AK barrel pin

[trfcrugby]

I am taking my Romy apart, and putting in rivets. I don't like the screws, and finally got the nerve to try a rivet build after de-milling this one and all.

So I understand the barrel removal process, using a vice and a press to push out the barrel pin, then pressing the barrel out of the trunnion.

Two questions about putting it all back together.

The trunnion will be in the receiver when it's time to reinsert the barrel. Any tips for that process that doesn't destroy the receiver?

Assuming the numbers all match on the barrel and trunnion, if the barrel pin is reinstalled, will my headspace be ok?

Thanks.

[wayoutwest]

I have used a piece of scrap steel, approx 3x9x5/8 and slide it though the magwell resting on the back of the trunion and then press (or pound with a hammer if need be) the barrel back into the trunion until the pin hole lines up

As for headspace, you will probably be OK if all the numbers are matching but I would check anyways.

[ketec_owner]

I can answer some.

Once the barrel pin is back in it should be headspaced to what it was when it was a complete rifle. Assuming it's the original bolt, barrel, and front trunnion and it was headspaced right in the first place - it should be fine. Also there is some debate that american made headspace guages are slightly different (longer) from european headspace gauges - so it might seem tight depending on whose headspace guages you buy (I know this seems odd).

Most people say that you should have a go gauge, a no-go gauge, and a live round to check it. It should close fully on a go gauge, not close all the way on a no-go gauge, and close on a round (remember the bolt should have the extractor, the firing pin, retainer pins, and extractor spring removed.

I and others have used 12-ton shop presses. I highly recommend it along with AK-builder's tools: (http://www.ak-builder.com) barrel press kit, rivet jig, and trigger guard rivet jig.