JMAC Customs REVIEW "THE CURSED REVIEW"

 

rat.bastard.reviews: JMAC CUSTOMS (JMAC)

"THE CURSED REVIEW"

   Disclosure: Oh man, before I start incessantly bitching and moaning I need to thank JMAC Customs (JMAC) for providing this splendiferous  product to me for review. I approached JMAC when I was just starting out in an attempt to get my hands on something worthwhile to review. And despite me only having maybe 700 followers on the page at the time they were kind enough to work with me and send me the LAF-14! Free of charge, blind trust, super fucking rad dudes over there. Unfortunately the WORLD was against me doing this review and I was met with unforeseen obstacles the entire time; which put it off for probably about 9 months. UNTIL NOW! So to that I say, you know the fucking drill: The product being reviewed by myself today was provided to me free of charge in order to reach the mostest shitheads I can, with a fair and critical review. Despite how much of a fangirl I am over JMAC though, my analysis will not be effected by receiving this item free of charge. ESPECIALLY since I'm pretty sure they thought I just ran off with their muzzle brake and will likely never agree to work with me again. If you're new here and you don't believe that's truly how it goes on rat.bastard.reviews I insist you take the time to read some of my older reviews and then I urge you to come back here and suck my dick from the back. We don't shill here, we don't play favorites, anything goes; Lets Roll.

    L.A.F (LOUD AND FLASHY) or LOUD AS FUCK depending on your caliber and barrel length. When I approached JMAC I had a plan truly, I was going to receive the LAF-14 and throw it on my new M10P Romy import however that had to be sent back in to M+M after a long argument about my bolt carrier having been over hardened and cracking, I received it back from them after over a month and found that they had replaced the entire firearm; this time sending one with damaged muzzle threads. They had dodged me so much with trying to fix the first Issue I just decided to cut my losses and sell. Sell I did and in turn bought a Polish kit from Arms of America, The plan had shifted! Build the Polack and slap the LAF-14 on it for a super high end build with a super high end muzzle brake for testing; no big deal! I waited for a few months for it to be head-spaced and shipped, then sent to my secret seafloor lair, where upon receiving it I contacted M13 for the assembly, and they were kind enough to build it; But it took time as there was a line longer then the one for the creampie gangbang in your mom's shitbox. When I received the rifle I was concerned there had been an issue or mistake made during the build because my new rifle was throwing showers of sparkles like a gay wizard at a bachelorette party, and I needed to bring my build to an ole' shade tree Kalash-chanic I know. After holding on to the rifle for a few weeks he couldn't find anything wrong, but I had already made the decision to purchase a NAK-9 Romy pistol to just get on with the testing already. I get the Nak-9 Home and guess what I find out? Buds gun shop had the wrong generation listed what I got was 1/2x28 and not 14x1 LH so I purchased an adapter and crush washer and gave myself a hemorrhoid the size of a grape trying to time this fucking Brake correctly before I could actually start testing. The good news is now that I've been through hell and back I've tested the shit out of this brake with 300 rounds of Wolf steel case 9mm and 250 rounds of steel cased 7.62x39 ammo to include Golden Tiger, Red Army Standard, Wolf military classic and Wolf Polyformance.

   Breakdown: This bitch is solid steel boys! You could put this bitch in a tube sock and dome an intruder boys! You could put this bitch in a slingshot and accidently kill the neighbors dog boys! The quality on the LAF-14 is honestly laughable, it SO overbuilt and I don't want to say that its Unnecessary and give JMAC any ideas because this thing is just perfection. I wouldn't change a single thing! the lines are attractive, the design is effective, the quality is INDUSTRY LEADING, and the finish is damn good too! You can tell there was a lot of thought put into the product and the decisions made around the extremely effective design. I don't see a lot of marketing for these and I'm assuming that's because of 2 reasons. Reason 1, its an "In the know" item and I don't think explaining it would do it justice to someone who has already looked at it and decided they don't like it and Reason B, Its practicality is debatable but we will get into that further down Jacob's ladder.

