Broken Reciever Cover Problem

[CornCod]

Just got me a new mail-order 7.62X39 Saiga via my local FFL shop. The reciever cover simply will not come off, even using a screwdriver and a hammer on the break-down button. I have a blood-blister on my thumb. Needless to say I am very disappointed.

Should I:

(1) UPS the thing back to Russian-American Arms.

(2) UPS the the rifle to the online dealer.

(3) Take it to a local gunsmith.

My Chinese AK-47S never gave me any problems like this.

[pit-sitter]

Try putting safety in 'fire' position, push down on rear of cover and depress button. I just checked one of mine and it is like yours when safety is 'on'.
HTH

[AKMIKEFMJ]

One of my new Saigas has a top cover which is hard to get off also.I will try the safety off trick too....Thanks

[CornCod]

Thanks pit-sitter, but I tried that earlier without success. There are a lot of cheap gunsmiths in town, so I might go to one of them. Some (appearently) Russian guy Recommended that I put a couple of hundred rounds through it to "loosen it up." Well, since I love shooting AK's so much, I might just try that on Sunday afternoon.

[AKMIKEFMJ]

I tried it too....No good either. I think the groove in the trunnion where the top cover sits is a little tight.

[pit-sitter]

AKMIKEFMJ, I find putting the cover back on to be a little tricky (w/scope still on) because of the groove being tight.
Corn-cod, this is probably a stupid question, but you aren't trying to remove the cover with the bolt locked back are you?
I am a really annoying old man.
I wish I was there so I could try to grab it saying , "Here let me try it", then get the red face because I couldn't do it either.

[CornCod]

Nope, pitsitter, I tried it mostly with the bolt forward, though I tried it once or twice with bolt locked back just for the heck of it. Thanks! I will try three methods before I take it to the gunsmith:

1) Shoot all my 120 rounds or so of 7.62X39 through it to try and loosen it up.

2) Wooden dowel

3) rubber mallet

[CornCod]

Just took my new Saiga 7.62X39 with the just over 16 inch barrel to the range for the first time. I fired about 120 rounds of Silver Bear 132 gr, hollow points out of the rifle. Functioning was flawless with zero jams. I found the Monte Carlo stock, though hardly "tacticool," enhanced my accuracy. My previous AK was Chinese made and the stock was just a little too small for my taste. I was able to hit gallon jugs at a hundred yards with good accuracy.

My only complaint about this rifle is the stuck reciever cover, which I fear I will have to take to a gunsmith, if I ever want to clean the thing properly. My advice to shooters is to make sure they check the reciever covers for too tight a fit before buying. Overall, I am pleased with the rilfe and its performance.

Its great to have an AK again. The Kalashnikov is not simply a rifle, but a revolution in warfare and the relationships between nations.

[Acorn#1]

I seem to remember something similar to this with my 308 that I got before the supply dried up last time. did get better with use, also just ordered a new saiga in 7.62X39 with the skeleton stock, guess we'll see when it gets here

[ZIPPYBAR]

You need to contact RAAC aand tell them your problem. I know that they will take care of you if you have a legitimate problem. Go to their website and e-mail them. Make sure to give them the serial number and your contact information.

[CornCod]

It took a while, but a guy on the Saiga website told me how to get it by using a screwdriver where the reciever cover meets with the reciever just to the left of the button. Works like a charm.

[WBill]

I haven't completely taken mine apart yet but I did remove the receiver cover just to see what was inside. The cover came off OK but I had to use a lot of force pushing it forward and it snapped right out and lifting up and pulling back it came right off. I had more trouble getting it back on but with a little practice it should be a snap.

I had the hammer un-cocked and the safety off.

Bill

[FLShooter]

I had a bit of a hard time getting the receiver cover off my new Saiga the first time. I don't remember now if I used a screwdriver tip to help pry it off, or if I just kept working at it until it came off.

Once I got it off the first time, it hasn't been a problem getting it off again.

[Gandog56]

Had no trouble the first time with my .223.