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Posted: 9/3/2014 8:32:49 PM EDT
| I've got a SAR-1 that I bought from a friend who bought it during the AWB. Therefore there is no bayonet lug and the brake is welded on. What would it take to get it converted to a non-ban configuration? Is it worth it? I've never worked on AKs before and would prefer someone else do the work unless this sort of a job is fairly simple. |
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Brake's probably just spot welded at the side, so should come off pretty easily. If not, it'll need to be sectioned off, or chucked in a lathe and turned off if you don't want to have to replace the barrel.
A replacement gas block with functional bayonet lug can be installed, and after de-braking, the muzzle can be threaded 14x1 LH for a standard russian muzzle device. I too have a ban-era SAR1, though mine had a bare muzzle instead of a welded-on brake. After the ban sunset, I had it threaded 14x1 LH and put a slant comp on it, but didn't bother replacing the gas block for a bayonet lug, since I don't have an AK bayonet anyway. |
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Quoted:
I tried dremeling the weld off a while back with no luck. Not 100% sure how it's attached. Is the gas block something that would have to be pressed off and on? If I were to have a gunsmith do it who would you recommend? Cost? Gas block can be a tough fit - might be doable with hand tools or end up taking a press. I don't have any recommendations, for you, sorry, and cost would depend on the smith you end up getting it done by. The brake removal alone could be anywhere from $35 to $200 to get done, depending on how it's on there, and how long it takes the smith to get it off, and what their hourly rate is. |
| I'm surprised there is a brake on the SAR-1, they did not come factory original like that. Some earlier imported WASR10's had a muzzle nut tac welded on. Does the receiver have dimples? The good news is that barrel is threaded underneath, also not common for a SAR-1. IMO, I would leave the SAR in it's original configuration. Worth a lot more and very desirable. AK's with bayonet lugs and muzzle brakes are a dime a dozen. |
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