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Lower Handguard Retainer Issues - UPDATE
12/9/2010 10:05:36 PM
I acquired a new AK47 and it is excellent except for one small issue, the lower handguard retainer. Basically it is canted to the left (if holding the rifle) and I would like to level it back out. It currently turns the lower handguard so that both the lower/upper do not line up and it's kind of an eye sore. Everything else on the barrel is lined up perfectly other than the lower handguard retainer.
Any suggestions regarding how I could turn the lower handguard retainer? Any info would be greatly appreciated.
Any suggestions regarding how I could turn the lower handguard retainer? Any info would be greatly appreciated.
12/10/2010 1:30:05 AM
the slot that was cut onto the barrel for the locking lever was cut cockeyed. so unless you want to screw around and dremel of the barrel to make the slot straight (which I wouldn't do). it's either that or learned to live with it, or send it back for another one, if it really bothers you.
12/10/2010 2:22:59 AM
If the slot in the barrel is off, I suppose you could even it out with a chainsaw file. That's how I added those slots to my saigas.
ETA CAREFULLY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
ETA CAREFULLY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
12/10/2010 3:01:59 PM
The other possibility is that the barrel wasn't installed perfectly straight in the receiver trunnion.
If the barrel is just slightly off, the retainer will be off also.
Before filing the barrel slot take a good look at the barrel to see if it is canted slightly. If it is, you'd also have to rework the handguard lug that fits into the front of the receiver, because with the barrel off, the receiver will try to force the handguard and the retainer over, which will bind.
If the barrel is just slightly off, the retainer will be off also.
Before filing the barrel slot take a good look at the barrel to see if it is canted slightly. If it is, you'd also have to rework the handguard lug that fits into the front of the receiver, because with the barrel off, the receiver will try to force the handguard and the retainer over, which will bind.
12/10/2010 10:50:52 PM
Alright, quick update with a few more questions. I did not grind/cut/file anything yet. The barrel was brand new, untapped, and had the holes drilled for FSB and Gas block pins and was assembled (not by me). From what I can tell, both the barrel and gas block are slightly canted. With that being said, the FSB is lined up Perfectly. I've used floss to laser levels to see if it's off and its perfect.
Evidence-Barrel-The pre-cut slots for the lower handguard retainer are not level (shown in below picture)
Gas Block- The gas block is canted (obvious when comparing to pistol grip)
- Also, the piston wants to rub on the left hand side of the gas tube.
If I can't fix the lower handguard retainer I will live, but I definitely would like to fix the gas tube. So my question is, do I simply knock the pins out (from left to right), center up the Gas block, then put the pins back in?
Thanks again, I greatly appreciate the help!
Evidence-Barrel-The pre-cut slots for the lower handguard retainer are not level (shown in below picture)
Gas Block- The gas block is canted (obvious when comparing to pistol grip)
- Also, the piston wants to rub on the left hand side of the gas tube.
If I can't fix the lower handguard retainer I will live, but I definitely would like to fix the gas tube. So my question is, do I simply knock the pins out (from left to right), center up the Gas block, then put the pins back in?
Thanks again, I greatly appreciate the help!
12/11/2010 1:05:01 PM
If you're after perfection with one of these rifles, don't hold your breath. You'll have to build it yourself
.
.12/11/2010 3:07:52 PM
Repositioning the gas block would probably work, but you're sort of "stacking" problems.
The base problem is that the barrel is canted in the trunnion, which puts the gas block, handguard slots and everything else off except the FSB.
Actually, the FSB is canted, and the only reason it's at 12:00 o'clock is because the barrel is canted. Everything else one the barrel assembly is right.
The most effective option would be to have the barrel re-set correctly, then straighten the front sight base.
Resetting the gas block may cause a misalignment with the gas piston and gas tube, and could cause binding or excess wear.
Had the barrel been properly installed, your only problem would be the canted front sight.
My inclination would be to get the base problem fixed, which is the mis-installed barrel, then take care of the FSB.
If you can return the rifle to the builder I'd do that. If not, find someone who knows AK's and has the barrel tooling and have them reset the barrel.
