FIREARMS SAFETY 0 RULES OF SAFE GUN HANDLING. ALWAYS KEEP THE MUZZLE POINTED IN A SAFE DIRECTION. FIREARMS SHOULD BE UNLOADED WHEN NOT ACTUALLY IN USE 3. DON T RELY ON YOUR GUN S SAFETY 4. BE SURE OF YOUR TARGET AND WHAT S BEYOND IT 5. USE CORRECT AMMUNITION 6. IF YOUR GUN FAILS TO FIRE WHEN THE TRIGGER IS PULLED, HANDLE WITH CARE! 7. ALWAYS WEAR EYE AND EAR PROTECTION WHEN SHOOTING 8. BE SURE THE BARREL IS CLEAR OF OBSTRUCTIONS BEFORE SHOOTING 9. DON T ALTER OR MODIFY YOUR GUN IN AN UNSAFE MANNER, AND HAVE YOUR GUN SERVICED REGULARLY 0. LEARN THE MECHANICAL AND HANDLING CHARACTERISTICS OF THE FIREARM YOU ARE USING WARNING: SAFE USE OF A FIREARM IS YOUR PERSONAL RESPONSIBILITY AND THE FAILURE TO FOLLOW ALL BASIC SAFETY RULES MAY RESULT IN THE SEVERE PERSONAL INJURY OR DEATH TO YOU OR OTHERS AND DAMAGE TO PROPERTY. YOU ARE THE MOST IMPORTANT SAFETY DEVICE WHEN IT COMES TO THE USE OF YOUR FIREARM AND AKLYS DEFENSE WILL NOT BE RESPONSIBLE FOR ANY PERSONAL INJURY, DEATH, OR PROPERTY DAMAGE THAT RESULTS FROM: THE CRIMINAL OR NEGLIGENT USE OF THIS FIREARM; DISREGARDING OF SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS AND WARNINGS; IMPROPER OR CARELESS HANDLING OF THIS FIREARM, THE USE OF NON- STANDARD, DEFECTIVE, OR IMPROPER AMMUNITION, OR IMPROPER OR NEGLIGENT MODIFICATIONS OR REPAIRS TO FIREARM. READ THE INSTRUCTIONS AND WARNINGS IN THIS MANUAL CAREFULLY BEFORE USING THIS FIREARM 9683 Mammoth Avenue, Baton Rouge LA 7084 www.aklysdefense.com 3
PARTS LIST CONTENTS 0 4 5 3 Stock Body Left Side Stock Body Right Side 3 Trigger Cam PRIOR TO ASSEMBLY, CHECK PARTS AND ENSURE THAT ALL PARTS ARE ACCOUNTED FOR 3 4 5 6 7 8 6 4 Magazine Release 7 5 Old-Style Magazine Release Insert 6 Safety Detent 9 8 7 Safety 8 Shell Deflector 9 Charging Handle 0 Left Side Trigger Plate #8-3 x / Bolt Right Side Trigger Plate 3 Trigger Bar with Trigger Reset Spring 4 Two #6-3x/4 Button-head Bolts 5 Four #-56 x Trigger Plate Bolts 6 #8-3 x 3-/4 Body Bolts 7 #8-3 Body Nuts 8 Barrel Rings and High Temp O-ring If any parts are missing please call -5-46-787 or email zk@aklysdefense.com THIS PARTS KIT IS ONLY COMPATIBLE WITH THE RUGER 0/ CARBINE, COMPACT * AND SPORTER MODELS This kit modifies the Ruger 0/ Rifle It is your responsibility to ensure that any modifications you apply are legal and comply with all NFA regulations and local and state laws, rules and regulations. * Using a barrel shorter than 8.5 inches will make the ZK- less than 6 inches overall. All NFA rules apply. Overview and Message from Aklys Defense Preparing your Ruger 0/ for Conversion 3 Unpacking the ZK- Components 4 Assembling the ZK- 5 Assembling the Trigger Bar 5 Stock Installation Left Side 6 Trigger Cam Set-up 7 O-ring Installation 0 Safety Installation Charging Handle Installation 3 Installing the Magazine Release 3 Stock Installation Right Side 5 Optional Shell Deflector 7 Assembly Tips and Tricks 7 Final Function Test 8 Function and Use of the ZK- 9 Magazine Insertion 9 Loading 0 Unloading 0 Manual Safety Magazine Use in the ZK- Compatible Magazine Types Storing the ZK- Be sure to look for new accessories for the Aklys Defense ZK- www.aklysdefense.com/zk All content, unless stated otherwise, is property and copyright of Aklys Defense. ZK- is a trademark of Aklys Defense. Ruger and 0/ are registered U.S. trademarks of Sturm, Ruger & Co., Inc. ZK- fitted with standard Ruger 0/ 8.5 barrel Patent Number US D69340