   Does it look dumb? yeah kind of but I have a soft spot for it, I LOVE it on the NAK-9, I dig it on the PAK-9, I appreciate it all around on an AK Pistol like a standard Draco or similar sized Variant. BUT in my humble and quite possibly savant opinion it has a complete drop off aesthetically on a full sized rifle. It still does it's job and it's still going to piss people off at the range, I just think because it is so large and absurd it's suited best with its aesthetic polar opposite; think if it's small it looks better with the huge brake, if its big maybe not so much.....But I've never seen one on an RPK or PKM so maybe the other far end of the spectrum would also work, with it being complimentary? The slotted ports on the top of the muzzle device match very nicely with the Hungarian lower handguard seen on the old AMD's as well as the Khyber Customs slotted upper handguard, which is the combo I decided to go with. The all steel look screams Combloc utilitarianism and reminds be of an SMG they would give a tanker on the Eastern front, all the lines are similar all the ports and holes are very similar; all being, simple, elegant and effective. There are certain build where this brake just absolutely shines and I feel like this is one of them. I do have other things I want to do for this build including a plastic delete for the magazine adapter and adding the CNC Warrior folding AK brace but that will come in time. Honestly I'm kind of glad that this review has worked out the way that it has because I would probably have never waited to buy the NAK-9 for this review if it weren't for the constant delays. It has ended up elevating this brake for me in my personal experience; Yes it is fun, Yes it is effective but after finding a niche little scenario where the brake kind of makes the build I feel like I'm working towards what might be my new favorite AK. If you had told me that 6 months ago I would have laughed in your face honestly.

   I'm going to be completely honest I did not like the LAF-14 when I first saw it, I used to be very much a purist when it came to the AK and I still am in some regards but man, It has grown on me like a tumor and made me really appreciate not only more modernized AK's and AK furniture But genuinely appreciate companies like JMAC Customs. JMAC is so involved in the gun community and events and spends so much time spreading information and innovating new furniture and accessories for the AK, I just have so much respect for those guys. However, I don't think I started to enjoy the look of the LAF-14 until seeing it on the "Mini Monster" builds (which is also what I call me peeny) and eventually I saw what @badelementlabs and @w.a.s.woodtworks were doing with these super small builds and massive brakes, and I just knew this is where the LAF-14 would shine the most. Since then, I have become addicted to the aesthetic of this brake and I think others have as well since I'm starting to see it around more on Instagram.

  Performance: I'm going to start with the 7.62x39 Polish build and say it is in fact both loud and flashy. You're slinging some decent sized fireballs from it; I've seen WAY bigger online (that's what she said) and I'm assuming that's because this is on a full length barrel and like I said it seems to be perfect for a pistol variant which will have a shorter barrel. It is still very loud, and one thing I've noticed not many people seem to talk about is the redirection of energy. Those two massive ports on the side are redirecting all that energy in those directions which could be super annoying to anyone on the side of you while shooting or in a lot of cases can even be disorienting if your counting on that guy in an actual firefight. HOWEVER, that is a trade off for some very good advantages to having those ports. In the Polish build there was minimal muzzle rise and the recoil was heavily reduced, although it did take longer to focus my eyes back on target due to the increased muzzle flash. This wouldn't be as big of a deal in CQC/CQB but I don't believe that was the intended scenario for this muzzle device. Moving on to the NAK-9 Draco, My dude's you want to talk about a match made in heaven, Because of the 9mm cartridge paired with the weight of the all steel firearm AND the LAF-14 there is NO recoil. I'm not even shitting you, there's none, and the muzzle rise is the same its so negligible I'm officially calling it 0. This firearm paired with the LAF-14 would be the perfect candidate for A full auto SMG hands down "The Uber-NAK" (UBERNAK), especially with the shortened action. The muzzle flash and eardrum splitting sound waves are severely reduced once again thanks to it being 9mm and the square shape of the muzzle device allows for very convenient shooting from cover and concealment. I think this is where that argument we talked about earlier would come into play because although I agree this was likely designed for effect Its is still extremely competent at doing a job, and pairing that with a cartridge like 9mm you could sling some serious dick, this is super effective for close range. Hell it could even be used effectively for PSYOPS in compact areas like buildings; with some small unit tactics all that extra flashing and noise could for sure breed some uncertainty and confusion into opposing forces.

