How to Change the Rear Sight on an AK Rifle

The AK-47 is one of the most recognizable assault rifles in the world and was the main battle rifle of the former Soviet Union. Semiautomatic versions of the AK-47 are available on the civilian market and are very popular among sport shooters. The AK-47 rifle was designed for simplicity and requires the bare minimum of tools for disassembly. The rear sight is a flip-up device that can be adjusted for range. The rear sight is kept in place by a spring mechanism that applies an upward pressure to the bottom of the sight. Pressing down on this mechanism allows you to snap the rear sight in or out of position.

Things You'll Need

• Screwdriver, thin metal rod or wooden dowel

Instructions

Removal

1. Make sure that the AK-47 rifle is unloaded.

2. Press down on the surface of the spring mechanism, between the slots of the flip-up sight, with your screwdriver, rod or wooden dowel (using a wooden dowel will prevent marring of the metal surface).

3. Pull the flip sight up and rearward; the sight will easily snap out.

Installation

1. Press down on the spring mechanism on the sight base with your screwdriver, rod or wooden dowel.

2. Place the rear sight into position from the rear of the sight base, the nubs on the sides of the sight will seat into place.

3. Release the pressure off the spring mechanism.

References

• AK-47.us: Service Manual (PDF)
• Gun Reports: Taking Down the AK-47