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Posted: 2/11/2005 7:28:17 PM EDT
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I've been lurking about on this forum for a few weeks now gathering information for my first AMD-65 build. I've got two absolutely pristine parts kits with all matching serial numbers and I'm just about ready to make a move. I'm thinking about doing a screw build but I'm also seriously considering sending my front and rear trunnions, selector stop, trigger guard and magazine catch to Global Sales and let them install one of their 1.6mm receivers for me rather than me run the risk of boogering-up one of these beautiful kits. The only problem I'd have is removing the barrel and reinstalling it after the parts were returned but I think I can handle it. That's where the headspace questions come in to play and I hope some of you might be able to help or at least point me in the right direction. Okay, here goes. 1) Exactly what is headspace and how do you check it? 2) If the headspace is off what can be done to correct it? What are some of the most common methods and is this something I can do myself? 3) If the barrel is removed to facilitate installation of a receiver with rivets, are there potential headspace issues when the barrel is reinstalled? I'd be using the same barrel and front trunnion that came with the kit. Hopefully, the headsapce will be a non-issue. I'd just like to have some kind of an idea of what to expect and try to plan ahead as much as possible. I've never been one to like surprises very much. Any suggestions that any of you might have will be most appreaciated. |
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Headspace is the extra room in the chamber when it has a cartridge in it. There has to be some extra room, but not too much. To check it you use two items, a go, and a no go gauge. They look like a cartridge, but the bolt has to close on the go, but not the no go. To correct it, you remove the barrel pin, press the barrel until it is correct, and drill and fit an oversize pin. You generally need a press and tools to fix it. There are people with good reputations listed on the equipment exchange that will fix it for a reasonable price. Usually if the headspace is ok to begin with, when you reinstall the barrel it will be ok too. But it needs to be checked. If you are at all handy with hand tools, you can do a AK build. Especially if you do a screw build, which I would recommend for the first time. That way you can take it apart again if you need to. Why pay someone to have all the fun of building it for you , and if you build it good, it is something to be proud of. |
| I'd really like to try a screw build but I'm just not sure about the strength of the bolts. Approximately how much of the bolt actually engages the trunnion? 3 or 4 threads or what? Have you ever heard of any one adding additional bolts to the foreward trunnion for additional strength beyond the six that are already there? In your opinion, what manufacturer is currently offering the best bolts? Like I said, I'd really like to try a bolt build just for the simplicity of it but I'm a little concerned about the shear strength of bolts vs. rivets. |
| The bolts are strong enough, since the only real pressure on them is the bolt pushing the spring back. All the pressure of the cartridge is held by the bolt, and the gas pressure is handled by the piston and bolt carrier. As long as a person doesn't drill into the barrel everything is ok. Just be careful. If everything works ok when you are done, then you could take it back apart and do the rivets then. I would definitely suggest a screw build for the first time. |
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