Finally got a chance to go through a bunch of pics of this build up. Converting a standard S12 to AKM configs. Wood furniture, Sight bases, gas tube, Cleaning rod, and of course bayonet ;)


I'll post the progess so far and then I could use some advise on the gas tube and system at the bottom.

Rear stock and lower HGs done a while ago. Romanian stuff.

Hollowed out the HG.

http://i128.photobucket.com/albums/p181/JColdIron/S12%20conversion/DSCN4515.jpg

Built a new Lower HG retainer out of a Romy. Had some careful fitting because I wanted to have the cleaning rod pass through the same space. Note the flattened countersunk screw.

http://i128.photobucket.com/albums/p181/JColdIron/S12%20conversion/DSCN4608.jpg

Fit to the retainer and receiver is tight. I had to do some trimming to the bottom of the gas block. Took off the little shelf that the HG screw goes though. Still at least 3 threads engaged.
http://i128.photobucket.com/albums/p181/JColdIron/S12%20conversion/DSCN4620copy.jpg


Worked well but the sights are really low on the gun in this config. Probably works OK on an unconverted S12. Not so with my neck craned over the short rear wood stock. Had to raise it out of the shoulder pocket to get a good sight picture.
http://i128.photobucket.com/albums/p181/JColdIron/S12%20conversion/DSCN4810.jpg

Saw some folks had made or adapted sight bases front and rear and thought I would give that a shot.

Can't just swap a AKM tube on to a S12. They are different but are about the same length and have the same ID . Hmmmmmm

http://i128.photobucket.com/albums/p181/JColdIron/S12%20conversion/DSCF3802-1.jpg

After much cussing and cutting and more cussing I managed to cut away the front and rear Upper HG retainers from a sacrificial gas tube. The spot welds were hardened by the heat (I think) and rock hard so I did it the old fashioned way by thining tube remainders with a die grinder, cutting them with a hack saw, and chiseling them out. Hence the cussing.

More pics to come.

Here is the gas tube and hand guard fitted to the stock rear sight base. Had to trim the bottoms of both HG retainers to get it to line up the RSB bottom hooks that tie it to the receiver. NOTE: You do not have to push the pin out of the receiver to get the RSB free. They are independent. I did not know that... ;)

http://i128.photobucket.com/albums/p181/JColdIron/S12%20conversion/DSCF3787.jpg

http://i128.photobucket.com/albums/p181/JColdIron/S12%20conversion/DSCF3788.jpg

Press it together and be done right? Only problem is the stock sights do not clear the upper HG. I knew this was an issue from someone elses build. So I planned to use the Sight bases from regular AK47.

Now comes the problem. I could just hack the AKM rear sight base and weld it to the top of the stock one. It will be a bit hard to do as I will have to make it pretty thin to work and the top cover slot location in the RSB has to be maintained. If I scab it on top I think the rear sight will be too high to line up with the FSB.

http://i128.photobucket.com/albums/p181/JColdIron/S12%20conversion/DSCF3798.jpg

The length of the AKM RSB is almost perfect to go into place. The only wrinkle is that the tounge at the bottpm of the rear of the mocked up gas tube will have to be cut flush with the rest of the Gas tube fittings to clear the barrel.

http://i128.photobucket.com/albums/p181/JColdIron/S12%20conversion/DSCF3812.jpg

So I could:

Hollow out the AKM RSB and run the tube through it. Canibalize part of the end of the stock RSB to complete the tube fittings and make it a fixed press fit part.

Or: Can I mount the AKM RSB using the stock hook mount in the receiver shell and a strap around the barrel, cut the gas tube to the front of the AKM RSB and make it removable like a regular AK?

Now for the stupid gunfawkery newbie questions. How much gas needs get down the gas tube? None right? Gas hits the puck, puck hits piston, Piston sends Bolt back. Gas jets primarily out the side port, correct? If I make this a removable gas tube how concerned do I need to be about a gas tight seal all the way to the other side of the RSB? The stock system is tubed that way. Or is it that the tube is really a piston guide past the side port?


