Hellpup from Radom

Lucznik is a well-known manufacturer, it`s inheritance going back to interwar times and past Second World War success. Fabryka Broni is focused on uniformed services and military. Despite attempts to market their products for civilian shooters, government sales remain it`s main livelihood. This created a niche in Radom. Niche, which is being well harnessed by another Radom-based manufacturer.

AK rifle buyers can choose from 3 different types nowadays. First is a military weapon with an auto-mode removed. Recent changes introduced by KE 91/477/EWG directive, put this kind of rifle in A7 category, which won`t be available for civilian buyers. Second type is a semi-automatic weapon constructed from parts manufactured for military. The main problem here is the unknown quality of those parts. The last is a brand-new weapon, manufactured for civilian market. One can presume, how much potential and manufacturing powers producer has to have to make a weapon from scratch. Modifying a trigger mechanism or removing the auto-fire mode is immeasurably easier and less involved than, lets say, producing a barrel, gas chamber, slide, stock, and other weapon elements.

Since it`s inception in 2002, PAC concentrated their efforts on firearms exports. Company is present in both Poland and United States (where it founded an Ltd. Company). PAC based their production on machines and spare parts bought after Zaklady Mechaniczne Tarnow went bankrupt. Civilian shooters in States were the main target group for PAC – a strategy devised by the company owner who spent a lot of time in the USA.

In 2007 Pioneer Arms Corp. designed a single action, external hammer double-barreled shotgun to be used in Cowboy Action Shooting competitions. It`s a popular sport in USA, where shooters compete using weapons typical for Wile West period. Interestingly, shooters wear the period clothing as well. Shotgun debuted at the 2008 Shot Show in Las Vegas. PAC manufactured these weapons with short (470 mm, 18,5 inch) and full-size (610 mm, 24 inches) barrels.

Besides shotguns and weapon parts, PAC wanted to go into other firearms. It all started with modification of old military machine pistols – wz. 43 PPS for 7,62 x 25 mm ammo and wz. 63 for 9 x 19 mm round. These became quite popular on the American market. The automatic fire function was removed and the weapon was adapted to shoot with a closed bolt.  The gun was named PPS-43C and due to very short – 250-mm – barrel and a folding stock it had to be modified to fit the requirements of ATF. The folding stock was welded and the gun was sold as a semi-automatic pistol. Same happened to the PM-63C and the construction was changed to shoot single fire from a closed bolt. Folding stock was also welded.

Photos from Pioneer Arms Corp. factory show tens of ready Hellpups. Manufacturing capabilities of the Radom based company are quite impressive / Photo: PAC

PAC makes their own precision casts of parts such as gas chambers, bolt carriers or front sight bases. This lowers the end-cost of manufacturing process / Photo: PAC

One of the Pioneer Arms Corp. Sporter rifles. It has 415 mm barrel and black polymer details / Photo: PAC

Pioneer Arms Corp. has been developing their manufacturing potential and employing more and more people in Radom. Their need to manufacture own weapons has been steadily increasing while the Zaklady Mechniczne and Agencja Mienia Wojskowego parts warehouse were running out. The easiest solution was to use the old company plans, tools and machines. This resulted in a restart of AKM manufacturing in 2012.

Since than, PAC produces two basic models in a variaty of version, differing mostly in additional equipment. Rifles are made for both military users (automatic weapons) and civilian shooters (semi-automatic). The latter ones are the Sporter and Hellpup rifles.

Interestingly, PAC rifles are fully made in Radom. This not only concerns the easier to make, stamped parts but also barrels (which are not cold-forged but drilled and rifled using broaching method). PAC also has precision casting capabilities. This allows them to produce items such as gas elbows or other cast elements. PPS-43C and PM-63C parts are also made in the same facility.

