{
  "apiVersion": 1,
  "kind": "work-order",
  "purpose": "Taking the firearm apart for a job such as refinishing, and putting it back together to specification.",
  "firearm": {
    "slug": "akm",
    "name": "AKM / AK-47 Pattern Rifle",
    "manufacturer": {
      "id": "generic-ak",
      "name": "AK Pattern (multiple manufacturers)"
    },
    "category": "rifle",
    "action": "gas-operated-long-stroke",
    "calibers": [
      "7.62x39mm",
      "5.45x39mm",
      "5.56x45mm NATO"
    ],
    "alsoKnownAs": [
      "AK-47",
      "AKM",
      "Kalashnikov",
      "AK-74 (5.45mm variant)"
    ],
    "coversAlso": [
      "AK-74",
      "AKM",
      "Type 56",
      "Zastava M70",
      "WASR-10",
      "Most stamped and milled AK-pattern rifles"
    ],
    "page": "firearms/akm.html",
    "bundle": "api/v1/firearms/akm.json",
    "lastUpdated": "2026-10-29"
  },
  "notices": [
    "This work order is written for the AKM / AK-47 Pattern Rifle. It is reported to cover AK-74; AKM; Type 56; Zastava M70; WASR-10; Most stamped and milled AK-pattern rifles — if the firearm on the bench is one of those, check the torque notes: values do not always carry over.",
    "No manufacturer torque values are recorded. The values listed are reported by other sources, not the manufacturer — confirm them before use."
  ],
  "disclaimer": {
    "headline": "Read this before you use anything here.",
    "points": [
      "This is a guide, not an authority. Entries are compiled from manufacturer manuals, technical manuals, published references, and community knowledge. Some of it comes from sources that are not authoritative, and some of it may simply be wrong.",
      "Always consult the manufacturer's manual for your specific firearm and serial-number range. Manufacturers change designs mid-production without renaming the model. The manual that shipped with your firearm outranks anything on this site.",
      "Consult a licensed gunsmith for anything beyond routine field stripping and cleaning, for any firearm you are unsure about, and for any procedure marked as gunsmith-recommended here.",
      "Treat every firearm as loaded. Verify it is unloaded, with the magazine removed and the chamber physically and visually checked, before any procedure in this database. Point it in a safe direction the entire time.",
      "Disassembly can damage a firearm or injure you. Springs are under tension, parts can launch, and reassembling a firearm incorrectly can make it unsafe to fire in a way that is not obvious from the outside. If a reassembled firearm does not pass a function check, stop and see a gunsmith.",
      "Torque values are shown in two groups. Values from the manufacturer or the issuing military are shown as such, with the document they came from. Values reported by anyone else — parts makers, gunsmithing publishers, articles, forums — are shown separately with who said them, how reliable that source is, and their exact words. Those are not specifications. Confirm any torque value with the manufacturer or a licensed gunsmith before relying on it.",
      "Nothing here is legal advice. Firearms law varies by country, state, and city, and some modifications or configurations are regulated or prohibited. You are responsible for knowing and following the law where you are.",
      "No warranty of any kind. Contributors and maintainers accept no liability for damage, injury, or loss arising from use of this material."
    ],
    "page": "disclaimer.html",
    "legal": {
      "summary": "Legal notice: this material is third-party information compiled from sources of varying reliability and is provided for general informational and educational purposes only. It is not gunsmithing, technical, safety or legal advice, it is not verified or endorsed by any manufacturer, and it must not be taken as fact. Any work on a firearm beyond the routine field stripping described in its own owner's manual should be performed only by a licensed and insured gunsmith. You use this material entirely at your own risk. Fundamental Build LLC and the project's contributors make no warranty of any kind and accept no liability for death, injury, damage or loss arising from its use. Full terms: LEGAL.md.",
      "page": "legal.html",
      "notice": "https://github.com/Fundamental-build-LLC/Pew-Takedown/blob/main/LEGAL.md"
    }
  },
  "sourcing": {
    "confidence": "high",
    "verification": "armorer-manual-verified"
  },
  "manufacturerDisassembly": {
    "status": "not-recorded",
    "limit": null,
    "statement": null,
    "source": null
  },
  "recalls": [],
  "shopTier": {
    "tier": 2,
    "group": "rifle",
    "rating": "Pew-Takedown editorial rating (1 easy – 3 hardest), not the manufacturer's",
    "reason": "A riveted receiver with nothing to fit, but the trigger group goes in against the hammer spring with the pins held by a single retaining spring, and the handguard retainer, gas tube lock and selector are notoriously tight. No timing and no special fixtures. A middle-of-the-range rifle job.",
    "confidence": "medium",
    "partCount": {
      "value": 66,
      "kind": "line-items",
      "covers": "stand-in: Mitchell Arms 'AK-47 Autoloading Rifle' (semi-automatic Yugoslav-made AK/AKM-pattern import) per the Gun Digest exploded drawing legend, keys 1-66, incl. magazine (51, 52, 34). The drawing i",
      "basis": "publication-diagram",
      "source": {
        "title": "The Gun Digest Book of Exploded Gun Drawings (975 isometric views) - Mitchell Arms 'AK-47 Autoloading Rifle'",
        "publisher": "Gun Digest Books / Krause Publications (scan on archive.org)",
