I bought a set of these used and they did not come with instructions. I am trying to figure out how to remove the heat shield so I can install an MVG. I’ve been trying to pop it out of place with a screwdriver but I’m afraid I’m going to break it. Is there a trick to getting it off?
Look for it on You tube. That’s where I found it…
Instructions wouldn’t have helped, they don’t tell you how to remove the heat shield. Kinda hard to use the M-Lok feature if you can’t remove the heat shield. Seems like a major oversight to me.
If you press in from the outside of the hand guard it should come out. I use the round end on a yellow Tapco chamber flag, so I will not scratch the finish. I then use the rear and front slots as a guide because that is where the tabs are located which snap into the handguard. You will need to press in and pull up and it will become free as soon as you clear the small tabs. I t may be a little tighter to remove because it is the first time.
I used instructions from youtube as well, it wasn’t remotely easy.
Could you point me to the YouTube instructional video? I come up with dozens of videos, only a couple of which pertain to the AKM MOE handguards, and only one review mentions removing the heat shield but completely skips over how he does it. Thanks!
Dave
A video link would have been helpful. I’ve searched and cannot locate a video explaining how to remove the heat shield. I’d really like to install my vertical grip. This thing is a complete pain in the ass. Magpul should have seen this problem coming.
You can’t install the grip with heat shield on? I know it seems like it’s close but I had no trouble installing mlok accessories to mine or a buddy’s handguard.
It appears that many folks don’t know how to use M-Lok.
M-Lok is designed specifically to allow the mounting and dismounting of accessories while the M-Lok compatible handguard is still attached to the firearm.
The only reason to do otherwise is if you are attempting to mount an MOE accessory to M-Lok, which is possible but not ideal. And with a $20 MVG… Why not just buy the M-Lok version?
Mine was a wee bit different as I was installing a very short rail section as I had a standard Magpul rail mounted vertical grip. I got it installed with only a bit of profain outbursts.
My reason for wanting to remove the heat shield is to grind off / drill out the round dimples on the inside of the heat shield in order to fit the handguard on an Arsenal SAM7 that has a large rear sight block (no sure of the correct term on an AK) that the dimples won’t fit over. The Magpul handguard is not designed for a milled AK but can be modified to fit with a bit of work.
Dave
Finally found this very short video showing how to pry the heat shield out:
I’ll give it a shot this weekend and will report back.