[tarawa]

I will doing the same thing, but I will start with a new K-Var AK-74 kit. I will check and see where the original barrel sits before I press it out.

Dirt,
Where are you getting the RPK wood??

 

[tarawa]

Dirt,
Is it possible that the barrel is in the whole way, but the breech block isnt designed for a 5.45 x 39 bolt face?? Just a thought. Maybe there is just too much room in the locking lug area.

 

[tarawa]

I don't know but I tried to press it in further again today same thing.
Thanks

Dirt,
I just got off the phone with Andre from Global. I was asking him questions about his new 23mm trunions. He said that it wont work with the AK-74 barrel because it is machined for the 7.62 bolt, not the 5.45. I guess if the locking lugs are smaller on the 5.45 and it will not headspace correctly. He said the barrel must be turned down and the original AK-74 trunion must be used wit the AK-74 bolt.

 

[tarawa]

Dirt,
If the Sar-2 is 5.45 you should be ok with the bolt fitting the trunion correctly, but the barrel diameter is still too big to press correctly.


hcpookie,
Do you think honing the trunion is better than turning the barrel to the correct diameter? I just figured that Global builds these RPKs commercially and wouldn't steer me wrong.

 

[tarawa]

K-Var lists a 23mm AK-74 trunion (K-Var #AK184) for $59.95. It is unused, so the front rivet holes will need drilled. I am not sure if there is a feed ramp (?) installed. Do any of you guys think this will work? I will also call K-Var today and ask them. If it will work, I will probably order one. I will do anything, not to have to turn the barrel or bore the trunion.

 

[tarawa]

Wuss!

Yeah give them a call. What I would ask *specifically* is which trunion part # they recommend for use with that barrel. Just ask if that works with RPK-74BA.

I gave K-Var a call and the man (who spoke with a slight accent) said that although it is not an RPK-74 trunnion, it would work with the RPK-74 barrel. Good enough for me I guess. I still will have to rivet the bullet guide onto it. I will have to research this.

 

[tarawa]

I would hate to screw up a $300+ barrel assembly! Then I would be looking for a 19mm trunnion! I thought about boring out the trunnion that came with the kit and then the numbers would match. I already ordered the 23mm trunnion. It doesn't have the upper rivet holes drilled yet, so I figured that I would drill the trunnion and receiver in one shot.....perfect alignment!

George--
You've got the best set up shop with lathes and a mill I've ever seen outside of a machine shop.

Set the barrel in one of the lathes and turn it down.

Why would you not take the '74 trunnion I gave you (I think I did anyway) and open it up a millimeter? Let me know if you tear it up-- I'll give you another one.

I'll do anything to help except lay tile.
And I'd love to hear how you did it (not the floor).

 

[tarawa]

I received my K-VAR RPK-74 barrel assembly last week and just received the 23mm AK-74 (new) trunion Saturday. I measured the barrel and it seems to measure + .9075 and the trunion is + .886. Does this sound right? This trunion doesn't have the top rivet holes drilled yet, so I may drill the receiver and trunion at the same time.
Also, I can't seem to get the AK-74 gas tube to fit. Does the gas fitting need bumped forward a bit?

 

[tarawa]

No stock set yet.

 

[tarawa]

Like a line from the Grateful Dead's song, "What a long strange trip its been". My RPK barrel and bolt and trunnion are now in HEADSPACE HARMONY. I have drilled and pinned the barrel and it maintained headspace. I want to cut the groove for the lower handguard retainer. Any suggestions on howto. I don't have a milling machine. Can a drill press be used?

I used a round file. Only took a few minutes.

 

[tarawa]

WOW...sounds like deja vu. Gas tube didn't fit and also was canted, so I heated it a little and straightened it up, but still couldn't seem to get it to move forward. Air also goes through mine, so I am hoping it is ok. I will not pin it till I shoot it. I had to fit the gas tube by bumping the sight base back and a little fitting of the tube itself. Of course the top cover wouldn't fit then....too tight. Carrier moves, but can use a little tweeking to get it to move smoother. I ordered a new bolt, carrier, spring and safety lever, so I can relace all the parts that I robbed from my new AK-74 kit. Headspace still seems good. Except for the fact that this gun looks so cool, I don't know if I would build another.