AK Handguard retainer plate

[squee116]

Okay,

So here's the dilemma.

I have a friend taking off for college soon, and we really wanted to do a Saiga conversion. My parts are rolling in but one, the AK handguard retainer. Dinzag takes 2 weeks to process the order and is quite expensive, Carolina Shooter's supply is out of stock and resupplying in about 2 to 3 weeks. I was hoping to have it here shipped in about a week. I don't have a press so I need one that has a screw to tighten it on. I do have a dremel, and can make a channel on the barrel for the screw to mount.

Is there any where local or with quick order turn-around that has a decent screw on retainer?

Forgot to mention, it's a 5.45 build.

[juicemansam]

I only did the handguard conversion on my Saiga 5.45. I had bought a Bulgarian lower handguard retainer (classic type) by mistake. I first used a sharp edged punch to "unmushroom" the retainer lock by carefully punching the mushroomed edges out of the way (inwards). I then punched out the retainer lock. Next I cut off the center "bridge" of the retainer (where the lock runs through). I made sure that I left the remaining walls the same thickness as the rest of the retainer walls. I then separated the side wall from the "floor" by cutting away at the inside corner (see third image). This cut, and ground side, allowed the retainer wall to flex while the retainer was forced over the barrel via press. Beware, the pressure required to press the handguard retainer over the barrel is quite a bit. I'm sure a vise will do, but I'm not too sure about standard hand tools. It might seem like the handguard retainer might bust, but if done right, it should hold. WARNING: use caution and eye protection, as the handguard retainer could slip and fly, and possibly cause injury or damage. The retainer sidewall (lever side) might need to be pressed back into shape. Lastly, I reinserted the retainer lock and "mushroomed" securely. I stopped there, I didn't care to reconstruct the "bridge." The scuff marks on the thinner part of the barrel is the area where the retainer was pressed over. I was a bit concerned about the barrel warping during the press, but I doubt anything beyond the scuff marks occurred.

[squee116]

I'm not too keen on press fitting the retainers yet. I don't have a proper press, and I need to go to a relative's house to use a vice. That's why I was searching for a screw on retainer. Thanks for the info though. I was curious what all was being done in one of these type of "hack jobs" although it appears yours turned out pretty good.

[squee116]

Is there anything else besides changing out the gas tube and putting in the handguard retainer plate I need to do before putting in AK handguards?

[squee116]

Also, what kind of paints can I use to cover up the dremeling I did? Is it something that can usually be found locally or affordably?