Anyone know the AK platform well?

[Bantam1]

I have a Bulgarian AK-74 kit that was built and I have issues with the mag catch lever. The catch is too short and not locking the mag into the receiver correctly. I took it back to the builder but he had a stroke...so needless to say I am going to tackle this myself. I plan to replace the lever and file it to fit correctly. I am aware of what needs to be done for the rivet replacement and flaring the ends. I know there is potential that the selector stop may need to be milled down slightly if the lever is long enough.

What I am not sure about is the lever itself. I have found a few different levers, but are they all the same? Does it matter if the lever is for an AKM and not a 74? I searched and searched online but info is limited for some reason. I can find info on building the rifles and how to fit the mag catch, but virtually no info if there is a difference between the levers themselves.

 

[scwhit]

Let me preface this by saying I have limited knowledge as well. But they should be the same, between an AKM and 74, stay away from Yugo specific parts is they are slightly different.

I am sure someone more knowledgeable will be a long shortly to give you more info.

 

[Bantam1]

I found East German and non country specific latches on a few websites. I just wasn't sure so I figured I would ask here first.

 

[Crang]

You are fine with any lever but make sure its NOS. Its pretty common for used ones to be filed down a bit to be able to lock up. There is a tool which makes it a LOT easier to swap out the mag catch- worth renting. Also keep in mind the catch is only one part of the geometry. The front lug where the mags lip catches is the other. I have had ones that a longer lever will fix and others where it wouldnt without a total rebuild since its the front lugs issue. The gunsmithing section on the AK Files has a ton of guys that can walk you through it.

 

[ShooterwithNoName]

Hopefully the mount hole in your trigger guard isn't drilled too low. If it is then no mag catch will fit up high enough. If so then just replace the trigger guard assy with latch. From either a Bulgy AK or an undrilled trigger guard.

If you want to do the trigger guard, I have a virgin Bulgy 26 trigger guard still attached to a stub. PM me if you want it you can have it.

ETA: If you can find a Bulgy latch, KVAR has them. If not just get a 74 latch, then just check it out with a dry fit see where your at with a new catch.

 

[Bantam1]

The front lug/grunion seems to be ok. The mag isn’t getting pulled right to the rear. I double checked everything and the builder confirmed it while he had the rifle. I wish he would have caught it during the initial build. There is no front to back play if trying to slide the mag. It just rocks while locked in if to pull down or push up. If I push the mag body up to the bottom of the rails I can see a gap between the latch and the lug. I found some way to measure all of it online with nice drawings. I think it was .017” off. I measured it a few months ago.

I figured I would start with a new latch. I don’t want to try a used latch. KVAR is out of the Bulgarian latches. They only have East German currently and I think Hungarian. Worst case I can probably tig weld the old latch up and file it to fit Worst case.

Shooter- I appreciate the offer. I will let you know if I need the guard. Hopefully I wont.

 

[ShooterwithNoName]

Ah your right I thought they had Bulgy latches. If you have the ability to tig weld enough on the catch then just file it back down to where you need.

The E. German 74's were really well made. I wouldn't hesitate to try one.

 

[Bantam1]

They don’t specify if they are 74 or 47. I assume there is no difference?

 

[S197]

Try this before you dig into it. http://wasr-10.com/MagLatchFix

Also On ar15.com they have a section for ak build groups in multiple areas, they might have one local to you.

Question, was the receiver built from a flat?

 

[Bantam1]

My mags are not tight to latch or lock in. There is space between the rear locking lug and the catch when the mag is pushed up where it is supposed to be. With the 5.45 and 5.56 guns the body of the mag is supposed to be up against the rails. With my rifle this isn't happening. I used this to measure everything when I was having feeding issues/bolt riding over the rim of the case.

https://robertforbus.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/selector_stop_tutorial.pdf

It was built on a Childers receiver.

 

[S197]

Apex sells a latch by M+M that may help. What brand mags are you running?

AK Magazine Release Lever (MRL) Kit, US Made, from M+M, *NEW*

M+M magazine release lever (MRL) kit for the AK family of rifles, *NEW*, US made.

www.apexgunparts.com

 

[S197]

My mags are not tight to latch or lock in. There is space between the rear locking lug and the catch when the mag is pushed up where it is supposed to be. With the 5.45 and 5.56 guns the body of the mag is supposed to be up against the rails. With my rifle this isn't happening. I used this to measure everything when I was having feeding issues/bolt riding over the rim of the case.

https://robertforbus.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/selector_stop_tutorial.pdf

It was built on a Childers receiver.

can you take some pics? In my search I’ve read a few problems with the rails being off on childers receivers.

 

[Bantam1]

If I push upon the mag it feeds fine. If I let the mag hang I get bolt over rim issues. I’m using Circle 10 mags. These are pics I took while talking to the builder when I was having issues. I don’t have the rifle because it’s with the builder. I haven’t been able to meet with him yet. Still waiting on him so I can get it back. These are the only pics I have right now besides the bolt hanging up on cartridges.

 

[S197]

that latch might help, but myself I would scrap that receiver and get a nodak. 30 for that latch or 90 the nds2

 

[S197]

I have a cheaper idea. Pull the current latch off and take it to an exhaust shop. Ask them to put a bead on the end. Then you will only need to file the weld for a good fit. 1/8-1/4 weld is all that you need.

 

[Bantam1]

I ordered a lever and pin/rivet. I have access to a tig Welder if needed.

 

[ShooterwithNoName]

I think if you can Tig a bead on the face of that catch, then file it to fit then you will be good to go.

Looks like you don't need much. I would give that a shot, I think that will get you where you need to be.