The base Kalashnikov model from Pioneer Arms Corp. is a copy of AKM equipped with either fixed or foldable stock. It`s based on original Zaklady Mechiniczne documentation which makes it`s size identical to military model. Rifle can be produced with wooden or polymer (black or brown) body and gas tube cover. The pistol grip is made of black or brown polymer while the fixed stock can be black plastic or wood. The foldable stock in available in two versions: one collapses to the bottom and is similar to the solution from AKMS. The other one is attached to the same mounting as a solid stock and is a copy of the design used in wz. 88 Tantal 5.45 mm rifle. It consists of bent metal rods and folds to the right side of the weapon. Affectionally, it`s nickname is poker.

Small and very handy 7,62 x 39 rifle. It`s easy to modify. The only problem with the weapon shown is an abysmal stock

Information on military exports is limited. However, it is known, that multi-thousand series of PAC 7,62×29 mm rifles are used in numerous African and Near East countries. These are mostly copies of AKM and AKMS rifles, in line with ordering party needs. Small amounts of automatic Hellpups were also sold. Moreover, over 100-person crew of PAC facilities works 3 shifts to fulfill the needs of the market. While domestic military contracts are also secret, quite a lot of selective fire Hellpup rifles are used through various uniformed institutions.

For many years, Inter Ordnance Inc. (I.O. Inc.) was the main PAC distributor over the Atlantic. Until recently, this was the main export channel for older products, Hellpups and Sporters sold on the American Market. Currently, distribution in USA is handled by PAC subsidiary. PA-KO from Witaszczyki is the main distributor of PAC products for Africa, South America, Europe and Canada.

PAC sells many versions of their weapons in the USA. These quite often are compatible with US-produced accessories and comply with local laws and regulations. Hellpup a very popular in a short, stock-less version and can be sold as a semi-automatic pistol (despite details such as construction or ammunition). In some states, it is treated as a handgun so can be legally carried in the car while loaded.

Company from Radom does not disclose how many of semi-automatic rifles make their way to USA, but we think that 9-12 thousand a year is quite realistic. If we add military production to that (twice or three times as big), we get quite a respectful figures and manufacturing potential.

In 2013, stock-less Hellpup made its way onto the Guns 2013 Buyer’s Guide front cover. It`s quite an award for the rifle from Radom

Hellpup as exported to the USA. Besides different markings (instead of manufacturer name, we get distributor), there is no difference from the Polish version / Photo: PAC

Most of the Hellpups sold in the USA has no stock and is treated as semi-automatic pistols for 7,62 x 39 mm ammunition / Photo: PAC

Since 2013, small number of semi-automatic PPS-43 and PM-63 submachine guns in the foldable stock, open bolt design) filtered to the Polish market. Only since 2017, polish sports shooters can readily purchase the Sporter and Hellpup rifles.

PA-KO is the main domestic dealer and sells PAC products under two brands: sprzetmilitarny.pl and AK from Radom.

MILMAG managed to find out, that PAC is planning some new designs in their product range. Some will be AKM based, but other will be of a different design. These weapons will not only reach foreign clients but also be available in Poland. It`s worth noting, that the modifications of gun laws from 2011 are finally coming up to fruition – weapon manufacturers are seriously considering the civilian market as a valid customer base.

I feel compelled to remind that Kalashnikov rifle (AK, Awtomat Kalashnikova) was born in 1946, the manufacturing started in 1948 and was introduced into the army only one year later. Despite the legend, it wasn`t a child of a single man (Michail T. Kalashnikov) but a result of work carried out by a team of soviet military experts. There are a lot of sources available nowedays that can help to trace the genesis of this project. Contrary to popular beliefs, these do not lie in Germany`s Sturmgewer 44 but in the USA. A sudden development during the 3rd stage of design can also be noticed. Interestingly, some solutions used in the AK rifle originate from competitive designs, later rejected by the soviets. This makes a lot of sense, as the after-war times nurtured creation of best-possible weapons while not necessary sticking to a single person`s ambitions and designs.

Kalashnikov designed a base weapon in 1946. It was called AK-1. What we see today as an AK is a collective work of many designers and military experts, who often forced changes on the development team. While is correct to place sergeant Kalashnikov on the pedestal, it`s important to remember that his initial design was…rejected. Only after hundreds of changes and suggestions, the iconic rifle was born.

