Removing ak barrel?

[yari]

Any tricks to removing the barrel from a complete receiver?

[4thSBCT]

you will need to make a tool from two pieces of staggered bar stock welded together.

There might be an all thread method but I'm not sure

[SJgunguy24]

There's a couple of ways, you'll need to make tools regardless. You can press the receiver off the barrel but that means removing everything from the barrel and making a jig the hold the receiver dead flat and supports the barrel from the chamber area. You will need a pipe that is slightly longer then the barrel to press the receiver off at the trunnion. You can make a tool to fit inside the receiver and press the barrel out. If riveting isn't an issue, yo could demill the front trunnion and press out as you would any parts kit. Re rivet the trunnion back into the receiver and press back into place when the work is completed.

[yari]

If I were to build a pressing deal that goes thru th mag well and around the receiver what type of steel would you suggest?

[Shady]

go to a build party

[yari]

Why a build party? Gun is built, problem is a bad barrel (blackthorn) I haven't seen anyone replacing barrels on built guns. Believe I have enough tools to do it myself. Was just wondering if anyone had some tricks. Guess I have to make another new tool.

[SJgunguy24]

Location?

[tujungatoes]

I finally made a tool for it, but in a pinch i've used a long 3/8 drive socket extension(or two shorter ones) and the bolt/brass nut to get out past the rear trunnion. It will be at a slight angle, but works just fine.

Where are you located?

[CSACANNONEER]

Why a build party? Gun is built, problem is a bad barrel (blackthorn) I haven't seen anyone replacing barrels on built guns. Believe I have enough tools to do it myself. Was just wondering if anyone had some tricks. Guess I have to make another new tool.

Well, most people who attend BPs are informed enough to stay away from Blackthorn. But, replacing a barrel is not an easy task. In fact, it's easier to build an AK from a matching numbers parts kit with original barrel than it is to replace a barrel. But, since you seem to know and understand what to do and what you are getting into, you obviously don't need to go to a BP and get guidance from several, or more, very experienced builders. To be honset, you don't need to make a special tool, I've removed barrels from complete receivers with nothing more than a press, some pocket change and a 3/8" socket extention. Anyway, once you get the barrel out, do you know how to depopulate it? Can you populate your new barrel? Do you know how to drill your new gas port? Lastly and most importantly, do you know how to headspace your new barrel properly? After headspacing, you'll need to use an end mill to cut out the notch for the barrel pin and then follow it with the appropriate sized reamer folled by using the correct sized barrel pin for your hole. Do you have all the proper tools to do these things? Anyway, have fun. I hope you bought two new barrels because, we'll see you at a BP replacing your new barrel real soon. All kidding aside, it's not that hard to do. It's just hard to do a decent job especially without any experience or guidance.

[yari]

Well in short. This is my 6th virgin build first 5 used orig Yugo barrels. Had this one so figured I'd try it. Chamber is crap. Got a GM coming. Tools yes, head spacing check, de/populating check, thanks for all the advice.

[yari]

Oh and I'm in san Diego.

[CSACANNONEER]

Wow. In that case, I suggest trying the coins and extension meathod once and then fabricating a jig so that you don't have to do it the hard way again.

[general_disarray_prk]

Hi Yari,

I've used a 12 ton Harbor Freight Hydraulic Press with a 6" long, 1/2" Drive, socket extension to great success.

NOTE: BOTH ends of the socket extension were pretty flat from previously using the extension as a "punch." Having flat surfaces on both ends of the extension helps in keeping the socket extension from slipping off the press ram and the pennies covering the chamber.

After removing the barrel pin, place the AK in the press barrel down.

OK - PUT ON YOUR SAFETY GLASSES! I've seen the socket extension lose grip and shoot out across the garage.

Place a couple of copper pennies over the chamber.

Put the small end of the socket extension on top of the pennies, and pump the ram down until it comes in contact with the big end of the socket extension.

Because you're performing this barrel removal on an assembled receiver, in order to get past the rear trunnion, the socket extension will be at a 5-10 degree angle off center.

Slowly apply pressure until all the slack is taken up, and the pennies compress.

Keep pumping, and hopefully the barrel will easily come out of the front trunnion.

HTH and if you have any more questions ask away -

[yari]

I've got this one solved. Actually knew what to do before posting. Was just wondering if someone had figured out a (so simple I feel like a tard) way to do it, that didnt require $ or a potential projectile. Thanks for the responses.

[Gowking]

I finally made a tool for it, but in a pinch i've used a long 3/8 drive socket extension(or two shorter ones) and the bolt/brass nut to get out past the rear trunnion. It will be at a slight angle, but works just fine.

Oh man I used to do that **** and it always scared me but if you go slow and keep a good grip on things it will work. The extension will sit into the rear trunion where the recoil spring slides in so that helps keep things lined up. These days I use one of these:



It's a crappy cell phone pic but you can see that it has a cut to clear the ejector. You can thread the AK-Builder brass nut on the end or make your own.

-MRA