opto_isolator 3 Posted January 25, 2009 Report Share Posted January 25, 2009 Anyone know what typically is the weakest point on an AK? What are some good backup parts to have in case of failure??? Quote Link to post Share on other sites
nalioth 405 Posted January 25, 2009 Report Share Posted January 25, 2009 Anyone know what typically is the weakest point on an AK? You losing stuff while cleaning.What are some good backup parts to have in case of failure???Another AK. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
devildogdakota 804 Posted January 26, 2009 Report Share Posted January 26, 2009 Anyone know what typically is the weakest point on an AK? What are some good backup parts to have in case of failure??? The weakest point of an AK, is the operator. Eat a Mediterrian style diet , start working out with free weights, get yourself an A.L.I.C.E. pack with at least 50lbs. (sand bag) in it, run up hills at least thirty minutes three times a week, and learn how to use yer AK to the fullest. (i.e. target acquision, position dicipline (frequently snapping in), hittin' -n- rollin' locked -n- loaded (not if you've been drinkin'), and practice real life fighting scenarios ( in any terrain you plan on ever inhabiting.) And as Nalioth said, another AK. J.D. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
VanKiller 322 Posted January 26, 2009 Report Share Posted January 26, 2009 I've found the ammo budget usually breaks first.............Which is a good thing because there are just not a lot of Saiga spare parts out there..............I will probably be tearing down a few for parts as this warranty project gets rolling.........but I doubt I'll still have spare parts to sell.............But on the good side, I doubt I'll need many parts............ Quote Link to post Share on other sites
superA 289 Posted January 26, 2009 Report Share Posted January 26, 2009 Anyone know what typically is the weakest point on an AK? What are some good backup parts to have in case of failure??? The weakest point of an AK, is the operator. Eat a Mediterrian style diet , start working out with free weights, get yourself an A.L.I.C.E. pack with at least 50lbs. (sand bag) in it, run up hills at least thirty minutes three times a week, and learn how to use yer AK to the fullest. (i.e. target acquision, position dicipline (frequently snapping in), hittin' -n- rollin' locked -n- loaded (not if you've been drinkin'), and practice real life fighting scenarios ( in any terrain you plan on ever inhabiting.) And as Nalioth said, another AK. J.D. What is a Mediterranean style diet? Are you recommending a second AK because of difficulty finding AK parts? Quote Link to post Share on other sites
usmc_mwroseberry 0 Posted January 26, 2009 Report Share Posted January 26, 2009 Nothing on an AK will break. You can put the magazine in the well and do push-ups on your weapon. If you break anything you have to be doing it on purpose. The only spare parts you "MIGHT" need will be a spring set and you can get that at www.k-var.com. Welcome to the addiction! Good luck, Merritt SGT USMC vet. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
opto_isolator 3 Posted January 26, 2009 Author Report Share Posted January 26, 2009 Just curious, since I've heard that bolts or firing pins may have issues sometimes. I know the AK platform is simple stupid, and very robust - but I was just curious to know if anyone has ever had to replace anything.... Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Bean.223 365 Posted January 26, 2009 Report Share Posted January 26, 2009 Most problems I have had is with mags. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
mstranglr 9 Posted January 26, 2009 Report Share Posted January 26, 2009 I have seen pin retaining wires pop out of the pin groves and trigger pins backed out. All of my AKs have pin retainer plates now. Use good comblock mags, most of the USA made ones are not 100% reliable. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
mollysman420 19 Posted January 26, 2009 Report Share Posted January 26, 2009 The operator not the gun Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Coal_forge 15 Posted January 26, 2009 Report Share Posted January 26, 2009 I would probibly keep a spare butt stock just in case it cracks while using it to club down people when ammo runs low (If SHTF). A good old shovel handle will do or maybe somebody's old crutch and add a few self tapping screws to secure it and viola new butt stock. I would also have to agree with the magazines. Have some regular steel ones stored away. The promags I have, have the BHO featue due to the last round jamming Quote Link to post Share on other sites
VladTepes 160 Posted January 26, 2009 Report Share Posted January 26, 2009 Anyone know what typically is the weakest point on an AK? What are some good backup parts to have in case of failure??? having done the conversion... having had the rifle apart in pieces.. i cna honestly say i would be SHOCKED to hear something on an AK platform broke... everything looks extremely durable, and simple... which is a perfect combination.. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
MD_Willington 11 Posted January 27, 2009 Report Share Posted January 27, 2009 What typically breaks on an AK? The proletariat conscript using the AK...! Quote Link to post Share on other sites
