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Yugo M72 RPK Lower Handguard removal problem
5/8/2010 12:22:33 PM
I am having trouble removing the forearm of my RPK. I can flip open the little tab, but the forearm retainer will not go down the barrel far enough to release the forearm. Short of using any tools and damaging the finish, any ideas?
5/8/2010 1:48:37 PM
The lower handguard retainer on my M76 is the same way, tight as hell on the barrel.
I use a small rubber mallet or a wooden dowel and a hammer to move the retainer down the barrel.
No finish damage on my rifle.
I use a small rubber mallet or a wooden dowel and a hammer to move the retainer down the barrel.
No finish damage on my rifle.
5/8/2010 2:45:09 PM
whew......it came off with a little help from a BFH and dowel......thanks for the suggestion. It looks like the retainer gets a little hung up on the groove where the little tab turns. I may file it down so I don't have this issue later.
I did end up scratching the finish on the retainer. Is there a "touch up" paint out there that matches the finish pretty close?
I did end up scratching the finish on the retainer. Is there a "touch up" paint out there that matches the finish pretty close?
5/8/2010 3:25:56 PM
What type of finish, Century park or other?
If the retainer is getting hung up on the groove, as you noted, the fix is easy. In my case, the retainer has a death grip on the barrel. It's a press fit coming off and going on. The finish on the barrel has a sheen to it from the friction of the retainer riding over it (see pic). Needless to say, I rarely take my lower handguard off.
If the retainer is getting hung up on the groove, as you noted, the fix is easy. In my case, the retainer has a death grip on the barrel. It's a press fit coming off and going on. The finish on the barrel has a sheen to it from the friction of the retainer riding over it (see pic). Needless to say, I rarely take my lower handguard off.
5/8/2010 3:42:17 PM
Originally Posted By Liquidmetal:
What type of finish, Century park or other?
If the retainer is getting hung up on the groove, as you noted, the fix is easy. In my case, the retainer has a death grip on the barrel. It's a press fit coming off and going on. The finish on the barrel has a sheen to it from the friction of the retainer riding over it (see pic). Needless to say, I rarely take my lower handguard off.
What type of finish, Century park or other?
If the retainer is getting hung up on the groove, as you noted, the fix is easy. In my case, the retainer has a death grip on the barrel. It's a press fit coming off and going on. The finish on the barrel has a sheen to it from the friction of the retainer riding over it (see pic). Needless to say, I rarely take my lower handguard off.
It's a CAI build M72. Maybe I shouldn't care about the scratches and dings....adds character. Could the lower handguard wood be a different type than the Gas tube wood and stock? I was easily able to match the other wood, but that lower handguard doesn't stain the same......matching it is going to be tough.
Once the retainer clears the groove, it is loose. It looks like your retainer is a little harder to work with......BTW, nice rifle
5/8/2010 5:23:25 PM
I don't sweat the finish on my Century Yugos, so I don't have much to offer. When they get bad enough, I'll Gunkote or Molyresin them and have something much nicer than the original park. I can tell you from experience that flat black does not match at all. Gonna need a darker shade of gray.
