Akkar shotguns are perhaps the most divisive firearms out there. If you ask one person, they’ll sing their praises and tell you why they are the best choice for a hunter or shooting enthusiast.
Ask another person, and they might warn you about all of the potential problems that come with these guns. Quite the conundrum if you’re considering investing in an Akkar shotgun.
To determine what’s what, we need to take a closer look at the issues surrounding Akkar Shotguns. Let’s get started!
1. Misfires
If you’re experiencing misfires with your Akkar shotgun, there is likely an underlying issue. It’s possible that the firing pin isn’t striking hard enough to ignite the round or that dirt and debris have worked their way into the gun and are preventing it from functioning properly.
Many Akkar shotgun owners have noticed that their firing pins aren’t as strong as they used to be, which can cause misfires. Making matters worse, a lot of owners have experienced broken firing pins, as Akkars are known to do this on a fairly consistent basis.
The firing pin is responsible for igniting the round. It works by transferring its kinetic energy to the primer, which sets off the powder and ultimately fires the round. A broken or weakened firing pin can cause misfires, jams, and other issues.
How to Fix It
There are a few available options to choose from, so let’s start with the simplest one and move on to more complex solutions if needed. Consider using different shells first to see if that does the trick. If you’ve already tried various brands without any positive results, it means your problem lies elsewhere than in the quality of ammunition.
So if shells aren’t your issue, you should make sure that the firing pin is in good condition by having it inspected by a gunsmith or replacing it altogether.
A new firing pin will more often than not solve the problem. However, if it doesn’t, then you may need to look into cleaning or replacing other parts of your Akkar shotgun.
2. Weight
Depending on the shotgun in question, your Akkar may feel like it’s too light. And there is more than one model that suffers from this issue. Take the Churchill 820 or 220, for example. With weights that clock in at just a little over 6 pounds, these shotguns are noticeably lighter than other brands’ makes and models.
The average shotgun weights about 7.5 pounds, so you’re losing about 1.5 pounds of weight with an Akkar. That may not sound like much, but it can make a big difference in the way that your gun feels and handles.
How to Fix It
If you’re looking for a way to add more weight to your Akkar, there are several options available. One is to install a heavier barrel. This can add up to 2 pounds of additional weight, which will make a noticeable difference in how the gun feels when shooting.
Another option is to use a muzzle brake or compensator. These devices are designed to reduce recoil and muzzle climb, and they can also add some additional weight.
Finally, you can add weights to the gun itself. This is a fairly inexpensive option that can help balance out the gun and make it feel more natural when you’re shooting.
3. Jamming
One of the most common complaints about Akkar shotguns is that they tend to jam fairly often. This can be an incredibly frustrating issue, especially when you’re trying to get off a quick shot during an important hunt.
If you’re considering buying an Akkar shotgun got home defense, the last thing you want is for it to jam when you need it most. So why does this happen?
The underlying cause of most jams in Akkar shotguns is the design of the gun itself. Akkars are known for having extractors that are too weak, meaning they can’t properly remove spent shells from the gun. This can lead to jamming, as well as other issues.
How to Fix It
The good news is that there are a few ways to fix this issue. One is by replacing the extractor with an aftermarket one that’s stronger and better designed than the factory model. You can also look into buying a different model of Akkar that has a sturdier extractor.
If you have the time and resources, you can attempt to modify the existing extractor yourself. This is a more advanced option and should only be attempted by experienced gunsmiths or people with extensive knowledge of how guns work.
4. Double Feeding
Another common issue with Akkar shotguns is that they have a tendency to double-feed. Double feeding means when you try to load a new shell, the gun will attempt to chamber two rounds at once.
As you can imagine, this can be incredibly dangerous and lead to misfires or worse. So what causes this issue?
In most cases, it’s due to the extractor not being strong enough. Again, this is a design flaw in many Akkar shotguns, as the factory extractor isn’t able to grip shells properly and get them into the chamber.
It’s also possible that the problem stems from the magazine spring being too weak. If the spring isn’t strong enough, it can cause problems with feeding shells into the chamber.
How to Fix It
Some of the same solutions as above apply here. You can buy a stronger aftermarket extractor or opt for a different model of Akkar that has a better-designed one. Additionally, you can replace the magazine spring with a stronger one or simply get an aftermarket magazine that has a better, more reliable design.
Finally, you can look into modifying the existing extractor and/or magazine spring yourself. Again, this is only recommended for people with extensive knowledge of guns and gunsmithing.
No matter which solution you choose, it’s important to make sure that you are addressing the underlying issue. Otherwise, you may find yourself dealing with double feeding issues again in the future.
Growing up, John loved learning about the components of firearms and what makes them work, which still intrigues him to this day. He’s a very outdoorsy person, and he loves fishing, hunting, and skeet shooting. He is a firm believer in the Second Amendment and the right to bear arms.
