User Panel
User Panel
User Panel
|
Posted: 5/15/2015 11:16:29 PM EDT
[Last Edit: HendersonDefense]
I've read a couple threads about "abusing" AK's and I haven't seen anything that's "real world" abuse. At our range, we treat each weapon the best we can but the sheer volume of rounds we put through our full-auto AK's (and all other weapons) unfortunately leaves them cracked, split, bulged and kaboomed. Each weapon is headspaced at every cleaning, documenting in it's own maintenance log the headspace and what or if any parts were replaced.
The one thing I can say about the AK's is that they hold up MUCH BETTER than the RPD's. I thought for sure that RPD's would last so much longer because of the milled receivers but the receivers only last about half the life (if that) of a Romanian WASR. This is about 30 days (at most) of steel casing and approximately 80% of it is from AK usage. The other brass is from RPD's or PKM's. V/R 
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: 7/31/2017 12:01:24 AM EDT
[#1]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By Holes:
You must be busy Ron. Started to miss reading your new inputs. I'm glad for one, the WASR is a good rifle for you. It's affordable and tough from your information. So I had to order one.  Again, glad to hear from you. I hope business is going well.V/R Ron |
|
|
|
|
Posted: 7/31/2017 12:18:35 AM EDT
[#2]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By HendersonDefense:
We have been slammed and just got busier with one of the indoor ranges closing down last week. WASR's still lead the pack when it comes to AK's on our range. V/R Ron |
|
|
|
|
Posted: 8/1/2017 2:50:47 AM EDT
[#3]
Glad I found this thread. Any info about the RPK type rifles and how they hold up? Better than regular ak?
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: 8/1/2017 1:10:21 PM EDT
[#4]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By Tankdawg0057:
Glad I found this thread. Any info about the RPK type rifles and how they hold up? Better than regular ak? V/R Ron |
|
|
|
|
Posted: 8/18/2017 5:44:31 PM EDT
[#5]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By HendersonDefense:
I'll ask the staff but I'm pretty sure the Romanian WASR barrels have outlasted the Arsenal 5.45 "Krinkov" barrels. The armorers recently re-barreled four of the Krinks with the chrome-lined barrels offered by AK-Builder. V/R Ron I've speculated that a 5.45x39 will have less barrel life than a 7.62x39 just due to the increased bullet velocity. But I wonder if the 5.45x39's receiver will last longer due to less harsh recoil. Just curious as I've thought about picking up a transferable AK and having it converted to 5.45x39. |
|
|
|
FL, USA
|
Posted: 10/1/2017 11:54:55 PM EDT
[#6]
I saw you mentioned all your euro mags have held up well... does this apply to all calibers and all materials... Im guessing any military mag holds up fine.... do yall even change mag springs?
|
|
|
|
Posted: 10/28/2017 6:53:09 PM EDT
[#7]
This is the sort of information that's not available anywhere else.
Thanks, and I'll be visiting next time I'm in town.
|
|
|
|
MT, USA
|
Posted: 10/29/2017 7:45:13 PM EDT
[#8]
Any updates on the AKBuilder flats and how they are holding up?
|
|
|
GA, USA
|
Posted: 10/30/2017 4:29:59 PM EDT
[#9]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By HendersonDefense:
We use the Romanian heavy WASR and NOT the light version that Century sold years ago. There's also one that I built on a NoDak receiver years and years ago that doesn't have any sign of failure or fatigue. V/R Ron |
|
|
|
Posted: 10/30/2017 6:41:37 PM EDT
[Last Edit: AEnemaBay]
[#10]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By Henry1:
What is the difference between a "heavy WASR" and a "light WASR"? I always thought a WASR was a WASR; except the newest versions were supposed to have better fit and finish than the older ones. |
|
|
|
|
Posted: 11/25/2017 5:43:05 PM EDT
[#11]
Btt
|
|
|
|
RUS
|
Posted: 11/26/2017 1:31:45 PM EDT
[Last Edit: Machak]
[#12]
Great thread, unique and very valuable information. Usually manufacturers are not very enthusiastic about high round count endurance tests. It is very expensive and takes a lot of manpower.
I am surprised US manufacturers are not lining up in front of BFLV to give their weapons for test fire. |
|
|
|
Posted: 11/26/2017 1:51:17 PM EDT
[#13]
Any update on the Century C39V2s? Bolt wear, head space, carrier tail wear etc? Any failures and approximate round count?