1949 AK, as accepted into the armed forces, had a milled body. Only in 1956 the process was simplified and made cheaper by replacing it with stamped parts. At the same time, many technological modifications were made. The most important included a change in the way barrel was mounted, adding an ergonomically handholds, lowering the mass of the bolt and changing the chamber , gas tube and return mechanism. Modernized AK reach the military units in 1959 and since than it`s constantly manufactured.

AK took over the world. It was used in over 50 countries and it`s image appeared on flags, post stamps and heraldic badges. Shown in hundreds of films and series, it became the most recognizable firearm since the Colt revolver. It`s one of the It`s one of the long-lived designs, still manufactured in many parts of the world and constantly modified, adjusted to different ammunition. Modern AK clones, such as Polish Beryl and Israeli Galil ACE are produced on most continents and are as recognizable as American AR-15 and Austrian Glock.

For testing, MILMAG received the semi-automatic 7,62 x 39 mm PAC Hellpup rifle. Distributor provides 2 different models of this rifle – with a Tantal-style stock and with a fixed stock. Additionally, various elements such as pistol grip, gas tube cover and body can be ordered in black or tan polymer material or made of wood.

The rifle as provided to MILMAG for testing. It has a POLI0008 serial number and is equipped with a Tantal-derived stock

We tested the fully black variant with polymer elements and poker style stock. First thing that can be seen is a short barrel and modified gas elbow. Avid shooter will also figure out that this results in changes in construction. This is a good idea for European market as it makes the parts non-interchangeable between civilian and military models.

The rifle we got was brand new, straight from the factory. Before shipping out it was dry-fired 20 times and test fired to make sure it functions correctly.

The first impression is great. Parts are precisely machined and there is no slack anywhere. Black finish looks good and seems to be durable against normal wear and tear. When testing, we did not jump on it or throw it into the back of rock filled pickup truck. There was no crawling with the weapon or mud baths. Testing was done at the commercial shooting range so such activities would not be a good idea. But, since some armed forces accepted Hellpup as their equipment, we believe that it would easily withstand such treatment.

Rifle`s front sights are ring-type, with an adjustment hole on the top. This is similar to Chinese AK copies. Users of AK`s with semi-circle front sight might need some time to get used to changed aiming image.

Muzzle device and gas chamber integrated with sight base. Front sight has a closed cover, similar to Chinese-made AK clones

Weapon has clear safety signs on the side. S-F letters indicate if the rifle is Safe or can Fire. Left side has three rows of markings with HELLPUP 7.62×39, PIONEER ARMS CORP and RADOM, POLAND. The serial number is placed above and starts with PAC (abbreviation of the manufacturer`s name), followed by 10 characters. USA export weapons have the distributor markings (I.O. INC, MONROE, NC).

Bolt carrier and gas tube are nitrided. This creates a hard, durable and corrosion-resistant layer. Sight base and gas chamber are precision-cast and nitrided in black. Tested rifle had the body, gas tube cover and pistol grip made of black, inject-molded polymer. Manufacturers produces these items in-house, using their own molding forms. Quality of these parts is top-notch.

According to manufacturer`s specifications, Hellpup weights 2870 g when dry and 3350 g with a 30-round magazine attached. Sporter model masses 3400 g when empty and 3890 g loaded. When we verified this the results were different. Hellpup with no stock produced 2646 g result on the scale (3136 g when loaded). Mated to Tantal stock, it weighed at 3122 g (3602 g loaded) and 2910 g (3390 g) with a fixed polymer stock. TDI ARMS TRX stock raised this to 3286 g (3766 g). Hellpup length is 594 mm with the stock collapsed and 788 mm with is folded out. Rifle with fixed stock is 794 mm.

When compared to stock AK, Hellpup`s barrel is 117 mm shorter. It measures 298 mm, against the stock 415 mm. Is this good? Center of gravity has shifted, at least compared to normal AK. This makes the rifle more maneuverable. Obviously, shorter barrel results also in less mass.

Increased maneuverability is useful, especially when shooting in confined spaces or in dynamic shooting competitions. After collapsing the stock, rifle has on 594 mm – on par with some submachine guns models.

