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Posted: 1/21/2010 11:55:01 AM EDT
| What exactly is the top rail step down? Pictures? Why is it needed for a full auto build? |
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As much as I've learned on the subject: AK bolt carriers were made to fit the milled receiver, which had thicker top "rails". When the commies figured out how to make a reliable stamped receiver, the rails were thinner (obviously). The commies didn't make two different carriers (parts interchangability). So, to take up the slack that was experienced with the stamped receivers they pressed the "step down" into the top rail to make it function reliably. The step down isn't necessary for semi-auto firing, but (evidently) the slack causes problems when running full-auto. Most folks want the step down for authenticity more than anything else. |
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Bsically what he said.^^^
There are some differences in milled and stamped bolts and carriers. There are lightrning cuts in stamped bolts (looks like fluting) and a small "step" behind the charging handle in carriers. The cut where they ride in the rails is the same. The stepped rails "take up slack" but I've not noticed a difference in functioning in receivers. Slightly more play but nothing that affects function. This is my experience with NDS-1 vs. NDS-3. |
If you measure the clearance between the top of the rail and the top of the cut in the carrier in a rifle with a step down rail and in a rifle without a step down rail, you'll find it to be virtually the same and certainly not different enough to effect whether the auto/safety sear would be tripped. 
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