I have posted parts of this in different places but wanted to consolidate the process here. I wanted a light, sling mounts for modern slings, and an RDS over the receiver, not on the gas tube, of my SGL-31. I didn't want to start installing picatinny rails and collapsing stocks on my Arsenal AK-74. The RDS problem will be solved when Horse finishes his AKML mount for the Aimpoint T-1. Here is how my SGL-31 looks today.
First was the Echo Nine Three single point sling mount. It was an easy drop in, 5 minutes with a screwdriver.
Next was the IWC cantilever light mount designed for Magpul MOE AR-15 handguards. It was easy to mount by locating it in a usable position and tracing the base with a silver sharpie.
I had to be aware of the internal ribs on the lower handguard and mount it where the threaded backing plates would mount flat. I traced the outline with a Sharpie and ground down the ribs on the outside of the handguard so the screws would grab the threaded back plates.
The heat shield is easily removed with a thin screwdriver and does not interefere with the installation.
The sling mount screws mount from the rear so I could not use the mount as a template. I measured the distance between the holes with digital calipers and laid out the measurement on the handguard to drill the mounting holes. I had to grind down the inside of the handguard with the Dremel to let the screws have enough room to engage the mount. I lost one (how do you loose a screw in your house?) and located pan head 10/32 X 1/2" screws locally which allowed a better connection. The supplied screws are 3/8".
Note that the sling mount is placed forward of the tapered part of the lower handguard, which allows the mount to have full contact with the handguard.
At the end of the project I have sling mounts where I want them, at the front and rear of the reciever. I have a magpul MMS-2 enroute (not all that popular) because I like the idea of a 2 point-single point sling. I think the VCAS with mash hooks will also work fine.
The forward sling mount is not perfectly level, but I can live with that.
Earl at IWC was willing to ship me a replacement at no charge before I located the longer screws at a local shop and told him to cancel shipping the lost screw. His CS is great and I recommend him highly.
First was the Echo Nine Three single point sling mount. It was an easy drop in, 5 minutes with a screwdriver.
Next was the IWC cantilever light mount designed for Magpul MOE AR-15 handguards. It was easy to mount by locating it in a usable position and tracing the base with a silver sharpie.
I had to be aware of the internal ribs on the lower handguard and mount it where the threaded backing plates would mount flat. I traced the outline with a Sharpie and ground down the ribs on the outside of the handguard so the screws would grab the threaded back plates.
The heat shield is easily removed with a thin screwdriver and does not interefere with the installation.
The sling mount screws mount from the rear so I could not use the mount as a template. I measured the distance between the holes with digital calipers and laid out the measurement on the handguard to drill the mounting holes. I had to grind down the inside of the handguard with the Dremel to let the screws have enough room to engage the mount. I lost one (how do you loose a screw in your house?) and located pan head 10/32 X 1/2" screws locally which allowed a better connection. The supplied screws are 3/8".
Note that the sling mount is placed forward of the tapered part of the lower handguard, which allows the mount to have full contact with the handguard.
At the end of the project I have sling mounts where I want them, at the front and rear of the reciever. I have a magpul MMS-2 enroute (not all that popular) because I like the idea of a 2 point-single point sling. I think the VCAS with mash hooks will also work fine.
The forward sling mount is not perfectly level, but I can live with that.
Earl at IWC was willing to ship me a replacement at no charge before I located the longer screws at a local shop and told him to cancel shipping the lost screw. His CS is great and I recommend him highly.
