Great that someone is addressing an issue that new buyers are often concerned about. We have numerous AK manufacturers these days that sell AK’s from various levels of quality and some AK owners will post a comment about their new AK bolt carrier peening after a few hundred rounds or more. From a metallurgic point of view, when two alloys are constantly hitting each other one has to be able to take that constant impacting and not cracking. Buy having one of the two pieces a little softer than the other, it acts as a sacrificial element since it’s easier and safer to replace than the hammer. And if you notice, the bolt carrier has a lot of steel on that contact point so it’s straight forward to see that the armorer will simply file down the flange (peened edges) when it gets too long. So, if you want to do the most to eliminate it, what options are out there? You could install a high end bolt carrier and hammer as well as a lower power hammer spring and evaluate what type of ammo you’re feeding it, maybe it’s too hot. Maybe some AK’s made today don’t ever have that problem even when fed all kinds of ammo. For me, I have a cheaper made AK and the Bolt Carrier peened a bit after 1,000 or so rounds but no big deal, dremel tool took it off in seconds. This type of metallurgical designing is also used in the AR-15 where the bolt cam pin is a softer alloy since again, it’s easy and cheap to install a new pin than the bolt and/or carrier.
Yeah. All I can find online is how if your carrier tail starts to peen, the gun is self destructing. I don't believe the hype. I did this video so people can get more information, and decide for themselves. Thanks for watching.
I thought this all was common knowledge. If not, it's good you out this out. And another fact... ALG Triggers are normally harder than the the stock comblock triggers and the peening is more prevalent with Builds that use the ALG. It still isn't an issue. Most of the peening and distortion will eventually stop as it gets to a certain point. I do like how you called it work hardened. It is a term I haven't heard before but is a perfect term for it. Thanks for the video.
I have a military Yugo M70 milled receiver kit build and my bolt carrier tail looks like yours its used but not deformed or mushroomed at all.I agree nothing to worry about
With mine it was my first AK I put a lot of rounds through. I just didn’t know if it was an issue or safe to shoot. It peeled to the point there was like a small hook in the end and the bolt would not drop in the carrier and rotate- the end of the peened tail rubbed against the bolt. I contacted PSA and they sent me a new one. I ended up using a metal file and filed it for 60 seconds. No issues now.
I have an AMD 65 that is mushrooming impending pretty bad and has the G2 trigger in it and this is one of the first and only videos that I can find on it so far so thank you very much
I'm relatively new to AKs (age 63)-about three years. Mel64D's video shows us very "up close contact" of the tail slowly touching/pushing the upper angle of the hammer, as the carrier goes rearwards. The harder metal in Tapco G2 hammers is the concern of many people (I just installed two G2s, to avoid trigger slap). Mel64D actually uses a large hand file to manually smooth out this angle on the hammer in a different video. One of the AK "carrier tail" channels indicates that Very excessive wear of the tail could (potentially) create an unsafe condition for the rear tip of the firing pin, if such a rifle has >>> hammer & firing pin contact 'out of battery'.
I am no fan of the G2. I try to avoid it period. Yes you can reprofile it. Mel64 isn't wrong. Mel is a buddy of mine. He has great content. This video is showing that even without using a Tapco, tail deformation occurs. This is normal, and a reasonable amount of peening is fine. The triggers I use don't have slap either. The G2 is far from the only aftermarket option out there. This carrier tail is very far away from even thinking about an out of battery detonation. In fact the AK is supposed to have an out of battery safety sear. ( that the ATF calls an auto sear and prohibits it to be installed. ) The tail's purpose in the AK design is not to prevent out of battery firing. Thanks for watching.
