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Posted: 2/25/2012 3:46:27 PM EDT
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I bought an RML in 1994 and learned allot about it from this site in the last 24hrs. Thanks.
Anyway, the barrel was turned down to .470 ( too small to thread 1/2x28) and the FSB doesn't appear to be on straight. How particular should I be about the FSB? It appears to me that the hole bored through the FSB is slightly canted. If that is the case, reinstalling it won't straighten it (my assumption). If it's canted because it was a poor job of pinning it, I would consider reinstalling it. Is the slight cant normal or should I strive to get it perfectly straight? Thanks. |
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It's pretty common for any AK to have a canted front sight. I wouldn't touch it until you have shot it to see where it ends up. You will know when you have to knock the windage
to the left or right to get it sighted in. An easy method is to use a laser level to check alignment of the rear sight /gas block /front sight... I have also done this by putting the rifle in a vice and using a fine string. It will be obvious if it is off. If indeed you are canted.....decide if it is "too much". I am personally anal and it bugs me. If you want to fix it, knock the pins out with a punch and a mallet. (Always punch them out from the left to the right looking from the receiver toward the muzzle.) You may have a hard time getting them to budge. Let them soak in penetrating oil and/or use a 12-ton press to get them out. If need be, you can always dremel the front sight base off all together. This will ruin the sight and you will have to purchase a new one. AKM front sight I have had to do this before. The one I listed is Soviet but will fit perfectly. Egyptian front sights can be hard to find...I spent a couple years looking for one. To reinstall pins or replace FSB, just drill the holes to US 1/8 size and make pins from 1/8 welding rod. This is a lot easier than it sounds. I recommend using a drill press, but it can be done with a hand drill if need be. As for the end being turned down. Go to CNC WARRIOR for the slant break for the smaller diameter muzzle. I think the one I listed is the correct one. You will need a threading die set to thread it. I would call them and they can direct you to the right one for your rifle. CNC Warrior makes an adapter/slant break for the turned down muzzles. I know of a couple of guys that have used them on PARS rifles that are also turned down. |
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I'll try to get pics this weekend.
I had no idea the MAADI was a desirable rifle. I had placed it in the back of the safe for many years with the idea I would only retrieve it for SHTF situations. Now I would like to get it in pre ban configuration with a straight FSB. Thanks again. |
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I called CNC Warrior yesterday. The woman who answered the phone left me on hold to speak with her boss. When she returned, she said I had the notoriety of being the first MAADI owner to call with a barrel turned down smaller than 1/2". They had nothing in stock that would work but she took my number as her boss would give it some thought. She asked if there was widespread interest in a brake/adapter to fit a skinny barrel (~0.470"). I noticed a few threads on the subject but I wasn't confident there was widespread interest.
I'll post if I hear from them. |
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Decided to take the difficult route and remove the barrel to rethread.
1 press, 1 lathe, and a number of homemade jigs and I am complete. The rifle will never be worth the time and money invested but I had fun doing it. I need to install the second pin on the FSB and refinish. The only undesirable result is there is about 3/8" of barrel extending beyond the threads to keep it >16". I had to bore the extended slant brake to make it work. I also need to replace the piston to be compliant. Pics to follow later in the week. |
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http://i892.photobucket.com/albums/ac125/kcaverett/A49CCD2E-B32D-49BC-A239-F9F05330650E-3594-000008336C6B5F94.jpg
http://i892.photobucket.com/albums/ac125/kcaverett/456AE61B-FCC7-4636-8726-63E72C52CC46-3594-000008317E715D4D.jpg http://i892.photobucket.com/albums/ac125/kcaverett/9C8B392E-0DB1-42B2-B17D-B9B37B61B277-5235-00000B41E6296C04.jpg http://i892.photobucket.com/albums/ac125/kcaverett/9A5D1E72-3D04-4920-9607-FCB2ACB1C31F-5235-00000B41FF100CC7.jpg http://i892.photobucket.com/albums/ac125/kcaverett/51FA8C3E-4997-4F38-988C-1C99D13CB6F4-5235-00000B42131FD601.jpg For those PAL RMLs with barrels too small to re-thread with 1/2x28. I just wanted a pre ban configuration. I wasn't concerned with whether or not I wrecked it's collectible value. I will reassemble, head space, and head to the range. US parts: grip, piston, muzzle device, trigger group. |
| Sweet job! Nice shop too. Beats the heck out of my apartment workbench! |
They're ivory. Only a pimp from a cheap New Orleans whorehouse would carry a pearl-handled pistol. Patton
"If women don't find you handsome, they should at least find you handy." --Red Green
"If women don't find you handsome, they should at least find you handy." --Red Green
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