OVERVIEW AND MESSAGE FROM AKLYS DEFENSE Thank you for purchasing the Aklys Defense ZK- bullpup conversion kit for the Ruger 0/ The development of the ZK- has been the result of eight years of research, development, testing, and continuously pushing the boundaries to create what we see as the perfect bullpup stock platform. We are very proud of the end result and hope that you will appreciate the attention to detail, choice of materials, and the thought that has gone into the design of the ZK-, as well as the superior shooting experience it provides. The Aklys Defense ZK- conversion kit turns the Ruger 0/ from an already capable rifle into a highly versatile and configurable bullpup rifle that is perfect for hunting, recreational use, and competitive shooting. The design provides improved stability, ergonomics, and usability, that shooters of every experience level and physical dimension can appreciate. It has also been designed to be fully ambidextrous for both left-handed and right-handed shooters. The. was just the start keep an eye out for other great developments based on the ZK bullpup ergonomics. The ZK- would not have been possible without the team around me, the support of professionals in the firearms industry, our friends that have stood by us, and most importantly, our ever-patient families. Thanks again for the continued support. Joe Meaux Founder, Aklys Defense PREPARING YOUR RUGER 0/ FOR CONVERSION ALWAYS MAKE SURE YOUR GUN IS UNLOADED BEFORE HANDLING AND DISASSEMBLY Remove the magazine and check the chamber for ammunition. Make sure the chamber is empty and gun is on safe. Please read the owners manual that came with your Ruger 0/ for further instructions. The manual may also be found here: www.ruger.com/products/_manuals/0.pdf Verifying that the gun is unloaded. The first step is to remove the barrel band. Ensure the screwdriver fits properly to avoid marring the screw. The screw does NOT have to be completely removed, this was done for illustrative purposes. Slide off the barrel band. 3 Next unscrew the bedding screw from underneath. Again please make sure the screwdriver fits properly. 4 Place the safety in the middle position, then lift the gun out of the stock. The screw does not have to be completely removed, this was done for illustrative purposes only. 5 Next flip the rear sight down. 3 PS: If at anytime you have any feedback, issues, recommendations, or great stories to share, please get in touch with us. Phone: -5-46-787 Email: zk@aklysdefense.com 5 #AklysDefense #ZK 4 3
UNPACKING THE ZK- COMPONENTS PLACE A STRIP OF ELECTRICAL OR MASKING TAPE ALONG BOTH SIDES ON TOP OF THE BODY UNDER THE CHARGING HANDLE TO PROTECT THEM FROM GETTING BLEMISHED WHILE ASSEMBLING OR DISASSEMBLING THE STOCK. ASSEMBLING THE ZK- Assembling the Trigger Bar Place the Ruger 0/ upside down on a level surface. Grasp the ZK- trigger bar and remove the RIGHT trigger plate. Verify the trigger bar return spring is seated correctly. Place the trigger bar onto the Ruger 0/ as shown below. On each side of the ZK- trigger plates, there are markings for the LEFT and RIGHT indicated by L and R. Make sure those correspond to the correct halves of the stock. If the two trigger plates are not installed correctly, the two body halves will not seat properly and will have space in between. L Flip the safety on. Flex the charging handle up slightly while pulling up on the right shell to separate and remove the shell. All of your hardware and parts should be contained within the two shells. Please verify all the parts are included using the parts list in the front of this manual. During installation, the two receiver cross pins, the buffer pin, or any of the fire control pins may work themselves out. Make sure the pins are properly installed before completing assembly. TO KEEP THE TRIGGER BAR FROM MOVING AROUND AND POSSIBLY WARPING OR SCRATCHING THE BARREL, USE A SMALL PIECE OF TAPE AND SECURE IT AROUND BARREL AND TRIGGER BAR. Start with the LEFT trigger plate and push it directly onto the trigger bar. From the hardware pack use two #-56 (the smallest) bolts, using the provided Allen key, thread bolts into the trigger bar. The screw hole is pre-tensioned and will cut threads into the bar. Insert the bolts from the top of the trigger bar as shown above. Make sure NOT to over tighten the #-56 bolts. They only need to be snug. 4 5
