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Posted: 2/9/2004 6:36:34 AM EDT
| Just wondering does it really matter if the rifle functions and the FSB is straight. Yes, I realize its a cosmetic eyesore, but is it important from a function or longevity angle? |
| The gas block on an AK must be perfectly aligned. The gas piston has some flexibility where it's connected to the carrier, but drag and lateral force induced by misalignment of the gas tube will eventually cause the gun to stop and/or something to break. I have no idea how to fix it without turning the barrel. |
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Perfectly aligned?? Yea right... That would mean that alot of SAR's and other types are eventually going to quit working. I dont think it really matters if it is "aligned perfectly." It is purely cosmetic, unless it is way out +- 8 degrees or so. I have never seen one that was that poorly aligned. If it works, dont worry about it. It's and AK for cryin' out loud, not a Swiss watch. KyARGuy |
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as long as the piston's head enters the gas block and the action's travel is not hindered by any major binding it is not an issue...other than cosmetic. i have seen the gas blocks layed over at least 3°-4° without a problem and i have seen ak's with perfectly straight gas blocks bind up because the gas piston was bent. like rs39 suggested, just keep an eye on the piston for excessive wear on one side. |
| Whatever. It can't be good. Remember, he said it was a 'cosmetic eyesore', so it must be considerably turned off line. If the front sight is true but the gas block isn't, there's not a thing you can do about it. I should have qualified 'perfectly aligned' to mean within 1 degree of center, which is certainly visible but probably not important in the functional sense. Things like this make me so very glad that I spent the money 10 years ago for the SA85M, which is a piece of craftsmanship compared to most AKs. Don't you guys look at these guns before buying them? I realize not everyone has 'draftsman's eye' and can spot any misalignment from across the room, but you should at least detect no misalignment when looking down the top of the rifle from either end. The front sight ears, the gas block and the rear sight should be centered. If they are not, something is wrong with the rifle, in my opinion. |
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sax, its hard to look at a rifle when youre buying in quantity from a distributer. And I agree with you on the quality of the SAR's in general, but most average Joes arent interested in spending almost double on a more refined AK - they just want to blast cans and bottles at 25-50 yards - a sar fits this niche just fine. Campy, has spoken - nuff said. |
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Just got off the phone with Troy at Inrange - Damn it my rifle wont be done til after the Shot show (he's waiting on a CNC program to engrave the Russian selector markings)- but he said that as long as the gun runs who cares. The fix isnt that tough as long as you can get the pins loose (see linx.... site for how). Having tried all kinds of torch tricks and oil the best thing other that a hydralic press (which can be a bitch in its own right as you have to make a fixture to hold the barrel while you press) is to soak the pins and surrounding block of metal that theyre stuck in with Kroil for a few hours then throw the whole thing in the freezer for at least 4 holes. Pins generally pop right out with a light bit of tapping then. |
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