  Final Thoughts: Would I recommend this product? Shit Yeah, the LAF-14 Sucks dick in a good way! I am super stoked I got to work on this review even though It didn't quite turn out the way I planned it DID turn out a way I'm happy with. JMAC Customs is a great company to buy from with superior quality goods and a team behind the logo that actually cares about the firearm community and seems to know what they are doing. Please do go check them out they are putting out new innovative products all the time without dropping the quality on the goods they have become known for. JMAC is also a great place to look for small hard to find odds and ends like adaptors, proprietary products and sweet Collab items. They make some of the sickest looking stocks and muzzle brakes in the game as well. Now If I could take a second to address the most beautiful, genderless, inanimate, business in the room;  JMAC, I hope I didn't hurt your feelings baby, you know I'd never want to hurt you; We can take things slow and just see where thing end up going, just....don't leave.

-Rat Bastard

@jmaccustoms

https://linktr.ee/jmaccustoms

W.A.SWOODTWORKS REVIEW

 

rat.bastard.reviews: @W.A.S.WOODTWORKS (WAS)

Disclosure: What's up fuckers? Today my obligatory disclosure is a little different, I actually traded work with this sponsor @w.a.s.woodtworks (WAS) no cash was exchanged, no freebies in exchange for an honest review. I designed a few stickers in exchange for his services and I was so impressed with his work I volunteered to review it here in the thunder-dome. Since then I have come to call this man my friend, however I do want to insist that my review will not be effected by this. WAS is already aware of this, and understands if I altered my opinion based on my personal feelings well I wouldn't have much sway to keep doing what I do, and I DO LOVE WHAT I DO. With that out of the way Id like to thank @w.a.s.woodtworks from the bottom of my heart for providing me with the ability to review your products, I wish you good health moving forward in life as well as your wife and kids. The rest of you get fucked, you have a review to read.

 

  Initial Impression: Mr.WAS has been putting out quality goods for quite some time now, he was one of the first pages I remember following after starting my IG account @rat.bastard.reviews. He himself has qualified his work as "combloc Aesthetic, Modern Styling" and with that statement I would agree; the options ranging from classic wood stylings to modern woodworking solutions available with recent updates like M-LOK and unconventional cuts to accommodate accessories or fitment issues. The work he provided to me was no exception, beautiful finish, solid build, excellent quality no issues at all. I even changed my mind about an option mid way through and he took it on the chin and kept rolling, just being a sweetheart the entire time. I also got to see the process in a few different stages as WAS would occasionally post pictures of his progress and I'd see my set being crafted. There are a ton of woodworkers on Instagram and a few of them do specialize in AK furniture, I have worked with some of them in the past that have just been world class assholes and have attempted to get ahold of some who just straight up refused to answer my questions about pricing and options. That is my favorite thing about WAS is he has never dodged my annoying questions, he has never refused me service or been an asshole He is legitimately a genuine and nice guy, AND his penis is 13".....FLACID! Can you fucking imagine? And he never even complains about his disability even though I know its causes back issues for him, and he has occasionally has dizzy spells dude. It's not all its cracked up to be.

   Breakdown: So I turned to my wife about 2 years ago and said "You know what Mrs.Bastard? I buy a lot of stupid guns, What I should be doing is ensuring that both of our little bastards have A super high quality battle ready rifle and a full sized service pistol put away just for them in case of....X". So the rifle I approached Mr.WAS about outfitting with furniture is for my 6yo daughter, a Polish franken build of FB/WBP parts from an Arms of America Kit, built by M13 industries on a Childers receiver and outfitted by @w.a.s.woodtworks. I'm very happy with it and only have a few small upgrades to do before it's put away until she is old enough to start training with it.

  The furniture provided to me from WAS is A Romanian style Dong grip lower handguard, a Sambo style grip, and a matching upper handguard to cover the gas tube. All of these were finished in the Golden Tiger Style I've admired in shame and secrecy for years. After talking to my daughter and showing her different color stains and finishes, she pointed to the Golden Tiger and said "When I get my gun, I want it to be like that!". "Perfect" I told her, "Then that is exactly what daddy will get you". It came out looking exactly like the picture, The high gloss was a perfect finish to compliment the wood and hand torched tiger stripes. My daughters eyes lit up when she saw it, every time I would put it away while waiting for her build to come back she would ask so see it again. I would hand her the wood and watch as she smiled and felt it, she would smell it and laugh before saying "thank you daddy, I can't wait until we can put this on my gun".

