Noob AK rail installation question

[Lonewolf71]

Do I install the rails before or after heat treating the fire control group holes?

[kcstott]

don't matter.
But the usual method is fold, install trigger guard, rails, drill holes, center support, ream and heat treat.

[3lsmc7]

Whatever you do, don't wait to install the trigger guard until near the end. I had a hell of a time trying to crush the front four rivets.

I usually follow the guide here on CalGuns and the one here

Hope that helps!

[Lonewolf71]

Thanks!

[bigbob76]

Do I install the rails before or after heat treating the fire control group holes?

It makes more sense to me to install the rails before heat treating the axis pin holes. After the rails are in you still need to drill through the rails and ream the holes and put the center support in. Having the center support in before you heat treat helps keep the receiver lined up while the heat makes it expand and contract. You can do the trigger guard easier before you put the center support in but if you have the right tools it's not hard to do the trigger guard afterwards.