Lower hand guard retainer question

[leadslinger 37]

I am thinking about installing lower hand guard retainer on my .223 but the barrel doesn't have the two side notches. If anyone bought CSS lower retainer what did their instructions say about this issue? Not interested in spending $85.00 for a retainer.

[bigstang 9]

I am thinking about installing lower hand guard retainer on my .223 but the barrel doesn't have the two side notches. If anyone bought CSS lower retainer what did their instructions say about this issue? Not interested in spending $85.00 for a retainer.

can u get me a pic of the barrel

[leadslinger 37]

bigstang, my camera was broken during my recent relocation. My .223 barrel is smooth from stem to stern except for the various steps of barrel thickness. My 7.62 has the side notches or groves for the lower retainer.

[leadslinger 37]

bigstang here is a pic of the notches or groves i am talking about. they can be seen in the first few seconds of the video. My .223 doesn't have them.

 

I am considering using this retainer. still have to make notch on top of barrel. anyone have any experience with this retainer?

 

http://www.brownells.com/.aspx/pid=32501/Product/?mc_id=100500&gdftrk=gdfV21820_a_7c187_a_7c1563_a_7c997000010_d_997000010_d_5001&avad=avant

[toshbar 36]

There's a guy in the 5.45 section that bought one (vulcan arms from brownells) and said it's nice. I just ordered one tonight along with some bulgy '74 furniture.

 

http://forum.saiga-1...opic=48906&st=0

Edited December 12, 2010 by toshbar

[leadslinger 37]

Toshbar i ordered one as well I am going to give it a try with my .223 and a k=-var hand guard. My .223 barrel doesn't have side groves on the barrel so if it works then i may do the same with the 7.62. I am trying to figure out where i am going to put the sling right now. I really like the side mount of the original retainer but this will not provide that so i am looking for a different method right now. I am also trying to buy stock OEM hand guards from anyone on the forum to try some mod ideas.

[toshbar 36]

I use a USGI web sling to shoot out to 500 yards with my 5.45 so I'm probably going to put a swivel stud in my front handguard. It will be non-original, but I really like having the extra stability of a sling. I found a site last night that was selling factory saiga handguards for $14, but I can't find it in my history.

Edited December 13, 2010 by toshbar

[jimdigriz 580]

I use a USGI web sling to shoot out to 500 yards with my 5.45 so I'm probably going to put a swivel stud in my front handguard. It will be non-original, but I really like having the extra stability of a sling.

 

Why do you need a swivel stud to have the stability of a sling? I use SKS slings, and they work fine for added stability. I can't do a loop sling with that setup, only a hasty sling, but a loop sling is completely impractical for any actual combat situation, IMHO. (And even a hasty sling is unlikely to be used in those situations).

 

Besides, USGI web slings rattle loudly. I don't believe it's a good choice for an AK. (I have one on my 10/22).

Edited December 13, 2010 by Jim Digriz

[toshbar 36]

I don't need one, but how else would I attach a sling with that bolt on retainer?

 

I could go MoNag on it and get some dog collars!

[leadslinger 37]

OK guys without the sling loop on the retainer what suggestions do you have for 2 point sling attachment on front of weapon?

[jimdigriz 580]

I don't need one, but how else would I attach a sling with that bolt on retainer?

 

SKS sling, or standard AK sling with clip hook.

Edited December 13, 2010 by Jim Digriz

[toshbar 36]

 

 

SKS sling, or standard AK sling with clip hook.

 

And hook it to what?

[jimdigriz 580]

 

 

SKS sling, or standard AK sling with clip hook.

 

And hook it to what?

 

EDITED: OK, went back and tried to understand what you were talking about, and I see the Vulcan Arms one. I can see the problem there, which is why I wouldn't use that one.

 

 

 

 

Maybe I don't understand what kind of bolt-on retainer that you are talking about. Does it not have the standard mounting point?

 

 

Edited December 13, 2010 by Jim Digriz

[leadslinger 37]

I use a USGI web sling to shoot out to 500 yards with my 5.45 so I'm probably going to put a swivel stud in my front handguard. It will be non-original, but I really like having the extra stability of a sling. I found a site last night that was selling factory saiga handguards for $14, but I can't find it in my history.

 

if you do find the link I would appreciate a Pm. thanks

[essohbe 47]

Leadslinger,

 

If you want to try the Brownells one make sure you read my thread about it:

 

http://forum.saiga-12.com/index.php?showtopic=60870&pid=580321&st=0entry580321

 

It doesn't have the sling loop but there are other routes to go if you wanted to. If you have a railed handguard you could attach a sling mount there, even screw the swivel ones right into the handguard if you wanted (I probably will).

 

There's also the barrel clamp-on things like NcStar has. You could even do that and put it in front of the handguard retainer to have something extra in front of it to help brace it on the barrel.

[sepherus 0]

I've seen things like this used with good results on the gas block.

Probably what I will end up with when I get around to doing my front end conversion.

 

edit: Yes I realize that is a Galil sling loop, but it would work the same on the gas block, just less slack. I've seen some AR-15s with the same thing on their front sights also.

Edited December 16, 2010 by Sepherus

[leadslinger 37]

i was thinking something similar worried about twisting gas block. the way these things are built it shouldn't. 2 other thoughts

 

1. para cord around gas block in between barrel and tube insertion point...concern heat cooking para cord?

2. mount a sling attachment on the rear of the lower handguard...concern getting in the way of grip/reloads..and would attachment be strong enough in the polymer.

Edited December 17, 2010 by leadslinger