        "reliability": "secondary",
        "url": "https://archive.org/download/the-book-of-exploded-gun-drawings-975-isometric-views/The%20Book%20of%20Exploded%20Gun%20Drawings%20-%20975%20Isometric%20Views.pdf",
        "page": "book p. 714 (PDF page 715)",
        "pdfPage": null,
        "pageUrl": null,
        "quote": "Folding Stock Base Washer"
      }
    },
    "painPoints": [
      {
        "issue": "Getting the trigger group out means lifting the hammer spring (mainspring) legs and hooking them behind the hammer ears, then holding them there while the trigger pin comes out. Reassembly reverses this under spring load, with the pin retaining spring ('shepherd's crook') laid over the pins.",
        "during": "both",
        "source": {
          "title": "12 Hidden Features of the AK-47 Cleaning Kit",
          "publisher": "The Firearm Blog",
          "reliability": "secondary",
          "url": "https://www.thefirearmblog.com/blog/2016/11/18/12-hidden-features-ak-47-cleaning-kit/",
          "page": null,
          "pdfPage": null,
          "pageUrl": null,
          "quote": "During disassembly, you must raise the mainspring ends and catch them behind the hammer “ears” to release the tension from the trigger for further disassembly."
        }
      },
      {
        "issue": "Once hooked, the mainspring legs have to be held while the pins move, typically with a rubber band or the cleaning-kit cap.",
        "during": "both",
        "source": {
          "title": "12 Hidden Features of the AK-47 Cleaning Kit",
          "publisher": "The Firearm Blog",
          "reliability": "secondary",
          "url": "https://www.thefirearmblog.com/blog/2016/11/18/12-hidden-features-ak-47-cleaning-kit/",
          "page": null,
          "pdfPage": null,
          "pageUrl": null,
          "quote": "Once mainspring ends are hooked to the hammer, they must be somehow retained."
        }
      },
      {
        "issue": "The gas tube lock lever and the lower handguard retainer are often very tight and need a tool to rotate.",
        "during": "both",
        "source": {
          "title": "TFB FIELD STRIP: How To Field Strip AK Rifles And Variants Of The AKM (reader comment)",
          "publisher": "The Firearm Blog",
          "reliability": "anecdotal",
          "url": "https://www.thefirearmblog.com/blog/2020/02/13/field-strip-ak-rifles-variants/",
          "page": null,
          "pdfPage": null,
          "pageUrl": null,
          "quote": "The gas tube retaining lever on my saiga.223 is one of the absolute tightest things to get loose."
        }
      },
      {
        "issue": "The selector lever is a spring-steel part held by its own tension and can be bent while being worked out of the receiver.",
        "during": "both",
        "source": {
          "title": "12 Hidden Features of the AK-47 Cleaning Kit",
          "publisher": "The Firearm Blog",
          "reliability": "secondary",
          "url": "https://www.thefirearmblog.com/blog/2016/11/18/12-hidden-features-ak-47-cleaning-kit/",
          "page": null,
          "pdfPage": null,
          "pageUrl": null,
          "quote": "On some AK rifles, safety selector is really tight and hard to manipulate."
        }
      }
    ],
    "minutes": {
      "strip": 45,
      "rebuild": 60,
      "basis": "estimated",
      "note": "Estimate: field strip plus trigger group (hammer, trigger, disconnector, springs, pins and retaining spring), selector, handguards and retainer, gas tube, pistol grip, stock, rear sight leaf/slider, front sight and muzzle nut/slant brake and detent pin. Rebuild longer for the hammer spring and pin retainer under tension and the handguard retainer. Receiver, trunnions and rivets stay as they are.",
      "source": null
    },
    "stripScope": [
      {
        "assembly": "Fire control group",
        "removes": [
          "pin retaining spring (shepherd's crook)",
          "hammer, hammer spring and pin",
          "trigger, disconnector, disconnector spring and pin",
          "safety selector"
        ],
        "tools": [
          "drift punch",
          "rubber band or slave pins for the hammer spring"
        ]
      },
      {
        "assembly": "Receiver and barrel",
        "removes": [
          "dust cover",
          "recoil spring assembly",
          "bolt carrier and bolt (firing pin, extractor, extractor spring and pin)",
          "gas tube/upper handguard",
          "lower handguard and retainer",
          "rear sight leaf and slider",
          "front sight post/hood",
          "muzzle nut/slant brake and detent pin"
        ],
        "tools": [
          "AK front sight tool"
        ]
      },
      {
        "assembly": "Furniture",
        "removes": [
          "pistol grip and nut/screw",
          "buttstock and tang screws",
          "butt plate",
          "cleaning rod"
        ]
      }
    ],
    "hardware": {
      "pins": 7,
      "springs": 13,
      "detents": 3,
      "basis": "counted by name in the same legend (all 66 keys). Pins: 2, 5, 9, 28 hammer and trigger pin, 37 folding stock hinge pins, 45, 64 securing pin (12 firing pin not counted). Springs: 1, 6, 7, 10, 11, 20, "
    },
    "specialTools": [
      {
        "tool": "AK front sight adjustment tool",
        "usedFor": "Front sight post (only if moved)"
      },
      {
        "tool": "Slave pins / rubber band",
        "usedFor": "Holding the hammer spring and trigger parts during pin installation"
      },
      {
        "tool": "Small punch for the firing-pin and extractor pins",