Thanks for the video man. Definitely helpful. I'm debating whether to pull the trigger (ah, the puns) on buying what looks to be a Polish AKM variant from Pioneer Arms in Radom. I've always heard to be hesitant about Polish AK parts and builds but with JRA working with Classic Firearms to do the finish work and US compliance on these particular rifles- I feel okay about it. Plus the price point is unbeatable. And- when it comes down to it, I have never, ever had a bad experience with any aspect of CF. Quite the opposite in fact. Always been smooth. From the ordering, shipping, customer service and their honesty, they're just an all around great company and an awesome site to buy from IMO. What I'm trying to say is that from my experience purchasing firearms from Classic over the last several years, I have never been disappointed by a product I've received from them- especially not one that is as highly reviewed.
The thing with the Pioneer arms AKs is that they smash the trunnion rivets against the barrel. This is not a good build method. I would recommend researching Pioneer Aks and research using the barrel as a rivet bucking bar. JRA does the finishing touches on these guns, but the gun including rivets and barrel are made by Pioneer. Polish military AKs are very good, and WBP Polish AKs are also good to go. If you can afford the extra money, I would go with a WBP over a Pioneer. Thanks for watching.
This maybe years later, but with my AMD-65 it has G2 trigger the peen on my tail fits the profile of the trigger it hits perfectly. It's likely the AK just likes being worn in.
Excellent video! Laughed hard though...basically you said youll whip out peens from 10 countries. Came here due to some heavy peening on my AK after 300 rounds. The sides are about to shear off due to it making a flat spot but it seems like its just working itself in naturally. This particular AK has a very hard rack & tends to get catch a bit on the g2 hammer I installed, upon checking I found loads of people talking about peening concerns so I started to overthink. Thanks for setting my mindset back! Love that underfolder, cant figure out if I want another myself or to finally break the bank for an RPK build.
Hey man, great video. I figured this is a good place to ask for some advice. I've never owned an un issued or brand new AK except for this new American PSA AK74 I got, and obviously theres a lot of controversy on this rifles dependability already. There are some lemons out there, considering they aren't tried and true Com bloc rifles. That being said, mine has had no issues in 200 rounds besides some peening on the bolt face right under the edge of the bottom if you were looking directly at the bolt face. Question is, is some bolt face peening regular for a new AK like the tail issue? Or is any peening around the bolt not normal at all? Hopefully its not strictly a PSA problem. Thanks for any feedback!
My AK currently has about 800 rounds through it and it's still going strong. Although that's not Many rounds in the grand stretch, it's holding up well so far.
@@amberd22 I know this is old, and I agree with WASR over VSKA... however... the VSKA is a solid rifle, it's a "budget" American AK, but I can tell you for 100% fact Century actually put out a good rifle. It's gets a lot of flak without merit, and I also believe the video about the barrel pin falling out was faked. I own several Ak's: Hungarian, Yugo, Romanian so I'm not a newbie... I use my VSKA as a beater rifle and it takes every bit of it like a champ. I hate discouraging people from buying one... now a RAS47, yeah, don't buy that... but the VSKA did address and fix the problems the RAS had, so we have to give credit where credit is due. Who knows, maybe one day an American AK might be all that's available.
Still not convinced. I'm sure this doesn't affect the rifle and it's effectiveness whatsoever, BUT this does indicate that something is making contact and impacting the tail in an suboptimal way. Namely the hammer. And this is enough to trigger my OCD.
I have one, cheap parts kit build I bought a few years ago. Has the peening he was talking about. Only issue I've had was it needed a new recoil spring, which makes sense, the kit is older than I am (25). It's the part that will receive the most wear. Not bad from a rifle I bought for $450 a few years ago lol.
When you rebuild that parts kit, will it be full auto? If so, what's the procedure for that? Just a standard tax stamp and register like an SBR? Just curious as to how that works
I do semi auto. With the Hughes Amendment of FOPA 1986. Only machine guns made and registered before then are legally transferred with a tax stamp to individuals. Unless someone is a SOT with a law enforcement demo letter. It is illegal to build a machine gun. No tax stamp available
Thanks for posting this. Got a PSA GF5. It came with an ALG trigger. The end of the BCG is peened as well. I also noticed when I put the bolt in the carrier I have to push it a little is that normal or caused by the peening ? Had to send it back to PSA once already for light primer strikes. They replaced the bolt.
