Need help with my AK!!! Please!!

[RailroadGunner]

Does anyone have any idea why my MAK90 forend cap will not slide off the indent? On my only day off i'm in the process of fitting a stamped reciever stock set and now the darn lower handguard forend cap is giving me fits! I know it's not rocket science and i've moved the lever from back to forward but it is only loose in the up position and locks when forward or backward. When its loose it will only move to one side and maybe a little under a 1/4 inch forward, i also banged it slightly with a rubber mallet to no avail. Am i missing something?

[Dan FS71]

The only way it will come off (LHG retainer) is when the 'lever' is fully horizontal and pointing in the direction of the muzzle.

[RailroadGunner]

...........

The only way it will come off (LHG retainer) is when the 'lever' is fully horizontal and pointing in the direction of the muzzle.

that's exactly how my polish AK forend cap comes off but the darn Mak90 actually locks when the lever thrown fully horizontal, it's only loose when its facing up and will only turn slightly to the left and not slide forward on the barrel.

[Dan FS71]

Don't know if you've had one off to see the mechanism. They are all made the same way, it being 'loose' when it's 90deg to the barrel means nothing.

Likely tapping it in this position raised a burr and is making it feel tight. Put it in the proper position. If you can't push it staight back with your hand tap it with a small metal hammer. (and a drift or flat screw driver near the barrel in the 'cup')

[valley82]

Yup, needs to point towards the muzzle lightly tap it forewards until the lever is parallel with the barrel. Might have to tap the hand guard retainer foreward as well.

[NewbieDave]

Slowly tap it out.

[kcstott]

Slowly tap it out.

that and you must be 10% smarter then what you're working on.

[valley82]

Tap,tap,tap it out