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2XTM Magazine Well Installation: Operation 1 Front Trunnion Modification
2XTM Magazine Well Installation: Operation 1 Front Trunnion Modification
6/14/2006 Revision F The following steps outline a typical installation. The builder may deviate, as necessary, to suit his individual needs.
2. Measuring down from the top rail of the receiver .750 scribe a horizontal line between the two vertical lines on both sides of the receiver.
3. Remove the area inscribed on each side of the receiver. I use a 4 Makita angle grinder with a .040 thick metal cutoff blade or a Dremel tool with a cutoff blade for this operation. It is best to cut this area small and enlarge the openings as required to provide a tight fit to the new mag well.
The small area to be removed from bottom of receiver is to the left side of the left caliper point. 4. Measuring from the front of the receiver 2.00 scribe a line on each side of the bottom of the receiver. This is the area on each side to the existing mag well hole to be removed. Remove only the bottom of the receiver not the sides.
Receiver after cutouts are removed. Note the right side lower rail protrusion that stabilizes the AK mag has been ground away. Also the small area on each side of the bottom receiver has been removed to open the hole large enough for the mag well to be inserted.
First fit of 2XTM mag well just to assure that the opening is large enough.
Adjust the mag well length to snuggly hold the drum. This can be done with a hammer (method #1) or a vice.
Remove material along this surface to lift the drum higher in the gun. Slanting this surface in at an angle removes the least amount of material. I like to use a file for this operation. A slight inward taper to conform to the drum diameter removes the least material.
Measuring down from the ejector to the drum left side rail on one of mine is approximately .195 with the drum inserted all the way.
Use a file to remove material from the top of the ramp to achieve a good fit.
Lowering feed ramp Once the bolt clearance is correct, file or grind the front of the feed ramp back square with the mag well. Grind it back to a point where the angled surface of the ramp meets the front of the feed ramp or just beyond.
Measure from the front of the trunnion to the feed ramp. Measure the distance the barrel needs to be pressed into the trunnion so that the barrel is within .030 to .050 of the feed ramp.
Mark the barrel so it will be spaced approximately .030 to.050 forward of the feed ramp. Install the barrel into the front trunnion. Install the barrel/trunnion assembly and study the feed ramp and chamber relationship. The objective is to have a smooth bullet travel path up the feed ramp and into the chamber. By moving the barrel slightly in the trunnion this can be achieved.
Temporarily attach the mag well to the receiver. (This photo does not show the front trunnion and barrel.) Install these screws before proceeding. Rivet builder note: It is recommend that screws be used to attach front trunnion and mag well until the gun is tested, then re-fit with rivet at that time. Temporarily attach the new mag well to the receiver by drilling four holes and tap for screws. 10x32 by 3/8 long screws work well, but may need to be trimmed. Longer screws may interfere with mag fitting. The two receiver holes for the lower trunnion are well located. Another two holes can be drilled about .8 forward of the rear side of the new mag well. Locate about .55 from the top of the receiver rail down.
Remove material along this surface to fit stick mag. Remove only enough material to raise the mag and only in the areas needs. Removing too much material will weaken the mag well.
Operation 11 Hardening
I am not convinced that this step in necessary, but like to do it anyway. Use the same method as hardening the receiver axis pin holes. Dont get greedy and in a hurry. Do this in at least 6 or 7 heat and quench cycles doing a small area at a time. I start by hardening the feed ramp, then the front corners then the screw holes. Dont try to heat everything at once. Remember this is much thicker than a sheet metal receiver so leave in quench until it is cool. The mag well may move slightly during hardening, so if it resists going back into the receiver try not to bend it. Grind material away, as necessary, from the outside of the mag well or the receiver to get it reinstalled. Bending the mag well after hardening could result in breaking the front corners. In the unlikely event this happens weld the crack area and continue to re-fit the mag well to the receiver. A lot of the strength comes once the mag well is secured to the receiver at the front trunnion hole and middle of the top rails. Polish the feed ramp again, if necessary.