Jump to content

Gave my M64 a makeover.


Recommended Posts

A few months ago, I picked up one of the CAI M64 mixmasters locally.  After I installed a scope rail and scope, it was on par with a DMR rifle.  Well, after poking around a few other forums, I decided to give her a makeover.  First, I knocked off the bipod.  The FSB came off fairly easy, so the hard part was done.  A member on another forum makes repro AKMN FH(used with NV optics), so ordered one of those.  Next, I got lucky and found one of the old unfinished Romy PSL-style stocks from the Klinton era.  To my surprise, it slid right on with only a few passes of a file on the trunnion cutouts.

 

DSCF0498_zpse326d7d5.jpg

 

I talked to a coworker who does furniture refinishing in his spare time, and we went to work on a color match.  The finish on the HG appears to be polyeurethane, and he works with stain.  He also looked at the grip, and says, "Too fat.  Needs work."  He  had me hold it, and marked it.  2 days later, he calls me to come get it.

 

DSCF0505_zps18bc76e1.jpg

 

He rated it a 98% match.  5 coats of stain, 4 coats of BLO, with stock oven warmed for penetration.  You can see how much he removed from the rear of the grip.  Much more comfortable now.  And all reassembled......

 

DSCF0509_zpsaa74f8c6.jpg

 

I plan on changing the glass later to a Russian optic.

Edited by Lone Eagle
  • Like 4
Link to post
Share on other sites

I'm working on another range trip in the near future to do a decent paper print.  When I took it out the first time, I was running some Hornady SST, Federal Fusion, and Silver Bear 125gr.  At 100yds, I could bust 3" clays without any effort using the scope.  At 200yds, I was ringing the 8x8 gong with every shot, both irons and scoped.  It started raining on us, and couldn't retrieve the 50yd sight-in target.  With the 3 loads used, I shredded the center diamond on a Redfield target.  I recently broke down and purchased a membership for the private range, and plan on seeing the 300yd capability, which is as far as I dare push it personally.  I'll also be running a few other loads form the stash, especially some M67 Ball.  I don't expect pinpoint accuracy from any of the cheapo stuff by no means.  However, as she sits now, I'd have no problems putting Bambi in my freezer with it and a quality load.  big_smile.gif

Link to post
Share on other sites

LONE EAGLE,

  TRY REMOVING THE CLEANING ROD, AND SEE IF IT MAKES A DIFFERENCE IN ACCURACY.

 

  ANY EXTRANEOUS STUFF HANGING OFF THE BARREL THAT INTERFERES WITH THE NATURAL HARMONICS OF THE BARREL CAN BE DETRIMENTAL TO ACCURACY.

 

  YEAH, I KNOW IT'S AN AK, AND SUCH SUBTLE THINGS ARE MORE APPLICABLE TO SUB-MOA BOLT GUNS, BUT IT'S WORTH TRYING.

 

  I DUMPED BOTH THE BIPOD AND CLEANING ROD ON MY AES10-B, AND IT MADE A SUBSTANTIAL DIFFERENCE IN GROUP SIZE AND STABLE POINT OF IMPACT.

 

  I WAS GETTING THREE DIFFERENT POINTS OF IMPACT WITH BIPOD UP AND HANDGUARD RESTED ON AN OLD HOPPES FRONT TRIPOD, BIPOD DOWN AND HANGING FREE OFF THE FRONT OF THE BENCH WITH HANDGUARD ON TRIPOD, AND BIPOD DOWN AND FIRED PRONE OFF THE GROUND.

 

  P.O.I. VARIED BY SEVERAL INCHES, BETWEEN THE THREE, AND THAT WAS AT 50YDS.

 

  BEAT THE FRONT SIGHT OFF WITH THE PRIMARY AK ADJUSTMENT TOOL (3LB. RUBBER MALLET), AND OFF WITH THE BIPOD (AND CLEANING ROD).

 

  ADDED SIDE BENEFIT, I BEAT THE FRONT SIGHT BACK ON STRAIGHT!!

 

   BTW, USING THE PRIMARY WEAPONS FSC-47 FOR RECOIL/FLASH CONTROL.

 

  WANTING TO TRY THE LANTAC DRAGON BRAKE ON SOME OF MY 14X1LH PLATFORMS, BUT NEED TO SAVE UP THE $144 FOR ONE.

 

  THE VID FOR IT IS VERY IMPRESSIVE, IE, ZERO MUZZLE RISE.

 

  ANYBODY OUT THERE TRIED ONE?

 

  JESS1344

Link to post
Share on other sites
  • 4 weeks later...

Well, a little update is in order.  I took it out last weekend, and attempted to finish sighting the scope in.  Yep.....kid's Stevens 200 in .308 killed the Centerpoint.  I had elevation adjustment, but windage knob was limp.  Also, the illumination wasn't lighting the entire crosshair anymore.  Ripped it off, and did the typical "crank the front post the wrong way" zero.  I finally got frustrated, and did a couple of 100yd mag dumps.  This was off the rest, 100yds, irons, practically bump firing, center hold, Tulammo 123gr FMJ.

 

1010141826a_zpsfbda8800.jpg

 

I have another scope on the way, and will give it another go.

 

Jess, thanks for the suggestion.  I noticed my rod had rotated from the vibration.  I will try that next trip.

Edited by Lone Eagle
Link to post
Share on other sites

LONE EAGLE,

  THAT'S PRETTY GOOD FOR  100YDS RAPID FIRE WITH IRONS AND RUSSIAN AMMO.

 

  DEFINATELY MINUTE-OF-EBOL'R!

 

  LIKE TO SEE WHAT YOU GET WITH GLASS.

 

 JESS1344

Yes, I was actually impressed myself.  Recoil was minimal, and follow-up shots were quick.  I forgot to add, the buttplate is spring-loaded just like a PSL stock, and only moved 1/8" at the most(it has almost 3/8" full travel).  I found a couple of small rub marks where it had moved.  The guys shooting next to me saw the overlapping hits, and were impressed.  Next trip, I'll be sure to crank the front post the right way.  haha.gif

Link to post
Share on other sites

I have thought of knocking the bipod off of my AES-10B and fitting one of my spare Bulgy 74 stocks to the rear.

 

Shooting with the bipod is fun, but the POI change with bipod and without is huge. Makes matching an optic to the rifle a PITA and practically useless, especially since it's the most accurate 7.62x39 rifle I own.

 

Personally I would also pull out the cleaning rod and see if it makes a difference. Probably not.

Edited by mancat
Link to post
Share on other sites

I have thought of knocking the bipod off of my AES-10B and fitting one of my spare Bulgy 74 stocks to the rear.

 

Shooting with the bipod is fun, but the POI change with bipod and without is huge. Makes matching an optic to the rifle a PITA and practically useless, especially since it's the most accurate 7.62x39 rifle I own.

 

Personally I would also pull out the cleaning rod and see if it makes a difference. Probably not.

On my SGL, the groups do tighten up just a touch without the rod installed.  It was so miniscule I just put the rod back on it and rocked on. 

 

Now you really got my gears going.  I'm hopefully picking up a bipod-less/handle-less AES-10B this weekend.  If the 10B comes in as good/better, then I know where to get another stock.big_smile.gif

Link to post
Share on other sites

Join the conversation

You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.

Guest
Reply to this topic...

×   Pasted as rich text.   Paste as plain text instead

  Only 75 emoji are allowed.

×   Your link has been automatically embedded.   Display as a link instead

×   Your previous content has been restored.   Clear editor

×   You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL.

Loading...
  • Chatbox

    Load More
    You don't have permission to chat.
×
×
  • Create New...