        "usedFor": "Bolt strip"
      },
      {
        "tool": "Pistol grip nut driver (long screwdriver)",
        "usedFor": "Pistol grip screw through the grip"
      }
    ],
    "fitOnRebuild": [
      {
        "check": "Function check (disconnector, safety)",
        "why": "The hammer spring legs and disconnector spring must be seated correctly; check that the safety blocks and the hammer resets",
        "source": null
      },
      {
        "check": "Front sight/zero",
        "why": "Front sight and muzzle device moved for coating mean a re-zero",
        "source": null
      },
      {
        "check": "Handguard and gas tube lock fit",
        "why": "Coating build-up makes the retainer and gas tube levers even tighter; check that they lock",
        "source": {
          "title": "TFB FIELD STRIP: How To Field Strip AK Rifles And Variants Of The AKM (reader comment)",
          "publisher": "The Firearm Blog",
          "reliability": "anecdotal",
          "url": "https://www.thefirearmblog.com/blog/2020/02/13/field-strip-ak-rifles-variants/",
          "page": null,
          "pdfPage": null,
          "pageUrl": null,
          "quote": "The gas tube retaining lever on my saiga.223 is one of the absolute tightest things to get loose."
        }
      }
    ],
    "assessed": "2026-10-29"
  },
  "videos": [],
  "configurations": [],
  "tools": [
    {
      "name": "Screwdriver or the rim of a case",
      "required": false,
      "usedFor": "Rotating a stiff gas tube lever on some variants."
    }
  ],
  "phases": [
    {
      "id": "clear",
      "title": "Clear and make safe",
      "steps": [
        {
          "n": 1,
          "instruction": "Point the muzzle in a safe direction and keep your finger off the trigger."
        },
        {
          "n": 2,
          "instruction": "Rotate the safety lever down to the FIRE position so the charging handle can travel fully rearward.",
          "warning": "With the lever on SAFE, the bolt travel is deliberately restricted. You cannot properly inspect the chamber until the lever is down."
        },
        {
          "n": 3,
          "instruction": "Rock the magazine forward and out of the magazine well.",
          "tip": "Press the magazine catch behind the magazine and rock the front of the magazine forward.",
          "partsFreed": [
            "Magazine"
          ]
        },
        {
          "n": 4,
          "instruction": "Pull the charging handle fully to the rear and hold it there. Look into the chamber and the magazine well."
        },
        {
          "n": 5,
          "instruction": "Physically feel the chamber to confirm it is empty. Most AK variants have no bolt hold-open, so you will need to hold the bolt back yourself.",
          "warning": "Without a bolt hold-open, the bolt slams forward when you let go. Keep fingers clear."
        },
        {
          "n": 6,
          "instruction": "Ease the bolt forward and remove all live ammunition from the work area."
        }
      ],
      "videos": []
    },
    {
      "id": "disassemble",
      "title": "Disassemble",
      "videos": [],
      "procedures": [
        {
          "procedure": "field-strip",
          "title": "Field Strip",
          "level": "field-strip",
          "configuration": false,
          "steps": [
            {
              "n": 1,
              "instruction": "Complete the Clear and Make Safe procedure."
            },
            {
              "n": 2,
              "instruction": "Press in the recoil spring guide rod tab that protrudes through the rear of the dust cover.",
              "tip": "On some rifles the tab is stiff. Press it with a thumb or the rim of a case, not a screwdriver blade that can slip."
            },
            {
              "n": 3,
              "instruction": "With the tab depressed, lift the rear of the dust cover up and pull it back and off.",
              "warning": "The recoil spring assembly is under compression behind it. Keep a hand over the rear of the receiver.",
              "partsFreed": [
                "Dust cover (receiver cover)"
              ]
            },
            {
              "n": 4,
              "instruction": "Push the recoil spring assembly forward to clear its seat in the rear of the receiver, then lift it up and out.",
              "partsFreed": [
                "Recoil spring assembly"
              ]
            },
            {
              "n": 5,
              "instruction": "Pull the bolt carrier fully to the rear until it reaches the cutout in the receiver rails, then lift it up and out of the receiver.",
              "partsFreed": [
                "Bolt carrier and bolt"
              ]
            },
            {
              "n": 6,
              "instruction": "Rotate the bolt to unlock it from its cam track and pull it forward out of the carrier.",
              "partsFreed": [
                "Bolt"
              ]
            },
            {
              "n": 7,
              "instruction": "Rotate the gas tube lever on the right side of the rear sight block upward until it stands vertical, then lift the gas tube and upper handguard up and off.",
              "tip": "Rifles without the AKM-style lever use a different retainer. Some Yugoslav and older patterns require a tool.",
              "partsFreed": [
                "Gas tube and upper handguard"
              ]
            },
            {
              "n": 8,
              "instruction": "Stop here for routine cleaning. The trigger group, lower handguard, and barrel do not need to come off."
