Hello,

I've just picked up a new Arsenal SA-M7 (haven't had a chace to shoot it yet) and I noticed that the gas piston to bolt carrier fit seems to have a bit of play. I can't seem to tighten the gas piston into the carrier any farther by hand, in fact it does not seem want to turn/screw in or out at all, yet there is still has a bit of play. Is this a problem or it it supposed to be that way?

Cheers,

That's how it is supposed to be.

Thanks Mak!

Vegemite,

Just wanted to add a bit more info for you.

As Mak says, they are meant to be that way.

Here is what they do:

The piston "is" threaded into the carrier, but not all the way, and that will leave a little bit of wobble (again, as should be). Then they drill a hole straight through the carrier and through the piston (through the threaded area), and then pinned in place.
That is why it won't turn either way :)

While some American component AK's have their pistons completely threaded on (leaving no wobble), and welded in place,........this is not the correct method. You are talking Arsenal Inc of Nevada, which is licensed by Arsenal of Bulgaria, and they "do it right" :)

Hope this shed a bit more light on the subject :)

Thanks SSr-99!,

That was very detailed and reassuring post. It's good to know Arsenal follows the orginal concept in their design & manufacture.