December 12, 2011
By Robert W. Hunnicutt
There seems to be no limit to what can be made to look like an AR-15, and now the breed has expanded into scatterguns. The firing controls are the same as the AR's, but underneath the skin, the MKA 1919 is a very different gun. There may prove to be hunting and defensive applications, but mainly, it's just fun to shoot. Read about it in the 2/1 issue of SGN.
Magazine capacity Magazine capacity is five. Separate magazines are provided for 2 3/4-inch and 3-inch ammo. Magazine bodies are steel, so they weigh in at more than 11 ounces.
Shooting the MKA 1919 The MKA 1919 is a big gun, but comfortable to shoot, with very mild recoil. Triggering off five-shot strings with 3-inch steel shot loads was no problem.
The Akdal MKA 1919 The Akdal MKA 1919 bears a general resemblance to an AR, but the similarities are mostly skin-deep. It proved reliable and fun to shoot in SGN testing.
The lower receiver The lower receiver is a large plastic part that incorporates the pistol grip and buttstock. It fits into a dovetail in the upper receiver, retained by a bolt.
The rear sight The rear sight is in A2 configuration, though with a notch in place of the peep in one leg of the flip aperture. The plastic carry handle is easily removable.
The front of the lower receiver The front of the lower receiver has a complex shape that locates it both laterally and longitudinally. There is no hinge as you'd expect on an AR.
The gas system The gas system is intended to compensate for 2 3/4-inch and 3-inch ammunition. The ring and heavy spring in front of the barrel gas ring allow excess gas to escape.
