AK 47 owners, what is this?

[DSmith78]

Put a hogue grip on my saiga ak47 tonight and for the first time noticed this silver tab by the trigger. I just recently bought this gun but honestly have never noticed it there before tonight. What is this and should it be hanging down by the trigger this way? Its kinda in the way of pulling the trigger honestly. Thanks

 

[ghitch75]

never seen that on any AK's i have had?

 

[MikeyB]

It's a bolt hold open. Pull the changing handle back and press up on the tap, let the bolt ride forward and it will stop. Nice little feature on Saiga.

 

[DSmith78]

sweet. just tried it and it works. thanks for the answer!

 

[MikeyB]

good for range use!

 

[1911ly]

I have seen similar levers that you have to press so you can unload a unfired round? Just a SWAG.

Edit: Ingor me. MikeyB just nailed it.

 

[vitamink]

Modification help:

if you find that your finger inadvertently hits the "button" you can shave it down so it doesn't protrude as much. I usually install the trigger group, the fully depress the button. I then take a pencil or scribe and scratch a line. You can then remove the lever and grind it down to just above the line. The button will still work but it'll be about half the length cutting down on accidental engagements.

 

[tradertator]

^ I found myself doing that and inadvertently locking the bolt back. Took it out, and used a notched bho styled selector lever instead.