Posted: 4/25/2021 11:21:09 PM EDT
[#18]
Quote History Quoted: Man, I really should have put my logo or something on that pic in the OP; It's used everywhere, haha. I do hope that it goes without saying that it didn't leave the factory looking like that. This was the end result of a guy taking his IO (which had MULTIPLE build issues) to a carbine course and really running the hell out of the gun. Since IO used (all the way up until the point they stopped making AK's) the incorrect process of installing front trunnion rivets by installing the barrel before riveting the front trunnion into the receiver, the rivets could not properly expand to hold everything together. Now, for the occasional shooting one mag at the range slow fire, it's fine. Run it any harder, and you start developing problems.
As for why IO, Pioneer Arms, and whomever else uses this method: it's much easier to headspace a new barrel to an AK with the front trunnion removed from the receiver. Which, in IO's case, I'm not sure why they needed it to be easier when they just used a belt grinder to grind bolt locking lugs when they wouldn't fit anyway.
This is something that I try to convey whenever that IO pic I took shows up: just because the rivets look nice externally from the factory doesn't mean they were done correctly, and doesn't mean it couldn't end up just like that IO. Now, I have MUCH more faith that PSA correctly rivets their front trunnions. Especially given AKOU ran them pretty hard. But I haven't had the opportunity to pull the barrel on one and check for myself. Additionally, even if you have properly riveted trunnions but you have a manhole-sized gas port like IO (and others) used to use on their barrels, there's a solid chance you're going to tear out your rear trunnion as well. View Quote View All Quotes View All Quotes Quote History Quoted:Man, I really should have put my logo or something on that pic in the OP; It's used everywhere, haha. I do hope that it goes without saying that it didn't leave the factory looking like that. This was the end result of a guy taking his IO (which had MULTIPLE build issues) to a carbine course and really running the hell out of the gun. Since IO used (all the way up until the point they stopped making AK's) the incorrect process of installing front trunnion rivets by installing the barrel before riveting the front trunnion into the receiver, the rivets could not properly expand to hold everything together. Now, for the occasional shooting one mag at the range slow fire, it's fine. Run it any harder, and you start developing problems. As for why IO, Pioneer Arms, and whomever else uses this method: it's much easier to headspace a new barrel to an AK with the front trunnion removed from the receiver. Which, in IO's case, I'm not sure why they needed it to be easier when they just used a belt grinder to grind bolt locking lugs when they wouldn't fit anyway. Quoted:I really wouldn't say it's fair to lump all American AK manufacturers in with IO, I've never heard a single good thing about them. As others have said PSA has really upped their game and is making quality, well built AKs. I picked up a GF3 about a month ago and all the rivets are very well done, no sight cant, and impressively accurate, I've been very impressed with it. https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51069872072_49be0353aa_b.jpg This is something that I try to convey whenever that IO pic I took shows up: just because the rivets look nice externally from the factory doesn't mean they were done correctly, and doesn't mean it couldn't end up just like that IO. Now, I have MUCH more faith that PSA correctly rivets their front trunnions. Especially given AKOU ran them pretty hard. But I haven't had the opportunity to pull the barrel on one and check for myself. Additionally, even if you have properly riveted trunnions but you have a manhole-sized gas port like IO (and others) used to use on their barrels, there's a solid chance you're going to tear out your rear trunnion as well. I could have sworn that I’ve see a video showing how they riveted the barreled trunnion into place without any sort of bucking bar. It was a Polish factory and I’m pretty sure they were associated with IO.
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