Stock Installation Left Side Place the Ruger 0/ with the trigger bar and LEFT trigger plate into the stock. Trigger Cam Set-up THE FOLLOWING DIRECTIONS ARE CRITICAL TO OBTAINING A FUNCTIONAL AND QUALITY TRIGGER PULL. PLEASE READ CAREFULLY. An important step in the function of your ZK- assembly is the trigger cam. It was designed to take up the slack that can be found in most bull-pup triggers. If you have a Match or equivalent trigger installed, it will ensure you keep the best possible trigger pull. DOUBLE CHECK THAT YOUR MAGAZINE IS REMOVED, AND YOUR CHAMBER IS EMPTY BEFORE PROCEEDING ANY FURTHER. Remove the trigger cam from the poly parts bag. Make sure the Safety on your Ruger 0/ is off, and the LEFT trigger plate had both #-56 bolts attached. Also verify none of the pins on the Ruger 0/ have fallen out. It should look like this when it is seated correctly into the ZK- stock. IMPORTANT: DO NOT PUSH OR SEAT THE TRIGGER CAM ALL THE WAY DOWN ONTO THE SPLINED POST UNTIL AFTER THE REST OF THE INFORMATION HAS BEEN FOLLOWED. ONCE THE TRIGGER CAM HAS BEEN FULLY SEATED, IT CAN BE DIFFICULT TO REMOVE. Hold the trigger cam over the splined post on the trigger bar and rotate the cam around until it is positioned to makes contact with the trigger. Refer to Steps 3 and 4 on page 8 for optimal angle. 3 Ensure the rear sight fits, as shown in the sight relief cavity in the stock, as shown in the illustration. 3 6 7
DO NOT rotate it higher up on the trigger. DO NOT leave it in this position against the trigger or your Ruger 0/ will not reset the trigger correctly. 6 When the trigger functions and resets, no further adjustment is necessary. The trigger cam can be pressed into place. 6 3 Rotate the trigger cam further down to add leverage to it for a better trigger pull. 4 After making contact with the trigger, back off the trigger cam ONE spline leaving a slight gap between the trigger cam and the trigger as shown. 3 4 7 Now push the RIGHT side trigger plate into place. 5 After placing the trigger cam in position, follow this semi-automatic function test of the firearm using the following sequence: 7 ON SAFE: Pull the charging handle to the rear and release. Place the selector on SAFE. Pull the trigger, and the hammer should NOT fall. OFF SAFE: Pull the trigger and hold to the rear. The hammer should fall. Continue to hold the trigger to the rear, pull the charging handle to the rear, and release it, then release the trigger with a slow, smooth motion until the trigger is fully forward. You should hear an audible click of trigger resetting, but the hammer should NOT fall. PULL THE TRIGGER: The hammer should fall. Repeat function test twice. 5 8 Secure the RIGHT trigger plate with the remaining two #-56 bolts. 8 9 Using a #8x3 - / bolt, attach both trigger side plates through the hole provided by the trigger cam. 9 8 9
O-Ring Installation IF USING A.90 BULL BARREL YOU CAN SKIP THE FOLLOWING DIRECTIONS FOR INSTALLATION OF THE O-RING AND BARREL RINGS ENSURE THE BARREL IS A MINIMUM OF 8.5 INCHES. ALL NFA RULES APPLY. 3 Next, find the LEFT and RIGHT barrel rings. The barrel rings will support the O-ring by holding it in place in the center grove. Each side has a corresponding notch that fits into the correct side of the ZK- body (shown to the right). Place the LEFT barrel ring in the body like shown above. 3 If you are using a standard diameter Ruger 0/ barrel, you will need to use the high temp O-ring and the LEFT and RIGHT barrel rings. The O-ring centers the barrel in the stock. The O-ring needs to go on over the front sight. Start from the bottom of the barrel and roll the O-ring upwards, over the front sight. The rounded edge on the top of front sight will assist in it s installation. After the O-ring is behind the sight, roll it upwards towards the ZK- stock. 4 Slide the O-ring toward the barrel ring, lift the barrel slightly and put the O-ring into the channel in the barrel ring (as shown below). 4 5 5 After that, place the RIGHT barrel ring on top of the O-ring. 0
