Choosing The Perfect KPYK Handguard
- Alex Strashko
- Dec 4, 2025
- 7 min read
The Kalashnikov rifle is one of the most widespread automatic carbines in the world, with countless variants and modifications that continue to attract enthusiasts globally. AK-pattern rifles are also heavily used in the ongoing Russo-Ukrainian war, now entering its second decade.
That’s why, over the years of KPYK’s work, we have developed a wide range of in-house-made furniture and accessories for every representative of the AK family — from handguards and stocks to pistol grips and optic mounts.
Today, we’ll take a look at our handguard lineup: from models you can now only find in archive photos or on the secondary market, to the ones released recently and already available for order.
The Quadrail
The Quad Rail handguards were developed in 2014. It emerged as a response to the urgent need to upgrade the small arms of the Ukrainian Armed Forces during the years when eastern Ukraine was occupied by illegal armed groups and the Russian Federation’s military. Because of this, products from KPYK — still a young company at the time — went straight to the frontline units.
Two models existed: one for the AK — the CRC 1U001-MIL — and one for the AKS-74U — the CRC 1U002-MIL. Both provided a reliable way to mount optics and accessories on Picatinny rails. And although our main lineup today consists of handguards with the M-LOK interface, KPYK quad rails can still be seen on the weapons of Ukrainian Defense Forces soldiers. Even the earliest production models continue to serve faithfully in the Ukrainian people’s struggle for freedom and independence.
The shortest and lightest handguard produced by KPYK, it retains the classic AK handguard profile while adding M-LOK mounting interfaces at the 3, 6, and 9 o’clock positions, plus a Picatinny rail on the top cover. Thanks to its solid mounting system, it is rigid enough to support a red dot sight, as well as lasers, lights, grips, stops… And other auxiliary equipment.
CRC 1U004L (Lite) |Extended lower Handguard
A lightweight, extended M-LOK handguard that replaces the factory lower handguard with a functional surface that protects you from burns on a hot barrel and gives you all the space you need for accessories — as many as your hands or your wallet can handle.
Speaking of the wallet — this is one of the most affordable long-handguard options, allowing you to upgrade your Kalash where you need it the most.
This variant features a mid-length lower section compared to the longer CRC 1U004L. Choosing it means you keep your gas tube with the original upper handguard, which also preserves easier weapon maintenance.
Note that Lite handguards (004L and 020L) do not have cleaning-rod channels — and no, you cannot drill them yourself.
A mid-length handguard with a short top cover — one of the most popular configurations. It provides enough real estate for a longer support-hand grip or for mounting foregrips, handstops, or other control accessories.
Depending on whether you’re running an AKM, AK-74 (or any other AK with a Soviet-pattern AKM receiver), and on the barrel length of your specific rifle, you can comfortably use suppressors and other muzzle devices without limitations on their diameter.
A team favorite — both in terms of style and practicality — and a go-to choice for hundreds of Ukrainian soldiers. The mid-length handguard, paired with a long top cover, transforms your AK into a modern, mission-ready setup capable of accommodating lasers, thermal clip-ons, weapon lights, foregrips, and more. It also provides plenty of room for QD sling sockets and other accessories.
One of our flagship handguards. If you first heard about KPYK from a fellow soldier, or saw our gear in early full‑scale invasion photos, there’s a good chance it was this model. It fully extends along the lower part of the rifle all the way to the muzzle, letting you run a true C‑clamp grip or place your accessories as far forward as you find comfortable.
The gas tube cover — or the short Picatinny rail mounted on the M‑LOK bridge in front of the gas block — is an ideal mounting position for your aiming lasers. We especially recommend the Picatinny‑bridge placement, as it keeps the rifle’s center of mass as low as possible and does not interfere with the use of standard iron sights.
This handguard is a dream come true for anyone who wants to out‑customize owners of AR‑type or other modern rifles — both in terms of modularity and combat effectiveness. The extended gas-tube cover fully encloses the tube and gas block, providing a solid and reliable mounting surface for red dots and precision devices.
By the way, gas‑tube covers within each series — 020A/B and 004A/B — are interchangeable. So if yours ever gets lost, damaged, or you simply want to give your setup a new color accent, you can order the covers separately on the website (or trade with a buddy who runs the same mid‑length or long handguard model).
