jabski 0 Posted December 28, 2011 Report Share Posted December 28, 2011 I need an AK 74 gas tube vs an AK 47 in order to mount an upper hand guard. Because the 47 tube is slightly longer or shorter, right? Thanks. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
mancat 2,368 Posted January 10, 2012 Report Share Posted January 10, 2012 (edited) Any standard length AKM tube will work - Polish, Bulgarian, Russian, Romanian, etc. Note that Hungarian tubes are slightly shorter. APEX did and still should have unissued Polish AKM tubes. These are unfitted and so are really the best bet for a Saiga, since you you can file the catch face to fit as tightly as possible. The finish also matches very closely to the factory Saiga finish. A number of people use AK-47 tubes here. Personally I don't think they look right on a Saiga because of the vent holes, but if they work that's more important than anything else. Edited January 10, 2012 by mancat Quote Link to post Share on other sites
rjwillow 5 Posted January 11, 2012 Report Share Posted January 11, 2012 +1 on the Polish tubes from Apex... If you want it tight, it's the best way to go. I was able to fit mine to a way tight fit. Maybe tight enough to use the railed upper handguard that came with my Hogue. Gotta try it... Quote Link to post Share on other sites
jimdigriz 580 Posted January 11, 2012 Report Share Posted January 11, 2012 For $30, the deal at APEX is not great. Spend a bit more for the new Russian gas tube that K-Var stocks, the same one they put on their SGLs: http://www.k-var.com/shop/product.php?productid=17636&cat=293&page=1 It will fit without any filing, will have a spring pin to prevent movement, and will not be overtight. I don't think it's desirable to super tight fit, for accuracy's sake. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
rjwillow 5 Posted January 11, 2012 Report Share Posted January 11, 2012 I hear you, Mr Jim... But it was $20 for the Polish tube and I like knowing that the tube is fit to my rifle.... and knowing that I can fit it to my rifle... I will probably loosen mine a bit after I do the FSB and gas block after seeing how everything lines up. To the OP: Take Jim's advise if you don't feel comfortable fitting the Polish tube. later rich Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Buford T Justice 17 Posted February 7, 2012 Report Share Posted February 7, 2012 So I have been planning my conversion for my 7.62 and had the question, is a new gas tube required to change the front grip? Looks like it is according to this thread. Is there some grips that will use the stock tube? Quote Link to post Share on other sites
mancat 2,368 Posted February 10, 2012 Report Share Posted February 10, 2012 (edited) I changed my tune on the gas tube after trying on the one that was included in my Bulgarian '74 parts kit. With the tension spring, I didn't have to fit the tube to the rifle at all - it just worked. This also means that the tube will stay tight, even when the rifle has heated up after long range sessions. So now I would say that Jim is right. Polish tube is still a great choice if you're having trouble finding a Russian/Bulgy '74 tube in good shape. Edited February 10, 2012 by mancat Quote Link to post Share on other sites
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