Thank you for taking time in doing all of this. |
|
|
|
|
Posted: 12/3/2017 5:49:05 PM EDT
[#14]
We've eliminated all of the non-military parts/mfg guns to keep things simple. The US-made stuff that we've used just won't handle the abuse like the Euro and Chinese weapons do. I may still purchase some of the PSA improved AK's but not until after the first of the year.
V/R Ron |
|
|
|
|
Posted: 12/5/2017 1:25:54 PM EDT
[#15]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By LongBeach:
Any updates on the AKBuilder flats and how they are holding up? |
|
|
|
|
Posted: 12/9/2017 3:44:22 AM EDT
[#16]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By jefflebowski: V/R Ron |
|
|
|
|
Posted: 12/9/2017 6:13:29 AM EDT
[#17]
Love these threads!
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: 1/26/2018 2:31:43 AM EDT
[#18]
Bump
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: 1/26/2018 9:16:55 AM EDT
[#19]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By MaxxII:
Bump OP adds to it every now and then. |
|
|
|
FL, USA
|
Posted: 1/26/2018 11:35:54 PM EDT
[#20]
At what round count interval do you replace the AK's recoil springs?
|
|
|
|
Posted: 2/10/2018 7:50:43 PM EDT
[#21]
Ron-
Would you care to give us an update on your opinion of recoil buffers? What have you seen that makes you believe they are of any benefit? Also, do you any 5.56 AKs and how have they been holding up? On par with 5.45 and 7.62? Thank You |
|
|
|
NV, USA
|
Posted: 2/25/2018 3:41:06 PM EDT
[#22]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By MeanCarbine:
Ron- Would you care to give us an update on your opinion of recoil buffers? What have you seen that makes you believe they are of any benefit? Also, do you any 5.56 AKs and how have they been holding up? On par with 5.45 and 7.62? Thank You The 5.45's seem to hold up much longer than our 7.62 models. V/R Ron |
|
|
|
Posted: 2/25/2018 3:44:27 PM EDT
[Last Edit: MeanCarbine]
[#23]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By HendersonDefense: I have no tangible "proof" that they work but if you could see how the buffers look after several weeks, you would have to conclude that they are helping reduced the violent recoil of the carrier. We don't lose nearly as many AK's as we used to since we made it policy that all AK's get buffers. The 5.45's seem to hold up much longer than our 7.62 models. V/R Ron |
|
|
|
NV, USA
|
Posted: 2/25/2018 3:53:04 PM EDT
[#24]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By MeanCarbine: Any 5.56 AKs (i.e. WASR 3) in rotation? V/R Ron |
|
|
|
Posted: 2/25/2018 7:15:13 PM EDT
[#25]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By HendersonDefense: I have no tangible "proof" that they work but if you could see how the buffers look after several weeks, you would have to conclude that they are helping reduced the violent recoil of the carrier. We don't lose nearly as many AK's as we used to since we made it policy that all AK's get buffers. The 5.45's seem to hold up much longer than our 7.62 models. V/R Ron |
|
|
|
|
Posted: 4/8/2018 8:01:45 PM EDT
[#26]
First time we've ever experienced this. A factory Bulgarian full-auto trigger cracked yesterday.
V/R Ron 
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: 4/8/2018 8:09:49 PM EDT
[#27]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By HendersonDefense:
First time we've ever experienced this. A factory Bulgarian full-auto trigger cracked yesterday. V/R Ron https://i.imgur.com/b8u7ic8.jpg 
I thought I'd seen every AK failure possible till now... |
|
|
|
|
Posted: 4/8/2018 8:32:37 PM EDT
[#28]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By HendersonDefense:
First time we've ever experienced this. A factory Bulgarian full-auto trigger cracked yesterday. V/R Ron https://i.imgur.com/b8u7ic8.jpg |
|
|
|
|
Posted: 4/8/2018 11:13:07 PM EDT
[#29]
Good thing you took a picture as nobody would believe it.
Thanks for sharing. |
|
|
|
|
Posted: 4/9/2018 8:56:55 AM EDT
[#30]
Wow, never seen OR heard of that! Thanks for letting us know.......
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: 4/9/2018 8:22:57 PM EDT
[#31]
Trigger slapped.
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: 4/9/2018 10:43:20 PM EDT
[#32]
Tagged for sure, great info OP! Thank you
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: 7/23/2018 11:12:41 AM EDT
[Last Edit: Matt45]
[#33]
Drug back from the Dead.
