AK Front Site Taper Pins

[Wesga]

Hey all,

I'm about to install the muzzle brake detent pin and spring on my MAADI MISR S/A, (about 6 years old), and want any of you "in the know" to tell me which way to punch out the front site pin?? The choice should be to use a punch on the smaller end of the pin, but this one looks the same on both sides to me.

Are they all done the same, or do you find them installed either ways in your dealings??

Many thanks!

Wes

[Toten Kopf]

Howdy,
It's hard to tell what your asking....I take it your talking about the 2 front sight pins so I'll address that.

I removed mine and I don't think they are tapered. However they were installed from one direction, so I removed them accordingly. I looked at both sides of the sight and could tell that they were installed right to left (I could see ping marks on the RH side. Now this is looking as you would hold the rifle to shoot. Meaning the pins were installed from the "SAFETY" side. So I used "Koil" around both sides of the pins and at the front and rear of the sight base so it would creep into where the pins went through. After about an hour or two of waiting (I wasn't in a rush) I took a punch (flat head) just a little bit smaller that the pin (on the LH side of the sight base) and gave it a sharp blow (not a heavy blow) and the pin popped. Did the same to the other, it popped also (no heavey hammering needed). Then I got a smaller punch and tapped them both out. Easy as pie!!!!

Hope this helps.

[Packrat]

Same experience here. I've always punched out from the left side, but when putting the pins back I can't tell either end is smaller. I've never used penetrating oil, and still haven't had a problem. Be sure to support the sight, both base and tower; I've had more luck with light taps from a heavy hammer than pounding with a light one. You can remove most of them with a 24oz hammer and red-neck punch (nail with the point cut off).

[Wesga]

Thanks all,

I figured if I had to guess that the pin(s) would need to be driven from left to right as you both suggest. Just wanted someone who had done it to chime in on their experience before I started.