AK Sponsor
Posted: 2/13/2012 11:00:22 PM EDT
Here are some pics of the new handguard system. The top rail of the handguard is coplanar with the Dog Leg cover and has the same exterior shape. Optional side rails can be bolted on. Shown are the standard length and the long top version. Both versions use the same lower half and we change the top half for either configuration. The standard handguard retainer must be removed for either version and the long top also requires removal of the rear sight block.
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The small hinge in the center holds the two parts together and allows the top cover to hinge open in the normal manner. The hinge uses an AR-15 rear take down pin. By pulling the pin the top cover can be lifted off thus eliminating the need for quick release rings on a long scope.
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Here you can see the broad spacing on the barrel clamps which helps to stiffen the barrel. The barrel clamps are shown in the white for clarity but, production units will be black.
The first thing we do for installation is replace that nasty old guide tube with a new matte finish stainless steel guide tube. 
Here you can see the guide tube supported by integral saddles in the top half of the handguard. No clips, pins, or other gadgets to break or get lost. The top half of the guard can be removed and replaced without loss of zero. Notice the small tabs machined in along the edge. Those tabs fit into corresponding slots in the bottom half to precisely align everything together. Also, there are stainless steel helicoils to protect the threads in the aluminum. 
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Here you can see the flange on the tube fitting into a groove in the front barrel clamp. This feature locates the guide tube in the front/rear direction. Again, no clips, pins, or other gadgets to break or get lost. When you remove the top half for cleaning the tube drops right out. The space between the guide tube and the gas block measures about 1/2 inch. At first that seems to freak people out a little. The functioning of the rifle is completely unaffected by this space. We have fired thousands of rounds without malfunction. Our tube is modeled on the RPD machine gun which has about a 3/4" space. The reason the original AK guide tube ran all the way to the gas block is simply to use it as a support and save on one extra component.
Here the piston is just coming out of the guide tube. 
The piston is now bridging the gap between the guide tube and gas block with a small amount inside each component. 
The piston has exited the guide tube and is guided by the gas block. 
The piston is fully seated into the gas block. 
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Put me on the "if you need testers" list. I do a full write up on my review page to boot. 
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