            }
          ]
        }
      ]
    },
    {
      "id": "refinish",
      "title": "Refinish",
      "components": [
        {
          "name": "Dust cover (receiver cover)",
          "procedure": "field-strip",
          "level": "field-strip",
          "step": 3
        },
        {
          "name": "Recoil spring assembly",
          "procedure": "field-strip",
          "level": "field-strip",
          "step": 4
        },
        {
          "name": "Bolt carrier and bolt",
          "procedure": "field-strip",
          "level": "field-strip",
          "step": 5
        },
        {
          "name": "Bolt",
          "procedure": "field-strip",
          "level": "field-strip",
          "step": 6
        },
        {
          "name": "Gas tube and upper handguard",
          "procedure": "field-strip",
          "level": "field-strip",
          "step": 7
        }
      ],
      "manufacturerPartsList": null,
      "partsDiagrams": [],
      "materials": [],
      "note": "The components the procedures above separate. Coating, masking and cure are outside this database; follow your coating system's instructions. A part the manufacturer marks \"factory fit\" should not be swapped or reworked."
    },
    {
      "id": "reassemble",
      "title": "Reassemble",
      "videos": [],
      "procedures": [
        {
          "procedure": "reassembly",
          "title": "Reassembly",
          "configuration": false,
          "steps": [
            {
              "n": 1,
              "instruction": "Set the gas tube and upper handguard back into the front trunnion recess, seat the rear onto the rear sight block, and rotate the gas tube lever down to lock it."
            },
            {
              "n": 2,
              "instruction": "Insert the bolt into the front of the carrier and rotate it so its lug engages the cam track."
            },
            {
              "n": 3,
              "instruction": "Set the carrier into the receiver rails with the bolt forward, engage the carrier's gas piston into the gas tube, and slide the carrier forward."
            },
            {
              "n": 4,
              "instruction": "Set the recoil spring assembly into the carrier's rear channel and push it forward until the guide rod seats in its recess at the rear of the receiver."
            },
            {
              "n": 5,
              "instruction": "Set the front lip of the dust cover into the rear sight block recess, then press the rear down until the recoil spring guide rod tab snaps through its hole.",
              "warning": "If the tab is not protruding through the dust cover, the cover will come off under recoil."
            },
            {
              "n": 6,
              "instruction": "Cycle the action several times and perform the function check."
            }
          ],
          "instruction": null
        }
      ]
    },
    {
      "id": "torque",
      "title": "Torque",
      "coverage": "reported-only",
      "manufacturer": [],
      "reported": [
        {
          "fastener": "Lower handguard clamp screws, 8-32 SHCS",
          "appliesTo": "AK-47/AKM-pattern rifle fitted with a Midwest Industries MI-AKG2 handguard (standard length)",
          "qualifier": "exact",
          "value": 60,
          "valueMax": null,
          "unit": "in-lb",
          "converted": {
            "value": {
              "N-m": 6.8,
              "in-lb": 60,
              "ft-lb": 5
            },
            "valueMax": null
          },
          "sequence": "Hinge the lower handguard onto the barrel and seat the anti-rotation block into the receiver; install the clamp and tighten the screws evenly.",
          "threadlocker": "Use the provided blue thread loc on the screws.",
          "source": {
            "title": "MI-AKG2 Handguard Installation Instructions (Standard Length M-Lok and KeyMod Versions)",
            "publisher": "Midwest Industries, Inc.",
            "reliability": "secondary",
            "url": "https://midwestindustriesinc.com/content/installation-instructions/AK47-Handguard-MI-AKG2-UM-Instructions.pdf",
            "page": "PDF p. 1",
            "pdfPage": 1,
            "pageUrl": "https://midwestindustriesinc.com/content/installation-instructions/AK47-Handguard-MI-AKG2-UM-Instructions.pdf#page=1",
            "quote": "Evenly tighten the clamp with the provided 8-32 SHCS. Use the provided blue thread loc on the screws. Tighten each screw to 60 in lbs."
