Hand guard spring question

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[ARCHIVED THREAD] - Hand guard spring question

Posted: 5/9/2017 4:44:54 PM EDT

I posted this earlier in the Bulgarian section but as I've looked into this I think it's a more general question...

I recently picked up a nice AK furniture set that I identify as being Bulgarian. The lower handguard rear tension spring is missing. I ordered one from K-Var thinking it was correct but from pics appears that the spring I ordered is a front tension spring for a different model hand guard. Trouble is, I can't find a rear tension spring in an image, let alone one to buy!

Can someone tell me a source for a rear tension spring?

Thanks in advance.

Posted: 5/9/2017 10:08:47 PM EDT

[#1]

It looks like this:

https://www.apexgunparts.com/ak-handguard-lower-tension-spring-new.html

It pops into the slot at the back of the wooden handguards and keeps tension on them. Honestly, I am using Bulgarian handguards I refinished without the tension spring with good results on one of my AKs. Not even a little wiggly, even without the spring.

If you look at the lower handguard in this picture, it has it installed. https://www.apexgunparts.com/bulgarian-ak74-stock-set-wooden.html

Gunbroker: http://www.gunbroker.com/item/644594436

Posted: 5/10/2017 12:30:46 AM EDT

[#2]

Quote History

Quoted:
It looks like this:

https://www.apexgunparts.com/ak-handguard-lower-tension-spring-new.html

View Quote

That's a front tension spring. The rear one looks similar but is not interchangeable.

EDIT: this is the rear spring.
Rear Spring

Posted: 5/10/2017 11:14:58 AM EDT

[#3]

Quote History

Quoted:

That's a front tension spring. The rear one looks similar but is not interchangeable.

EDIT: this is the rear spring.
Rear Spring

View Quote

Okay, I have a front tension spring. It sort of fits but is too long and the fork is too narrow.

They are out of stock there or I'd get one, but does it seem weird buying gun parts on an airsoft site?

Posted: 5/10/2017 11:31:02 AM EDT

[#4]

Quote History

Quoted:
It looks like this:

https://www.apexgunparts.com/ak-handguard-lower-tension-spring-new.html

It pops into the slot at the back of the wooden handguards and keeps tension on them. Honestly, I am using Bulgarian handguards I refinished without the tension spring with good results on one of my AKs. Not even a little wiggly, even without the spring.

If you look at the lower handguard in this picture, it has it installed. https://www.apexgunparts.com/bulgarian-ak74-stock-set-wooden.html

Gunbroker: http://www.gunbroker.com/item/644594436

View Quote

Thanks. My handguard is also pretty snug. I'm going to have to massage it with a file to get it to fit so it will be likely be fine without a spring. Still, there's a place for it so I want it!

Posted: 5/10/2017 2:48:23 PM EDT

[#5]

Quote History

Quoted:
but does it seem weird buying gun parts on an airsoft site?

View Quote

It was the only place I could even find one listed separately.

Posted: 5/11/2017 12:06:55 AM EDT

[#6]

Some of the airsoft springs and such are probably the same parts you will find "NOS" from some other firearms vendors

If the LHG is nice and tight the spring is really not needed, but if you ever use the rifle in very cold temperatures the LHG may contract and become a little loose

Posted: 5/11/2017 10:25:18 AM EDT

[#7]

Quote History

Quoted:
Some of the airsoft springs and such are probably the same parts you will find "NOS" from some other firearms vendors

If the LHG is nice and tight the spring is really not needed, but if you ever use the rifle in very cold temperatures the LHG may contract and become a little loose

View Quote

It would probably be cheaper to buy a new hand guard than to have a 10 cent spring shipped from Europe. I need to fit the wood to make it fit, so the hand guard is going to be very snug. I'll send some emails and keep my eyes open for one at the next gun show.