denden 16 Posted February 21, 2010 Report Share Posted February 21, 2010 I'm looking at the various possibilities for converting the stock forearm guard. The Dinzag bolt on lower retainer has gotten some less than glowing responses recently. I'm not sure if the slipping problem wouldn't affect all pinch-type retainers. If I understand correctly, to press on a genuine AK-74 retainer requires the removing of both the front sight block and the gas block. If you drill out the dimples on the stock FSB and GB, can you reuse these pieces or must you replace them with new units? I'm really not sure I'm ready just yet to undertake a project of this size. It appears the Tapco Galil hand guard has a pinch clamp on the front, but it looks like it also has a tab in the rear that allows you to fasten it in the same manner as the stock forearm guard. Has anyone had a problem with the Tapco Galil guard slipping? It's not the ideal look I had in mind, but it might do for a while and if I decide to do the full monty later, I think I could sell it to recover some of its cost. I'm still deciding and would appreciate any input. Thanks. 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Lone Star Arms 2,047 Posted February 21, 2010 Report Share Posted February 21, 2010 I'm looking at the various possibilities for converting the stock forearm guard. The Dinzag bolt on lower retainer has gotten some less than glowing responses recently. I'm not sure if the slipping problem wouldn't affect all pinch-type retainers. If I understand correctly, to press on a genuine AK-74 retainer requires the removing of both the front sight block and the gas block. If you drill out the dimples on the stock FSB and GB, can you reuse these pieces or must you replace them with new units? I'm really not sure I'm ready just yet to undertake a project of this size. It appears the Tapco Galil hand guard has a pinch clamp on the front, but it looks like it also has a tab in the rear that allows you to fasten it in the same manner as the stock forearm guard. Has anyone had a problem with the Tapco Galil guard slipping? It's not the ideal look I had in mind, but it might do for a while and if I decide to do the full monty later, I think I could sell it to recover some of its cost. I'm still deciding and would appreciate any input. Thanks. I can't speak to the mechanics, because I have never installed one, but as far as looks go - it is one of the best looking commercially available alternatives to the factory handguard (with IMO) the exception of some of the aluminum rails made by forum vendors like DPH, Chaos, and Kross. From an engineering perspective I'm a fan of a rock solid forearm that is going to stay put no matter what you shoot, or how much. If you have any concerns at all about slippage, your personal firearm is probably the last place you want to install something you are not 100% certain about. If you try it (or anything else) and find it is, or is not 100% please post your findings. I'm sure a lot of forum members could benefit from your experience. 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Klassy Kalashnikov 1,393 Posted February 22, 2010 Report Share Posted February 22, 2010 I've used the TAPCO Galil style grip on guns of mine before. It has a tab that goes into the receiver and screws in like the factory handguard does. It also has the retainer at the front which works well. It was rock solid when I used it. They also make a rail kit for it that installs very quickly and nicely that will turn it into a tri-rail, or side rail (bi-rail?) handguard as well for like $14. It is a functional handguard and will work very well. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
jimdigriz 580 Posted February 22, 2010 Report Share Posted February 22, 2010 (edited) The handguard itself will not slip off, on account of the back screw. That screw is not as sturdy as the factory Saiga screw, unfortunately, but it still works. The handguard retainer can slip off in firing though, and did just today in fact. The result is that the handguard itself is loose up and down in the front, but still usable. Now perhaps I didn't tighten the screw enough, for fear of overtightening. I need to implement imarangemaster's solution, which you can read about here: http://forum.saiga-12.com/index.php?showtopic=50514&view=findpost&p=471150 Edited February 22, 2010 by Jim Digriz Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Klassy Kalashnikov 1,393 Posted February 22, 2010 Report Share Posted February 22, 2010 (edited) That set screw idea is really good. In fact, most people already have a tap and drill bit from doing their bullet guide! Just drill a little dimple in the barrel, and get a matching size machine screw to make a set screw from Lowe's/Home Depot Edited February 22, 2010 by Klassy Kalashnikov Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Frankyoz 15 Posted February 22, 2010 Report Share Posted February 22, 2010 I have one on my Saiga and can say 1. I like the look 2.Its rock solid 3. Its cheap! I used some blue locktight on my swivel screw and it hasnt moved. If you looking to keep it simple its one of the best ways to go! Quote Link to post Share on other sites
my762buzz 141 Posted February 22, 2010 Report Share Posted February 22, 2010 (edited) I'm looking at the various possibilities for converting the stock forearm guard. The Dinzag bolt on lower retainer has gotten some less than glowing responses recently. I'm not sure if the slipping problem wouldn't affect all pinch-type retainers. If I understand correctly, to press on a genuine AK-74 retainer requires the removing of both the front sight block and the gas block. If you drill out the dimples on the stock FSB and GB, can you reuse these pieces or must you replace them with new units? I'm really not sure I'm ready just yet to undertake a project of this size. It appears the Tapco Galil hand guard has a pinch clamp on the front, but it looks like it also has a tab in the rear that allows you to fasten it in the same manner as the stock forearm guard. Has anyone had a problem with the Tapco Galil guard slipping? It's not the ideal look I had in mind, but it might do for a while and if I decide to do the full monty later, I think I could sell it to recover some of its cost. I'm still deciding and would appreciate any input. Thanks. It works. Just do not over tighten the bolt. Tapco let me know they would gladly replace my retainer with a new bolt. I'm not sure I even want to bother to send it back. I like the fusion handguard better. Edited February 22, 2010 by my762buzz Quote Link to post Share on other sites
BrutalGardener 205 Posted February 22, 2010 Report Share Posted February 22, 2010 I used to have one on my S7.62x39 back in 2008. It kept coming loose and then something just broke off. I didn't even bother sending that PoS back to Tapco. The current version could be better, I suppose. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
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