AK47 - can't remove top handguard

[gunsrfun1]

I can't get the top handguard removed, and I believe it's because the gas tube is wedged in so tightly between the gas block and rear sight block. Any tips on how to get this out, and does it mean the gas tube is too long? thanks

 

[stingrr]

Did you flip the little lever by the sight?

 

[WardenWolf]

Sometimes this lever is very, very tight and you need pliars to move it. As for actually getting the handguard off the gas tube, well, good luck. Sometimes it's easy, sometimes it's impossible.

 

[LKB3rd]

Mine can be hard to get out too. If the lever is in the unlocked position(which is stiff to move on mine also) you either need to put more elbow grease into it or maybe carefully tap it with a rubber mallet or something like it.
To be clear, you mean the gas tube with the handguard attached, right? If you mean the handguard itself, you need the gas tube off anyway, and spin it out of the retainers.

 

[gunnutery]

Make sure you haven't moved the lever too far forward or it will block the disassembly just as if it were locked down. Look at the bar that wedges down against the gas tube and make sure the top (top of the bar when it's locked down) is now verticle.

Not to be a smart @$$, but you have the bolt carrier romoved right?

 

[gunsrfun1]

Yeah yeah, I know about the lever in the right position and the bolt carrier removed. (But thanks for asking.) The darn gas tube just won't budge, and with the handguard in place, there's no place to get any leverage to grab the gas tube and yank it out from the rear. The handguard is boogered, which is why I am trying to remove it. One idea I had -- gently cut the handguard away, and then I will have exposure to the gas tube to yank it out. Any thoughts?

 

[gunnutery]

Hmm, if you cut it away, just be carefull of the metal retaining plate on the inside of the handguard.

It may give you more leverage, but who knows, it still might not work out. Are you going to replace the handguard anyway?

 

[W.E.G.]

I recommend firing so many rounds through it that it begins smoking profusely.

That usually loosens them.

Are you REALLY cleaning an AK?

Why?

 

[jpwilly]

slide a nylon or leather belt through the slot between the handguard and barrel. Swing the rifle around in the air like a slingshot and release directly into the nearest lake. Go out an purchase an AR-15...problem solved!

or I suppose you could try standing on the rifle and pulling up on the belt to pop it open...if you really want to.

 

[macadore]

WD 40 often helps.

 

[MIL-DOT]

If I remember correctly, you want the locking lever to point straight up when removing the gas tube. Try inserting a flat-head screwdriver and carefully prying a bit.

 

[Sebastian the Ibis]

Get out that little tube of cleaning brushes that came with your rifle. There is a little slit on the side of it that fits on the little switch perfectly. Rotate it up slightly so that you can see a gap between the end of the gas tube and the lock. Then slide a rag/belt whatever between the gas tube and barrel, sit down slide the AK under your thighs and yank on the rag as hard as you can until it pops up. You will then have to slide the lock switch a little bit more and yank again.

Swing the rifle around in the air like a slingshot and release directly into the nearest lake.

This is only necessary if you have been shooting corrosive ammo, the OP did not indicate he had.