so how do you set the headspace and keep it there?

[johnnytwoshots]

Just curious, after 5 years I am really getting the bug AGAIN!

with kits the way they are now its tough . I figured if I could put kits together, why couldn't i learn to install a new barrel and pin it?

what all would I need to do this? thanks guys

[The Professor]

A set of headspace gauge's ( GO , NO-GO ) and a oversize barrel pin.
Something like a barrel pin press plate to support the trunion while drilling barrel pin hole to oversize pin after you set headspace.
Thats it.
(remember to strip bolt while using the gauges to set headspace)
some gauges here [Only registered and activated users can see links. ]

[johnnytwoshots]

ok, is that for a barrel that already has the groove in it?
does a new barrel come with a groove? if not how do you get that in there?
can you do it with a bench top drill press?
how do you know with an semi auto weapon if the bolt is locked or not?

sorry but this is brand new territory for me and I am determined to try it!

[GoMopar440]

Used barrels should have the grooves and GB hole in them. New virgin barrels will most likely have none of those. The virgin M72 barrel I got from Rguns had no holes or grooves in it (except for the bore of course ).

[Coils]

ok, is that for a barrel that already has the groove in it?
does a new barrel come with a groove? if not how do you get that in there?
can you do it with a bench top drill press?
how do you know with an semi auto weapon if the bolt is locked or not?

If the barrel already has a barrel pin hole you will most likely have to use an oversized pin. If it's a new barrel without the pin groove you will be able to use a standard pin.
When putting the pin groove in the barrel you should use a reamer, first drill with an under sized bit then finish with the reamer.
If you hav an assembled AK, if not you have to look at the bolt and find this. Look in the mag well with the bolt closed and you will see a line on the bolt that goes from front to back, this line should be down and either centered or close to it.

[sjohnson]

The barrel pin needs to be a precision bore.

At the very least, you need to set head space then drill a hole undersize WRT the pin you use, then ream it to pin size. Re-check headspace after both drilling and pinning and adjust as necessary using oversized pins.

A mill would be much better than a drill press.

[johnnytwoshots]

what kind of mill would accomplish this without getting to pricey????

pardon my ignorance but what is a "WRT" and when we are spaceing the barrel are we moving it just .000ths by using the standard press? I bet that could get a little tedious!

thanks,

[sjohnson]

WRT, standard chat and forum abbreviation for With Respect To.

A milling machine goes from several hundred (the smallest of which won't do the job) to many thousands of dollars.

[1biggun]

for a hole you dont need a milling machine a drill press will work with a endmill in it and that costs around $10. drill it/mill it from both endsif the end mill is not long enough BTW

[johnnytwoshots]

thanks guys,
when installing a new barrel do you press it in with the go gage inserted? i'd like to see some pictures of someone doing a new installation. anybody have some?