Question about Saiga gas piston/bolt carrier looseness

[h34choctaw]

I have a Saiga (AK-47) .223 that is a EAA import so it is probably early 2000 import. I noticed when I took it apart to clean it that the piston/bolt carrier mating area is loose. The pin is still there but it is not tight. Is this normal or should it have no play and if so how do you tighten it up? Thanks

 

[Camp Wheeler]

It should have play in it. The pin should be tight, not falling out. That way, it floats in the gas tube & doesn't rub a hole in it.

Rerivet a new pin in, for a tight rivet.

 

[Robnotfromga]

Loose is normal.

 

[h34choctaw]

So loose piston is OK but retaining rivet/pin needs to be tight?? Thanks

 

[Robnotfromga]

Is your pin loose? The pin shouldn't really move. If you can drive it out, partially do so, wack it with a ball peen hammer and drive it back in.