@HendersonDefense Ron- Page 11? of 8?  Anything new this Summer? |
|
|
|
|
Posted: 7/23/2018 2:28:02 PM EDT
[#34]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By Matt45:
Drug back from the Dead.
@HendersonDefense Ron- Page 11? of 8? Anything new this Summer? We are going to start using some Tortort milled receivers with the parts we pulled from the Hungarian kits. I am hoping we get at least double the life out of the receiver with the milled receiver over a stamped receiver and trunion assembly. V/R Ron |
|
|
|
|
Posted: 7/23/2018 4:37:56 PM EDT
[#35]
Funny this thread just showed back up.
I was just looking for it this morning. Our post sample PAP developed the same cracks in the rails that were shown in the first few pages. It felt a lot better knowing that this happens! If I hadn't seen the pics from the Henderson guns, I be quite worried! Thank yall for the very informative thread! |
|
|
|
|
Posted: 7/23/2018 11:07:44 PM EDT
[#36]
This thread was "toggled" by me some time ago. Back around page 2 or 3 I think.
"toggled" is mod speak for "it won't go into the archives". So set your bookmarks. |
|
|
|
|
Posted: 7/24/2018 10:54:30 PM EDT
[#37]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By dryflash3:
This thread was "toggled" by me some time ago. Back around page 2 or 3 I think. "toggled" is mod speak for "it won't go into the archives". So set your bookmarks. |
|
|
|
|
Posted: 7/25/2018 10:43:51 PM EDT
[#38]
I'm hoping Ron will come back with some data on the PSAKs that Palmetto supposedly sent out of this latest batch constructed.
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: 7/25/2018 11:06:30 PM EDT
[#39]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By MudEagle:
I'm hoping Ron will come back with some data on the PSAKs that Palmetto supposedly sent out of this latest batch constructed. |
|
|
|
GA, USA
|
Posted: 7/25/2018 11:28:55 PM EDT
[Last Edit: Henry1]
[#40]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By MudEagle:
I'm hoping Ron will come back with some data on the PSAKs that Palmetto supposedly sent out of this latest batch constructed. With the receiver dust-cover off and pulling the bolt carrier all the way back it looks like the bolt carrier is being pushed up too far at the rear most position, and almost out of the receiver by the upward tension of the FCG and hanging up on the edges of the bolt carrier rail grooves and receiver rail flanges, even with recoil spring and retainer installed. It's almost like the recoil spring retainer is allowing the rear of the bolt carrier to raise up to high at the rear. I figure the recoil buffer will keep the bolt carrier from moving all the way rearward enough to allow it to be pushed up too high in the receiver at the rear. I've also wondered if another recoil spring and retainer might help. The action on my other AKs is nowhere near that stiff and gritty/sticky. Maybe I'm being too picky, but I don't think so. Perhaps it will loosen up and smooth out with use over time. That is why I hope Ron can put them through the real test... :-) |
|
|
|
Posted: 9/7/2018 11:50:35 AM EDT
[#41]
Wow, I had a bunch of work to do this morning, but instead I just read this whole thread.
|
|
|
|
TX, USA
|
Posted: 9/8/2018 11:09:17 PM EDT
[#42]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By HendersonDefense:
We pulled all the Draco's off the line. The front site base/gas block combo with the 90 degree port just collects to much carbon. We experienced six trunion failures with the Hungarian underfolders so the rest of them were pulled off the line. They all failed at about 50,000 round count and just to be safe, that's why pulled them. We are going to start using some Tortort milled receivers with the parts we pulled from the Hungarian kits. I am hoping we get at least double the life out of the receiver with the milled receiver over a stamped receiver and trunion assembly. V/R Ron Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By HendersonDefense:
Originally Posted By Matt45:
Drug back from the Dead.
@HendersonDefense Ron- Page 11? of 8? Anything new this Summer? We are going to start using some Tortort milled receivers with the parts we pulled from the Hungarian kits. I am hoping we get at least double the life out of the receiver with the milled receiver over a stamped receiver and trunion assembly. V/R Ron Would that be the CAI Hungarian built underfolders? |
|
|
IL, USA
|
Posted: 9/9/2018 7:08:53 PM EDT
[#43]
Can you try one of the wolff springs Ak47 XP recoil springs? It suppose to be 15% stronger. It manage the recoil a little better than standard springs. I compared both and the Wolff XP spring its like 2 inches longer. That with the recoil buffer is a nice combo, very pleasant to shoot.
|
|
|
TN, USA
|
Posted: 10/1/2018 12:04:30 PM EDT
[#44]
Have you had any Century M70ab2's with the DCI receivers on the line? If so, what's your experience been?
