Help with installing a bullet guide on Vepr.

[oak18]

Hey everyone. I'll be picking up a Vepr Pioneer next week and to my knowledge it doesn't accept standard 7.62x39 AK magazines, even though the guys behind the counter said it did. Some quick research told me that those guys are wrong.

So I'm interested in installing a bullet guide. I've watched a couple videos on the process and it doesn't seem too hard but I'm not very experienced with drilling into metal, threading, or anything involved in the process. I'm experienced with drills and tools in general though.

So my question is, should I attempt this myself? Is it fairly easy? Is there anything that could go seriously wrong?

Or should I have someone with gunsmithing experience do it?

Thanks for your time.

[56Chevy]

I did it on a Saiga. It's pretty simple. The part that's probably most important is to be careful when tapping the hole you drill. I went slowly, cleaning out the hole and using plenty of fluid.

This video, from Carolina Shooters Supply, was helpful. I got my bullet guide from them.

[ar15barrels]

Is there anything that could go seriously wrong?

Have you ever tapped hardened steel?

[Stanze]

http://imgur.com/a/MMqg2

I own a Vepr 7.62 X39mm and got both bullet guides - CSS on left and Dinzag on right.

I've read that both work fine.

However, after comparing them, I installed the Dinzag because it's wider and bolt is slightly bigger size than CSS. You have to drill out more material in trunnion than CSS kit so decide.

http://imgur.com/a/lvSAY

I carefully positioned the bullet guide -- noted where the rounds would be directed, center punched, guided-drilled by hand (used CLP to lube drill -- don't drill into receiver), bought and used a tap T handle from Harbor Freight.

I used red thread locker.

http://imgur.com/a/UYBQi

No malfunctions after test firing 200 rounds.

If was going to do it again, I'd install red thread locker after test firing. I would of liked to move bullet guide a hair to the right since it was putting a slight line scratch on the shell casings.

No malfunctions though so it is what it is.

http://imgur.com/a/Q5rm4

It took about 15 minutes to install bullet guide, 10 minutes to Dremel off thread protector (replaced with Tapco Razr flash hider -- worked great, no flash -- detent pin is present in FSB) and about an hour to carefully file and Dremel mag latch testing for snug mag it.

http://imgur.com/a/5sHNx

I also custom modded thumbhole stock, but stock developed cracks in slant cut area above pistol grip after 200 rounds test firing. I'll be replacing the stock.

Take your time and tape up areas you don't want to scratch up.

FYI, my spare parts are already spoken for.

Good luck!

[xsefan]

I have seen a few ak with any type of guide. I have seen a couple of siaga conversions with out them too. Run it you might get lucky.