  The build took quite a bit of time to come back as M13 stays busy to the max with various builds, when it came back everything looked really good, I put the wood on the rifle while my daughter was at school and layed it out on the bed to surprise her with it after we picked her up. I will say I didn't use the gas tube cover upper handguard, not because there was any issues with it but because I wanted to add the cheese grater upper and matching Chauffeur Custom Khyber Pass Trumpet brake. I also never requested a buttstock from WAS because I knew eventually I was going to add a Polish side folding wire Stock. She came into the room and saw her newly completed rifle and lit up like a Christmas tree. After homework she learned the battery of arms for a Kalashnikov, and talked about how beautiful her gun was and how when she gets older she's going to fire it everyday. She now uses the opportunity to concern the shit out of any adult who will listen to this little beauty tell them all about her Polish Golden Tiger Kalash.

  Now that you know the real story of how working with WAS has personally effected me, what you should know about his work is that it really is enviable in quality, I've talked a lot about aesthetics and how beautiful his work is but what about performance? Well the ergonomics are on point the grip has the perfect angle for myself but slightly more girth than your standard Combloc pistol grip and the texturing in the grip gives it a better feel instead being just completely smooth and slick. The Dong lower shares the same well executed ergonomics and the size is spot on(about 6x larger then my own and about 1/5 the size of WAS'). I'm not sure if he tests each set out beforehand or has a strict standard he adheres to but it is as close to what I need for myself comfort wise as you can get. Now I do have one minor complaint, and I knew I was going to have to bring it up here and that is the lower handguard is just ever so slightly loose. Its not loose enough to rattle or shake or even effect the performance Its just enough that I can barely wiggle it a bit on there. I like em' tight! especially when by design you are supposed to crank down some pressure on it like a Dong is meant to be handled, LIKE A FUCKIN' MAN. Now that being said this is an AKM and its not all plug and play like an AR, each one is slightly different and when hand fitting it's really almost impossible to get it 100% dead on without having the firearm in front of you which he did not. Its actually astounding that he was able to get it as well executed and tight as he did for being a one man show in a small operation, So for now I'll give him and his massive trouser snake a break and let that shit slide. The only other thing I can really think of bringing up is that sometime after receiving my furniture set I saw him post a story updating us that he had since perfected his construction of his upper handguards and stated that there was a chance in the old ones breaking and that he would offer 1 free replacement for them if broken. This hasn't effected me because as I mentioned earlier I never used his, it was automatically swapped to a steel cheese grater upper. I still see this as a win-win, because you are getting an honest update from a manufacturer who is actively trying to perfect his craft and has already addressed the issue openly and honestly with his consumers.

  Final Thoughts: Would I recommend @w.a.s.woodtworks? fuck yes, even if he wasn't my friend; his work is impeccable, his work ethic is inspiring, and his customer service set's the standard for what all online businesses should be. Both my daughter and myself love the furniture so much I'm going back to him for the Furniture on my sons rifle (who has a soft spot for Russian Red) and getting that custom made as well, I'll probably even have him do matching grips for the kids service pistols in time as well. Currently if you are interested in going through WAS for commissioned furniture you will have to get ahold of him through his Instagram or by email as he doesn't have an active website at the time of writing this. I can see that changing in the near future, and will try to update this review if that happens as I know he wants to start doing this full time.

-Rat Bastard

#RAISEMONEYFORWASPENILEREDUCTIONSURGERY

@w.a.s.woodtworks

@wasanchez138@gmail.com

KALASHNICUP REVIEW

 

rat.bastard.reviews: KALASHNICUP (KC)

   Disclosure: I'm starting this review by thanking KALASHNICUP (KC) for providing these materials to me for review. I approached KC at likely the worst time and they were still kind enough to agree to sponsor our review today, by donating a 30oz Bakelite style Tumbler & 12oz Bakelite Style mug. The products being reviewed by myself today were provided to me free of charge in order to reach the largest collective audience with a fair and critical review. My analysis however, will not be effected by receiving these items free of charge. Today we talk about......CUPS of course,  Here we go!

