Bob Dunlap teaches this course on Mikhail Kalashnikovs masterpiece, the AK-47 Assault Rifle. This is the most successful, prolific and best personal infantry weapon in the world today. A cut-away gun is used so that you can actually see the operation and relationship of the internal parts.
If you want the quick course on how to get the Worlds Most Popular Assault Rifle apart, back together, and operating as intended, then this course is for you (if you want the “long course,” look into our basic 108 hour Professional Gunsmith Course.)
Among the items covered are:
History
- Several variations shown and their advantages/disadvantages discussed
- The guns descent from the Simonov (SKS) mentioned
- Evolution from machined steel receivers to stamped sheet metal explained
- Pedigree of the 7.62×39 and its evolution from the German developed 8mm Kurtz assault rifle cartridge
- Discussion of Mikhail Kalashnikovs invention of the gun
- Why the gun is so successful
Design & Function
- Explanation and demonstration of the gas system, and why it is designed to be sloppy, and why that makes it so successful
- Explanation and demonstration of the bolts operation, in its carrier, and in the barrel extension (trunnion)
- Why the bolt can be either good steel, or even mild steel, case hardened
- The flattened tip of the firing pin, its possible consequences and cure
- Why the extractor is so massive
- The feeding cycle discussion begins, the long jump from magazine to chamber, how and why it works
- The system is successful because the gun and cartridge were designed for each other, and to function reliably even though the manufacturing standards may be very low
- What keeps the gun from firing in the unlocked position in a system without an unlocked breech disconnector
- Explanation and demonstration of the operation of the primary and secondary sears and the hammer cycle
- How the operation of the primary/secondary sear system functions as a trigger disconnector. Positive engagement of surfaces shown, demonstrated, and defined
- Extremely simple operation of the safety shown
- Stone simple and soldier proof magazine catch detailed
- Same for the ejector, and its advantage over the AR system
Disassembly
- Extensive disassembly, parts not removed have removal described, including barrel, gas block, and front and rear sights
- A simple tool to get that impossible spring to release the trigger pin
- How to correct cartridge stubbing on feeding if it should occur
- How to make an effective and safe two-stage trigger
- How to correct it if you go too far
- How to correct those rare extractor problems
Cleaning & Lubrication
- AGI cleaning & lubrication methods shown, along with the reasons for their use
Reassembly
- Making sure you have no parts left over
Accessories
- What is available
- How to load the drum magazine
- What to avoid
If you noticed how often the terms “explanation” and “visual demonstration” are used, you may be getting some idea of why this course is necessary for any AK owner, or someone who intends to be.
Jessie L Martinez (verified owner) –
I just recently purchased this course so I can get a base idea on how the teaching style is how well I can pick up what is being taught. Bod Dunlap did an amazing job teaching the course. I never really knew exactly how this rifle truly functioned until watching this video. I’ll be honest, the course material deserves a 5 star but AGI should consider updating the video format for better clarity. It looks like the video was done in 240p. Other than the video quality, I would recommend the course.