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How hard would it be to add a side rail to my receiver?

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1.8K views 12 replies 8 participants last post by  nexus/mk.7  
#1 ·
I currently have 2 AK's I wouldn't mind adding side rails too. A guy I know has a rivet tool and has done a couple builds so we could probably add rails to them. If possible I think I would rather bolt them on... is that possible?

Neither of these rifles are being kept "traditional" so I could care less if it looks correct as long as it works.
 
#2 ·
There are two types of side rail, one thats riveted in place and one that you screw in.

The one that you screw in is easy as pie. You just have to measure out the location, drill three holes in the receiver, and then you install the side rail by tightening a screw from the inside of the reciever into the side rail (which comes pre-tapped and ready to go) . A little loc-tight and it should be good to go. Functional, but not authentic at all.

The other one is a rivet in style. Definatley harder to put in. You need to drill out one of the rear trunnion rivets (it is a shared rivet location with the side rail), drill an additional two holes, then rivet in the side rail using specialized tools. If your buddy has the tools and knowledge, then its not terribly hard at all. This way is more authentic, and does not have issues with screws backing out/loosening.

Kalinka Optics has both styles-
http://www.kalinkaoptics.com/firearm-accessories/side-rails/ak-mtk-02-side-mounting-rail.html
http://www.kalinkaoptics.com/firearm-accessories/side-rails/ak-74mp-side-mounting-rail.html
 
#3 ·
Thanks that is exactly what I was looking for. I really have no desire to remove trunion rivets so I may just get the screw in one. I will give it a try on the Romy before I go drilling on my tgi in-range 74.

I have been trying to find ways to add a red dot without doing an ultimak, but my options are either to heavy, too expensive, or just suck.

Now I need a lot mount setup that will co-witness the irons for an aimpoint ml3.
 
#6 ·
My first 74 had no rail, and I wanted one, so they (ORF) hooked me up. If I remember right, it ended up costing $75 more for the work.
 
#7 ·
sickmak90 said:
I really have no desire to remove trunion rivets so I may just get the screw in one.
It's not hard to remove that one rivet and it won't compromise anything else. You will need a new LONGER rivet for that spot than comes with the rail kit.

If you have the ability to squeeze rivets I would go that route.