          }
        },
        {
          "fastener": "Top cover screws, 8-32 flat head",
          "appliesTo": "AK-47/AKM-pattern rifle fitted with a Midwest Industries MI-AKG2 handguard",
          "qualifier": "exact",
          "value": 30,
          "valueMax": null,
          "unit": "in-lb",
          "converted": {
            "value": {
              "N-m": 3.4,
              "in-lb": 30,
              "ft-lb": 2.5
            },
            "valueMax": null
          },
          "sequence": null,
          "threadlocker": "(DO NOT use thread loc on these screws)",
          "source": {
            "title": "MI-AKG2 Handguard Installation Instructions (Standard Length M-Lok and KeyMod Versions)",
            "publisher": "Midwest Industries, Inc.",
            "reliability": "secondary",
            "url": "https://midwestindustriesinc.com/content/installation-instructions/AK47-Handguard-MI-AKG2-UM-Instructions.pdf",
            "page": "PDF p. 1",
            "pdfPage": 1,
            "pageUrl": "https://midwestindustriesinc.com/content/installation-instructions/AK47-Handguard-MI-AKG2-UM-Instructions.pdf#page=1",
            "quote": "Install the topcover with provided 8-32 flat head screws, tighten these screws to 30 inch lbs. (DO NOT use thread loc on these screws)"
          }
        },
        {
          "fastener": "Handguard cap set screw",
          "appliesTo": "AK-type rifle fitted with a Midwest Industries MI-AKMDI drop-in handguard",
          "qualifier": "exact",
          "value": 10,
          "valueMax": null,
          "unit": "in-lb",
          "converted": {
            "value": {
              "N-m": 1.1,
              "in-lb": 10,
              "ft-lb": 0.83
            },
            "valueMax": null
          },
          "sequence": null,
          "threadlocker": "apply a drop of blue Loctite to the exposed portion of the set screw",
          "source": {
            "title": "MI-AK Drop In Hand Guard Installation Instructions (MI-AKMDI, MI-AKMDI-K, MI-AKMDI-M70, MI-AKMDI-M92)",
            "publisher": "Midwest Industries, Inc.",
            "reliability": "secondary",
            "url": "https://midwestindustriesinc.com/content/installation-instructions/AK47-Handguard-MI-AKMDI-Instructions.pdf",
            "page": "PDF p. 1",
            "pdfPage": 1,
            "pageUrl": "https://midwestindustriesinc.com/content/installation-instructions/AK47-Handguard-MI-AKMDI-Instructions.pdf#page=1",
            "quote": "Once the handguard is installed with the cap locked apply a drop of blue Loctite to the exposed portion of the set screw and torque to 10 inch lbs with a 5/64 allen wrench."
          }
        },
        {
          "fastener": "Stock hinge/trunnion screws and wedge block screw (1/8\" hex)",
          "appliesTo": "AK with a Magpul Zhukov-S folding stock (MAG585) installed through the rear trunnion",
          "qualifier": "range",
          "value": 30,
          "valueMax": 40,
          "unit": "in-lb",
          "converted": {
            "value": {
              "N-m": 3.4,
              "in-lb": 30,
              "ft-lb": 2.5
            },
            "valueMax": {
              "N-m": 4.5,
              "in-lb": 40,
              "ft-lb": 3.3
            }
          },
          "sequence": "Wedge block first; 1/2\" countersink screw through the receiver trunnion (hand-start to avoid cross-threading, Hinge Block flush) 30-40; 3/8\" screw through the trunnion tang with the Weld Nut 30-40; verify hole alignment; wedge block screw 30-40 to finish.",
          "threadlocker": null,
          "source": {
            "title": "Zhukov-S AK Stock (MAG585) Installation Instructions, 072-0100-B",
            "publisher": "Magpul Industries",
            "reliability": "secondary",
            "url": "https://magpul.com/media/wysiwyg/Instructions/MAG585_Zhukov-S_Stock_INSRT.pdf",
            "page": "PDF p. 1",
            "pdfPage": 1,
            "pageUrl": "https://magpul.com/media/wysiwyg/Instructions/MAG585_Zhukov-S_Stock_INSRT.pdf#page=1",
            "quote": "ensure Hinge Block is flush with receiver and tighten to 30-40 [in-lb]."
          }
        },
        {
          "fastener": "Handguard front ring lower screws",
          "appliesTo": "Midwest Industries AK Alpha M-LOK Handguard (MI-AK-ALPHA6 / MI-AK-ALPHA10.0) on an AKM-pattern stamped-receiver rifle",
          "qualifier": "exact",
          "value": 20,
          "valueMax": null,
          "unit": "in-lb",
          "converted": {
            "value": {
              "N-m": 2.3,
              "in-lb": 20,
              "ft-lb": 1.7
            },
            "valueMax": null
          },
          "sequence": "One at a time: remove, thread-lock, torque.",
          "threadlocker": "Thread lock (instructions say 'thread lock'; product not named)",
          "source": {
            "title": "Midwest Industries AK Alpha M-LOK Handguard (MI-AK-ALPHA6 / MI-AK-ALPHA10.0) — Instructions",
            "publisher": "Midwest Industries, Inc.",
            "reliability": "secondary",
            "url": "https://midwestindustriesinc.com/content/installation-instructions/AK-Alpha-Series-Handguard-Instructions.pdf",
            "page": "PDF p. 1 (single page)",
            "pdfPage": 1,
            "pageUrl": "https://midwestindustriesinc.com/content/installation-instructions/AK-Alpha-Series-Handguard-Instructions.pdf#page=1",
            "quote": "With the rifle’s handguard locked, remove and thread lock the handguard front ring lower screws one at a time. Torque them to 20-inch lbs."
