Gas Piston Movement

[scattergun10 125]

I know there is supposed to be a little play in the gas piston to prevent it from binding inside the gas tube. However, of the 3 AK pattern guns that I have, each of the gas pistons have different amounts of play. My Arsenal x39 has a significant amount of play, maybe more than I would like, my S-12 has a little play and my Vepr 5.45 has none at all. It hasn't caused any issues with any of them one way or the other, just something I found interesting. I might try and tighten up the gas piston on my x39 though.   

[Shandlanos 1,470]

If it works, leave it alone. Wiggle/play in gas pistons vary. As long as it works as is, there's no reason to fiddle with it.

[imarangemaster 315]

My most recent Saiga had no wiggle at all from the factory. No problem at all.

[PRISONSHANK 70]

If it works, leave it alone. Wiggle/play in gas pistons vary. As long as it works as is, there's no reason to fiddle with it.

I had the same opinion as well, till one day my carrier had a crack forming on the s12... rifles are a bit different story though.

[Sim_Player 1,939]

I would guess that the sloppiness will get worse, over time.

 

I ordered a x39 bolt carrier once that had a terrible amount of piston movement. Sent it back.

 

None of my AK pistons have slop.

[BigChongus 765]

It's probably perfectly fine. Can you post a video of it? My 5.45 has quite a bit of slop. Never caused an issue.

[imarangemaster 315]

I replaced my Saiga gas piston (which had zero wiggle) with a Tapco for 922R.  I screwed it in tight, then backed out between 1/8 and 1/4 turn.  I then drilled and riveted it.  It has some wiggle, but not a huge amount.  It works great.

[Bigtwin 219]

My x39 Saiga has some movement (not a lot, just enough to notice in hand), its been that way since new and after a couple thousand rounds has not changed.