specialk_31 0 Posted October 27, 2013 Report Share Posted October 27, 2013 Using a standard AK gas tube in my 308 conversion and I ran into a slight problem. The piston has a hard time going all the way forward. With a bit of man power it locks up but is a b**ch to get back out. The gas tube looks good in and out and so does the piston. Don't know what to try except maybe bore out the tube a bit. I don't want to do too much in case it weakens it. Any other thoughts? I can try to get another gas tube as well I guess. Anyone ever run into this problem? Quote Link to post Share on other sites
S5snake 41 Posted October 28, 2013 Report Share Posted October 28, 2013 Are you using the original gas tube or during your conversion did you swap it out? How does it cycle with the gas tube removed, hand cycling only of course? Is your gas tube seated properly and locking lever fully engaged? I ran into this issue after refinishing one of my 308's where the bolt seemed to be binding while running it forward. I realized that I hadn't fully locked the gas tube lever as I was waiting for the paint to fully cure. After locking it, the bolt moved freely. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
specialk_31 0 Posted October 28, 2013 Author Report Share Posted October 28, 2013 Its a new tube from apex. I had to grind the back end down a bit to fit the locking lever over it. Everything on the tube locks/fits nicely now. The bolt cycles fine and moves smooth with the stock tube or no tube at all, it's when the new AK tube is on it catches up somewhere. I'm gonna try putting a light coat of powder in the tube and maybe it'll show where the piston is having a hard time moving through it. With the tube and piston off the rifle, everything fits good, that's got me thinking it might be at a slight angle when it is mounted. If so, more dremeling might be need or just a different tube to try. I'll get back into it after work today. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
sapper1371usmc 107 Posted October 28, 2013 Report Share Posted October 28, 2013 Yeah, your tube probably isn't seated all the way in the rear. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Sdustin 578 Posted October 28, 2013 Report Share Posted October 28, 2013 I did a tube off a romy ak. I had to grind the rear lock up area it fits great and have no problems. Is your tube fitting tight? It needs to be slightly loose. Id bet from what you've said the tube is off angle because the rear lock up that you have to grind needs adjusted. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Jaba1017 71 Posted October 28, 2013 Report Share Posted October 28, 2013 The Apex Polish AKM tubes need a bunch of reshaping at the sight block end to lock down all the way. Compare the shape of your new tube to the stock tube. Hand file to fit trying to match the shape. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
specialk_31 0 Posted October 28, 2013 Author Report Share Posted October 28, 2013 Thanks for the help guys, I'll continue to grind and reshape. Hopefully I can get it to work eventually. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
S5snake 41 Posted October 29, 2013 Report Share Posted October 29, 2013 I've had good luck using the Bulgarian AK74 gas tube which needs no extra fitting, at least from the two 308's that I've converted. If you end up grinding to much off you should be able to find a 74 tube. Good luck. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
specialk_31 0 Posted November 3, 2013 Author Report Share Posted November 3, 2013 I couldnt get the tube from apex to work even after excess grinding. I bought a bulgy tube from a member and had to file a bit off, it fits like a glove now though! Finishing up the wood work and I'll post some pics tmrw to see what ya guys think. Going for the saiganov look for now until I get sick of the t-hole stock. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
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