The base problem is that the barrel is canted in the trunnion, which puts the gas block, handguard slots and everything else off except the FSB.
Actually, the FSB is canted, and the only reason it's at 12:00 o'clock is because the barrel is canted. Everything else one the barrel assembly is right.
The most effective option would be to have the barrel re-set correctly, then straighten the front sight base.
Resetting the gas block may cause a misalignment with the gas piston and gas tube, and could cause binding or excess wear.
Had the barrel been properly installed, your only problem would be the canted front sight.
My inclination would be to get the base problem fixed, which is the mis-installed barrel, then take care of the FSB.
If you can return the rifle to the builder I'd do that. If not, find someone who knows AK's and has the barrel tooling and have them reset the barrel.
12/11/2010 10:43:14 PM
Originally Posted By dfariswheel:
Repositioning the gas block would probably work, but you're sort of "stacking" problems.
The base problem is that the barrel is canted in the trunnion, which puts the gas block, handguard slots and everything else off except the FSB.
Actually, the FSB is canted, and the only reason it's at 12:00 o'clock is because the barrel is canted. Everything else one the barrel assembly is right. Understood
The most effective option would be to have the barrel re-set correctly, then straighten the front sight base.
Resetting the gas block may cause a misalignment with the gas piston and gas tube, and could cause binding or excess wear.
Had the barrel been properly installed, your only problem would be the canted front sight. Understood
My inclination would be to get the base problem fixed, which is the mis-installed barrel, then take care of the FSB.
If you can return the rifle to the builder I'd do that. If not, find someone who knows AK's and has the barrel tooling and have them reset the barrel.
Repositioning the gas block would probably work, but you're sort of "stacking" problems.
The base problem is that the barrel is canted in the trunnion, which puts the gas block, handguard slots and everything else off except the FSB.
Actually, the FSB is canted, and the only reason it's at 12:00 o'clock is because the barrel is canted. Everything else one the barrel assembly is right. Understood
The most effective option would be to have the barrel re-set correctly, then straighten the front sight base.
Resetting the gas block may cause a misalignment with the gas piston and gas tube, and could cause binding or excess wear.
Had the barrel been properly installed, your only problem would be the canted front sight. Understood
My inclination would be to get the base problem fixed, which is the mis-installed barrel, then take care of the FSB.
If you can return the rifle to the builder I'd do that. If not, find someone who knows AK's and has the barrel tooling and have them reset the barrel.
I fully agree. The right way to fix the problem is to fix the mis-installed barrel and then take care of everything else. I was hoping there would be a fix that I could do myself such as simply re-aligning the gas block, but the barrel is above my equipment level. I will contact the builder and see what he can do. I greatly appreciate the help and information.
Thanks again,
BigHunter27
12/12/2010 10:20:15 AM
Originally Posted By Surly:
If you're after perfection with one of these rifles, don't hold your breath. You'll have to build it yourself.
If you're after perfection with one of these rifles, don't hold your breath. You'll have to build it yourself
.Right on! It is an AK if it cycles with any ammo, shoot it & be happy!
If you are the type that needs a perfect "my gun is better than your's" braggin' rights type gun stick with ARs.
12/12/2010 10:42:37 AM
Originally Posted By Paintballer:
Right on! It is an AK if it cycles with any ammo, shoot it & be happy!
If you are the type that needs a perfect "my gun is better than your's" braggin' rights type gun stick with ARs.
Originally Posted By Surly:
If you're after perfection with one of these rifles, don't hold your breath. You'll have to build it yourself.
If you're after perfection with one of these rifles, don't hold your breath. You'll have to build it yourself
.Right on! It is an AK if it cycles with any ammo, shoot it & be happy!
If you are the type that needs a perfect "my gun is better than your's" braggin' rights type gun stick with ARs.
I understand. I fixed the canted Gas block, which helped some with the handguards. More than likely I will just do a little extra sanding and enjoy it that way. Just wanted to see if there was a quick or easy fix.
Thanks again,
Bighunter27
