Oversize barrel pin for AK74

[imperials]

Does anyone know of another vendor where I can get an oversize pin "315" for a Bulgy 74. AKbuilder is out of stock.

[Richard Erichsen]

Does anyone know of another vendor where I can get an oversize pin "315" for a Bulgy 74. AKbuilder is out of stock.

McMaster Carr and Misumi USA can supply any diameter hardened dowel you need. For the price of the pre-hardened pin from AK Builder or others, you could probably buy 10 from McMaster or Misumi. Misumi specifically lists oversize diameters in the "steel dowel pins" section.

R

[ott1]

Don't get hardened dowel. Get a 8mm HSS drill blank and cut to size. You can make probably 3 barrel pins from one 8mm HSS drill blank.

[kcstott]

Ott1
I can see your thinking but I would not recommend a HSS pin. They can be brittle and if cocked and continued to be pressed in.
Dowel pin are not as hard as HSS drill blanks. They will hold up better.

That said if you can keep it straight, A drill blank would work, But it's not my first choice.

[ott1]

I use M2 drill blanks which is a good balance of wear resistance and toughness. I can cut to whatever length. Since I drill and ream to proper size, I don't have problems with having cocked pins. As for dowel pins holding up better, debatable.

[Gowking]

Any thoughts on O1 oil hardened tool steel? Looks like McMaster has it in 7mm, .302" and 8mm (the sizes sold by AK-Builder). What would be the proper procedure for finishing these once cut to length?

-MRA

[ott1]

Chamfer and use. I've seen dowel pins that were used as barrel pins deform on the ends as they are pressed/punched out. Since dowel pins are case hardened, the core of the pins are about 10 points less hardness than the surface.

OP,

Brownells have them in stock.

http://www.brownells.com/.aspx/sid=78860/pid=42346/Product/AK-47-74-BARREL-PINS

[kcstott]

I use M2 drill blanks which is a good balance of wear resistance and toughness. I can cut to whatever length. Since I drill and ream to proper size, I don't have problems with having cocked pins. As for dowel pins holding up better, debatable.

Well once it's in place I would not see any real difference between the two. I'm just concerned that others (not you) might get it cocked a little out of wack and when it decides to let go it will be in many pieces. It's just not the correct material to use. Little over kill in the wrong direction.


As for O-1 Yeah you could use it but it should be heat treated.
That is just about the same procedure for the hole in the AK receiver. Heat till red dunk in oil Draw back till straw colored.

[ott1]

M2 drill blanks are easily available and will still do the job of a typical AK barrel pin as it is already hardened unlike tool steel.

[CaliBoundAR15]

Brownells has them for the cheapest price right now. Just got one. They're gonna run around $10 shipped.

[imperials]

Thanks for all the info!!!