts along the entire rail length, which is important when mounting accessories with a long lever arm, such as RK-1L or RK-2L grips.

Cleaning rod compatibility.
Handguards B-10M and B-10U are compatible with the standard cleaning rod.
Handguards B-10L and B-10LS are not compatible due to reduced dimensions.

Compatibility with other mounts:

• Above the gas tube: compatible with B-19 and B-19N gas-tube mounts. The standard gas-tube cover can also be retained.
• Above the rear sight: compatible with the B-22 rear-sight mount.
• Above the receiver: compatible with the B-33 receiver cover.

Important note: B-22 and B-33 cannot be installed at the same time, as they use the same mounting points on the handguard. You can install either one or the other. For AK rifles and carbines based on them, the most popular solution is the B-33 receiver cover.

Short handguards as part of “Sport” and “Leader” kits

Handguards B-10L and B-10LS are available both as standalone products and as part of long “Sport” and “Leader” kits.

B-10L is included in Sport-1, Sport-4, and Leader kits.
B-10LS is included in Sport-1S, Sport-4S, and Leader-S kits.

Within these kits, an additional front extension is added to the short handguard, increasing the overall length. The handguard and the extension are connected using a longer (compared to B-19 and B-19N) gas-tube mount, as well as additional side and bottom clamps, stops, and locking elements.

Color options.
Products are available in three colors: black, golden khaki, and desert.

Choosing a handguard depends on the tasks you intend to perform. All products described in this article are designed and manufactured in Russia, in the Moscow region. Beware of counterfeits! Original products are available on the official manufacturerÂ’s website zenitco.ru and from authorized partners.