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Ok, this is my first attempt at any kind of tutorial. I'm going to apologize now just in case it sucks. None of these ideas are original. I'm just putting this together to show how it's done, since there seem to be alot of people wanting to build PSL's lately, and the info is somewhat spread out. Everything here was what I learned Helping Grossekatz with his build. We used 69Mach1's big 20ton press the first time. Later I'll include some info for getting this set up on a HF 12ton press since thats what most people have, and the whole thing is a bit long for that frame.
First concern is pressing the barrel out. Here's a picture of the chamber end of the PSL barrel.
(This image is not mine. I found it on google image search. If the rightful owner wishes I will remove it immediately.)
The deeper extractor groove, and ridge on the chamber face require a different shaped tool to press them out without risking damage. Using a dremel tool. Calgunner grossekatz shaped this tool from a brass fitting that fit around the chamber ridge. He cut it to sit on the barrel shank with the extended portion fitting in the extractor groove. I believe it was a gas fitting acquired from the local hardware store.
The act of actually pressing the barrel out, and assembling the remainder of the receiver is very much the same as a regular AK, so I won't go into it here.
Now, the next challenge is stuffing that awkward bastard back in there. The length, and slim profile of the PSL barrel make the possibility of bending it pretty high if you try to press it back in from the muzzle end. So stealing a design from johnbrian we fabbed a simple barrel vice from a piece of 4" x 4" x 1" aluminum . Mine is actually slightly longer in one direction due to it being a remnant I pulled out of the bin at the local metal supply, but just to keep it simple lets stick with 4x4x1.
First things first. make sure the table on your drill press is level so you get nice straight holes, and that the piece is secured so it doesn't go flying off and hit you in the nuts! You also remembered to wear your safety glasses and gloves...right? There's going to be a LOT of sharp pieces of aluminum flying around.
Using a 1/2" bit, drill all the way through about 3/8" from each end. then lay the piece flat and drill a 3/4" hole through the center. I think it should go without saying here, but I'll say it anyways...Always start with a pilot hole, and step up to your final size(...duh).
You should end up with something that looks like this.
Don't worry if the 3/4" hole isn't 100% perfectly centered, or if the 1/2" holes are slightly canted. Mine isn't Totally perfect, and it works just fine
First concern is pressing the barrel out. Here's a picture of the chamber end of the PSL barrel.
(This image is not mine. I found it on google image search. If the rightful owner wishes I will remove it immediately.)The deeper extractor groove, and ridge on the chamber face require a different shaped tool to press them out without risking damage. Using a dremel tool. Calgunner grossekatz shaped this tool from a brass fitting that fit around the chamber ridge. He cut it to sit on the barrel shank with the extended portion fitting in the extractor groove. I believe it was a gas fitting acquired from the local hardware store.
The act of actually pressing the barrel out, and assembling the remainder of the receiver is very much the same as a regular AK, so I won't go into it here.
Now, the next challenge is stuffing that awkward bastard back in there. The length, and slim profile of the PSL barrel make the possibility of bending it pretty high if you try to press it back in from the muzzle end. So stealing a design from johnbrian we fabbed a simple barrel vice from a piece of 4" x 4" x 1" aluminum . Mine is actually slightly longer in one direction due to it being a remnant I pulled out of the bin at the local metal supply, but just to keep it simple lets stick with 4x4x1.
First things first. make sure the table on your drill press is level so you get nice straight holes, and that the piece is secured so it doesn't go flying off and hit you in the nuts! You also remembered to wear your safety glasses and gloves...right? There's going to be a LOT of sharp pieces of aluminum flying around.
Using a 1/2" bit, drill all the way through about 3/8" from each end. then lay the piece flat and drill a 3/4" hole through the center. I think it should go without saying here, but I'll say it anyways...Always start with a pilot hole, and step up to your final size(...duh).
You should end up with something that looks like this.
Don't worry if the 3/4" hole isn't 100% perfectly centered, or if the 1/2" holes are slightly canted. Mine isn't Totally perfect, and it works just fine
) to get it out of the way of the rear trunnion. I know it sounds easy now, but I'm dumb and was a couple beers in when we set it up.
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