Hellpup`s closes competitor are the semi-automatic Arsenal SAR M2F and SAR-M11F/M12F rifles. Despite very different names, the only difference the type of stock. SAR M2F has a downward-collapsible one (similar to AKMS), SAR 11F has a fixed, black polymer stock (based on AK 100 series) and SAR-12F stock is made of round metal bars, arranged in triangular shape (as in Israeli Galil)

Inspiration is also very visible when looking at the front size base and the gas elbow. The main difference is the length (320 mm vs 298 mm) and the receiver (milled vs stamped).

Another good comparison to Hellpup are the AKSU-74 clones shooting 7.62 x 39 mm ammunition. On Polish market, available clones are Serbian Zastava M92 with 254 mm barrel and Bulgarian Arsenal SAR M4S/M4SF, SAR M14SF and SAR SF (again, only difference is in stocks) with 215 mm barrels. Hellpup`s advantage against those is respectively 34 and 83 mm in barrel length.

Hellpup`s barrel terminates with a muzzle device. It`s fitted to a 14×1 mm left-sided thread and resembles a cylinder with two rings on it. Top is conical in shape and has a cut-out all around. It does not look like any popular model and is loosely based on a muzzle device from AKSU-74 or Polish wz. 89 Onyks rifle. Perhaps, this design was supposed to limit the recoil and help with burning process, but the difference is not perceptible. Helpup`s short barrel, coupled with this muzzle device, generates a visible ball of flame, when shooting after dark. In normal light conditions, this does not affect the shooter at all.

Inside of the receiver and the barrel before firing. The rifle is supposed to withstand 15.000 shots (military-style shooting). There are no real chances for a civilian to fire it to the death

The entrance of the 298 mm barrel. Rifling is achieved by broaching.

Tested weapon was equipped with a tubular rod stock, similar to one used in Tantal rifle. At the first glance it looks good and shortens the rifle by quite a margin. Poker is formed in such a way, that even after collapsing to the right side, it`s still comfortable to manipulate the cocking handle. Stock is well made and does not wobble in either position. In theory, it should provide good support, even when shooting multiple rounds.

Trouble is, that the stock is an ergonomically a nightmare. It`s too short, has nothing even remotely resembling the cheek support and looks like something created in 1960 and designed for small and short people.

I`m a bit taller and stockier than theoretical, average target user of this contraption and I have a serious problem obtaining the right shooting position when using this stock. It`s simply too short. Even many layers of clothing coupled with a sizable vest does not alleviate this issue. It`s uncomfortable, period. The weapon was also tested but slightly smaller folk (170 cm tall) and they also reported similar problems. Looks like the poker style stock is designed not to be comfortable for anyone.

Distributor thoughtfully realized the issue and included a bit longer, fixed stock and a mounting kit for an adjustable stock, M4-style (TDI Arms TRX in my case). After short introduction the the poker, everyone wanted the thing replaced. I even forgot about the Tantal-style stock until I`ve seen the photos – tried to displace it from my memories. This shows the level of my sympathy for this contraption.

All problems disappeared after fitting the fixed stock. It`s a bit longer, well shaped and gives noticeably better support. Moreover, the shoulder pad is slip resistant. M4-style stock is even better. Coupled with the Hellpup it makes for a really comfortable combination.

Changing the stock, even in field conditions, is a piece of cake. The photo presents this process at the range, with just a multi-tool. Everyone can do it

Hellpup with a fixed polymer stock. This makes the rifle a lot easier to use

Rear of the upper receiver with the Tantal stock mount

Partially disassembled Hellpup with two types of stock available. The fixed stock is made of polymer

Home-brew gunsmiths will be happy to hear, that exchange of the stock requires only removal of the receiver cover. The return mechanism has to be removed next and is followed by not very challenging unbolting of two fasteners (screwdriver and brute force required). Whole modification takes about 2 minutes (includes looking for a missing tool) and anyone able to cope with 7,62 x 39 mm ammunition recoil is qualified to perform this modification.