I like the PSA AK trigger better. Yesterday, we put 1,000 rounds through my new GF3 in one hour. Zero issues with the gun. I will be posting a video soon. From my experience the AKT trigger causes excessive peening on several brands / models of AKs, including combloc. I do not use that trigger anymore. The good news is the PSA trigger is awesome and cheap.
I have between 5k-6K down the pipe. No issues at all after sending it in when it was new due to light primer strikes except the tail of the bolt carrier. PSA sent me a new one. I have not used it I just filed down the hooked/burr part. The bolt moves freely and rotates in the carrier now it probably took 60 seconds. No issues at all. I love the gun and ALG trigger and apparently it’s notorious for peeling them. I’d buy it again.
@@amandasturino8194 very nice! Glad to hear! I just got the GF5 and it seems super nice! The fit is excellent, the sight isn’t canted, rivets look great! How many rounds do you think you have through your ak? I’ve seen a little mixed reviews but over all more good than bad with psa
@@2aEdu ok thanks! I’m new to aks and have gen 5 on the way! Hopefully I made a good choice! Hammer forged parts you’d think I could get 7-10,000 rounds out of it
I usually buy my kits from Arms of America. The Yugo M72 kits (like in this video) are from Numerich. I would would probably say start out with a Romanian Md 63 kit from AoA for a first build if you want to build a surlus kit. Or a WBP if you want to build from all new parts. Note that new parts usually require more fitting. Thanks for watching. I'm glad you liked the video.
@@GetTonedFitness No prob. I do live streams at least once a week. Come and join in the chat if you get a chance. There are some good guys in the chat. I try to answer any questions that come up.
@@2aEdu thanks for the invite - i was excited to buy a kit this weekend then realized I don't have tools - looks like its more than allen & torq wrenches!! haha
Would the peening be more prominent with ALG triggers that are known to be of harder metal than oem? And would it do so to a point of potential danger ? Do you think profiling the hammer face so it’s more smooth helps ?
The bolt is what sets the headspace on the AK. I would not change the bolt unless you know how to properly headspace. The carrier does not affect headspace, but you would need to confirm if a regular AK carrier would work with the m92. I know the gas piston would need to be swapped over to the new carrier, if you find the right one. The m92 uses a shorter piston.
Great that someone is addressing an issue that new buyers are often concerned about. We have numerous AK manufacturers these days that sell AK’s from various levels of quality and some AK owners will post a comment about their new AK bolt carrier peening after a few hundred rounds or more. From a metallurgic point of view, when two alloys are constantly hitting each other one has to be able to take that constant impacting and not cracking. Buy having one of the two pieces a little softer than the other, it acts as a sacrificial element since it’s easier and safer to replace than the hammer. And if you notice, the bolt carrier has a lot of steel on that contact point so it’s straight forward to see that the armorer will simply file down the flange (peened edges) when it gets too long. So, if you want to do the most to eliminate it, what options are out there? You could install a high end bolt carrier and hammer as well as a lower power hammer spring and evaluate what type of ammo you’re feeding it, maybe it’s too hot. Maybe some AK’s made today don’t ever have that problem even when fed all kinds of ammo. For me, I have a cheaper made AK and the Bolt Carrier peened a bit after 1,000 or so rounds but no big deal, dremel tool took it off in seconds. This type of metallurgical designing is also used in the AR-15 where the bolt cam pin is a softer alloy since again, it’s easy and cheap to install a new pin than the bolt and/or carrier.
You are in fact the first video I've seen that shows bolt tail peening on a build kit. Good job , useful info. !
Yeah. All I can find online is how if your carrier tail starts to peen, the gun is self destructing. I don't believe the hype. I did this video so people can get more information, and decide for themselves. Thanks for watching.
I thought this all was common knowledge. If not, it's good you out this out.
And another fact... ALG Triggers are normally harder than the the stock comblock triggers and the peening is more prevalent with Builds that use the ALG. It still isn't an issue. Most of the peening and distortion will eventually stop as it gets to a certain point.
