Testing The Plastikov

Published on May 4, 2020
Duration: 16:56

This guide details the test firing procedure for the Plastikov 3D-printed AK receiver, as demonstrated by Brandon Herrera. It highlights critical assembly steps, safety precautions for initial firing, and observations of common failure points like dust cover detachment, cycling issues due to rail wear, and hammer pin walk. The expert assessment indicates significant reliability concerns with this design compared to traditional steel receivers.

Quick Summary

Brandon Herrera's test of the Plastikov 3D-printed AK receiver revealed critical reliability issues, including bolt carrier wobble, cycling failures from rail wear, and hammer pin walk. The captive bolt design complicates servicing. Herrera concluded that 3D printing is more practical for jigs than for receivers themselves due to material limitations.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction to Plastikov
  2. 01:53Assembly and Servicing Issues
  3. 03:29Initial Test Firing
  4. 04:53Cycling Failures and Rail Issues
  5. 08:47Final Failure: Hammer Pin Walk
  6. 11:16Conclusion and Recommendations

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main problems with the Plastikov 3D-printed AK receiver?

The Plastikov 3D-printed AK receiver suffers from significant issues including bolt carrier wobble, cycling failures due to rail wear, and the hammer pin walking out. These problems severely impact its reliability and functionality compared to traditional steel receivers.

Is the Plastikov 3D-printed AK receiver easy to service?

No, the Plastikov's design features a captive bolt carrier group, making basic maintenance like fixing a forgotten firing pin a complex disassembly process, unlike the easier field stripping of standard AK-pattern firearms.

What is 'hammer pin walk' in the context of the Plastikov receiver?

Hammer pin walk occurs when the hammer pin repeatedly shifts out of its holes in the plastic receiver due to firing impacts. This deformation of the plastic holes prevents the fire control group from functioning correctly, ultimately stopping the firearm's operation.

What is Brandon Herrera's recommendation regarding 3D-printed firearm receivers?

Based on the Plastikov test, Brandon Herrera suggests that 3D printing is better suited for creating jigs for machining steel receivers rather than printing the receivers themselves, due to current limitations in material strength and durability for direct receiver applications.

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