WASR Mag Wobble

[MechAg94]

I have a WASR 2 that has excessive mag wobble. The mag wobbles so much that the bolt sometimes misses the next round completely for a FTF. I was wondering if anyone else has had this problem and if they were able to do anything about it? I can fire it while holding the mag instead of the forward grip and can almost get reliable, but it is still not too good. The rifle is fairly accurate and I like the 5.45 so far. That is one reason I want to salvage the rifle. I also spoke to a guy at GlobalTrades/ArmoryUSA. His main comment is that any fix will likely cost more than the rifle and suggested returning it. I think I have had it too long to return it.

I plan to work with my Dad to see if we can weld some metal to either side of the mag well to tighten up the clearance. He has a welding machine and that are does not appear to be a major structural point. Other than that, I can't come with anything.

 

[jagdpanzer347]

Mech, are you using steel magazines? I have read about people using Bulgarian polymer magazines to help aleviate this problem in WASRs with oversize magwells. Hope this helps.

-jagd

 

[MechAg94]

The used polymer mags are all I have. This is 5.45X39. I have never seen a steel mag for that caliber.

 

[jagdpanzer347]

Wideners Reloading has steel AK74 mags. I'd say they probably wouldn't fit as tight as your polymers though. Might check over on the AK side of AR15.com for more info. As popular as the WASRs are, I'm sure someone has come up with a solution. Good luck.

-jagd

 

[MartinS]

This is side to side wobble? I think some WASR's had steel plates welded to the sides of the receiver (inside) to take the place of the stamped dimples found in other AK's, but this might not make up for a over large magazine cut out. You might be able to rig a non-permanent test before you fire up the welder.

 

[Titanvk56]

It sounds like your model may be missing the dimples in the mag well that help hold the mag in place.

Try here for a fix: http://www.gunsnet.net/forums/showthread.php?t=290399&highlight=wobble

 

[rbernie]

It sounds like your model may be missing the dimples in the mag well that help hold the mag in place.

The WASRs are single-stack Romanian AKs (AKs with a narrower magwell) that are converted back to double-stack configuration by Century Arms Intl (their importer). All CAI does is hog the magwell back out to accept the wider double-stack mags. This means that they are missing the dimples by default.

I have a couple of WASRs on layaway, so I'll be attending to this for mine in the next couple of months. I figure that one rivet per side should provide a nice permanent stabilizer without providing the possibility that bits might come adrift in mid-chat.

 

[Titanvk56]

"This means that they are missing the dimples by default."

You are correct...I guess I left that part out.

Here is a good place for info on Romanian AK variants: http://www.gunsnet.net/Linx310/

It helped me a lot with my SAR-1.

 

[MechAg94]

Thanks SAKOHUNTER. My Dad and I were thinking about a fix like that but weren't sure where to start. My computer case doesn't have pieces like that, but I am sure I can get some.

I had gotten a line on a Polish Tantal w/ArmoryUSA receiver. Now I have to decide if I still want to buy it.

 

[Titanvk56]

Sure and if you strike out on the metal pieces then give me a shout...I have some somewhere around here.

 

[lurkersince03]

Use polish mags. I use them for this very reason (after dremeling out the burrs left over from Century's QC department).

 

[Steelcore]

The poles made metal mags in 5.45x39.They are available for $15 to 20.