          }
        },
        {
          "fastener": "Railed top cover receiver block screw (not the pivot pin)",
          "appliesTo": "Midwest Industries AK Alpha Railed Top Cover (MI-AK-ALPHA-RTC, only with MI AK Alpha handguards) on an AKM-pattern stamped-receiver rifle",
          "qualifier": "exact",
          "value": 30,
          "valueMax": null,
          "unit": "in-lb",
          "converted": {
            "value": {
              "N-m": 3.4,
              "in-lb": 30,
              "ft-lb": 2.5
            },
            "valueMax": null
          },
          "sequence": null,
          "threadlocker": "Vibra-tite (supplied); instructions say do NOT use Loctite",
          "source": {
            "title": "Midwest Industries AK Alpha Railed Top Cover (MI-AK-ALPHA-RTC) — Instructions",
            "publisher": "Midwest Industries, Inc.",
            "reliability": "secondary",
            "url": "https://midwestindustriesinc.com/content/installation-instructions/AK-Alpha-Series-Railed-Top-Cover-MI-AK-Alpha-RTC-Instructions.pdf",
            "page": "PDF p. 1 (single page)",
            "pdfPage": 1,
            "pageUrl": "https://midwestindustriesinc.com/content/installation-instructions/AK-Alpha-Series-Railed-Top-Cover-MI-AK-Alpha-RTC-Instructions.pdf#page=1",
            "quote": "a. Receiver block (NOT pivot pin)– 30inch lbs."
          }
        },
        {
          "fastener": "Railed top cover M-LOK nuts (side beams)",
          "appliesTo": "Midwest Industries AK Alpha Railed Top Cover (MI-AK-ALPHA-RTC, only with MI AK Alpha handguards) on an AKM-pattern stamped-receiver rifle",
          "qualifier": "exact",
          "value": 20,
          "valueMax": null,
          "unit": "in-lb",
          "converted": {
            "value": {
              "N-m": 2.3,
              "in-lb": 20,
              "ft-lb": 1.7
            },
            "valueMax": null
          },
          "sequence": null,
          "threadlocker": "Vibra-tite (supplied); instructions say do NOT use Loctite",
          "source": {
            "title": "Midwest Industries AK Alpha Railed Top Cover (MI-AK-ALPHA-RTC) — Instructions",
            "publisher": "Midwest Industries, Inc.",
            "reliability": "secondary",
            "url": "https://midwestindustriesinc.com/content/installation-instructions/AK-Alpha-Series-Railed-Top-Cover-MI-AK-Alpha-RTC-Instructions.pdf",
            "page": "PDF p. 1 (single page)",
            "pdfPage": 1,
            "pageUrl": "https://midwestindustriesinc.com/content/installation-instructions/AK-Alpha-Series-Railed-Top-Cover-MI-AK-Alpha-RTC-Instructions.pdf#page=1",
            "quote": "b. M-LOK Nuts – 20inch lbs."
          }
        },
        {
          "fastener": "Railed top cover steel support strut screws",
          "appliesTo": "Midwest Industries AK Alpha Railed Top Cover (MI-AK-ALPHA-RTC, only with MI AK Alpha handguards) on an AKM-pattern stamped-receiver rifle",
          "qualifier": "exact",
          "value": 10,
          "valueMax": null,
          "unit": "in-lb",
          "converted": {
            "value": {
              "N-m": 1.1,
              "in-lb": 10,
              "ft-lb": 0.83
            },
            "valueMax": null
          },
          "sequence": null,
          "threadlocker": "Vibra-tite (supplied); instructions say do NOT use Loctite",
          "source": {
            "title": "Midwest Industries AK Alpha Railed Top Cover (MI-AK-ALPHA-RTC) — Instructions",
            "publisher": "Midwest Industries, Inc.",
            "reliability": "secondary",
            "url": "https://midwestindustriesinc.com/content/installation-instructions/AK-Alpha-Series-Railed-Top-Cover-MI-AK-Alpha-RTC-Instructions.pdf",
            "page": "PDF p. 1 (single page)",
            "pdfPage": 1,
            "pageUrl": "https://midwestindustriesinc.com/content/installation-instructions/AK-Alpha-Series-Railed-Top-Cover-MI-AK-Alpha-RTC-Instructions.pdf#page=1",
            "quote": "c. Steel support struts – 10inch lbs."