I do like how you called it work hardened. It is a term I haven't heard before but is a perfect term for it.
Thanks for the video.
I have a military Yugo M70 milled receiver kit build and my bolt carrier tail looks like yours its used but not deformed or mushroomed at all.I agree nothing to worry about
Agree, it's normal.. some do it more or less, with most all having it to a degree.. But just as long as it doesn't go overboard then it's a non-issue.
"Work hardening," I like it!
Its metal parts working together, I think you are 100% correct. People will complain regardless, I personally don't care.
AR platform mentality that everything has to be perfect and pristine on their AK Rifle.
I think you are right
With mine it was my first AK I put a lot of rounds through. I just didn’t know if it was an issue or safe to shoot. It peeled to the point there was like a small hook in the end and the bolt would not drop in the carrier and rotate- the end of the peened tail rubbed against the bolt. I contacted PSA and they sent me a new one. I ended up using a metal file and filed it for 60 seconds. No issues now.
Glockshooter79: I had forgotten to thank you for the interesting video, and enjoyed your informative response. Keep up the excellent work!
You are welcome. Thank you. I appreciate you watching.
I have an AMD 65 that is mushrooming impending pretty bad and has the G2 trigger in it and this is one of the first and only videos that I can find on it so far so thank you very much
You are welcome. I recommend replacing the Tapco hammer. Or re-profile it. In general, I do not like the Tapco hammer and try to avoid it.
I'm relatively new to AKs (age 63)-about three years. Mel64D's video shows us very "up close contact" of the tail slowly touching/pushing the upper angle of the hammer, as the carrier goes rearwards.
The harder metal in Tapco G2 hammers is the concern of many people (I just installed two G2s, to avoid trigger slap). Mel64D actually uses a large hand file to manually smooth out this angle on the hammer in a different video.
One of the AK "carrier tail" channels indicates that Very excessive wear of the tail could (potentially) create an unsafe condition for the rear tip of the firing pin, if such a rifle has >>> hammer & firing pin contact 'out of battery'.
I am no fan of the G2. I try to avoid it period. Yes you can reprofile it. Mel64 isn't wrong. Mel is a buddy of mine. He has great content. This video is showing that even without using a Tapco, tail deformation occurs. This is normal, and a reasonable amount of peening is fine.
The triggers I use don't have slap either. The G2 is far from the only aftermarket option out there.
This carrier tail is very far away from even thinking about an out of battery detonation. In fact the AK is supposed to have an out of battery safety sear. ( that the ATF calls an auto sear and prohibits it to be installed. ) The tail's purpose in the AK design is not to prevent out of battery firing.
Thanks for watching.
I’ll take a Yugo parts kit build over an NPAP any day.
Yeah. I have a video to do on a couple out of spec, brand new in box NPAPs. It funny you say that. lol
Thanks for the video man. Definitely helpful.
I'm debating whether to pull the trigger (ah, the puns) on buying what looks to be a Polish AKM variant from Pioneer Arms in Radom. I've always heard to be hesitant about Polish AK parts and builds but with JRA working with Classic Firearms to do the finish work and US compliance on these particular rifles- I feel okay about it. Plus the price point is unbeatable. And- when it comes down to it, I have never, ever had a bad experience with any aspect of CF. Quite the opposite in fact. Always been smooth. From the ordering, shipping, customer service and their honesty, they're just an all around great company and an awesome site to buy from IMO. What I'm trying to say is that from my experience purchasing firearms from Classic over the last several years, I have never been disappointed by a product I've received from them- especially not one that is as highly reviewed.
The thing with the Pioneer arms AKs is that they smash the trunnion rivets against the barrel. This is not a good build method. I would recommend researching Pioneer Aks and research using the barrel as a rivet bucking bar. JRA does the finishing touches on these guns, but the gun including rivets and barrel are made by Pioneer. Polish military AKs are very good, and WBP Polish AKs are also good to go. If you can afford the extra money, I would go with a WBP over a Pioneer.
