Hello everyone, I'm posting this in search of knowledge and advice.
I have a Zhukov handguard adapted with larger diameter rings on a Molot Vepr Hunter .30-06 caliber rifle, which is a ""precision rifle.""
I posted about this Vepr a while ago; it's a conversion project. I designed the stock adapter, a custom pistol grip, etc., and adapted a Magpul Zhukov handguard.
Over time, I became concerned about having a steel barrel clamped by 7075 aluminum (different coefficients of thermal expansion), which could cause the barrel to be pinched off in two places while firing. Does anyone have any real experience with this?
I'm considering designing a custom "clawgear" style handguard, since I have the skills to design and manufacture it. This would attach to the two original threaded lugs on the barrel. Would this solve the problem? (see image 2) I know that a "floating barrel" doesn't exist in an AK, but I would like to acquire more knowledge about that, thanks!