t165 30 Posted January 28, 2009 Report Share Posted January 28, 2009 Ak's are not immune from Murphy's Law. The more moving parts then the more that can go wrong. On average an Ak will fail before a properly made Enfield or Mauser 98. Still, if the SHTF I would grab one of my ak's before any of my AR, CETME, SKS, or military bolt rifles. Nothing wrong with any of the beforementioned weapons...I appreciate and enjoy them all. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Shellshock1918 1 Posted January 28, 2009 Report Share Posted January 28, 2009 If you toss your AK on a grenade to shield yourself, you'll probably break the stock. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
mstranglr 9 Posted January 28, 2009 Report Share Posted January 28, 2009 Anyone know what typically is the weakest point on an AK? What are some good backup parts to have in case of failure??? Tapco furniture! Quote Link to post Share on other sites
cscharlie 107 Posted January 29, 2009 Report Share Posted January 29, 2009 Extractor claw maybe. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Bvamp 604 Posted January 29, 2009 Report Share Posted January 29, 2009 firing pin, barrel, receiver rails/ejector. any machine will wear out eventually, and lot quicker with poor maintenance. AKs are pretty damn robust as it is, and are famous for exactly that. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Twinsen 86 Posted January 29, 2009 Report Share Posted January 29, 2009 (edited) Magazine floorplates, magazine bodies, magazine feedlips. Buy more mags! AK's are made of steel and wood, not aluminum and plastic. Don't worry about anything. Enjoy a picture of what happens when you try to make an AR-15 shoot 30 cal ammo. Edited January 29, 2009 by Twinsen Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Big Jay 0 Posted January 29, 2009 Report Share Posted January 29, 2009 I think you might break before your AK. Have about 10,000 rounds through my WASR10 on all the original equipment. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Vultite 57 Posted January 30, 2009 Report Share Posted January 30, 2009 (edited) mags go before anything, i don't have enough $$ to truly test that but my buddy has nearly 71k of russian and romanian steel through his and the only thing he's had to replace on it were the mags (surplus mags) and his dust cover (due to him dropping it) but it still worked fine with the dent, he just wanted to keep her somewhat "proper" like i said, i don't have that kind of money but i trust it enough. Plus he only cleans it maybe once every 5k or so....that poor gas piston is a dirty dirty girl, but she keeps coming back for more Edited January 30, 2009 by Vultite Quote Link to post Share on other sites
SOPMOD 254 Posted January 30, 2009 Report Share Posted January 30, 2009 I have a little bag with a broken shell extractor,firing pin,axis pins,extractor/pin/spring,e-clips and I have never had occasion to use any of it from buying my first Norinco in 1988 up to my latest 7.62 Saiga.I suppose with TEOTWAKI right around the corner according to some I might go ahead and spring for a spare bolt but it will likely never be used on any of my 1/2 dozen AKs. I would however suggest getting some magazine springs if any of your mags are old used surplus of unknown vintage. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
KrisFox 69 Posted January 30, 2009 Report Share Posted January 30, 2009 Nothing on an AK will break. You can put the magazine in the well and do push-ups on your weapon. If you break anything you have to be doing it on purpose. The only spare parts you "MIGHT" need will be a spring set and you can get that at www.k-var.com. Welcome to the addiction! Good luck, Merritt SGT USMC vet. I've done this with my AR and GI mags. (No ammo) My weapon did it just fine. Mag was fine. Me trying to balance and do the push-ups... I was able to do 5. If something was to break from me doing that I'd expect it to be the mag. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Etek 32 Posted January 30, 2009 Report Share Posted January 30, 2009 In a word, Nothing. You'll lose parts cleaning your AK before you ever break anything. Get a spring set and a pin set for the bolt if you're afraid of losing tiny parts while cleaning the bolt. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
rubicon923 0 Posted January 31, 2009 Report Share Posted January 31, 2009 I've given this question some thought. The weak point of semi-auto rifles in general is the extractor. Without going into the details, the Saiga 7.62 x 39 extractor is different than the available AK extractors. Similar story with the firing pins. Because of all the conversions, it's relatively easy to find stock furniture, FCG, and gas tubes, but not bolt or bolt carrier parts. Also, there are very few factory spare parts available. Mark Graham (the "gunplumber") says that among the thousands of AKs that have passed through his hands over the years, he has seen exactly ONE failed extractor. Remarkable considering that AR shooters often take spare bolts with them so they can make it through a weekend training class. One of the reasons I don't own an AR. Most AKs are built from parts kits with varying degrees of workmanship. Theoretically at least, Saiga's should break fewer parts than your average AK because they are new Russian rifles. Mark Graham's experience is confirmed by the fact there there are thousands of 7.62 x 39 Saiga's out there and no one is posting about having a useless gun because they broke an extractor or something else. My solution was to buy lots of Saiga parts leftover from conversions (furniture, gas tubes, sights, FCG) and several rifles so that if something does break, I'll have some spare parts or I can cannibalize one of the rifles. Last year I bought a used 7.62 x 39 with 20" barrel just for this reason. Of course, you might have a problem finding a $225 Saiga today. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
