How do you remove the darn rivet from the handguard?

[Andy]

I was warned that it was difficult to remove. The Monte Carlo stock instructions make it look so easy - but it ain't.

Some of you must have done it successfully on a Norinco or other and have some tips. Please?

 

[(((Echo)))]

The rivet in mine is tapered and was staked in . I had to do a close visual to determine which end appeared smaller and drive from that side. You'll need a good surface to work on. Support the end of the hanguard with an edge while you pound away. Once mine broke free, all was good.

(E)

 

[Calum]

You mean the guard on the gas tube?

If so, I lucked out by finding mine had tapered pins.
Follow (((Echo)))'s advice all should be fine.

 

[MasterPython]

I wish I knew that they were tpered pins. Probably why mine got so butchered and barly went back in.

 

[Calum]

I believe Numrich has replacement pins.

 

[Andy]

Got it, but it was a bugger.

Thanks for tips guys.

 

[Proutfoo]

i looked at mine and it was flared quite well on both sides. I ended up getting a spare gas tube from somewhere (Milarm?) and when I came to work on that one I ended up destroying the handguard. No biggie since I had a fiberglass one I was going to install, but they definately are a pain to get off.

The Milarm handguard was already somewhat toast when I got it, I specifically ordered a gas tube and the rear retainer, and I suppose they found it would be faster just to send me a complete tube with a damaged wood handguard...oh well.