pjj342 632 Posted March 23, 2011 Report Share Posted March 23, 2011 I see retainer plates for $5, and wire retainers for a little less. Ive heard of guys using e-clips, and since its only for keeping the pins from backing out they should all be the same, right? Has anyone used them and what size would I need? Quote Link to post Share on other sites
kresk 10,063 Posted March 23, 2011 Report Share Posted March 23, 2011 Retainer plates usually work well and saves some time. E-clips have also served me well--I think the 3/16" ones if I remember. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
L5K 162 Posted March 23, 2011 Report Share Posted March 23, 2011 E clips will work but are a pain in the ass if you ever do remove them. In my opinion there is no better solution than the plate. I don't like small parts that are easy to lose... 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Azrial 1,091 Posted March 23, 2011 Report Share Posted March 23, 2011 I have never had e-Clips fail, to fail. Every time I have used them I have found at least one loose in the firearm after a firing session. Apparently, some folks have been more lucky... Quote Link to post Share on other sites
pjj342 632 Posted March 24, 2011 Author Report Share Posted March 24, 2011 I have never had e-Clips fail, to fail. Every time I have used them I have found at least one loose in the firearm after a firing session. Apparently, some folks have been more lucky... I take it you are saying theyre a pain in the ass, correct? I do want something that will hold up to sustained shooting sessions. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
pjj342 632 Posted March 24, 2011 Author Report Share Posted March 24, 2011 Retainer plates usually work well and saves some time. E-clips have also served me well--I think the 3/16" ones if I remember. Have you run into problems like Azrial has? Or have your run just fine from session to session? Quote Link to post Share on other sites
kresk 10,063 Posted March 24, 2011 Report Share Posted March 24, 2011 E clips will work but are a pain in the ass if you ever do remove them. In my opinion there is no better solution than the plate. I don't like small parts that are easy to lose... But you can get a bag of a hundred e-clips for a couple bucks so if you do lose a couple you're out a couple pennies, and a dental hook or small screwdriver can get them out handily, and reinstall with the screwdriver. If your plate works for you, nothing wrong with that either. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
N4KVE 14 Posted March 25, 2011 Report Share Posted March 25, 2011 (edited) I have 2 AK's that were built with E clips. One is a Blue Ridge SLR100, & the other an Arsenal USA SSR85C. Both guns have been trouble free & work just fine. Since I have no need to remove the FCG, I leave it alone. If it isn't broke, I don't try to fix it. However, should I ever have trouble & the clips should ever pop off, I would probably get one of those fancy retainer plates. GARY N4KVE Edited March 25, 2011 by N4KVE Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Azrial 1,091 Posted March 25, 2011 Report Share Posted March 25, 2011 If you don't mind them coming off, as have been mentioned here by others, use the e-clips. I insist on reliability in my AK and they would come off after every session. My plate has never failed! On the other hand, you may be luckier then me in their use! Either way, good luck! Quote Link to post Share on other sites
BobAsh 582 Posted March 25, 2011 Report Share Posted March 25, 2011 Why wouldn't you use the factory-style wire retainer? There is nothing more proven. 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
pjj342 632 Posted March 25, 2011 Author Report Share Posted March 25, 2011 Why wouldn't you use the factory-style wire retainer? There is nothing more proven. I may, that is not out of the question at all. Really all im looking at is 5 dollars either way, real pocket change compared to other parts. Question: Will the factory wire retainer that is in my saiga x39 work in the conversion? It doesnt look like it will. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Cobra 76 two 2,677 Posted March 25, 2011 Report Share Posted March 25, 2011 Why wouldn't you use the factory-style wire retainer? There is nothing more proven. I may, that is not out of the question at all. Really all im looking at is 5 dollars either way, real pocket change compared to other parts. Question: Will the factory wire retainer that is in my saiga x39 work in the conversion? It doesnt look like it will. Yes it will, and even though cost really isn't a factor IMO with this part...convenience is. I like the more tried and true, battle proven shepherd's crook myself, but when selling something to others who haven't done much work with FCGs in AKs, the plate is the way to go IMO. That said, it's very easy (and free) to just cut the original spring and use that. All you need is something to go over the hammer pin, and under the trigger pin. You can even cut it into one straight piece that fits between the rear block, or stock adapter, and the front trunnion or rail, and flexes to hold both pins just fine. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
BigChongus 765 Posted March 25, 2011 Report Share Posted March 25, 2011 If you're using a Tromix-modified G2, it'll come with the shepard's crook anyway. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
n102788 6 Posted March 26, 2011 Report Share Posted March 26, 2011 (edited) I have used e clips for a little over 1000 rounds no problems so far. I did notice though the original wire, cut, will be a lot easer to take the fcg out than the e clips. Either way can't go wrong. Edited March 26, 2011 by n102788 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
pjj342 632 Posted March 26, 2011 Author Report Share Posted March 26, 2011 ] Yes it will, and even though cost really isn't a factor IMO with this part...convenience is. I like the more tried and true, battle proven shepherd's crook myself, but when selling something to others who haven't done much work with FCGs in AKs, the plate is the way to go IMO. That said, it's very easy (and free) to just cut the original spring and use that. All you need is something to go over the hammer pin, and under the trigger pin. You can even cut it into one straight piece that fits between the rear block, or stock adapter, and the front trunnion or rail, and flexes to hold both pins just fine. I see. So the one used in the factory saiga is a little longer. Cut it to length, and cut 3 of the loops off where it goes around the safety and it should be just fine. The spring loops around in the back 5 times so it looks a little thick to fit on the safety. Probably because its on one of the pivot pins for the stock FCG. Two cuts and it looks like it will fit. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
presto_z 125 Posted March 27, 2011 Report Share Posted March 27, 2011 Double up your e clips, I've never had a problem when doing it that way Quote Link to post Share on other sites
kresk 10,063 Posted March 27, 2011 Report Share Posted March 27, 2011 A retainer plate is quicker and easier, but have done several guns with e-clips and have never had one fail. It's just a matter of individual preference. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
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