Muzzle device replacement is also simple. 14×1 mm left thread is typical for most AK clones and the only requirement here is a certain level of physical strength (more when it`s done the first time). I have to admit, it was quite challenging to unscrew the device at first. Thread lest some of the combustion products through, which results is seized device. A good advice would be to protect the threads somehow, before use of the weapon.

Partially disassembled rifle with the adjustable stock. This solution is good even for shooter with very long arms

Rifle was tasted mostly on a 100 meter range. First few rounds disappointed. Out of 5, nothing hit the target. I`m not such a bad shooter. As it turned out, front sight needed vertical alignment. Factory setting made the round go about 1.2 meters above the aiming point. No horizontal adjustments were necessary. I`m not sure, if the described issue concerns all the Hellpup rifles or just my weapon.

30-round polymer magazines, supplied by sprzetmilitarny.pl, worked well with the rifle. Same goes for the standard metal stamped AK/AKM magazines and a full range of modern FAB Defense, US Palm and similar solutions. There were no problems with feeding.

As already mentioned a couple of times, poker stock was a real problem. I highly recommend the fixed stock version or replacing the Tantal-style solution with something else. This increases the user comfort by significant margin. In the end, my Hellpup received TDI Arms TRX stock (available at sprzetmilitarny.pl), mounted vaia the Ukrainian ME adapter. I have no reservations about this combination.

Recoil is similar to other 7,62 x 39 mm rifles. Hellpup with standard muzzle device jerks up, but no more than comparable AK and AKM clones. Of course, milled receiver models are easier to control but the weight becomes an issue.

AKGN and Hellpup during actual shooting at the 100 m range. Groups were compared and this time good quality ammunition was used

During testing, 750 shots were fired. This is 0.05% of the rifle`s projected lifespan. Due to bad quality ammunition, two jams and one serious malfunction happened

AKGN and Hellpup accuracy comparison. 5 shot series were used and, despite shorter barrel, Hellpup won this round. Good trigger feel might a factor here

Corrosion is a well known issue for Kalashnikov system weapons. This especially concerns elements such as a gas tube. Rusty layer shows up after only a few hours of shooting while after 24 hours, the gun safe echoes with the sound of corrosion. To check the Hellpup I used the worst possible ammo I could find. These were old army rounds, dirty and corroded. I did not even try to guess what the round ware made of..but they looked dirty.

Furthermore, the Hellpup was not cleaned for a month. Durability testing, no excuses. Despite an enormous amount of residue in the barrel and on other parts, there was hardly any corrosion. When compared to AKGN rifle, similar amount of corrosion showed up after firing just 30 rounds, not hundreds as I did with Hellpup.

Nitriding process seems to do it`s job. I expected black, tar filled barrel but it turned out to be quite clean.

It`s good to have something to compare against. I decided to judge Hellpup against another AKM clone from my collection – the AKGN rifle, with a milled receiver. I bought it with an intention to have a durable weapon, usable for many years. After firing just a few rounds from Hellpup, my affection to AKGN reduced by quite a bit.

First, most noticeable difference is how the mechanisms work. Hellpup`s are lot more smooth and positive. Obviously, it`s not a level of AR clones manufactured by Daniel Defense or POF-USA but a difference between AKGN and Hellpup is very noticeable.

In the process, I managed to understand why there was a change of pistol grips between AK and AKM models. The AKM`s grip is boarding on truly ergonomic – it`s lot more comfortable. There is no difference of comfort between the front grips. Modernized Kalashnikov`s hand supports do nothing. Both rifles are comfortably held by the magazine. Hellpup`s trigger works well, in fact much better than AKGN`s. However, twice I had problems with trigger reset. Both times this happened, I was firing quite rapidly. Trigger stopped before it`s resting position and, when actuated, weapon did not fire. It was necessary to fully remove the trigger finger to reset. It`s hard to pin down a reason for this. Perhaps it was due to the lack of cleaning – for the purpose of this test I restrained myself and left it unclean for a month.

Shorter barrel results in a shorter sights distance. Is it a problem? At the 100 m distance I tested the weapon, there was no difference compared to standard 415 mm long barrel. Hellpup even had better grouping than my AKGN.

