Zastava M-70 + cheekweld = pain

[warrlac]

This may be a laughable post to a lot of people, but here goes...



Would any of the experienced shooters or gunsmiths on MNGuntalk be willing to weigh-in on this predicament?

Thanks,
Warrlac

[crbutler]

I have the same problem with AK's.

My way of dealing with it is I shoot something else, so I am no real help.

You could try mounting a red dot high and putting a foam/leather cheek piece on it to maintain stock weld. Seemed like too much work for what it was to me, so my AK's are safe queens.

[AFTERMATH]

A proper cheek weld should be buried to the point that bony ridge below your eye is resting on the stock.
Is the pain being caused by recoil or the actual pressure of pushing your face into the stock? Are you putting your cheek right up against the receiver?
Where do you generally place your cheek on the stock? What rifles have you shot that seem particularly fitted to you and your sight alignment/picture?

It's pretty unusual for a factory, run of the mill rifle, to have too high of comb for it's intended sighting mechanism. In fact, they are generally built with too low of comb - A lowest common denominator feature.
If it truly doesn't fit, the remedy is to shave down the comb of the stock and or add a scope. But I'd want to make sure that you're doing it right before you make any permanent modifications. I suppose one could also get a different stock as well, but I'm unaware of any that would place the comb lower than the standard.

By the way, while it might not be a real 'tack driver' don't underestimate the platform. With decent ammo, and proper technique, the AK is quite capable of putting hits on a 'man-sized' target out to 600 yards.

[warrlac]

A proper cheek weld should be buried to the point that bony ridge below your eye is resting on the stock.
Is the pain being caused by recoil or the actual pressure of pushing your face into the stock? Are you putting your cheek right up against the receiver?
Where do you generally place your cheek on the stock? What rifles have you shot that seem particularly fitted to you and your sight alignment/picture?

It's pretty unusual for a factory, run of the mill rifle, to have too high of comb for it's intended sighting mechanism. In fact, they are generally built with too low of comb - A lowest common denominator feature.
If it truly doesn't fit, the remedy is to shave down the comb of the stock and or add a scope. But I'd want to make sure that you're doing it right before you make any permanent modifications. I suppose one could also get a different stock as well, but I'm unaware of any that would place the comb lower than the standard.

By the way, while it might not be a real 'tack driver' don't underestimate the platform. With decent ammo, and proper technique, the AK is quite capable of putting hits on a 'man-sized' target out to 600 yards.

Thanks for the prompt feedback.

Thanks again,

Warrlac

[MaryB]

if it has the side rail add a scope mount and a red dot. I have a modded SKS on layaway that will be getting a scope or red dot

[bensdad]

I have the exact gun... and HAD the exact same problem. The thing is, I'm a shooter, not a duster-cleaner-shower-offer. 45 seconds with the belt sander(right where my cheek weld is) fixed mine. She looks like hammered ****, but I can shoot her all the live-long day.

ETA: Heck, you're in Burnsville and I'm in Lakeville. pm me for a time that works, and you can try mine.

[Scratch]

I don't have that problem with AK's, but I do with PSL's. It sucks too because I LOVE the looks of the PSL, but can't shoot it more than 5 or 6 shots without feeling like I've been punched in the face. That's the only gun I've ever shot (so far) that makes me feel like that. I know I could probably put a nice padded cheek section on it or something, but I love the classic look of the PSL and would rather not.

[Deputyhiro]

I don't have that problem with AK's, but I do with PSL's. It sucks too because I LOVE the looks of the PSL, but can't shoot it more than 5 or 6 shots without feeling like I've been punched in the face. That's the only gun I've ever shot (so far) that makes me feel like that. I know I could probably put a nice padded cheek section on it or something, but I love the classic look of the PSL and would rather not.

I had the same issue. Both loving / and hating the PSL. I built one, and bought a stock set from Rhineland arms. Has an adjustable cheek mold, and is longer than the stock PSL butt stock. Still not the most comfortable gun, but isn't a pain to shoot either. I think I posted a pic a while back in one of the gun pic threads.

[LumberZach]

You could get a new stock and see how that works out. Something like a collapsible and adjustable AR-15 style unless you have to keep the look. In which case you can still probably find a better wood stock if you don't want to sand it down. Either way, new sights or optics are always goods. Any goals for the rifle, or just for fun and plinking?

[heavy metal daze]

That's called the Yugo slap.

At least with a surplus stock (which is shorter in length) I go as far forward on the stock to the receiver while sighting, and don't experience the stock slapping.

[plink]

Don't the zastavas have a slightly untraditional contoured stock? Or is it just the length? Could always sniff around at the aftermarket.

[AFTERMATH]

A proper cheek weld should be buried to the point that bony ridge below your eye is resting on the stock.
Is the pain being caused by recoil or the actual pressure of pushing your face into the stock? Are you putting your cheek right up against the receiver?
Where do you generally place your cheek on the stock? What rifles have you shot that seem particularly fitted to you and your sight alignment/picture?

It's pretty unusual for a factory, run of the mill rifle, to have too high of comb for it's intended sighting mechanism. In fact, they are generally built with too low of comb - A lowest common denominator feature.
If it truly doesn't fit, the remedy is to shave down the comb of the stock and or add a scope. But I'd want to make sure that you're doing it right before you make any permanent modifications. I suppose one could also get a different stock as well, but I'm unaware of any that would place the comb lower than the standard.

By the way, while it might not be a real 'tack driver' don't underestimate the platform. With decent ammo, and proper technique, the AK is quite capable of putting hits on a 'man-sized' target out to 600 yards.

Thanks for the prompt feedback. I agree with you. Maybe my head is too big or something, but I normally do have my actual cheek against the stock and the bony ridge sort of resting on the stock. For some reason, at least on the AK, I have to lower my eye to the point where that bony ridge is actually pressed up hard and into the stock, hence the sensitivity to the recoil.

I'm thinking about getting one of those side-mount rails from K-Var and then mounting some brand of red-dot sight to see if I can get my head a bit higher.

Thanks again,

Warrlac

That is rather strange, but certainly possible. Let me ask you a few more questions?
When you're in position, where is the stock in your shoulder? Are you keeping it low to the point where you have to crook your neck down onto it? Or do you have it high in the pocket, keeping your head vertical?