Depopulating an AK barrell

[bodiebill]

Any tips, photos, procedures on the complete depopulation of an AK 74 barrel?

[ar15barrels]

Just remove the pins and press the parts off.
No big deal...

[baih777]

you need a solid base underneath the section you are trying to remove the pins. block of wood does not work that good. it absorbs the impact.
support the section with a vise (carefully) use a nail set to knock the pin loose. DO NOT USE a center punch. usually you have to push the pins from the left side to the right side. once the pin starts to move you can use a pin punch to push it out. the the parts will just pull off or twist off (usually) . no need to use a press.

[6mmintl]

Oh, you mean "REMOVE" a barrel.

[tujungatoes]

you need a solid base underneath the section you are trying to remove the pins. block of wood does not work that good. it absorbs the impact.
support the section with a vise (carefully) use a nail set to knock the pin loose. DO NOT USE a center punch. usually you have to push the pins from the left side to the right side. once the pin starts to move you can use a pin punch to push it out. the the parts will just pull off or twist off (usually) . no need to use a press.

^This. With double emphasis on having a solid backer when driving the pins. Otherwise you'll just peen the sh*t out of them, and make them harder to remove. The one exception being the parts coming off without a press. I have NEVER been able to just slide the parts off the barrel stubs by hand.

[SJgunguy24]

Have a bunch of thin chunks of plastic or steel. You'll need to get creative when blocking up the parts so you can actually get the barrel plumb before pressing.
When knocking out the pins, use a thick stubby punch with the tip ground down to fit the pins. A don't be afraid to swing the hammer. Start out with a heavy one to begin with and remember, you will bleed.