Hope this all makes sense. If you have any suggestions fire away.


Once I get this part tackled I will show my plan for the front end. I kind of like this set up.

http://i128.photobucket.com/albums/p181/JColdIron/S12%20conversion/Saiga_Front_Sight_and_Flash_Hider.jpg

Don't worry about the gas tube sealing on the RSB. Its a non-issue.

Interesting approach. I like the front site in the lower pic you posted. I have considered making a similar one using an extra Romy site post I have. Just been too busy (and lazy) to mess with it.

Make sure you press your barrel pin back in.

:flipoff2:

You can buy a front sight/flash hider like the one pictured from here:

http://www.rusmilitary.com/html/c-deact_accessories.htm

I got one for my Brother's S12 since he had the non-threaded bbl. I got a normal screw on one for my S12 from the same place. It doesn't count for 922R but I like that it was made in Russia by Izhmash.

On mine I did convert the Krinkov rear base to work on the S12. Pics should be in the S12 thread.
Dont see why you cant do the romy rear sight

Make sure you press your barrel pin back in.

:flipoff2::flipoff2::flipoff2: Was the first thing I did after taking the pics.

Don't worry about the gas tube sealing on the RSB. Its a non-issue..

That is good to know! I guess I'll just make sure there is a smooth transition so that the piston doesn't get drag in the tube somehow.


Interesting approach. I like the front site in the lower pic you posted. I have considered making a similar one using an extra Romy site post I have. Just been too busy (and lazy) to mess with it.

I've been lazy too. I did the first bit over a year ago. I figure if I get the Rear sight base in the front will follow shortly so I can fire it again. We had a lot of fun with the skeet thrower last time!

You can buy a front sight/flash hider like the one pictured from here:

http://www.rusmilitary.com/html/c-deact_accessories.htm

I got one for my Brother's S12 since he had the non-threaded bbl. I got a normal screw on one for my S12 from the same place. It doesn't count for 922R but I like that it was made in Russia by Izhmash.

Good suggestion but I have the front sight base that matches the rear. They both have the provision for flip up night sights. The paint is dead but I can fix that;) I also want to add the cleaning rod stay at the base of it so the clamp base might cause clearance issues. Might be able to weld the bayo attachment on there as well. All I need is the right ID and I'll pin it. Thought about getting a tube with the threads tuned inside but I think I want to keep it separate from the muzzle attachment. I need to get a USA made brake to round out the 922 effort. Need to put it in the "what do you need made" thread...
On mine I did convert the Krinkov rear base to work on the S12. Pics should be in the S12 thread.
Dont see why you cant do the romy rear sight I think I remember that... Any idea what page? 29 pages to wade through:laughing:

EDIT: Found on page 17 ;) You did a press fit right? Are Krink tubes removable? Did you tie the RSB to the receiver or the barrel at all? If I make the gas tube removable the RSB needs to stay mounted when the gas tube is not in place. Hmmmmm

Guess I will fab the RSB mount tomorrow if nothing gets in the way. Thanks for the help guys!

Got a little done. Cut and fit the E German rear sight base.

Covered in blue sharpie since I have no layout fluid. Worked out ok.

http://i128.photobucket.com/albums/p181/JColdIron/S12%20conversion/DSCF3828.jpg

Here is a side by side pic of the original and the new. I am going to cut off the top of the old one and weld it to the new to use the mounting hooks on it. Some of the side plate of the new RSB is open and will likely be filled.

http://i128.photobucket.com/albums/p181/JColdIron/S12%20conversion/DSCF3832.jpg

Only thing I do not like is the lack of secure mounting to the barrel. The hooks on the original RSB will hook into the receiver but when the gas tube is removed the RSB will probably fall free. I am thinking of welding a strap around the bottom of the barrel or getting a tube made to press onto the barrel to keep it in place. Not sure if I can get a strap tight enough and if you look closely there is a series of ridges left from the lathe work on the barrel in front of where the RSB goes. I'm sure I could file those off. They are at the thickest part of the barrel.

http://i128.photobucket.com/albums/p181/JColdIron/S12%20conversion/DSCF3840.jpg

Final pic showing how it works with the cover and receiver.

http://i128.photobucket.com/albums/p181/JColdIron/S12%20conversion/DSCF3838.jpg

More this weekend.

