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Posted: 2/22/2013 9:02:18 AM EDT
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I am interested in adding a scope rail to my Draco. Cannot find the MPK2 bolt on rail in stock.
I did a quick search about riveting a scope rail here and online, but didn't find much of anything helpful. Also emailed one of the big AK parts suppliers and got told to just go with a TWS dogleg.  Already gone that route on a build, but I want to be able to use traditional type Russian optics.
I have been able to find jigs online to line it up correctly, what I am concerned with is the riveting itself. I am pretty handy with tools and mechanically inclined- just wondering if this is a good 1st time project that could possibly lead into doing more involved building later? Thanks. ETA: Clarity |
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There are two groups of rails. One shares a rear trunion rivet. This is the easiest to align. But, it has to match your rear trunion. I haven't put one on a DRACO but if the hole spacing is the same as a standard stock AK, then it shouldn't be too hard. The bulgarian spacing is different and the rail will be matched to that rear trunion hole spacing.
If you've never riveted before, it may be "interesting" to try it with just a hammer/punch and anvil. I use a hydralic squeeze on the front two and a press on the rear (Romy) or squeeze (Bulgy.) The other type has 3 independent holes. It is the least expensive (UTG's is a copy of the Belarus, and actually finished nicer). But alignment is a little more challenging. Fortunately, COMBLOCK scopes have a lot of adjustment built in. Since I do it frequently, I machined a piece of angle iron to use as a repeatable template. Now you can get even more complicated and try to align it off the bore instead of the top receiver rail, but that is a PITA. One final note on the UTG/balarus. The front hole is not in line with the rear two, it is slightly higher. http://www.arizonaresponsesystems.com/notes/notesak/akmisc/pageakmisc.shtml |
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Hey thanks GP- Saved that link. I may be back for more info when I decide to tackle it.
Getting ready to go back out to the field for a few days. ETA: Rear trunnion is virgin, so lining it up there will be an issue. I may just get a smith to do it so it's right, lol. |
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Hey GP after reading through the instructions in your link (and other stuff I dug up), I think I'm gonna go with the UTG rail and drill and tap it. Thanks again. I'll post an update in this thread in a week or two. Quoted:
There are two groups of rails. One shares a rear trunion rivet. This is the easiest to align. But, it has to match your rear trunion. I haven't put one on a DRACO but if the hole spacing is the same as a standard stock AK, then it shouldn't be too hard. The bulgarian spacing is different and the rail will be matched to that rear trunion hole spacing. If you've never riveted before, it may be "interesting" to try it with just a hammer/punch and anvil. I use a hydralic squeeze on the front two and a press on the rear (Romy) or squeeze (Bulgy.) The other type has 3 independent holes. It is the least expensive (UTG's is a copy of the Belarus, and actually finished nicer). But alignment is a little more challenging. Fortunately, COMBLOCK scopes have a lot of adjustment built in. Since I do it frequently, I machined a piece of angle iron to use as a repeatable template. Now you can get even more complicated and try to align it off the bore instead of the top receiver rail, but that is a PITA. One final note on the UTG/balarus. The front hole is not in line with the rear two, it is slightly higher. http://www.arizonaresponsesystems.com/notes/notesak/akmisc/pageakmisc.shtml |
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