opto_isolator 3 Posted February 1, 2009 Author Report Share Posted February 1, 2009 I've given this question some thought. The weak point of semi-auto rifles in general is the extractor. Without going into the details, the Saiga 7.62 x 39 extractor is different than the available AK extractors. Similar story with the firing pins. Because of all the conversions, it's relatively easy to find stock furniture, FCG, and gas tubes, but not bolt or bolt carrier parts. Also, there are very few factory spare parts available. Mark Graham (the "gunplumber") says that among the thousands of AKs that have passed through his hands over the years, he has seen exactly ONE failed extractor. Remarkable considering that AR shooters often take spare bolts with them so they can make it through a weekend training class. One of the reasons I don't own an AR. Most AKs are built from parts kits with varying degrees of workmanship. Theoretically at least, Saiga's should break fewer parts than your average AK because they are new Russian rifles. Mark Graham's experience is confirmed by the fact there there are thousands of 7.62 x 39 Saiga's out there and no one is posting about having a useless gun because they broke an extractor or something else. My solution was to buy lots of Saiga parts leftover from conversions (furniture, gas tubes, sights, FCG) and several rifles so that if something does break, I'll have some spare parts or I can cannibalize one of the rifles. Last year I bought a used 7.62 x 39 with 20" barrel just for this reason. Of course, you might have a problem finding a $225 Saiga today. Good reply - thanks! I was thinking specifically of what you discussed - the extractor, bolt, etc. Since they are different - where would one get replacements / spares (besides another saiga)? Quote Link to post Share on other sites
rubicon923 0 Posted February 2, 2009 Report Share Posted February 2, 2009 I've given this question some thought. The weak point of semi-auto rifles in general is the extractor. Without going into the details, the Saiga 7.62 x 39 extractor is different than the available AK extractors. Similar story with the firing pins. Because of all the conversions, it's relatively easy to find stock furniture, FCG, and gas tubes, but not bolt or bolt carrier parts. Also, there are very few factory spare parts available. Mark Graham (the "gunplumber") says that among the thousands of AKs that have passed through his hands over the years, he has seen exactly ONE failed extractor. Remarkable considering that AR shooters often take spare bolts with them so they can make it through a weekend training class. One of the reasons I don't own an AR. Most AKs are built from parts kits with varying degrees of workmanship. Theoretically at least, Saiga's should break fewer parts than your average AK because they are new Russian rifles. Mark Graham's experience is confirmed by the fact there there are thousands of 7.62 x 39 Saiga's out there and no one is posting about having a useless gun because they broke an extractor or something else. My solution was to buy lots of Saiga parts leftover from conversions (furniture, gas tubes, sights, FCG) and several rifles so that if something does break, I'll have some spare parts or I can cannibalize one of the rifles. Last year I bought a used 7.62 x 39 with 20" barrel just for this reason. Of course, you might have a problem finding a $225 Saiga today. Good reply - thanks! I was thinking specifically of what you discussed - the extractor, bolt, etc. Since they are different - where would one get replacements / spares (besides another saiga)? The Saiga 7.62 x 39 bolt uses a "claw" type extractor. Other 7.62 x 39 AKs use a "cylinder" type extractor which will not fit in a Saiga bolt. The only AK claw extractors I've seen are the 5.45 extractors. The 5.45 claw extractor will install in the Saiga bolt, but of course the curvature (radius) of the 5.45 is a little different than the curvature of the stock Saiga 7.62 x 39 claw extractor. I don't know if this will make a difference in operation. I haven't fired the Saiga with the 5.45 extractor (and may not). When working the bolt manually, the 5.45 extractor seems to extract 7.62 x 39 cases fine. Maybe more marking on the cartridge rim. The 5.45 firing pin will fit in the Saiga bolt. A standard AK 7.62 x 39 firing pin will not. The 5.45 firing pin is a little looser in the bolt and the tip of the 5.45 firing pin looks like it has a different profile. I have fired primed cases (no powder) using a Saiga bolt with a 5.45 firing pin. They fired fine with no primer rupture, but it may be different with powder in the case. I haven't tried finding an AK bolt that will work with the Saiga 7.62 x 39 bolt carrier. My guess is that if anything breaks bolt-related, it would be the extractor or firing pin and not the bolt itself. I haven't been able to find a source of Saiga bolt parts (other than a spare rifle). The Saiga importer told me that they're trying to get spare parts from the Russian factory. Apparently, Saigas very, very rarely break extractors or firing pins. I've never heard anyone complaining that their Saiga is useless because they can't get a spare extractor or firing pin. Seems like there would be a few Saiga owners in this situation. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
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