AK-50: What Went Wrong?

Published on July 5, 2021
Duration: 16:40

This video details the 'junkyard prototyping' failures and successes of the AK-50 V2. Key issues included cam groove and lug failures, under-gassed operation requiring port drilling, and magazine disengagement due to recoil. Thermal expansion also caused sluggishness. Redesigned parts with improved geometry and heat treatment are shown for the next iteration.

Quick Summary

The AK-50 V2 prototype faced several key failures, including cam groove/lug issues and an under-gassed system. Recoil caused magazine disengagement, and thermal expansion affected tight tolerances. Redesigned parts with improved geometry and heat treatment are planned for future iterations.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction and V2 Recap
  2. 01:33V2 Successes
  3. 02:25Cam Groove and Lug Failures
  4. 04:39Gas System Tuning
  5. 06:16Recoil and Magazine Issues
  6. 07:22Cam Lug Redesign
  7. 09:11Thermal Expansion and Bolt Face
  8. 11:46New Parts and Future Plans

Frequently Asked Questions

What were the main failure points in the AK-50 V2 prototype?

The primary failures in the AK-50 V2 were the cam groove and cam lug, with an initial roller lug shattering. The gas system was under-gassed, and extreme recoil caused magazine disengagement. Thermal expansion also led to sluggishness due to tight tolerances.

How was the gas system tuned on the AK-50 V2?

The AK-50 V2 was found to be under-gassed. The team incrementally drilled out the gas port and adjusted the piston depth in the gas block to achieve proper cycling without damaging parts from excessive pressure.

What challenges did the AK-50 V2 face with recoil and magazines?

The .50 BMG's significant recoil inertia caused the magazine to disengage and fall out during testing. This led to the bolt carrier slamming into the next cartridge, requiring improvised solutions to keep the magazine in place.

What improvements are planned for the next AK-50 prototype?

The next AK-50 prototype will feature redesigned cam groove and lug parts with a less aggressive, larger track for better force distribution. These new parts will be professionally heat-treated, and the focus will shift towards aesthetics like handguards and optic mounts.

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