Safety Installation The next step is placing the safety and the safety detent into the body. The safety will need to be installed in a neutral (middle) position. Place the safety onto the peg shown above. Make sure it moves freely, verifying that the safety locks and unlocks onto the hook on the trigger. Charging Handle Installation Now the charging handle is ready to be installed. Place the charging handle in the slot right above the receiver. The stop on the charging handle (circled in white) should be placed in the corresponding stop in the stock. PLACE A STRIP OF TAPE ALONG BOTH SIDES OF THE ZK-, ON TOP OF THE BODY (UNDER THE FRONT TRAVEL AREA OF THE CHARGING HANDLE) TO PROTECT THE BODY FROM GETTING BLEMISHED WHILE ASSEMBLING THE CHARGING HANDLE AND THE REST OF THE BODY. Verify the safety detent moves in and out freely without obstruction and does not stick into place. Install the safety detent. The safety detent will only fit in one direction. Installing the Magazine Release The first step is to determine which magazine release will be needed to function properly. The ZK- has two different magazine release options. One is for the old-style Ruger 0/ magazine release and one for the new-style lever with the extended thumb tab. Check which release you have on your Ruger 0/ receiver and use the specified ZK- magazine release set-up OLD-STYLE NEW STYLE THE SAFETY DETENT SHOULD HAVE POSITIVE FORCE ENGAGEMENT TO THE SAFETY IN BOTH DIRECTIONS (ON AND OFF) IF THERE IS SLOP IN EITHER DIRECTION, PLEASE CONTACT AKLYS DEFENSE IMMEDIATELY! DO NOT ATTEMPT TO REPAIR THE PROBLEM. If you have checked and you do have the old-style magazine release, set-up the old-style magazine release by sliding the insert into the magazine release until snug. Skip this step if you have a new-style magazine release. 3
Once it has been determined which ZK- magazine release set-up is required, set the magazine release into the slot as shown below. Stock Installation Right Side Once all the interior components have been installed and function properly, the RIGHT side of the body may be installed. Lower the right side of the body onto the LEFT side carefully. Illustrations depict the Ruger old-style magazine release system 3 It should slide up and down freely. Make sure to lift the charging handle slightly to ease the RIGHT side into its proper position. The ZK- stock should POP together once the charging handle is lifted. 3 There should be a very slight amount of pressure against the Ruger magazine release once it is installed. We have found on rare occasion the magazine release may apply too much pressure on the Ruger magazine release and cause the magazine to be pulled free. In the event this occurs, please contact Aklys Defense immediately. There are other after-market magazine releases that will NOT function correctly in the ZK-. Please contact Ruger for replacement parts. THERE ARE AFTER-MARKET MAGAZINE RELEASES THAT WILL NOT FUNCTION WITH THE ZK-. 4 5
3 Select the hardware pack and remove 3 - #8x3 bolts. There should be () 3/4 and () / bolts for the body. A single / #8x3 bolt is designed to fit the hole in the center of the Picatinny rail on the ZK-. When installing the nuts and bolts. The easiest way to install the 3 nuts on the body, is to use a bolt and thread the nut on ONE revolution with your fingers onto the bolt. Set the nut in place and un-thread the bolt releasing the nut into the pocket. 3 Optional Shell Deflector The optional shell deflector can be installed for left-handed shooters. Use the two #6-3x/4 button-head bolts to secure it in place. 