AK Front sight pins: Do I need both?

[stuntdummy]

I removed the front pin from the front site on my NHM91 to release the pin that aligns and secures the muzzle nut, and have since pined a brake on the barrel. In the process of removing the front sight pin, I destroyed it. Since my brake is permanent and I don't need to retain the spring loaded pin to keep it straight, am I ok with just the rear pin holding the sight to the barrel?

[grammaton76]

You should be ok, but I would install another pin just to make sure it doesn't work its way loose over time.

Remember, you're dealing with metal that expands and contracts when heat is applied. When you do a mag dump, you're applying heat.

I would see if you have a drill bit which matches up with the size pretty well, then use the base off of it.

[stuntdummy]

You should be ok, but I would install another pin just to make sure it doesn't work its way loose over time.

Remember, you're dealing with metal that expands and contracts when heat is applied. When you do a mag dump, you're applying heat.

I would see if you have a drill bit which matches up with the size pretty well, then use the base off of it.

Sounds like a plan. how do I keep the bit from coming out once I install it?

[grammaton76]

Sounds like a plan. how do I keep the bit from coming out once I install it?

Same way the original pins were installed... you use one that's just large enough that you have to hammer it in. (Note, you're going to cut the bit first so that only the tail end is used - you don't want to use the cutting part)

Last time I did this, I used a press to reinstall the pins if I remember correctly. But as long as you go slow and are careful, you should be able to do this without mushrooming it.

[stuntdummy]

Thanks for the advise. I knew my old, dull, drill bits were gonna come in handy some day!

[bohoki]

Thanks for the advise. I knew my old, dull, drill bits were gonna come in handy some day!

try to find an appropriate roll pin

[stuntdummy]

try to find an appropriate roll pin

I have seen them on line, but when you add shipping it ends up pretty expensive for that little piece of metal. So I was putting off getting a replacement until, A) I stopped being lazy, and B) got the word from the wise people in this forum. I'm almost half way there!

[bohoki]

well if you are not having bayonet drills i don't think you are going to run into problems with only one pin

[grammaton76]

Eh, I think one original pin and one salvaged drill bit end will still be significantly less likely to drift over time than only one pin.