Random and slightly off topic question, but what would you say the estimated round count would be for a standard combloc/surplus steel magazine? Seems there's a bunch of SHTF preppers that think everyone should have 40+ magazines per rifle. I would think 2-3 magazines would outlast any quality AK, unless the person is just a klutz and can't hold on to one. Lastly, if you could pick one AK for a SHTF scenario, which would it be?lol |
|
|
|
Posted: 10/5/2018 12:44:38 AM EDT
[#45]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By Crogers23:
Have you had any Century M70ab2's with the DCI receivers on the line? If so, what's your experience been? Random and slightly off topic question, but what would you say the estimated round count would be for a standard combloc/surplus steel magazine? Seems there's a bunch of SHTF preppers that think everyone should have 40+ magazines per rifle. I would think 2-3 magazines would outlast any quality AK, unless the person is just a klutz and can't hold on to one. Lastly, if you could pick one AK for a SHTF scenario, which would it be?lol I would say the same 25% of the magazines see about 90% of the use just by the nature of the range. Mags get loaded, put back in the bin, picked back up, used and brought back to get loaded and the cycle starts all over again. AK's mags, Uzi mags and MP5 mags last the longest on the range. Unfortunately, AUG mags have a pretty short life span on the range. If I had to pick one AK for a SHTF scenario, it would be a ............................. WASR. V/R Ron |
|
|
|
|
Posted: 10/5/2018 12:45:38 AM EDT
[#46]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By ivanotano:
Can you try one of the wolff springs Ak47 XP recoil springs? It suppose to be 15% stronger. It manage the recoil a little better than standard springs. I compared both and the Wolff XP spring its like 2 inches longer. That with the recoil buffer is a nice combo, very pleasant to shoot. V/R Ron |
|
|
|
IL, USA
|
Posted: 10/6/2018 11:45:21 PM EDT
[#47]
great! thanks for the info!
|
|
|
SD, USA
|
Posted: 10/18/2018 2:01:34 AM EDT
[#48]
@HendersonDefense
How well do the VZ-58 and SKS's hold up? Thank You, for all the information you have provided in all your high round count threads.
|
|
|
USA
|
Posted: 10/26/2018 12:26:18 AM EDT
[#49]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By HendersonDefense: I have no tangible "proof" that they work but if you could see how the buffers look after several weeks, you would have to conclude that they are helping reduced the violent recoil of the carrier. We don't lose nearly as many AK's as we used to since we made it policy that all AK's get buffers. The 5.45's seem to hold up much longer than our 7.62 models. V/R Ron |
|
|
|
Posted: 11/14/2018 1:08:52 PM EDT
[#50]
Interesting that new WASRs are holding up so well.
Real PM63s and PM65s have shat the bed when I fired them in high volume. The carrier/piston pins worked out and scored the inside of the gas tube, but they were still firing. We would have never known until it was too late had we not broken them down. Pic from 1998:  I was just watching a P&S video with Jim Fuller and one of his guys talking about what does and doesn't work in AKs. They said 5.56x45 NATO in the AK caused a lot of early catastrophic failures across multiple guns, especially the short AKs. The AK was never meant to handle 55-62ksi chamber pressure weapons with a small bore volume and high port pressures. Have you thought of installing the adjustable gas pistons in your range rentals to reduce reciprocating mass wear effects in the guns? Could really be a game-changer for parts longevity since AKs are gassed so hard to account for cold weather, grit, and poor quality. |
|
|
|
Win a FREE Membership!
Sign up for the ARFCOM weekly newsletter and be entered to win a free ARFCOM membership. One new winner* is announced every week!
You will receive an email every Friday morning featuring the latest chatter from the hottest topics, breaking news surrounding legislation, as well as exclusive deals only available to ARFCOM email subscribers.
AR15.COM is the world's largest firearm community and is a gathering place for firearm enthusiasts of all types.
From hunters and military members, to competition shooters and general firearm enthusiasts, we welcome anyone who values and respects the way of the firearm.
Subscribe to our monthly Newsletter to receive firearm news, product discounts from your favorite Industry Partners, and more.
Copyright © 1996-2024 AR15.COM LLC. All Rights Reserved.
Any use of this content without express written consent is prohibited.
AR15.Com reserves the right to overwrite or replace any affiliate, commercial, or monetizable links, posted by users, with our own.
