Parts: Galil, Valmet, AKM

[Jagdraben]

A couple of questions about specific parts on the Galil:

Are Valmet Rk62 (and similar) top covers interchangeable with Galil top covers?
Are AKM and Galil recoil guide rods interchangeable?

I ask because of Century's bodge job on my Golani, so it looks like I need to replace both (!) of those parts. And while Valmet top covers are more expensive than Galil top covers, it would also gain me some points in the hybrid Valmet-Galil thing that I'm working on (and it means I won't have to take apart my top cover and assemble it on another).

Thank you!

 

[Ruddiger]

The top covers are interchangeable. The front sight and gas blocks are also identical in design, so no issue there. Plus, then you could use a Valmet ejection port buffer to keep your brass from getting mangled.

 

[Jagdraben]

That's what I figured (looking at pictures of them, I almost cannot tell the difference, except for the sight).

So, does anyone have an AK and an in-spec Galil that they wouldn't mind trying to swap recoil guide rod assemblies on and telling me (and the board) how it works? I have both, but suspect that my recoil guide rod was modded by Century's monkeys because it has been very clearly dremmeled or milled (and they didn't bother to re-finish) and the slot at the rear of the receiver is too small for my AKS-74's guide rod. (Where as the Galil guide rod fits just fine, albeit loosely, in the AKS-74.)

 

[Jagdraben]

I know I'm not the only one who owns a Galil and an AK.

Anyone with an IMI Galil want to try an AK guide rod and see if everything locks up, properly?

 

[Timberwolf]

I tried a guide rod from Chinese milled reciever AK, Hungarian AMD, and Romanian parts kit. All were about 1/2" shorter OAL. Only the Romanian would fit into the slots on my ORF reciever. The tang was too short on the Romanian assembly to properly lock up the top cover. Probably best to stay with a real Galil recoil spring assembly.

 

[Jagdraben]

Good to know!

 

[Jagdraben]

Next question: How crucial is the recoil assembly rod fit to the receiver? As I believe I have mentioned, the assembly rod on mine appears to have been modified and the fit is a bit sloppy. My AK guru has theorized that this poor fit was partially to blame on my off kilter top cover.

Thanks again!