Maadi Crutch Folder Question

[CrufflerSteve]

I figured I'd make a fool of myself here first before going onto the AK boards.

I got one of those Maadi kits that came through recently since I didn't have a crutch side folder. It came looking nice and the folder assembly was covered in grease so I left it alone.

I just finished assembling it with a Romy barrel and it all went together well. I then degreased the side folder and put it on and discovered I can't get it to work. It came with metal insert that goes inside the receiver to tighten it and with the pistol grip and this holds a spring to tension the release - if it did anything.

I'm familiar with the Romy and Tantal side folders. The release pushes down and a cylinder in the middle of the base of the folder comes down and releases it. This one had something like that but it seems solid with the base. It even seems hammered in.

I let it marinate in penetrant and it seems like a solid part of the base. I hope I'm missing something. When I got most of the grease off I see something strange. The folder has a real heavy coat of black paint and no sign that it ever swung closed. The part of the folder that would swing into the mount sticks out a bit on the right and that has paint rubbed off like it was carried but areas that should have been worn by being folded are thick pristine paint.

A side folder that doesn't fold seems pretty silly. Any suggestions? I suspect it is an issue with that round piece in the bottom of the base but wanted to check before I did anything dumber than usual.

Steve

[jreifsch80]

Steve call me when you can it's probably just like a German folder since the Germans invented it lol

[CrufflerSteve]

It does work. In daylight I could see this was a proper cylinder. I was able to bang it out. It was way oversize for the hole. It wasn't rusted or painted. It just fit in there like a pin. I was right that the folder hadn't been folded since it was painted. It was really hard to move and started shaving off bits of paint. I've done some Dremel work on the hole and sanding on the cylinder and it now slides.I'll polish it up and it will be ready to assemble.

Justin thanks for your help.

This kit worked really well with Apex's Romy barrel. It required very little fitting. Everybody should have one of these.

[dave29]

Post a picture please?

[jreifsch80]

Awesome I'm glad you've been able to get it to work, those maadi stocks are perfect for a 70-71 East German mpi-kms clone

[CrufflerSteve]

I tried to take some pictures of the hammered base but they didn't come out. It took a fair amount of force to drive it out and it wasn't rusted inside. The finish looked like park. Either the hole was too small or the cylinder was too wide. Some Nimrod hammered it in and it was painted that way. It has wear marks so it was carried open. Now it folds.

Here it is with an NDS-1 receiver, G2 FCG, CNC Warrior slant brake and gas piston.

[jreifsch80]

Looks great Steve

[CrufflerSteve]

Awesome I'm glad you've been able to get it to work, those maadi stocks are perfect for a 70-71 East German mpi-kms clone

This site claims they were never issued to the E. German troops but packed off and sent to Egypt. http://www.combativestraininggroup.c...uttstocks.html

You could grow a mustache and become the Rashid Ray of AK's.

[jreifsch80]

I've heard that claim myself but I have actually seen pictures of NVA troops with the early crutch folders as well as on the ak forum a very reputable member has spoken to former NVA armorers who said the DDR did in fact issue crutch folders

[wolffo]

I'll be looking to sell a maadi kit, NDS-1 receiver, US barrel and rivet kits soon any idea of current value?
thanks