Side Mount Rail Removal Tutorial

[theplastik 67]

Okay, here goes. It actually didn't take much time at all.

 

This is for those of you who are looking to remove the side mounted rail with a bit of effort, minimal tools and a bit of time.

 

 

This is simply a guide on how I removed my own side mount.

I am not responsible for what you do to your own firearm/s.

You are responsible for what you do to your own firearm/s.

I hold no liabilities for any damage you inflict upon yourself and/or yours or anyone else's firearm/s as a result of this tutorial, or anything else I have said about anything, anywhere, and at any time, ever.

 

Step 1

First, I stripped the firearm.

Some items are a hassle to remove so I kept on what I could.

 

 

Then we get to work.

 

My plan was to drill the left and center rivets out and grind the right most rivet.

(This is important if you plan to reuse it.)

 

Step 2

 

I ground down the left most rivet with a Dremel and sanding bit, so my drill bit does not walk everywhere.

 

 

Then Drill out the left and center rivets about halfway or more.

(Note, I color or paint my axis retaining pins because:

#1 I don't like how they stand out on my black S12

#2 So I know to avoid them and don't accidentally drill or grind them)

 

 

Step 3

 

Grind the Right most rivet so that it us flush with the side mount face.

 

 

I actually drilled the left and center rivets almost flush to the receiver to make it easier.

 

Step 4

 

Pry a bit and you will end up with this:

 

 

Grind a bit more on the right rivet. Avoid taking too much material off.

Twist until the mount comes off.

 

Step 5

 

In order to reuse the rivet, I had to round it off.

 

(Basically, pressing the rivet to form a "mushroom head" and retain its position.)

 

I tried many methods, but this seemed to be the most effective.

A few others have gone with other methods.

(Nailbomb simply formed it with a ball peen hammer and Cobra 76 Two uses an anvil with a divot or a punch type tool with a divot.)

 

There's also these two items you can purchase if you intend to redo rivets often. (Google AK-47 Rivet Tool.)

 

 

This method was easiest for me, and more importantly, quiet. (I have roommates you know. )

 

I got a spare piece of steel bracket laying around.

I drilled it a bit with a drill bit approx. one step larger than the rivet size.

Then I cleaned it up with the Dremel.

 

 

Then I got a simple, cheap "C Clamp" and drilled a divot in the solid base head. If you have a C Clamp with 2 solid heads (I did not) you could also just put a divot in both heads.

 

 

Then I installed both. It takes a delicate balance to get it aligned right.

Try to get the center of the C Clamp "screw" centered on the rivet.

 

 

I then attached a set of large vice grips to turn easier.

 

 

Step 6

 

Tighten the clamp as much as possible.

Keep checking to ensure center alignment.

 

Here is the finished rivet:

 

 

Here is the aftermath.

 

 

Aww, poor clamps.

 

Now clean up time and prep for paint.

 

 

Here's the finished product.

 

 

 

Hopefully I helped someone. Thanks for coming.

 

Edited July 28, 2010 by theplastik

[Cobra 76 two 2,677]

Good job man.

 

[theplastik 67]

Good job man.

 

Thanks!!

[akastormi 617]

You did good. Toasted those clamps, but hey it got the job done.

[theplastik 67]

You did good. Toasted those clamps, but hey it got the job done.

 

Thanks!

 

I'm still measuring out and trying to come up with a non-reciprocating, bolt-in, left side charging handle, but I've run out of time. Maybe next week.

The ideas are flowing and it's looking promising though.

 

Here's the finished product.

 

 

 

Here is the link for a High Quality, unscaled, pic if you want to see all the glorious detail or nit-pick the flaws.

 

Hmm, nevermind, photobucket scales it down. Oh well.

Edited July 27, 2010 by theplastik

[akastormi 617]

non-reciprocating, bolt-in, left side charging handle = L1A1 handle comes to mind

[theplastik 67]

non-reciprocating, bolt-in, left side charging handle = L1A1 handle comes to mind

 

Psh, I wish. I've seen that around here though.

 

More like, Home Depot, MacGyver style.

[Nailbomb 10,221]

Congrats... you is a sticky!

 

Mind going through and uploading the pics so they are saved on the site server? We have had issues in the past with the highly useful pics disapearing due to photobucket in the past.

[theplastik 67]

Congrats... you is a sticky!

 

Mind going through and uploading the pics so they are saved on the site server? We have had issues in the past with the highly useful pics disapearing due to photobucket in the past.

 

Woohoo!

 

Yeah, I will save pics to the server.

[csl84030 0]

Just wondering.. wouldn't the side mount rail stiffen up the stamped receiver maybe help reduce flexing?

[Nailbomb 10,221]

Just wondering.. wouldn't the side mount rail stiffen up the stamped receiver maybe help reduce flexing?

your speculating a lot on something insignificant to a platform that puts up with a LOT.

 

in other words...

 

your overthinking it man.

[csl84030 0]

Just wondering.. wouldn't the side mount rail stiffen up the stamped receiver maybe help reduce flexing?

your speculating a lot on something insignificant to a platform that puts up with a LOT.

 

in other words...

 

your overthinking it man.

[csl84030 0]

Just wondering.. wouldn't the side mount rail stiffen up the stamped receiver maybe help reduce flexing?

your speculating a lot on something insignificant to a platform that puts up with a LOT.

 

in other words...

 

your overthinking it man.

Please forgive me for my ignorance, I remember this video from a few years ago about AK platform flexing

Being a combat veteran and using the AR platform, I personally own (2) AK's and a Saiga 12 and would rather have the AK

Didn't mean to pee on your cornflakes!