          }
        },
        {
          "fastener": "Railed dot mount M-LOK screws (side beams, locking nuts engaged)",
          "appliesTo": "Midwest Industries AK Alpha Railed Dot Mount (MI-AK-ALPHA-RDM / MI-AK-ALPHA-T2M, only with MI AK Alpha handguards) on an AKM-pattern stamped-receiver rifle",
          "qualifier": "exact",
          "value": 20,
          "valueMax": null,
          "unit": "in-lb",
          "converted": {
            "value": {
              "N-m": 2.3,
              "in-lb": 20,
              "ft-lb": 1.7
            },
            "valueMax": null
          },
          "sequence": null,
          "threadlocker": "Vibratite (supplied); instructions say do NOT use Loctite",
          "source": {
            "title": "Midwest Industries AK Alpha Railed Dot Mount (MI-AK-ALPHA-RDM / MI-AK-ALPHA-T2M) — Instructions",
            "publisher": "Midwest Industries, Inc.",
            "reliability": "secondary",
            "url": "https://midwestindustriesinc.com/content/installation-instructions/AK-Alpha-Series-T2M-RDM-Instructions.pdf",
            "page": "PDF p. 1 (single page)",
            "pdfPage": 1,
            "pageUrl": "https://midwestindustriesinc.com/content/installation-instructions/AK-Alpha-Series-T2M-RDM-Instructions.pdf#page=1",
            "quote": "a. Torque M-LOK screws to 20inch lbs with locking nuts engaged."
          }
        },
        {
          "fastener": "Railed dot mount 6-32 flat head screws (steel support struts)",
          "appliesTo": "Midwest Industries AK Alpha Railed Dot Mount (MI-AK-ALPHA-RDM / MI-AK-ALPHA-T2M, only with MI AK Alpha handguards) on an AKM-pattern stamped-receiver rifle",
          "qualifier": "exact",
          "value": 10,
          "valueMax": null,
          "unit": "in-lb",
          "converted": {
            "value": {
              "N-m": 1.1,
              "in-lb": 10,
              "ft-lb": 0.83
            },
            "valueMax": null
          },
          "sequence": null,
          "threadlocker": "Vibratite (supplied); instructions say do NOT use Loctite",
          "source": {
            "title": "Midwest Industries AK Alpha Railed Dot Mount (MI-AK-ALPHA-RDM / MI-AK-ALPHA-T2M) — Instructions",
            "publisher": "Midwest Industries, Inc.",
            "reliability": "secondary",
            "url": "https://midwestindustriesinc.com/content/installation-instructions/AK-Alpha-Series-T2M-RDM-Instructions.pdf",
            "page": "PDF p. 1 (single page)",
            "pdfPage": 1,
            "pageUrl": "https://midwestindustriesinc.com/content/installation-instructions/AK-Alpha-Series-T2M-RDM-Instructions.pdf#page=1",
            "quote": "b. Torque 6x32 flat heads to 10inch lbs."
          }
        }
      ],
      "notes": "The official military manuals give no torque value. They say: \"2) Исправность приклада: винты затыльника должны быть полностью завинчены, шлицы винтов очищены;\" [translation by this project: \"2) Condition of the butt stock: the butt-plate screws must be fully screwed in and the screw slots cleaned;\"] (Наставление по стрелковому делу. 7,62-мм модернизированный автомат Калашникова (АКМ и АКМС). Издание третье, исправленное и дополненное (1970) — file nastav_akm_1970.pdf, p. 82, ст. 71) \"При утопленном фиксаторе компенсатор и муфта должны легко свинчиваться со ствола.\" [translation by this project: \"With the retainer pressed in, the compensator and the thread protector must screw easily off the barrel.\"] (Наставление по стрелковому делу. 7,62-мм модернизированный автомат Калашникова (АКМ и АКМС). Издание третье, исправленное и дополненное (1970) — file nastav_akm_1970.pdf, p. 85, ст. 72 (inspection of the disassembled weapon))"
    },
    {
      "id": "function-check",
      "title": "Function check",
      "checks": [
        "Verify the rifle is unloaded with no magazine inserted before each step.",
        "With the safety lever on SAFE, attempt to pull the charging handle fully back. Bolt travel should be restricted.",
        "With the safety on SAFE, press the trigger. Nothing should happen.",
        "Rotate the safety to FIRE, charge the rifle, and press the trigger. The hammer should fall.",
        "Hold the trigger back, charge the rifle, and release the trigger slowly — you should hear the disconnector click.",
        "Confirm the dust cover is locked down and the recoil spring tab protrudes through it.",
        "Confirm the magazine rocks in and locks positively."
