How difficult to change the AK trigger assembly?

[femoralis]

I plan on changing out the trigger group of an SLR 95 to legally get rid of the thumbhole stock, but I have never done it before. I do not have much mechanical inclination; the most complicated work I have ever done was a disassembly/reassembly of a makarov pistol.

I have found some instructions on the Romanian AK page.

Would it be better to pay a gunsmith, or try it myself? If so, where are the best instructions on the net?

Thank you!

 

[Coronach]

Pretty simple. I did mine myself, and I'm no gunsmith.

Mike

 

[dfariswheel]

Getting the retaining spring out can be a PITA, and the hammer pin groove tends to get hung up on the receiver wall, and be aggravating to get out, but it's do-able.

To ease the job, you might look at buying one of the replacement pin retainers as made by Re Star. This makes installing and removing the group MUCH easier.

Brownell's carry one. (Down at the bottom)
http://www.brownells.com/aspx/ns/st...ADJUSTABLE+MILITARY+TRIGGER+KITS+&+COMPONENTS

 

[1 old 0311]

The first time you do one? 20 minutes. After that you get quicker.

 

[sacp81170a]

Red Star Arms sells a retaining plate that replaces the Shepherd's Crook for 12.99. Other than that, it's a piece o' cake. (Oops, just noticed someone else mentioned that.)

 

[usmcdoc14]

forget the shephards crook or any of the "replacement" ones. just go to Home Depot with one of your cross pins and get a couple "hairpin" clips that fit. They work a lot better and are like $1

 

[femoralis]

Excellent! Where is the best set of instructions on the process?

 

[granatenumesser]

The Shepherds hook is really easy. Look at how its in before you begin, take a flat bladed screw driver and press down on the hook, just in front of the rear (trigger) pin until it clears and start the pin out.

You would think that little clip was some sort of major feat of mechanical engineering or something requiring 8 years of the third grade and a Quaalude and jar of corn!

Some of the web instructions will have you doing all sorts of gyrations trying to get them in and out. If you notice the bottom and sides of the receiver before you start, you will notice there usually isnt a scratch on it. That should be a hint.

 

[Gewehr98]

People do make the AK sheperd's crook out to be a bugbear, don't they?

I've lost count on how many AK trigger group swaps I've done for myself and others, and that particular part is fairly intuitive. Maybe I'll take pics and show the pain-free way to remove and install the sheperd's crook spring...

 

[gezzer]

It's so easy even a Cave man can do it!