Size comparison of AKGN (based on KBKG wz.60), AKMS and Hellpup. The last one mentioned has the barrel 117 mm shorter than 415 mm standard

Inside of the upper receiver. From the top, we can see Hellpup, AKGN, and AKMS. Commercially available rifle is the simplest but it was created with civilian market in mind

Hellpup`s Bolt carrier is slightly shorter than typical AK/AKM. Rest of the dimensions are the same. Bolt and bolt carrier are nitrided

Bulgarian Arsenal SAR-M2F with 320 mm barrel is the closest match to the Hellpup / Photo: Bartosz Szymonik

While testing, I had two jams. Both were caused by faulty rounds (primer did not initiate). The worst malfunction was the round getting stuck in the barrel. Again – ammunition. It was really the nastiest stuff I could find, manufactured around 1960 in a factory that ceased to exist 20 years ago. The stuck round was caused by the primer firing but not initiating the main charge. It was enough to drive the bullet a a couple of centimeters into the barrel.

Described situation can be very dangerous if the shooter fails to notice that barrel is plugged up. Consecutive shot can cause the barrel to expand or even explode. Sometimes, especially in cheap AR-15 clones made of inferior materials, wounds can be sustained by the shooter as well.

Luckily, this time I noticed the malfunction and stopped shooting. I did not want to test the rifle`s durability to such extremes. There were no problems with removing the stuck round and the problem did not affect the weapon in any way – accuracy stayed the same.

As a side note, it`s worth mentioning that the manufacturer does not recommend use of cheap Chinese 7,62 x 39 mm ammunition, available lately in Poland. The recommendation is based not only on it`s poor quality but also on a slightly larger diameter of the round. This can cause quite a bit of headaches. Interestingly, to keep the users happy and able to buy cheaper ammunition, the new batch of Hellpups will be manufactured with wider barrel tolerances – this should prevent the cheaper ammunition from getting stuck.

One of the test`s elements was based on using the cheapest, nastiest ammunition to be found. This joined with 30 days of no cleaning what so ever, made no impression on the Hellpup

Some tests were carried out using ammunition looking like it was left in a ditch for 40 years. To get rid of a bullet stuck in the barrel, hammer, metal rod and some felt were used

After clearing the barrel, rifle worked perfectly well. Be careful when You have a misfire at the range and always check what happened

750 rounds were fired during the testing. For kalashnikov rifles it`s simply just run in. Some lesser quality rifles developed problems even at this early stage. With Hellpup this is not an issue. There was no visible wear on the elements. Truthfully, 750 rounds of mostly single fire, with some rapid fire included, is nothing compared to rifles shooting in automatic mode.

Manufacturer states, that a trial weapon was constructed out of random parts from the warehouse and 15.000 shots were fired from it. Test consisted of 120 shots, followed by cooling and inspection period, followed by another 120 shots. And so on. After the trial there was no significant wear on the rifle elements. Theoretically, Hellpup`s lifespan is limited to 15.000 shots but it looks like it can be used well after that.

Theoretical lifespan concerns military style of shooting, with periods of automatic shooting, when the rifle`s use is extreme. Civilian, semi-automatic version, used by a single owner will most likely last for a lot longer. The best test for Hellpup would be to check how it works on a big, commercial shooting range when used intensively by a lot of shooters or during the very fashionable tactical shooting course. My experience however, tells me that the AKM from Radom will outlive the theoretical manufacturer`s lifespan.

The kit, besides the rifle itself, contained black polymer magazines and and a bag for those. It looked like a modernized version of 1960`s grenade carrying bag and would please any history buff. Period-correct belt and a 2-chamber oiler were also included.

Most users will be happy to hear, that almost all accessories compatible with AKM rifles will work with Hellpup. Besides the barrel and the front sight base, Hellpup`s dimensions are identical to the standard AK. By standard I mean the one probably buried under the Izhevsk factory, to serve as a benchmark. The amount of gear available makes it very easy to modify the rifle to the user`s needs (and wants). It`s a big advantage, compared to Bulgarian, Serbian or Israeli clones.

