Installation of an East German wire folder

 
A note before starting:

The semi-automatic AK series weapon used for this tutorial is a home built AKM on a Nodak Spud receiver. For this procedure, the receiver itself makes no difference so long as it is a European stamped model (1mm receiver). Chinese (1.5mm) and Global Trades receivers may require trimming of the folding assembly. For ease of use, I suggest against mounting an East German wire folder on those types of receivers. The assembly of the East German folding is more difficult than a Romanian push-button folding, despite the aesthetically similar appearances.

 

1. PROPERLY CLEAR AND FIELD STRIP RIFLE

It is not necessary to completely strip the rifle. Just remove the receiver cover, recoil spring assembly, bolt carrier assembly, buttstock, and pistol grip and pistol grip screw. Photo of proper stripping is shown on the right.

2. INSPECT PARTS

You should have everything shown on the right. What is not shown is the buttstock screw (only one of them). You should have that too.

3. BEGIN ASSEMBLY

First, place the wire spring on the internal receiver assembly as shown.

Slide the assembly onto the buttstock from below as shown. Ensure the wire spring is trapped below the buttstock. After this is done, insert the pin above the wire spring. You may notice that the pin is easy to move in and out--this is not a concern as the receiver walls will hold it in place.
Insert the assembly into the receiver from the rear. Ensure the hole on the buttstock lines up with the rearmost hole on the rear trunnion as shown.
Install the buttstock screw as shown.
Install the pistol grip, nut, and screw as you normally would. The East German wire folder only uses one screw because the pistol grip nut acts as a second securing point.
Locate the plunger shown on the right.
Ensure the buttstock is fully extended and insert the plunger as shown.
Insert the lever at an upward angle as shown. The lever must go over the top of the wire spring inside the receiver.
Photo of the lever going over the top of the wire spring.
Use a flathead screwdriver or a punch to push the lever down while you push forward from the rear. The notch in the lever secures to the pin on the internal assembly.
Photo of completed installation.
That's it! Assembly is complete. The stock should now fold properly and lock in place at both the open and closed positions.

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