Canted FSB > Optics & Accessories

Posted: 3/8/2008 3:47:39 PM EDT

My new Arsenal SLR-107FR came with a Front Sight Base canted to the right. With the Front Sight Post nearly centered, the rifle shoots 7-1/4" to the left at 25yd.

I'm waiting for a windage adjustment tool but wonder if this is too much to expect to correct at 100yd+. Can anyone help me with the math?

I'm not keen on having an $800 AK that zeros with the FS pushed all the way left. But Arsenal's manual explicitly states that "...barrel and receiver elements on some rifles may not seem to be aligned...front sight post may not appear to be centered between its protective ears after the rifle has been xeroed; the warranty would not cover this situation."

Posted: 3/9/2008 8:49:33 AM EDT

[#1]

I just read this somewhere. A method used to correct the problem. It wasn't on this site but I'll type what I can recall. The FSB should be pinned. One must drift out these pins to align. The problem is that the barrel is drilled to accomodate the pins. I *think* what I read was to have a smith either,

(1) adjust the FSB, redrill and insert larger pins if the alignment issue is small. This would not be my choice, as more material would need to be removed from the OD of the barrel.

or

(2) remove the FSB, silver solder the old pin locations closed to make the barrels OD whole again, then align the FSB correctly before the re-drill and install of the pins. I'd do this if it were mine.

The only other thing I could think of, and I don't know if it is financially feasable to have a smith reset the barrel? If it is, I'll guess the gas tube attachment point would need addressed as well. That is if it wasn't part of the FSB and was already off sides exactly like that of the FSB. Make sense? I'm thinking out loud so you'll have to exceuse me. I'm not up on the 107FR configuration, so disregard that thought if it has a combo gas tube / FSB unit.

I do feel for ya... in that I would be very displeased too. I'd kinda expect a canted FSB from a lesser retailer, but no way should an 800 dollar rifle with the reputation that Arsenal seems to carry have any issue with a FSB. Before I get flamed for that remark, take a second to think about it. They fetch premium prices. Don't they assemble them from the best available parts? Not that it matters so much on parts, but if they put 'em together from scratch, there should be NO tilt whatsoever in their FSB. Right? Well, not unless it's common to hear the shop manager say, "Hey Joe, grab a couple of the $295 Arsenals from drunken Charlie's work bench..." Crooked parts on a big dulla gun and they note it in the manual too? Bah, that's crap. Where's the Q control? Anyway, there is NO way you are going to recover the distance needed to sight in that rifle as you described by pushing the front sight. The FSB needs centered. The last thing I recall about that fix-it article was about installing the pins. The author said to make certain they are lined up and started properly before putting the pain to them. Otherwise you run the risk of galding the metal to metal contact points with the barrel when seating them in. I hope that helps.

Posted: 3/9/2008 12:15:30 PM EDT

[#2]

Quoted:
My new Arsenal SLR-107FR came with a Front Sight Base canted to the right. With the Front Sight Post nearly centered, the rifle shoots 7-1/4" to the left at 25yd.

I'm waiting for a windage adjustment tool but wonder if this is too much to expect to correct at 100yd+. Can anyone help me with the math?

I'm not keen on having an $800 AK that zeros with the FS pushed all the way left. But Arsenal's manual explicitly states that "...barrel and receiver elements on some rifles may not seem to be aligned...front sight post may not appear to be centered between its protective ears after the rifle has been xeroed; the warranty would not cover this situation."

Alright, here's the math:

4 x 7- 1/4 = 29 inches off at 100 yards. That is over 2 feet off.
.004 in. lateral movement of front sight post, will change point of impact 1 in at 100 meters (yards is close enough).

.004 x 29 = .116 inches ... this is how much you would have to move the cylinder.
This is light years too much.

the warranty would not cover this situation

Of course not, Arsenal hacks would fu@k it up even worse.
My rifle went in for different repairs; these Neanderthals could not figure out the fix.
Now, poor rifle is going to real deal professionals at

www.firinglineoklahoma.com/index.html

Posted: 3/10/2008 6:08:19 AM EDT

[#3]

No need for a special tool, just a common C-clamp and small sockets (and maybe another set of hands). Smaller socket to push, larger to go around the drum end going out.

When you get it zeroed, also try it at different yardages 25-100.

Posted: 3/10/2008 10:09:35 AM EDT

[#4]

My IZ-132 came with a twisted FSB as well:
http://forum.saiga-12.com/index.php?showtopic=23757

Recommendation was to punch out the pins, properly align the front sight, silver braze/solder the holes, drill the holes and put the pins back.

My alignment isn't that bad so I'm being lazy on it. I will eventually do this and I'll take some pics while I do it. Please do the same and document whatever you end up doing and post it here!

Posted: 3/11/2008 12:30:21 PM EDT

[#5]

Thanks for the info y'all. Well, it's going back to Arsenal - hopefully to be fixed.

I've heard some had their rifles fixed well, other not. This was before the 107FR was released, so we'll see how they do.

It's a very nice rifle otherwise - shoots well and groups well - just not POA/POI.

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