   We find ourselves with something a little different and yet a bit of the same, in keeping with tradition our focus is that of a hazy slanted eye trembling under the awesome power of the Kalashnikov Master-race. Yes, it is true your hourly prayers to the Combloc lords under finger worn Bakelite rosary recitals have been answered. Repetitive whispers reproduced like compulsions; habitually praying for more, like relics manufactured continuously in a Cosmoline covered factory line. Machine like precision to appease the consumers, but does it evoke happiness? 

   Breakdown: KALASHNICUP is a fairly new small company, with its ETSY shop having been opened only this year (2021) and they make..... well cups. These cups are inspired by the stylings of highly sought after accessories for Combloc weapons and firearms. Some of the Items they feature for sale are tumblers, coffee or "KOFE" cups, and sports bottles. All of these items KC hand paints to resemble materials that are in general no longer created due to their toxicity such as Bakelite (Bakelite is still used for some approved applications in the same way we use Asbestos, very sparingly and under strict control).

   Smart move really, because the creation of this material has been largely outlawed; that means what's here is here and we ain't gettin' no more. This of course has made these accessories highly sought after, driving the price up and the supply down. In response to this companies have been creating look-a-like accessories called "FAKELITE" to supplement the demand and offer an alternative for those of us that love the classic aesthetic and aren't willing to sell our bodies on the street for firearms accessories.

   KALASHNICUP has in turn seemingly jumped on the reproduction train in order to cash out on the Kalash-nerds and Combloc kids with a pretty nice line of cups. The selection for finishes' that i've seen floating around between KALASHNICUP's Instagram and ETSY are Classic Orange bakelite as seen on the AKM, Plum as seen on the AK-74, and "Beaver Barf" likely inspired by the Czechoslovakian-VZ.58, However the cups I received reminded me more of the Red Bakelite grips you often see on 60's Romy Kits, versus the pictures taken and shared by other Customers on KC's ETSY shop.

   I couldn't find any branding on either of the cups I received however I will tell you both appear to be a modernized double wall insulated steel cup. You can likely compare these to any other random cup accessible daily by you and I, and I want to clarify this isn't meant to bash KALASHNICUP at all, we are talking about a VERY VERY small operation and the attracting point of the product is its Aesthetic. That being said the cups are fine, the coffee cup keeps Coffee hot and the Tumbler keeps my cold drinks cold. The lids are clear and easy to clean, and the gasket holds a hell of a seal, good god you have to summon the strength of your ancestors to take these bitches off. 

   But here's the thing, and I worried about this going into the review; 6. 6 washes, in a standard wash and dry cycle dishwasher is what it took for the finish to start peeling off these cups. I already KNOW some of you fuckheads are going to say "But Rat, you should know they are handwash only" Listen to me when I say this, You are probably correct in that, had I handwashed them MAYBE I would have gotten 15,30,50,100,250,500 uses out of them before they started to peel, maybe not. I don't know honestly, and that's not how I operate. I do these reviews from an "Everyman" perspective, The way I approach these is how I Perceive at least 75% of consumers would in their daily life. Like most middle class Americans I am overworked and have to prioritize everything in life, Handwashing when I have a readily available dishwasher doesn't make the cut. 

  Special Mentions:  As I mentioned earlier I couldn't find any indication of branding as far as a stamping or embossment on these cups, but WHOEVER is creating them has cracked a code others have been struggling with since the invention of the cup. Both the tumbler and coffee cup have fit  effortlessly into every cup holder I have tested them in, like a sword in its sheath; Amazing. The tumbler Has seen usage on my days off including outdoor usage, however the coffee cup has seen usage nearly every other day since receiving it. My testing for this review included What I perceived to be standard usage, washing, fitment testing, and exposure to different elements incrementally.

  Final Thoughts: I love the Idea, and I love the Aesthetic, and I love the history behind it But if you plan on taking care of these cups like I did then it is a pointless purchase. Unless KALASHNICUP starts using some kind or enamel or protective coating your enjoyment is going to be short lived. That being said, If you are the type of person that doesn't mind handwashing dishes or perhaps you use it as an "office" cup where you are forced to handwash after its daily usage and keep it at work then I feel like you are going to be very happy with your purchase, because you will likely greatly extend its life. I would be so stoked to get something like this as a gift I'm a history nerd, a Kalash fanatic and someone who loves their Slavic heritage its just a bit high maintenance for my lifestyle. And Because Of that I think They are worth the asking price for the right person, just be sure to caveat that its "handwash only" if getting it as a gift.  

