I've been using Mechanix gloves, but plan on upgrading to something with a bit more meat around the thumb/palm area as my Ultimak cooks my hand after about 150 rounds.
I choose the 5.56 AK because, at this time, it shares ammo with my AR and for future use I'm not dependent on foreign manufactured ammo.
I've looked at his schedule and didn't see an AK specific course anymore on the Southern Exposure website. But that will be my first stop for carbine training as I'm from Lakeland and have places to stay in that area.
I didn't see on your training calendar on TYV, but do you still do the low light/no light shooting once a month?