A short handguard for light machine guns and hunting rifles based on the RPK platform, providing solid mounting for accessories and attachments — whether you're hunting game or… pests, especially the ones crawling in from the eastern and northern borders of Ukraine.
Picatinny on top and M‑LOK interfaces on all other sides, lightweight construction, and a secure, play‑free fit.
The best RPK handguard — period. The extended lower section encloses the barrel and provides comfortable mounting space for bipods or foregrips, while the long gas‑tube cover allows the use of thermal or night‑vision clip‑ons in front of the optic, enabling effective work in any conditions.
This handguard was developed specifically for AK rifles made by the Polish manufacturer WBP, due to their slightly different mounting geometry. While it may look similar to the CRC 1U040 at first glance, the two use different native flanges.
It replaces the factory lower handguard and gas‑tube cover on WBP Jack and Midi Jack rifles. For Jack Tactical models, you’ll also need to swap the gas tube for a classic one without the integral Picatinny rail.
Although it is compatible with standard AKs, you’ll have to give up the original cleaning‑rod storage — the WBP handguard series does not include a cleaning rod channel.
A new‑profile handguard developed primarily for the WBP Midi Jack — the mid‑length‑barrel model. It radically changes the look of this “compact brute,” and when paired with our 3SF002 Minizhaba suppressor‑flash hider for WBP, you end up with something like an East European Mk18. Or maybe not?
The long top cover wraps around the gas block and front sight, maximizing space for your support‑hand grip and accessories.
And yes, you can install it on an AK‑74 or AKM, as long as you prioritize the upgraded aesthetics over the ability to carry a cleaning rod in its original position.
You may have your own opinion on the relevance of the AKS-74U in modern warfare, but staying indifferent when talking about the smallest member of the AK family is simply impossible. The CRC 1U043 handguard allows you to make your Krink modular and ready for any challenge or accessory setup — all while preserving its classic silhouette.
The AKS-74U has never been famous for having enough real estate for a proper grip. And although it’s used less and less for its original purpose nowadays, the demand for modernizing the AKS-74U has been fully answered with the new 1U044 series. The CRC 1U044A features an extended lower section that lets you move your grip or fire-control accessories farther from the receiver. This improves the overall balance, especially when using non-standard muzzle devices.
This handguard can turn your compact companion into a close bolter stand-in from the Warhammer 40K universe — at least stylistically. The fully functional surface that covers both the barrel and the gas tube provides plenty of M-LOK interfaces, along with a Picatinny top rail for optics, lights, and more. By choosing it, you unlock the full potential of a compact setup — and the results speak for themselves.
A handguard for rifles produced by Arsenal, Bulgaria. It preserves all the advantages of our lineup designed for Soviet‑pattern weapons but is adapted specifically for Bulgarian‑made AKs. CRC 1A005A is a long handguard with a short top cover that replaces the simple factory furniture of your Arsenal with something modern, stylish, and functional. These handguards have already been appreciated by units of the Bulgarian Special Operations Command — now it’s your turn to try them.
If you plan to run your Arsenal AK with a LAM unit or use it for competition shooting — especially when working with night vision — take a look at KPYK’s CRC 1A005B. It offers an extended lower section that protects your hands and gear from the hot barrel, while the long gas‑tube cover gives you all the mounting space you need.
This mid‑length handguard replaces the factory furniture on Arsenal rifles and modernizes a classic weapon platform, keeping it competitive in the 21st century. The gas‑tube cover provides a mounting point for lightweight optics while saving weight compared to side‑rail optic mounts.
Among the newest models now available in the U.S. are the mid‑length handguards with long top covers. Designed specifically for Arsenal‑made rifles, they may be the best option for turning a modern, high‑quality AK into a platform that can truly compete with more popular, highly customizable rifles — all without sacrificing authenticity or straying from structurally correct, reliable solutions.
Hey, have you noticed that something's missing in this section? Correct - where are the beautiful Arsenals fitted with KPYK Handguards?!
We are waiting for your featured pictures! Once you get your KPYK parts handy, install them and give us a shout out - tag us on Instagram @us.kpyk_industires and we will be glad to share them with the community!
The handguards are available in three durable Cerakote ceramic‑coating colors: Armor Black, Coyote Tan, and Olive Drab Green.
And if you still have any doubts about model selection or compatibility with your rifle after reading all this, message us anytime. We’ll be happy to help you choose the perfect handguard for your setup!
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