I was more than happy to test the beforementioned adaptability. Besides the TRX telescopic stock, I added the TDI Arms mounting rail. It replaces the rear sights and is available in sprzetmilitarny.pl.

Another modification was a set of front grip/gas chamber covers made by Ukrainian ME company. It consists of 2 parts, made of aluminum and is bolted together. Top element has a short mounting rail and 2 rows of slanted ventilation holes. Front grip is smooth, with 3 rows of KeyMod holes at a 90 degree angle. Each side has 7 holes, bottom has 5. It handles great, looks great and is significantly lighter than it`s rail-laden counterparts. KeyMod system enables the user to customize while keeping the grip`s weight at a nice 185 g.

The last nice touch from the Ukraine is the sling mount. It attaches under the pistol grip and keeps away problems connected with stock adjustment and the sling getting in a way.

Lastly, ME Tornado muzzle device found it`s way onto the Hellpup. It`s a combination of recoil compensator and a muzzle break. It weights 96 g, measures 71 by 25,8 mm in diameter and has a 24×1.5 mm right thread. This forces use of an adapter to fit it to the Hellpup`s 14×1 mm left thread. Device makes the rifle look aggressive and battle-ready. It exhausts the gases very efficiently but the angle of the exhaust holes could be improved upon as some gas gets directed towards shooter`s hands.

Hellpup after ME accessories were mounted. This included Tornado muzzle device, front grip/top cover and mounting plate for a sling. TDI Arms universal rail is fitted in place of the rear sight

With the stock collapsed, Hellpup becomes really small. It measures 594 mm – just a tiny bit more than the laptop I`m using to type this up

3 stocks were used during the Hellpup testing. The best (and most expensive) is the telescopic TDI Arms TRX. It requires a special adaptor

So…I shot some rounds, added some accessories, complained some about the poker stock, freed the bullet stuck in a barrel and ended up finally cleaning the weapon. Time to sum this all up. Who`s the Hellpup for? It may work for first time rifle owners but in this case there is a big competition from the Sporter. Most beginners would prefer a rifle looking as much as an original AK as possible. And if it`s build out of old parts from Radom it`s even better. But this approach has a downside – such a period correct weapon will cost in excess of 1000 euros and will be, in fact, a mix-and-match of old parts. Economically, Hellpup wins hands down. It`s readily available, manufactured in the country, has warranty and PAC provides user support

I will highly recommend Hellpup for someone looking for short, quite powerful weapon. For AK clone Hellpup works very well. It`s mechanically sound and reliable. Get the fixed stock version. Poker stock looks good but is a nightmare to use.

After some head scratching we decided, that Hellpup is an ideal second AK rifle. It`s not original, valuable weapon. It can me modified, painted and abused without loosing it`s value. It cost`s less than coveted original AKM and after 10-15 thousands shots it will be barely run-in. Plethora of accessories makes it friendly for just about anyone. If something can be attached to AKM, Hellpup will accept it.

Hellpup is a good beginners rifle and a great second AK for collection. It can be modified and abused without any regrets

7.62 x 39 ammunition prices are in the rise and pretty much caught up with 5.56×46/.223 pricing. Economy of ammunition was a winning point for AK clones 2-3 years ago. Not so much nowadays. It`s less accurate than an AR-15 clone but can still be a fun rifle to own.

Hellpup with a polymer fixed stock costs about 700 euros (same price as Sporter model). Poker style stock is worth 10 euros more. Bulgarian Arsenal SAR-M2F, sometimes available of Polish market, is usually 50 euros more expensive and not compatible with many standard AK accessories. It also has issues with some styles of magazines. On the up note, it`s muzzle device is more effective. Not a problem thou, Hellpup`s device can be easily exchanged.

I can recommend Hellpup to anyone looking for a compact, powerful rifle. For Kalashnikov, Hellpup works great

We would like to say Thank You to sprzetmilitarny.pl/PA-KO for providing the Hellpup rifle and accessories for testing

This article was originally published on MILMAG 01/2018