Parkerizing

[USMC_2651_E5]

Now that I'm close to finishing my AK build, I've been thinking of parkerizing it. From searching the forum I've found a few posts that indicate it is easy, but prep work is emphasized. I was wondering about the barrel. Can I parkerize the entire barrel without removing the brake, sights, and gas tube? What precautions should I take? Thanks in advance.

[50 Shooter]

You'll need to plug the barrel and remove everything so that it's protected with the park solution. Don't park the gas tube.

[USMC_2651_E5]

Wow. Sounds like more work than I thought. And to clarify on the gas tube...I guess I meant gas port. Can I plug the gas block as well and leave it on? I'm trying to avoid having to remove all the pins. If I parke'd the entire unit, would it be possible to work the handguard levers and rear sight loose? It sounds like I'm being lazy, but I'm affraid of doing more damage than good.

[Pryde]

Well from what other smiths have said on other boards.
(Don't take my word on this, I could be wrong)

You should be able to park an AK without plugging the barrel. Reason being that park will not stick to the chrome lining inside the barrel, when you are done parking anything still left in there should come out with a cleaning brush.

Maybe someone more experienced can comment on this?

[Sydwaiz]

I just did 2 AK's for another member here. They were Romanian kits that had chrome bores so plugging wasn't necessary. Even if they weren't chromed, I don't think it would affect much as it would just shoot clean after a couple rounds. If you are that worried, you can stick a cork in each end and something like a matchstick in the gas hole or a big cork in the gas block. I removed the rear sight too. It's not as hard to parkerize as you may think.

[!@#$]

.....