Posted by Frank on 18th Jan 2015
In my first review I stated that the front sight base diameter was about 0.050 inch too small. It is actually twice that - about 0.100 inch too small. Again, I am not sure of where the manufacturer obtained these dimensions but I believe they are incorrect.
Posted by Frank on 17th Jan 2015
There are two dimensions that are questionable on this barrel. The first and most important is the press in diameter of the chamber end. It is about 0.005 inch too small for the early press in milled receivers.
The second dimension is the front sight block which is too small (about 0.050) for the early sight blocks.
The first problem can be fixed by nickel plating the trunion area of the receiver and the chamber end of the barrel with a 0.001+ layer of nickle.
The second problem requires fabrication and use of a sleeve.
The gas block, hand guard ferrule and the rear sight block are correct diameters for the early AKs.
Either of these fixes is a big deal and the overall quality of this barrel is top notch.
I'm not sure where the manufacturer came up with the dimensions they use on this, but I believe they are not correct. Hence 4 stars.