4 Leave the gun in the same position (ejection side down) when installing the nuts. Use a #8x3 bolt and insert it through the bottom into the nut. Make sure it starts to grab the nut before moving on. DO NOT OVER TIGHTEN THE BOLTS, JUST SNUG THEM DOWN. 4 IF YOU DO NOT INSTALL THE SHELL DEFLECTOR, JUST SCREW THE BOLTS IN TO AVOID COLLECTION OF DEBRIS IN THE HOLES Assembly Tips and Tricks 5 Start from the center of the ZK- and work outward in the sequence shown below. Place a screw in each hole with a corresponding nut each time. DO NOT tighten the bolts until ALL the body screws are in. Once you have all the nuts and bolts in, you may begin to tighten them down. 7 8 3 5 4 3 6 9 5 0 When you are installing the first side of the trigger plate, the trigger bar could hang free. You can use a piece of masking tape or a rubber band to lightly hold the trigger bar to the barrel. The bar can be bent if allowed to hang free and excess pressure is applied while threading or manipulating it while threading screws. Remove tape or rubber band before attempting the first fitment into the stock. The splined trigger cam is very snug to retain the assembly and ensure there is no play. Always rotate the cam to the bottom-most position possible, this gives you the optimum leverage on the trigger. Make sure the action is cycled and the trigger bar is fully forward, place the cam on the shaft but don t engage the splines. Rotate the cam downwards (think the heavy side down) until it just touches the trigger and back off one spline and seat it. This will get you close. If you need to readjust or remove the cam, a thin, flat blade screwdriver will allow you to start the removal and get it to the point you can take it off. If it becomes troublesome to remove take the side plate off to remove the cam. 6 After all the nuts have been snugged down, turn each bolt an additional quarter turn. 6 The hex pockets for the body nuts are a very close fit. If you drop the nut in, it will likely tip and you will not be able to thread it. With the nut side of the stock up, take a nut and thread it onto a long screw about half a turn. place it in socket and then un-thread the screw leaving the nut flat and at the bottom of the socket. Only use graphite dry lubricants on polymer parts. If you prefer your charging handle to operate a little looser, you can gently flex the detent down to lessen the pressure and ease the fly forward action when charging. Do not press further than /8 as this will deform or possibly break the detent off. 6 7
FUNCTION AND USE OF THE ZK- Final Function Test WARNING: DO NOT ATTEMPT TO USE THE ZK- WITHOUT PERFORMING THIS FINAL FUNCTION TEST, DOING SO MAY RESULT IN THE SEVERE PERSONAL INJURY OR DEATH TO YOU OR OTHERS AND DAMAGE TO PROPERTY. DO NOT PERFORM THIS TEST WITH A LOADED MAGAZINE. PLACE ALL AMMUNITION IN A SEPARATE AREA TO AVOID INADVERTENTLY LOADING THE ZK- DURING FUNCTION TEST. After completing assembly of the ZK- perform the following function test to ensure that all functions operate correctly. Repeat the semi-automatic function test of the firearm using the following sequence: ON SAFE: Pull the charging handle to the rear and release. Place the selector on SAFE. Pull the trigger, and the hammer should NOT fall. OFF SAFE: Pull the trigger and hold to the rear. The hammer should fall. Continue to hold the trigger to the rear, pull the charging handle to the rear, and release it, then release the trigger with a slow, smooth motion until the trigger is fully forward. You should hear an audible click of trigger resetting, but the hammer should NOT fall. PULL THE TRIGGER: The hammer should fall. MAGAZINE SEATING: Verify you are using an empty magazine, insert magazine into magazine well and apply pressure until you hear an audible click. WARNING: SAFE USE OF A FIREARM IS YOUR PERSONAL RESPONSIBILITY AND THE FAILURE TO FOLLOW ALL BASIC SAFETY RULES MAY RESULT IN THE SEVERE PERSONAL INJURY OR DEATH TO YOU OR OTHERS AND DAMAGE TO PROPERTY. YOU ARE THE MOST IMPORTANT SAFETY DEVICE WHEN IT COMES TO THE USE OF YOUR FIREARM AND AKLYS DEFENSE WILL NOT BE RESPONSIBLE FOR ANY PERSONAL