saigarifles 0 Posted April 16, 2010 Report Share Posted April 16, 2010 How hard is it to drill out the gas piston and swap it for a US made one. It is only $20 for a new piston. The handguard I will need to buy a gas tube? its like $90 and just drop in and good to go. How would I seal the new gas piston in place? JB WELD? Quote Link to post Share on other sites
denden 16 Posted April 16, 2010 Report Share Posted April 16, 2010 I would recommend that you go to the Tech section of the Forum and read some of the gas piston topics. Comments like the following made me decide not to change out my gas piston: "it was a pain in the ass swapping it out, and probably wouldnt do it again." Here's a guy with firsthand experience sharing his opinion. If I remember correctly, you were going to hold the rifle on your lap when drilling the bullet guide. I think the steel dimples that have to be drilled to swap the gas pistons are harder than the trunion. Spend a little time in the Tech section and make your decision after reading the comments of others. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
corbin 621 Posted April 16, 2010 Report Share Posted April 16, 2010 Agreed. I'm in the same situation where I need to change out some more parts so I can use non-U.S. mags. The piston is a PITA, so I'm probably looking at the furniture instead. Corbin Quote Link to post Share on other sites
KC913 324 Posted April 16, 2010 Report Share Posted April 16, 2010 Furniture might cost a little more, but its less of a pain. What else are you adding/replacing? Just throw a US stock and new US trigger group in it and you should be good to go if you're just going for compliance.. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
saigarifles 0 Posted April 16, 2010 Author Report Share Posted April 16, 2010 (edited) Well I think I need one more part? I need A TOTAL OF 6 US made parts to use surplus magazines, is what I understand from people. So I guess spending $90 a gas pipe wouldnt be the worst thing, better than pain. Edited April 16, 2010 by saigarifles Quote Link to post Share on other sites
KC913 324 Posted April 16, 2010 Report Share Posted April 16, 2010 Well I think I need one more part? I need A TOTAL OF 6 US made parts to use surplus magazines, is what I understand from people. So I guess spending $90 a gas pipe wouldnt be the worst thing, better than pain. Depending on your configuration... US pistol grip US trigger group (3 parts) US buttstock That's a total of 5 US parts (4 foreign parts replaced), as long as you don't add a foreign muzzle device, leaving you with only 10 foreign parts You only need to swap 4 parts with US parts as long as no additional foreign parts are used. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Ohio_OJ 0 Posted April 17, 2010 Report Share Posted April 17, 2010 (edited) I just changed my gas piston out today, it was easy. 1) I drilled (1/8" diameter) out the dimples from both sides just into the piston threads then removed the old piston. 2) Installed the new piston and backed off 1/4 turn, then drilled (1/8" diameter) all the way thru the piston and carrier. 3) Removed the piston and drilled the piston out about 1/32 larger than the carrier holes. 4) Re-installed the piston and used a nail thru the hole, peened it over on both sides and ground the ends flush. I was a little concerened just from reading around on this site but the bullet guide hole was harder to drill than the piston. Edited April 17, 2010 by NEO Saiga Quote Link to post Share on other sites
sailor 6 Posted April 18, 2010 Report Share Posted April 18, 2010 NEO - just curious. Is a nail good enough steel to stand up to the constant shock of the piston action? It is a pretty harsh slam, and I realise the threads take the load, but I would have thought a hardened steel pin would be needed there. I'm asking because I also am considering a piston swap-out, but didn't want the hassle. You made it sound pretty easy. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Ohio_OJ 0 Posted April 18, 2010 Report Share Posted April 18, 2010 NEO - just curious. Is a nail good enough steel to stand up to the constant shock of the piston action? It is a pretty harsh slam, and I realise the threads take the load, but I would have thought a hardened steel pin would be needed there. I'm asking because I also am considering a piston swap-out, but didn't want the hassle. You made it sound pretty easy. The pin only keeps the piston from rotating, I would think you could use an aluminum pin for this. (I wouldn't, but softer steel should work) Quote Link to post Share on other sites
corbin 621 Posted April 18, 2010 Report Share Posted April 18, 2010 I haven't replaced a piston yet, so I can only go on what I've heard others say.......but this isn't the first time someone used a nail. It may not be the ideal metal, but I don't think it will be a problem. While a soft pin could wear a bit, an overly hard pin might not peen well and could crack. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
canoecanoe 63 Posted April 19, 2010 Report Share Posted April 19, 2010 The piston is easy to replace. Dinzag has a kit with the pirston, drill bits and pin. If you have done a conversion, this is child's play. Do not be afraid. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
bobsolla 7 Posted April 19, 2010 Report Share Posted April 19, 2010 The piston is easy to replace. Dinzag has a kit with the pirston, drill bits and pin. If you have done a conversion, this is child's play. Do not be afraid. well damn!;mine most be made of cherynobol steel because i tried drilling out the dimples on my carrier with a cobalt bit(on a drill press) i bought from ak47.com,it came with a pin and i bought a tapco piston from css.the bit barely pulled shavings(or any bit i tried),i drilled slow,median,fast with cutting oil.i`ve given up!if there is a secret,i would like to know! Quote Link to post Share on other sites
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