...I need to get a USA made brake to round out the 922 effort. Need to put it in the "what do you need made" thread...



no need to, I have these that I made ...

I welded the RSB to the receiver.

no need to, I have these that I made ...

Thanks Brian. Those are nice! Gave them a hard consideration when I was ordering the other parts from you. What I am really looking for is a US copy of the Russian Ten Slot or a slant brake. I'm doing all this other work to make the shotgun look like an regular AK47 so one of those brakes would keep to the theme. Interested in making some? Similar to the one in my first post? ;)

I welded the RSB to the receiver.

Ah! Horizontally above the barrel pin or somewhere sneaky :evil:

I welded the RSB to the receiver.

I was gonna recommend the same.

Ah! Horizontally above the barrel pin or somewhere sneaky :evil:

Nah, nothing sneaky.

This is just for me. I wanted the krink top cover so that I would have a more solid mount for the rear sight.

DPH makes a 10 slot, ETAC makes a slanthttp://store.carolinashooterssupply.com/catalog/skotts_guns_1421.jpg

http://store.carolinashooterssupply.com/catalog/Etac-brake.jpg

Both available at CSS

Both available at CSS

Thanks GZ, I think I will get the top one and then get the front turned down to create a shelf for the bayo loop to index on.

Got the RSB's cut and fitted together.

http://i128.photobucket.com/albums/p181/JColdIron/S12%20conversion/DSCF3841.jpg

http://i128.photobucket.com/albums/p181/JColdIron/S12%20conversion/DSCF3842.jpg

In place

http://i128.photobucket.com/albums/p181/JColdIron/S12%20conversion/DSCF3846.jpg

Ground a v notch at the intersection and welded it. Not my best weld but it is solid.

http://i128.photobucket.com/albums/p181/JColdIron/S12%20conversion/DSCF3848.jpg

Cleaned up pretty well.

http://i128.photobucket.com/albums/p181/JColdIron/S12%20conversion/DSCF3856.jpg

Now I need to press the gasblock back on to get the gastube final fit. Once that is fitted I will weld the RSB to ther trunion like you all suggested. I think a vertical weld tucked into the corner of the tunion might look best with minimal cleanup.

Then on to the FSB! I am also thinking of blueing the final product, just because I haven't seen one done like that. Well, that and it is too cold in my shop to spray paint!


Off to the shop, Brrrr :D

Came out great. I need to get mine wrapped up.

Brrr, yeah. The garage thermometer says 25 right now. On my way to work on the Rover some more
:eek:

And before anyone says anything about truck tech in OSR, rover is a 6.2 NA diesel. it is the alternate Bug Out Vehicle, primary being the burb with a 6.5TD and mechanical IP :flipoff2:

Came out great. I need to get mine wrapped up.

Brrr, yeah. The garage thermometer says 25 right now. On my way to work on the Rover some more
:eek:

And before anyone says anything about truck tech in OSR, rover is a 6.2 NA diesel. it is the alternate Bug Out Vehicle, primary being the burb with a 6.5TD and mechanical IP :flipoff2:

Thanks!

It's about the same temp here but supposed to warm during the day. I need to be working on my wifes XJ water pump but my jeep is stuck in the bay partially diassembled with floorboard rust abatement. I guess I will let the pump weep for another week. Too cold to do it outdoors. The bearing isn't wobbling, yet. :laughing:

Is there a thread on your Rover? I'd like to see what you have going on with it. In a totally OSR BOV way, of course ;)

25 is warm compared to what we have had recently.

