- Location
- Steel Town
I have a couple of SKS's with the earlier pinning method which employed a small piece of round bar stock pinned to the follower pivot point. The problem was that the "original" pin (bar stock) was installed incorrectly by the importer and it prevented the follower from pivoting freely, and this caused chambering issues. No amount of fiddling would loosen up the follower to pivot as it should.
Here's what I did...
I used my Dremel and a cutting wheel to carefully remove the "original" pin (bar stock). I was careful to leave a thin slice of metal between the bar stock and follower so as to not damage the follower. You will know what I mean if you undertake this process.
Once I cut through the pin, I pryed off the bar stock (now easy) and used a Dremel grinding wheel to level the slightly protruding pin. I dabbed the end of the pin with a gun blue stick.
At this point, I am now in violation of Canadian law... so I carefully and quickly proceeded to "re-pin" the magazine...
I found a deep welled nut and bolt that was designed for motorcycle mirrors. I had several sizes to choose from. (though any nut will likely work)
I prepped the nut by leveling its base with a flat file. This also scuffed the surface to allow for proper glue adhesion.
I prepped the inside base of the magazine by thoroughly cleaning it with rubbing alcohol, again to allow for proper glue adhesion.
I Crazy Glued the deep welled nut to the inside floor of the magazine and added the "right-sized" bolt (again, used a Demel grinding wheel to take off material) to limit magazine capacity to 5-rounds to comply with Canadian law.
Even though the directions said "a few minutes" for the glue to set, I let it dry for several hours.
Yes, Crazy Glue. So far, that sucker is super strong!! I have not yet tested the magazine, but it seems very solidly in place.
Once I was satisfied with the height of the bolt, I used blue Loctite to ensure that the bolt does not loosen. I dabbed the top of the bolt with a gun blue stick.
After a real firing test, I may dab red Loctite in there to ensure that the bolt never comes loose.
If the nut comes off after real life testing, I will use JB Weld instead.
Clean, easy, and so far, it seems to be a better fix, without having to resort to drilling or welding. The base of the magazine is untouched, which was the original allure with this type of pinning method.
Oh, and, once the "original" pin (bar stock) was removed, I was able to work it loose (enough for proper function) during the first 20 minutes of the Montreal/Boston game 7.
Attempt at your own risk.
Last edited:
