LiteRaider AK Handguard Installation
1791 LITERAIDER™ EASTERN BLOC AK HANDGUARD
SETUP AND INSTALLATION
Note: Installation by a qualified AK-platform armorer is HIGHLY recommended.
Note: Estimated installation time: approximately 15–25 minutes
Step 1 – Verify Contents
Note: Handguard comes assembled for QC purposes.
1 – LiteRaider Eastern Bloc AK Handguard (Upper Section)
1 – LiteRaider Eastern Bloc AK Handguard (Lower Section)
2 – LiteRaider Eastern Block Side Pic Rails w/ Mounting Hardware
4 – Upper / Lower Handguard Retention Screws
1 – Blue Thread Locker (Single Use Tube).
Step 2 – Gather Tools and Supplies
Advisory: The use of a soft-jawed vise and AK-specific fixture minimizes stress on the trunnion and prevents deformation of critical components during disassembly.
1 – Safety Glasses (ANSI Z87.1+ Rated)
1 – Medium size Crescent Wrench that opens to 1” minimum
1 – Rubber or Nylon Gunsmithing Mallet
1 – Torque Screwdriver Set (Calibrated in Inch Pound Increments)
1 – Degreaser or Solvent (Ex: Isopropyl Alcohol)
1 – Bench Vise with AK-specific Fixture (Recommended)
1 – AK Gas Tube Removal Tool (Optional)
Step 3 – Pre-Installation Checks
- Remove magazine, clear chamber, and verify firearm is unloaded and safe to handle.
- Identify your AK variant (HANDGUARD is compatible with AK-103/AK-74M style handguards with standard length gas tube and 90° gas block).
- Confirm you have a standard gas tube and trunnion fitment (HANDGUARD is not compatible with some Yugoslavian or milled receivers).
- Remove all mounted accessories (cleaning rod, optics, lights, foregrips).
- Field strip rifle by removing dust cover, recoil spring and bolt carrier group.
Step 4 – Disassembly of Original Handguard
- Secure rifle in a fixture or brace it safely on a flat, padded surface.
- Rotate upper gas tube lever upward to release gas tube.
- Remove upper gas tube by lifting and pulling rearward.
- Remove original furniture from gas tube by gripping upper handguard furniture tightly and rotating gas tube using flats on the rear of gas tube with wrench. Then, pull upper handguard furniture down to remove.
- Remove lower handguard by rotating the lower handguard retention lever on the lower handguard retention collar.
- Slide lower handguard retention collar forward and out of the way.
- Slide out lower handguard forward and down to remove it.
Step 5 – LiteRaider Eastern Bloc AK Handguard Installation
LiteRaider Eastern Bloc AK Handguard Prep
- Dismount Side M-Lok® Pic Rails from Eastern Block AK Handguard.
- Remove (4) Upper / Lower Handguard retention screws.
- Separate Upper Handguard from Lower Handguard.
- Insert rear of LiteRaider Eastern Bloc AK lower handguard into the rear handguard retaining channel.
- Slide handguard rearward and tilt front upward to seat it into position.
- Slide lower handguard retention collar rearward, over the front of lower handguard.
- Engage the retention lever to lock the handguard in place.
Note: If fitment is tight, use a rubber mallet to gently tap the handguard into place.
- Reinstall the gas tube by reversing disassembly steps. Engage locking lever to secure.
- Slide the upper portion of the Eastern Bloc AK Handguard over the gas tube.
- Ensure the upper handguard aligns with the lower handguard mounting screw holes. Note: Upper handguard may require fitting, as some gas tubes are wider than others.
Step 6 – Final Fitment and Fastening
- Insert upper handguard retention screws into each of the respective four holes.
Note: Apply blue thread locker if desired. - Gently hand-tighten upper handguard retention screws, at first to ensure even handguard spacing and alignment.
- Using torque screwdriver, torque each upper handguard retention screw to 15 Inch-Pounds.
- Confirm rail alignment, ensure there is no lateral or vertical movement.
Step 7 – Final Inspection and Reassembly
- Reinstall any removed parts; bolt carrier, recoil spring, dust cover.
- Inspect alignment between upper and lower Picatinny rails.
- Reinstall side M-Lok mounted Picatinny if desired.
- Reinstall accessories (lights, grips, optics).
- Verify clearance and functionality.
Congratulations
Your 1791 LiteRaider™ Eastern Bloc AK Handguard is now installed and ready for use. Confirm fitment and function before returning the rifle to service.
Safety and Notices
Failure to wear proper Personal Protective Equipment may result in serious injury.
1791 Outdoor Lifestyle Group, LLC, 1791 Industries and its subsidiaries are not responsible for damage or injury, due to negligence on behalf of operator. To read our complete terms of sale click here.
Installation by a qualified AK-Platform Armorer is HIGHLY recommended.
Failure to follow proper installation procedure outlined in this document shall void 1791 Industries Manufacturer’s Warranty.