Thanks for watching.
So it's normal, Huh! I kind of figured it was, but thanks.
This maybe years later, but with my AMD-65 it has G2 trigger the peen on my tail fits the profile of the trigger it hits perfectly. It's likely the AK just likes being worn in.
I know what you mean. The parts do seem to wear in 👍
Excellent video! Laughed hard though...basically you said youll whip out peens from 10 countries. Came here due to some heavy peening on my AK after 300 rounds. The sides are about to shear off due to it making a flat spot but it seems like its just working itself in naturally. This particular AK has a very hard rack & tends to get catch a bit on the g2 hammer I installed, upon checking I found loads of people talking about peening concerns so I started to overthink. Thanks for setting my mindset back! Love that underfolder, cant figure out if I want another myself or to finally break the bank for an RPK build.
Thank you. I'm not a fan of the G2C hammer. I usually replace it right away. I'm glad I made you laugh. Thanks for watching.
Nice Yugo brotha!
Thank you!
When people who know nothing about carrier tail wear speak on it as if they are an authority on the subject I roll my eyes.
Yes. and the "tail" is just the beginning of what "they" expertly opine.
@Hunts4Food67 Barrel pin needing a press to be removed will be debunked soon too. I'm not done with this series......
I've got part of my AKM bolt folding over, like on the rear of the bolt head. Not a little concerning.
Hey man, great video. I figured this is a good place to ask for some advice. I've never owned an un issued or brand new AK except for this new American PSA AK74 I got, and obviously theres a lot of controversy on this rifles dependability already. There are some lemons out there, considering they aren't tried and true Com bloc rifles. That being said, mine has had no issues in 200 rounds besides some peening on the bolt face right under the edge of the bottom if you were looking directly at the bolt face. Question is, is some bolt face peening regular for a new AK like the tail issue? Or is any peening around the bolt not normal at all? Hopefully its not strictly a PSA problem. Thanks for any feedback!
How’s your ak holding up? Looking for feedback
My AK currently has about 800 rounds through it and it's still going strong. Although that's not Many rounds in the grand stretch, it's holding up well so far.
what about in the bolt carrier channel and the bolt?
Would you recommend a WASR 10 over the Century Arms VSKA?
Yes. All day every day. 👍
2a Edu Thanks man, nice video, earned a subscriber
@@amberd22 I know this is old, and I agree with WASR over VSKA... however... the VSKA is a solid rifle, it's a "budget" American AK, but I can tell you for 100% fact Century actually put out a good rifle. It's gets a lot of flak without merit, and I also believe the video about the barrel pin falling out was faked. I own several Ak's: Hungarian, Yugo, Romanian so I'm not a newbie... I use my VSKA as a beater rifle and it takes every bit of it like a champ. I hate discouraging people from buying one... now a RAS47, yeah, don't buy that... but the VSKA did address and fix the problems the RAS had, so we have to give credit where credit is due. Who knows, maybe one day an American AK might be all that's available.
nice ! post a video about how to make an AK's bolt carrier
Thank you. I don't know how to make a carrier lol
New manufactures do this scare tactic ?
Yes exactly. That is why I did this video. Trying to keep people from getting scared.
Great info!!
Thanks 👍
Who built your md 65 I like the battlefield pickup look on it.
Atlantic built it. I did the BFPU look. Thanks.
Still not convinced. I'm sure this doesn't affect the rifle and it's effectiveness whatsoever, BUT this does indicate that something is making contact and impacting the tail in an suboptimal way. Namely the hammer. And this is enough to trigger my OCD.
I'm not here to convince you of anything. If you want to worry about it, then worry about it. lol
What is your opinion on AMD65? Thought about getting one. Seems like solid, heavy duty build quality.
I really like the AMD 65, and Hungarian variants in general.