-Rat Bastard

@KALASHNICUP

https://www.etsy.com/shop/Kalashnicup

OSHGOSHKALASH REVIEW

rat.bastard.reviews: OSHGOSHKALASH

  Disclosure: Let me start by saying how honored I am, to be not only reviewing OSHGOSHKALASH (OGK) but for this to be my first published civilian sector review. Additionally I must acknowledge that OGK has in fact sent me several items for review free of charge, I have also purchased some of these Items with my own money in a separate transaction before disclosing my intent to review. My analysis and final review will not be effected by receiving these items free of charge.

  Initial Impression: They look just as advertised and are printed on a solid fucking shirt. OGK uses next level tees, they are soft as hell, slightly fitted, hold applied graphics well, and hold color well after several months of steady use and regular washing.

  Breakdown: Sawyer, the man behind OGK might be one of the nicest guys to walk the planet and the way he approaches his brand and customer service is incredible. In dealing with him, he has landed a lifetime customer on my end. I love combloc weapons and culture in general, this is my Ancestry. I have a soft spot for Kalashnikov's and most people will know his products for showcasing some of the worlds most prolific Kalashnikov production facilities. at this point I have 1 hat and 5 shirts and they are definitely my most worn tee's. 

  OGK does an amazing job at reproducing the stampings and proof-marks we've come to associate with our import rifles and other combloc weapons such as Tokarev's & Makarov's among others. OGK produce's modern and retro designs based around these to create an officially licensed feel. If I had a way to justify it to my wife I would be buying a new tee with every paycheck, I mean this honestly I want to own about 90% of what he produces which is admittedly insane and obnoxious. At the time of ordering OGK will work with you, in order to customize colors and styles as well. I have two custom tee's from them and have every intent on getting more as time allows.

  The fit, the standard next level tee's, don't seem to stretch much after wearing and don't really shrink much after washing, they feel phenomenal and look great. If your body shape falls anywhere between slightly skinnier then average through slightly more-to-love you will be happy with the fit. The shirts are only slightly fitted and look good on shoulders, biceps, traps and chest. Where I don't think you will be happy with the fit is on the fringe polar ends of the spectrum, this type of fit can leave very skinny individuals looking even more frail and conversely wont do you any favors with larger love handles either. The good news is OGK is dedicated to fitting the product around you, and will track down your favorite tee, and slap the graphic design of your choice on it. 

  Pricing is very reasonable, they offer free shipping over $35 and occasional discount codes are posted on the OGK Instagram page. In my experience pricing has not changed after customization and what you're being charged seems to go towards premium tees and rock solid transfer material to keep your shirt prints looking as fresh as day 1 pre-wash. OGK's pricing often beats out large competition for better quality and once you factor in free shipping and discount codes, It really doesn't make sense to go through the licensed distributor without checking Sawyer's prices first.

  Special Mentions: I did receive a shirt with a small tear on the seams during my first order, it was about dime sized and folded in on itself which made me believe it was just missed during OGK's inspection pre-shipment. I contacted Sawyer and told him about the issue, he replaced the item for free with the same shirt in a custom color and allowed me to keep the original which I have since folded and thrown in my "SHTF/Bugout Bag" where I keep some spare gear and clothes as a quick grab and go option for you guessed it, when shit hits the fan. OGK also does occasional giveaways on there Instagram @oshgoshkalash, and is very open to working with you to make sure you are happy with the product you are getting. 

  Final Thoughts: OGK products are great conversation starters and are perfect for firearms enthusiasts, combloc collectors, and history nerds. I cant recommend these highly enough, my super-fandom may feel fabricated but its not; I honestly wish I could be sponsored by these guys but I suck at everything. I think before you pay the money and go through a merch department for an overpriced cotton tee from some of these big companies like Zastava or Arsenal you should give Sawyer and OSHGOSHKALASH a try, his quality, pricing and customization option puts him a few heads above the actual distributors. You can find his Instagram handle and Etsy shop link below, as well as pictures of the products I purchased and received during the analysis and review process.

-Rat Bastard

@oshgoshkalash

www.etsy.com/shop/OshGoshKalash