INJURY, DEATH, OR PROPERTY DAMAGE THAT RESULTS FROM: THE CRIMINAL OR NEGLIGENT USE OF THIS FIREARM; DISREGARDING OF SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS AND WARNINGS; IMPROPER OR CARELESS HANDLING OF THIS FIREARM, THE USE OF NON-STANDARD, DEFECTIVE, OR IMPROPER AMMUNITION, OR IMPROPER OR NEGLIGENT MODIFICATIONS OR REPAIRS TO FIREARM. The function and use of the ZK- is not much different than the use of a standard Ruger 0/. All safe handling procedures still apply. Please read the Ruger 0/ User Manual and become familiar with the instructions for handling the Ruger 0/ before attempting to use the Aklys Defense ZK-. Magazine Insertion Load the magazine as you would in your Ruger 0/ by inserting the magazine in through the bottom. If using a magazine that protrudes from the bottom of the ZK-, pull on the magazine to make sure it is in place. If you have a magazine that protudes beyond the stock, give it a pull to ensure the magazine is properly seated. If your have a standard 0-round magazine, bump the top of the stock above the magazine well. The magazine should not drop free and remain properly seated. MAGAZINE RELEASE: Push magazine release, if using a agazine protrudes beyond the stock you may need to rock the magazine forward, if using a standard 0-round magazine, you may need to bump the the stock. The magazine should fall free. Repeat function test at least twice. IF ZK- DOES NOT FUNCTION CORRECTLY AND YOU CANNOT CORRECT THE PROBLEM, CONTACT AKLYS DEFENSE IMMEDIATELY! DO NOT ATTEMPT TO USE. 8 9
Loading Charge the ZK- by pulling back the charging handle to its rear position and releasing completely. DO NOT ride the charging handle forward or the ZK- many not go into battery. 3 You may see the end of the charging handle (marked in the RED circles above) when the bolt closes. At this point the charging handle is NOT locked forward. If it is left in this condition it may slide back while being fired and be hit by the bolt or affect extraction. 4 Push the charging handle forward. You should hear an audible CLICK. The charging handle is now locked forward and will not reciprocate during shooting. Unloading 5 To release a magazine that protrudes below the stock, push the magazine release in and rock the magazine forward. When using a standard 0-round magazine, the easiest way to release the magazine is to bump the magazine release with the palm of your hand. The magazine should drop free into your hand. 6 After removing the magazine, pull the charging handle back multiple times to ensure that any cartridges are ejected and the chamber is empty. Verify that chamber is empty through magazine well. 5 3 4 Manual Safety SAFETY ON Storing the ZK- SAFETY OFF WARNING: NEVER RELY ON MECHANICAL FEATURES ALONE. ONLY YOUR SAFE FIREARM HANDLING WILL ENSURE THE SAFE USE OF YOUR FIREARM. THIS IS YOUR RESPONSIBILITY Magazine use in the ZK- IF YOU ARE UNSURE WHETHER A MAGAZINE IS SUITABLE, PLEASE CONTACT AKLYS DEFENSE The ZK- will work with most magazines designed for the Ruger 0/. Below is a list of popular magazine types that are known to function correctly, as well as those that are known not to be compatible. If you have any problems with a magazine type, please contact Aklys Defense and let us know the manufacturer, model, and the issues experienced. We will keep an up-to-date list of compatible magazines and accessories at: www.aklysdefense.com/zk Known compatible magazines Known incompatible magazines Butler Creek 5 Round, Hot Lips, Steel Lips, Ruger standard, BX-5, BX-5 MWG 50 round drum Tactical Innovations 5 Round Mag Ruger BX-50 ProMag 50-round drum WHILE NOT ACTIVELY USING THE ZK-, FOLLOW THESE RULES: ENSURE THE FIREARM IS UNLOADED AND THE SAFETY IS ENGAGED STORE THE ZK- AND ALL AMMUNITION AWAY FROM CHILDREN THE ZK- IS NOW READY FOR USE. ENSURE YOU ARE FAMILIAR WITH ALL THE CONTROLS OF THE ZK- BEFORE USING IT IN A SAFE ENVIRONMENT. 0