TWS Dog Leg Gen2 – Catastrophic Fail

August 25, 2014

Rob Ski

ak47, ak74, Railed dust cover, TWS, TWS Dog Leg, TWS Dogleg

TWS Dog Leg Gen2 is popular option on US market to mount optics on AK rifles. However, after our tests, we can’t recommend Texas Weapons System Dog Leg Gen 2 to you guys. TWS railed dust cover suffered catastrophic malfunction during our test. Because of this, weapon became unusable. When AK rifle can operate without dust cover, part of the requirement to install Dog Leg, is removal of original rear sight. In our situation, when the TWS system could be removed to continue to shoot, we would have no iron sights to rely on…hence our rifle became unserviceable at this point. In my opinion, all AK accessories, should easily survive drop from at least 6 feet on soft ground without taking any damage…It is my recommendation that all future generations of Dog Leg should have totally different / reinforced hinge system. It is beyond me, why some of the Alfa team members could be seen using this product…However, I do think that Dog Leg has a place to be used as range accessory, when you don’t need that much durability and environmental conditions are not a factor.
Please note that this is only my personal opinion. I also want to point out, that originally, Dima was clearly against using Dog Leg, because of his own experiences with it. However, I wanted to give it an honest and unbiased chance. I also want to give kudos to TWS for cooperating with us and accepting our challenge. I honestly hope to see and test Gen 3 at some point.

TWS Dog Leg Gen2 Video Review

Detailed pictures of damage

Please support the AK Operators Union now! We are accepting donations now for new testing equipment!

9 responses to “TWS Dog Leg Gen2 – Catastrophic Fail”

Asamurai

August 25, 2014

Would the Zenit Railed Cover’s hinges have survived this fall? Or a side rail mount? Is there a receiver mount you would recommend instead of the TWS cover, other then the Zenit?

Reply
1. Rob Ski
  
  August 25, 2014
  
  Check this out: http://youtu.be/6wJMX9PNsto
  
  Reply
NeophyteTroglodyte

December 17, 2015

Thanks for the videos and all the great info, Rob.

I was hoping that either the TWS Dogleg or the Parabellum Armaments AKARS would be an option for me. I have a Clinton AW Ban era Arsenal SLR 95 which is very accurate. I just picked up a Hi Lux AK scope for it, and now I’m trying to figure out how to mount it, as it has no scope rail. I intend to use it for hog hunting, and maybe some tactical training.

I’ve looked at the Zenit and the TDI, but they’re both pretty pricey options. Would you go ahead and have a receiver rail mount put on, and if so, is there one in particular you would recommend? Or should I bite the bullet and spend $300 on the Zenit or TDI? Seek out a new-old-stock AKARS? Or go with the TWS?

I’m wondering what your thoughts are as I consider my options.

Reply
1. NeophyteTroglodyte
  
  December 17, 2015
  
  Just noticed that the Zenit and TDI both seem to be for stamped receivers only. That takes them off the table as options.
  
  Reply
  1. Rob Ski
    
    December 17, 2015
    
    Yes, they are for stamped receivers only.
    
    Reply
NeophyteTroglodyte

December 29, 2015

So, Rob – Any preliminary take on the new Texas Weapons Systems v3 and whether it addresses your complaint with the v2? I just got my Bulgy style sideplate and started looking for gunsmiths to mount it for me when I saw the new version. Starting to have second thoughts. Would you mount a rail, and use the Midwest 30mm ring to hold a 1-4 scope, or would you go the Texas Weapons Systems dogleg v3 route?

Or do you think either option is a good one?

Reply
1. Rob Ski
  
  December 29, 2015
  
  It looks better. We will see…time will tell.
  
  Reply
  1. NeophyteTroglodyte
    
    December 31, 2015
    
    Rob – I’ve decided to try the TWS v3. Will let you know how I like it. Thanks again for all the great videos, and happy new year!
    
    Reply
Patrick Gardner

September 4, 2016

Everyone seems to be forgetting the fact that while possible, a drop from shoulder height with the dust cover open is highly unlikely. What kind of immediate action drill or cleaning operation would that simulate? Either way, the reason that hinge is BOLTED to the rails system is because it is designed to be a “sacrificial” part. It worked exactly as it was designed to. When the hinge tab is subjected to a bending force , instead of breaking the ears off of your rear sight block (permanently damaging the rifle) all you have to do is remove two screws and replace the hinge itself instead of the whole rail system. Kinda smart, like companies that provide sacrificial end caps for their suppressors in case you get an end cap strike. Replace a small part instead of the whole thing.

Reply