Came out great. I need to get mine wrapped up.

Brrr, yeah. The garage thermometer says 25 right now. On my way to work on the Rover some more
:eek:

And before anyone says anything about truck tech in OSR, rover is a 6.2 NA diesel. it is the alternate Bug Out Vehicle, primary being the burb with a 6.5TD and mechanical IP :flipoff2:

25 is warm compared to what we have had recently.

I moved to NC to get away from such stuff!:flipoff2:

Got more done. Left the tube a little long and then fitted it by hand. I was worried about getting the hand guard retainers tight and getting the RSB side fitted tight- at the same time.
http://i128.photobucket.com/albums/p181/JColdIron/S12%20conversion/DSCF3859.jpg

Required a balancing act of test, adjust, test, file, test. I did it all with hand files as I can only fawk up slowly with them. One sneeze with a angle grinder and I might need a new part.

http://i128.photobucket.com/albums/p181/JColdIron/S12%20conversion/DSCF3862.jpg

Fitted and gas tube bits spot welded and retainer locked into place! Tube is tight.
http://i128.photobucket.com/albums/p181/JColdIron/S12%20conversion/DSCF3868.jpg

Final weld of RSB to receiver trunion and HGs in place for fit check.

http://i128.photobucket.com/albums/p181/JColdIron/S12%20conversion/DSCF3873.jpg
Hand guards line up in the front pretty well. The fitting at the back should be a bit further into the RSB but the structure of the bottom of the gas tube and the hand guards decided for me. With the retainer insert inside the upper HG it is tight!

http://i128.photobucket.com/albums/p181/JColdIron/S12%20conversion/DSCF3877.jpg

I taped the front sight base on for a sight picture test and it is much better. They probably sit at least 1/2" higher. Doubled the sight radius as well. Looking forward to seeing how it shoots!:D Gonna do a function test this weekend and then start messing with the FSB.

Looks good man. Nice work.

Looks good man. Nice work.


Thanks bud, I am real pleased with the way it has turned out so far. Bolt cycles by hand well. No drag marks appear to show that I got the alignment of the gas tube right. We will see when I send some low brass wally world specials through it! :D

Beautiful rifle... er... shotgun... er... Can't wait to see the finished product.

Nicely done. :)

That thing turned out great. Lots of work and very well done.

Beautiful rifle... er... shotgun... er... Can't wait to see the finished product.

Nicely done. :)

Maybe I should call it a shifle or a rifgun :laughing:

That thing turned out great. Lots of work and very well done.


Thanks a bunch. It's been a neat process so far.

I am talking to Gozuki on the FSB tube and turned bits to make a bayo work on this thing. Gunshow this weekend and I'll be looking to pick up a DPH 10 slot FH, the lug off of a romy gas block as well as the usual jerky and shamwows :laughing:

I just found this thread and thought it needed a bump since we have been S12 building so much.


Very nice, BTW.

(KVAR is making an RPK handguard and retainer now.)

Thanks YIH! Yeah I have waited so long that others are mass producing them. :lol: I have more progress to report. Hopefully I'll get some time this weekend. The FSB is done and ready to be pressed in to position. Bayo lug has been filed into shape and ready to weld.

I have to work tomorrow but will try to find the time to upload the pics.

Nice work, looks awesome!

I am talking to Gozuki on the FSB tube and turned bits to make a bayo work on this thing.

Did you ever complete the bits I turned for you? :confused:

Did you ever complete the bits I turned for you? :confused:

I'm a total slacker, sceeping my way through it. I have gotten progress done on the FSB but I'm hung up on the final bayo mount location. I'll post up what I've gotten done when I get home.

I'm a total slacker, sceeping my way through it.

:laughing::laughing: