Polish WBP Rogow has published a video showing how AKMS rifles are disassembled into parts kits in their factory. They completely disassemble the rifles including the removal of barrel and trunnions. Let’s watch the video first then take a closer look at different processes.
As you can see in the video the whole process starts with field stripping the rifle. Then the WBP Rogow employee disassembles the trigger mechanism, pistol grip, muzzle device and the underfolder stock. Interestingly, he disassembles the trigger group in a rather unusual succession. It is normally done by removing the safety selector lever first.
After this initial disassembly station, the rifle is placed in a jig to remove the front sight block, rear sight block and gas block retention pins. At this point, they also remove the muzzle device retention plunger and its spring.
In next station, a hydraulic press is used to remove the barrel retaining pin.
Although the pins from the front and rear sight blocks and gas block are removed, these parts are still pressed tight enough onto the barrel that it is impossible to remove them by hand. That’s why in next operation the barrel is placed in a vertical jig and pressed up whereas the mentioned parts are bearing against the shoulders of that fixture and pop loose as the barrel moves.
Another press is used to remove the barrel from the front trunnion in a similar fashion as the previous operation.
Next two steps are done on a mill. They destroy the rivets to make it possible to remove the front trunnion and trigger guard assembly from the receiver.
Lastly, the parts are packaged into bags and stored to be shipped to the USA.
These WBP Rogow AK parts are imported into the USA by Arms of America LLC.
P.S. The reason why these rifles are called “Circle 11” is because the factory stamp of these Polish AKs is a number 11 in a circle.
If you want to learn more about AK markings, click here.