Originally Posted By mancat:
It's such a minor additional step in manufacturing that is also such a sore point with knowledgeable AK buyers, that you have to wonder why PSA would skip it.

In production it probably takes an additional 10-15 minutes of time total.

I bet you though that if PSA did use swell neck rivets and properly deformed the receiver into the counter sunk hole in the trunnion, buyers would complain about how the receiver looks bent or warped. It's a very common visual artifact of the process.

Originally Posted By 2nd_citizen:
To qualify, I am aware of the timeline of PSA generational advancements regarding cast and forged trunnions.  I have read quite a bit of arguments for and against buying American made AKs.  One of the arguments against PSA AKs that I've seen is that PSA doesn't recess some of the trunnion rivet holes, doesn't dimple the receivers, and doesn't use swell neck rivets.  This concerned me.  I have questions about this subject, if you have the time, knowledge, and patience.

I saw a YT video ad from PSA today that was released 6 months ago announcing the addition of a 7.62x39 model to their line of "krinks."  In the ad PSA clearly states this model will have dimpled receivers and swell-neck rivets.  This is exciting.  However, I can't find any information about any of their other models that would indicate that they will make this change.  I actually want one of their 300 BO krinks, but a YT video I watched recently featured a dude who completely stripped the receiver of his 5.56 PSA AK and lamented that PSA didn't build them properly because the receiver wasn't dimpled properly and the trunnions just slide out once the rivets are drilled out.  Speculation that I've read elsewhere implies that because the receiver is not dimpled, the trunnions will eventually move and wallow out the rivet holes in the receiver, which will shorten the lifespan of the AK or ruin the receiver.

Does anyone here know if any other models PSA currently makes have this feature now, or if PSA intends to make this change with other models?  

I haven't owned an AK for a while, and I want one, and I'd love for it to be a high quality American AK instead of a chopped up, rebuilt import.  I can't afford to have one built properly by one of the reputable outfits, and I will never buy another Century model.  Unfortunately, I'm not extremely knowledgeable about AKs, so if you have time, I'd be grateful for any input you'd like to share on the subject of PSA AKs, and whether or not dimpled receivers are important.

I will add that I'm excited that PSA will dimple their receivers now, at least for the 7.62 krink, and hopefully for other models.  As I mentioned before, I don't even really know if that is truly necessary or just another internet gripe, but obviously people complained and PSA listened, and they have a history of continually improving their rifle.  That's great.  I would love to see PSA start producing rifles that can match the perceived quality of the imports that everyone says are better.  I've waited to buy any more PSA AKs until their rep starts to improve, and I'm hoping that time is now.

Thanks guys.

Originally Posted By KDG_Dave:



As you should be concerned. Its one thing to rivet an AK with flat rivets on a trunnion with no dimples it will hold up just fine.  Its a hole different story, and flat out WRONG when you use flat rivets on a trunnion that is dimpled.  I swapped mine out on my KRINK and my 102 right from the get go.  My 1st KRINK from them did not do well at all and had of ton of bolt wear and peening, along with a bunch some other issues. I picked up a second one up last year and it has been running very good.

Originally Posted By JamesJones:
I thought only the Sabre line of psa AKs are using swell neck and dimples but maybe that's changed. On paper those Sabre models seem hard to beat if they are built properly.  The FN barrel, Romanian core parts, alg trigger, and m-lock fore end would be similar to what I'd have built fpr practical use on a budget. A solid railed dust cover seems like the only thing missing.

I've owned a few of their AKs and the only problems were a few stove pipes and a broken recoil spring. I can't afford to shoot them (AKs) like I used to besides the akv and I have broken that a few times. It was never anything serious but I wouldn't take psa AKs to war. Home defense and range fun they are fine.


If Zastava is coming out with a 300 blackout shorty I'd wait on that if you have to have a krink in 300BO but the psa krink should be good enough. I think psa copied the Russian design on the gas block/tube area that's a little weird for their Russian version of 300BO I think 9x39 but I'm over my head in speaking ak knowledge now.


As a AK enthusiast and psa owner I'd only buy imports if I did it over again.

Originally Posted By Alaskacajun:
idk all the answers to the questions that you asked about PSA. But Zastava said they are working on a 300 BO version of the M85 pistol at Shot this year, and they're hoping to release it this year. It might be worth holding out for one, if you have concerns about the overall build quality of PSA. Zastava rifles are literally built like tanks.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LVheFZ40XCI

- Clint

Originally Posted By 2nd_citizen:


You swapped your trunnions out?

Originally Posted By KDG_Dave:



On my 1st KRINK I swapped out the entire front end and the rear trunnion. On my 102 I did the same. My 2nd KRINK, since the bolt lock up felt good I just removed the front end, then dimpled the receiver, then put it back together with swell rivets.  Super happy to report that even though PSA uses AKM trunnions for these 5.56 AK's the wear bolt and trunnion wear is doing extremely well. All the wear is just coating wear. No peening anywhere so I have to give a huge shout out to PSA for getting it right.  If they are all like mine now and if they actually start using swell rivets they would be game changers for a US built AK. My 1st KRINK and  my 102 were horrible. Picked up another 102 today in a trade so Im just going to run it as is to see how she does. Its a newer 102 and only has 1000 rounds through it from what Im told but the wear looks tits like my KRINK.

Originally Posted By 2nd_citizen:


Very cool.  Let me ask you something, as you seem to be very familiar with PSA AKs and have had good ones and bad ones.  Regarding the changes PSA makes to their line to improve them, do you think they will start using swell neck rivets on their entire line now?  They specifically stated they will use dimpled receivers and the correct rivets in their latest krink, the 7.62.  Do you think they will also start doing that for the 5.56, or do you think they will not bother to implement a change with those?  I know you can't predict the future or what any company will do or not do, but have they done anything in the past that would would inspire confidence that they will?

Oh, and do you have to press the barrel out when removing a front trunnion, and can you re-rivet it back together with the barrel installed?  If the front trunnion doesn't have dimples or chamfering, do you drill it yourself?

Originally Posted By Deerhurst:



To do it right you press the barrel out, use an offset rivet tool to set the new rivet then line it all back up and push it back in then push the barrel retaining pin back in.


You don't drill the chamfer, you simply form them in the receiver.

Originally Posted By 2nd_citizen:


I watched a video about how to install rivets, but I haven't researched how to pull and reinstall a barrel, but it's sounding more complicated than I want to try.  

Regarding the dimple, don't the rivet holes in the trunnion need to be chamfered to allow space for the receiver to be pressed into?  I saw a video that showed that PSA's trunnions are flat and didn't have dimpled or chamfered rivet holes.

Here's the video I've been referencing if you haven't seen it and are interested.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=smGnVEdP1XA|878