      ],
      "videos": []
    }
  ],
  "troubleshooting": [],
  "sources": [
    {
      "n": 1,
      "id": null,
      "title": "7.62mm Kalashnikov Modernized Assault Rifle (AKM) Operator's Manual",
      "publisher": "USSR Ministry of Defence",
      "reliability": "primary",
      "url": null,
      "accessed": null
    },
    {
      "n": 2,
      "id": null,
      "title": "Operator's Manual for AK-47 Assault Rifle",
      "publisher": "U.S. Department of the Army (foreign materiel)",
      "reliability": "secondary",
      "url": null,
      "accessed": null
    },
    {
      "n": 3,
      "id": "midwest-industries-inc-d4cfec",
      "title": "MI-AKG2 Handguard Installation Instructions (Standard Length M-Lok and KeyMod Versions)",
      "publisher": "Midwest Industries, Inc.",
      "reliability": "secondary",
      "url": "https://midwestindustriesinc.com/content/installation-instructions/AK47-Handguard-MI-AKG2-UM-Instructions.pdf",
      "accessed": "2026-09-27"
    },
    {
      "n": 4,
      "id": "midwest-industries-inc-98235f",
      "title": "MI-AK Drop In Hand Guard Installation Instructions (MI-AKMDI, MI-AKMDI-K, MI-AKMDI-M70, MI-AKMDI-M92)",
      "publisher": "Midwest Industries, Inc.",
      "reliability": "secondary",
      "url": "https://midwestindustriesinc.com/content/installation-instructions/AK47-Handguard-MI-AKMDI-Instructions.pdf",
      "accessed": "2026-09-27"
    },
    {
      "n": 5,
      "id": "magpul-industries-3da804",
      "title": "Zhukov-S AK Stock (MAG585) Installation Instructions, 072-0100-B",
      "publisher": "Magpul Industries",
      "reliability": "secondary",
      "url": "https://magpul.com/media/wysiwyg/Instructions/MAG585_Zhukov-S_Stock_INSRT.pdf",
      "accessed": "2026-09-27"
    },
    {
      "n": 6,
      "id": "1970-scan-hosted-on-archive-org-231492",
      "title": "Наставление по стрелковому делу. 7,62-мм модернизированный автомат Калашникова (АКМ и АКМС). Издание третье, исправленное и дополненное (1970) — file nastav_akm_1970.pdf",
      "publisher": "Министерство обороны СССР (Воениздат), 1970 — scan hosted on archive.org",
      "reliability": "primary",
      "url": "https://archive.org/download/NastavLehne_AKM/nastav_akm_1970.pdf",
      "accessed": "2026-09-27"
    },
    {
      "n": 7,
      "id": "midwest-industries-inc-69f2cc",
      "title": "Midwest Industries AK Alpha M-LOK Handguard (MI-AK-ALPHA6 / MI-AK-ALPHA10.0) — Instructions",
      "publisher": "Midwest Industries, Inc.",
      "reliability": "secondary",
      "url": "https://midwestindustriesinc.com/content/installation-instructions/AK-Alpha-Series-Handguard-Instructions.pdf",
      "accessed": "2026-10-11"
    },
    {
      "n": 8,
      "id": "midwest-industries-inc-d56565",
      "title": "Midwest Industries AK Alpha Railed Top Cover (MI-AK-ALPHA-RTC) — Instructions",
      "publisher": "Midwest Industries, Inc.",
      "reliability": "secondary",
      "url": "https://midwestindustriesinc.com/content/installation-instructions/AK-Alpha-Series-Railed-Top-Cover-MI-AK-Alpha-RTC-Instructions.pdf",
      "accessed": "2026-10-11"
    },
    {
      "n": 9,
      "id": "midwest-industries-inc-83eca5",
      "title": "Midwest Industries AK Alpha Railed Dot Mount (MI-AK-ALPHA-RDM / MI-AK-ALPHA-T2M) — Instructions",
      "publisher": "Midwest Industries, Inc.",
      "reliability": "secondary",
      "url": "https://midwestindustriesinc.com/content/installation-instructions/AK-Alpha-Series-T2M-RDM-Instructions.pdf",
      "accessed": "2026-10-11"
    },
    {
      "n": 10,
      "id": "tier-9285cd73",
      "title": "12 Hidden Features of the AK-47 Cleaning Kit",
      "publisher": "The Firearm Blog",
      "reliability": "secondary",
      "url": "https://www.thefirearmblog.com/blog/2016/11/18/12-hidden-features-ak-47-cleaning-kit/",
      "accessed": "2026-10-29"
    },
    {
      "n": 11,
      "id": "tier-5e5439cb",
      "title": "TFB FIELD STRIP: How To Field Strip AK Rifles And Variants Of The AKM (reader comment)",
      "publisher": "The Firearm Blog",
      "reliability": "anecdotal",
      "url": "https://www.thefirearmblog.com/blog/2020/02/13/field-strip-ak-rifles-variants/",
      "accessed": "2026-10-29"
    },
    {
      "n": 12,
      "id": "tier-41721d1b",
      "title": "The Gun Digest Book of Exploded Gun Drawings (975 isometric views) - Mitchell Arms 'AK-47 Autoloading Rifle'",
      "publisher": "Gun Digest Books / Krause Publications (scan on archive.org)",
      "reliability": "secondary",
      "url": "https://archive.org/download/the-book-of-exploded-gun-drawings-975-isometric-views/The%20Book%20of%20Exploded%20Gun%20Drawings%20-%20975%20Isometric%20Views.pdf",
      "accessed": "2026-10-29"
    }
  ]
}