I have one, cheap parts kit build I bought a few years ago. Has the peening he was talking about. Only issue I've had was it needed a new recoil spring, which makes sense, the kit is older than I am (25). It's the part that will receive the most wear. Not bad from a rifle I bought for $450 a few years ago lol.
@@GermanDude1126 Nice. Sounds like you got a good deal.
When you rebuild that parts kit, will it be full auto? If so, what's the procedure for that? Just a standard tax stamp and register like an SBR? Just curious as to how that works
I do semi auto. With the Hughes Amendment of FOPA 1986. Only machine guns made and registered before then are legally transferred with a tax stamp to individuals. Unless someone is a SOT with a law enforcement demo letter. It is illegal to build a machine gun. No tax stamp available
Thanks for posting this. Got a PSA GF5. It came with an ALG trigger. The end of the BCG is peened as well. I also noticed when I put the bolt in the carrier I have to push it a little is that normal or caused by the peening ? Had to send it back to PSA once already for light primer strikes. They replaced the bolt.
I like the PSA AK trigger better. Yesterday, we put 1,000 rounds through my new GF3 in one hour. Zero issues with the gun. I will be posting a video soon. From my experience the AKT trigger causes excessive peening on several brands / models of AKs, including combloc. I do not use that trigger anymore. The good news is the PSA trigger is awesome and cheap.
How’s your gf5 holding up? Looking for feedback
I have between 5k-6K down the pipe. No issues at all after sending it in when it was new due to light primer strikes except the tail of the bolt carrier. PSA sent me a new one. I have not used it I just filed down the hooked/burr part. The bolt moves freely and rotates in the carrier now it probably took 60 seconds. No issues at all. I love the gun and ALG trigger and apparently it’s notorious for peeling them. I’d buy it again.
@@amandasturino8194 very nice! Glad to hear! I just got the GF5 and it seems super nice! The fit is excellent, the sight isn’t canted, rivets look great! How many rounds do you think you have through your ak? I’ve seen a little mixed reviews but over all more good than bad with psa
What do you think about the G5 psa ak?
I like it.
@@2aEdu ok thanks! I’m new to aks and have gen 5 on the way! Hopefully I made a good choice! Hammer forged parts you’d think I could get 7-10,000 rounds out of it
Willing to trade a Romanian Micro Draco Ak47- for a romanian full ak 47 or under folder
Love the input!! You get your all your kits from the same place? Can you recommend something for first time? I built a 556 already
I usually buy my kits from Arms of America. The Yugo M72 kits (like in this video) are from Numerich. I would would probably say start out with a Romanian Md 63 kit from AoA for a first build if you want to build a surlus kit. Or a WBP if you want to build from all new parts. Note that new parts usually require more fitting.
Thanks for watching. I'm glad you liked the video.
Glockshooter79 thanks for the input!
@@GetTonedFitness No prob. I do live streams at least once a week. Come and join in the chat if you get a chance. There are some good guys in the chat. I try to answer any questions that come up.
@@2aEdu thanks for the invite - i was excited to buy a kit this weekend then realized I don't have tools - looks like its more than allen & torq wrenches!! haha
Would the peening be more prominent with ALG triggers that are known to be of harder metal than oem? And would it do so to a point of potential danger ? Do you think profiling the hammer face so it’s more smooth helps ?
I don't like the ALG hammer. It is too hard.
I have a m92 app pistol and I want to change the BCG but I’ve been wandering if I could use any other bolt to replace it
The bolt is what sets the headspace on the AK. I would not change the bolt unless you know how to properly headspace. The carrier does not affect headspace, but you would need to confirm if a regular AK carrier would work with the m92. I know the gas piston would need to be swapped over to the new carrier, if you find the right one. The m92 uses a shorter piston.
I'm confused about this now, is the yugo CZ75 supposed to be peened or not?
You better go to akfiles and ask..........lol
What's a Yugo CZ75 ?
Mine peens back and make my gun like a single shot and it gets caught up
I would switch to a combloc hammer then.
The peening is just breaking in
Indeed. Thanks for watching.
Derp
English?