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Posted: 7/8/2009 3:34:31 AM EDT
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My local smith tells me that it would be easier to barrel the trunnion w/o the recvr attached. If that is true, would i still be able to install the two rivets?
rich |
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Although it would make it easier the way your smith suggests, you absolutely must rivet the trunnion to the receiver before installing the barrel. Otherwise you have no way to buck the rivet.
The only exception to this would be if you were building the rifle as a screw build, but we don't need to open up that can of worms.... |
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I've always riveted the trunnions to the reciever first. The only way I see riveting it with the barrel installed is if you put the rounded head inside the trunnion, clearanced them for the barrel, installed the barrel, then install the trunnion into the reciever. The center support would have to be either uninstalled or removed to do this in order to open the front of the reciever for inserting the trunnion. Then you have to carefully form the rivet heads.
I personally rivet the trunnion in place first. I use fine emory cloth to lightly polish out any rough spots in the trunnion and barrel shank. I put the barrel and pin in my freezer for app. 30 minutes. I heat the trunnion with a small propane torch for a couple minutes. Not too hot, just enough to know that it would hurt to touch it.  Slde the barrel into it's proper location with the barrel pin hole lined up. This has to be done quickly or the temperature will equalize and the barrel won't move easily. Reheat the barreled trunnion and remove the pin from the freezer and install.
I haven't had any trouble using this method. I don't have to use my press for assy. so the chance of slipping and ruining a part is gone. |
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Quoted:
My local smith tells me that it would be easier to barrel the trunnion w/o the recvr attached. If that is true, would i still be able to install the two rivets? rich Your local "smith" is a boob! Has he ever built an AK using a stamped receiver? You rivet the trigger guard, then the front trunnion(all 6 of the rivets) then the rear trunnion, then press in the barrel and put in the barrel pin. |
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My local smith tells me that it would be easier to barrel the trunnion w/o the recvr attached. If that is true, would i still be able to install the two rivets? rich Your local "smith" is a boob! Has he ever built an AK using a stamped receiver? You rivet the trigger guard, then the front trunnion(all 6 of the rivets) then the rear trunnion, then press in the barrel and put in the barrel pin. I always did the front trunnion followed by the trigger guard, then press in the barrel and pin, then the rear trunnion 
That way if you accidentally press the barrel in too far, its easier to fix. |
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My local smith tells me that it would be easier to barrel the trunnion w/o the recvr attached. If that is true, would i still be able to install the two rivets? rich Your local "smith" is a boob! Has he ever built an AK using a stamped receiver? You rivet the trigger guard, then the front trunnion(all 6 of the rivets) then the rear trunnion, then press in the barrel and put in the barrel pin. I always did the front trunnion followed by the trigger guard, then press in the barrel and pin, then the rear trunnion
That way if you accidentally press the barrel in too far, its easier to fix. I pressed a barrel in too far with the rear trunion installed. I thought I was going to have to scrap the receiver. I was able to get the barrel to come back out a bit with a long punch and shop press. I would also recommend installing the front trunion then the barrel before the rear trunion is installed. |
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My local smith tells me that it would be easier to barrel the trunnion w/o the recvr attached. If that is true, would i still be able to install the two rivets? rich Your local "smith" is a boob! Has he ever built an AK using a stamped receiver? You rivet the trigger guard, then the front trunnion(all 6 of the rivets) then the rear trunnion, then press in the barrel and put in the barrel pin. I always did the front trunnion followed by the trigger guard, then press in the barrel and pin, then the rear trunnion
That way if you accidentally press the barrel in too far, its easier to fix. I pressed a barrel in too far with the rear trunion installed. I thought I was going to have to scrap the receiver. I was able to get the barrel to come back out a bit with a long punch and shop press. I would also recommend installing the front trunion then the barrel before the rear trunion is installed. Yes it's more difficult  but it can be done; I've been in that boat with a PSL.
To the OP: I have heard of a technique for riveting the receiver with the barrel in place. It's called "bucking" I think. Basically you squish the rivets against the barrel and they are supposed to expand inside the trunnion. It's not something I recommend, though to be fair, I've never done it either. |
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Quoted:
My local smith tells me that it would be easier to barrel the trunnion w/o the recvr attached. If that is true, would i still be able to install the two rivets? rich Your local "smith" is a boob! Has he ever built an AK using a stamped receiver? You rivet the trigger guard, then the front trunnion(all 6 of the rivets) then the rear trunnion, then press in the barrel and put in the barrel pin. I always did the front trunnion followed by the trigger guard, then press in the barrel and pin, then the rear trunnion
That way if you accidentally press the barrel in too far, its easier to fix. I pressed a barrel in too far with the rear trunion installed. I thought I was going to have to scrap the receiver. I was able to get the barrel to come back out a bit with a long punch and shop press. I would also recommend installing the front trunion then the barrel before the rear trunion is installed. Why would you have to scrap the receiver? Just drill out the rear rivets and R&R the stock tang, only going to waste two rivets. |
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