Anyone build AKs?

[chris snell]

I'm on a Kalashnikov kick lately and I've been itching to build my own. It seems like the type of project that's perfect for a regular Joe like me--a little difficult but not too difficult--with an obvious reward, an off-the-books rifle.

I found this class in Las Vegas: http://rifledynamics.com/collections/ak-builder-class
It looks incredible. Knowledgeable instructors and a price high enough to keep out the riff-raff.
Downside, it's almost two large and that's before airfare and hotel. That's enough to buy an AK parts kit and most of the shop tools required.

If you have built one, where did you learn? Are there any good instructional DVDs?

I've read about build parties but the ones around here are no more because the ATF has apparently cracked down on commercial companies that host them.

 

[sven]

<iframe width="640" height="480" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/KYSPfTMyJ2s" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

 

[stu454]

That is why I love dweb.

 

[My6speedz]

I'm on a Kalashnikov kick lately and I've been itching to build my own. It seems like the type of project that's perfect for a regular Joe like me--a little difficult but not too difficult--with an obvious reward, an off-the-books rifle.

I found this class in Las Vegas: http://rifledynamics.com/collections/ak-builder-class
It looks incredible. Knowledgeable instructors and a price high enough to keep out the riff-raff.
Downside, it's almost two large and that's before airfare and hotel. That's enough to buy an AK parts kit and most of the shop tools required.

If you have built one, where did you learn? Are there any good instructional DVDs?

I've read about build parties but the ones around here are no more because the ATF has apparently cracked down on commercial companies that host them.

I would suggest checking out AR15.com and AKforums if you regester up there they can help point you in the right direction. You can also call AK103 and they can set you up with a kit.

The most important thing is making sure you have certain parts that are legal (if you care about such things). For some reason even tiny things that are Russian made are now banned but the same part from a Bulgarian rifle would be legal, pretty dumb if you ask me.

I have a CA sportster I got a great deal on that I added a buffer too an AK103 AK-74 style muzzle break too and it shoots like a dream while also folding up to be only a few inches longer than a Krink.

I have really been wanting to build something RPK based but I really don't need another gun. My pops wants to build a 300 Blackout and I keep trying to get him to build a Sagia instead but he dont like no Commie rifle!

 

[My6speedz]

Also if you dont want to pony up the cash for an expensive kit from AK103, try ArmsofAmerica. They have kits with or w/out barrels ranging from 1200 to 350 bucks, then you just add your receiver and you are ready to rock.

 

[Jimmy]

For some reason even tiny things that are Russian made are now banned but the same part from a Bulgarian rifle would be legal, pretty dumb if you ask me.

There's this little issue of the U.S. not approving of Russia invading Ukraine that may have contributed to that ban...

 

[1920SF]

There's this little issue of the U.S. not approving of Russia invading Ukraine that may have contributed to that ban...

Indeed, and the folks at the Kalashnikov booth were rather vocal about how much the sanctions were impacting them. What's a shame is it would be rather fun to build one in 9mm like this :


But that certainly isn't importable in this day and age...

They are also making good strides with accuracy and optic mounting rails:

 

[My6speedz]

I know, it is so silly. Tiny little things that have no real impact on anything, yet can land you getting your door kicked in by some ATF agent who is bored. SMH

 

[1920SF]

I have to admit, the fear of the ATF kicking in doors b/c of 922R compliance cracks me up. Who knows someone who has been rolled up b/c of part count?
It is worth minding, of course, but when you actually talk to the folks enforcing. Anyway.

 

[chris snell]

Thanks for the posts, guys. Ray, thanks for the post on D90, too. I'm pouring through the YouTube videos now. It looks like such a fun project. Something about the building of the AK receiver from a flat--the bending, the heat treatment, the riveting--it just looks so much more interesting to me than an AR build (even the 80%er builds).

I actually bought a commercially-made AK a few weeks back. I'm going shooting on Saturday with a few DWebbers and will post up some photos.

 

[My6speedz]

 

[1920SF]

Thanks for the posts, guys. Ray, thanks for the post on D90, too. I'm pouring through the YouTube videos now. It looks like such a fun project. Something about the building of the AK receiver from a flat--the bending, the heat treatment, the riveting--it just looks so much more interesting to me than an AR build (even the 80%er builds). I actually bought a commercially-made AK a few weeks back. I'm going shooting on Saturday with a few DWebbers and will post up some photos.

Chris-
It is certainly a more engaged process compared to the AR build which is like playing with Legos. Will be interested in your thoughts on shooting yours, IIRC you also have an FAL?

Two best mods I found with the AK were the ultimak and the tromix upgrade on the charging handle-unless you are trying to keep her pure.
R-
Ray

 

[jrose609]

Here you go, Chris.

 

[chris snell]

here you go, chris.

LOL. That's awesome!

 

[My6speedz]

Chris-
It is certainly a more engaged process compared to the AR build which is like playing with Legos. Will be interested in your thoughts on shooting yours, IIRC you also have an FAL?

Two best mods I found with the AK were the ultimak and the tromix upgrade on the charging handle-unless you are trying to keep her pure.
R-
Ray

Is that the HK style charging rod?

 

[1920SF]

Is that the HK style charging rod?

Kinda, simple, cheap, but effective upgrade: http://www.tromix.com/saiga-parts.htm

Scroll down to the SGP79

 

[chris snell]

Kinda, simple, cheap, but effective upgrade: http://www.tromix.com/saiga-parts.htm

Scroll down to the SGP79

That's neat. You would totally gouge your stock charging handle but I guess you would do this on a used parts build.

What's more interesting is the idea of moving the charging handle to the left side. I have a SCAR 17 which has a (moveable) ambidextrous charging handle. I like to run it on the left.

 

[My6speedz]

Okay no that's not the one I was thinking of.

Edit:

I found it, it's neat but kind of redundant I think. The original design works fine IMO, I think its for
people wanting to be tacticool IMHO. Ya'll might like it though.

http://www.parabellumarmament.com/RCS.html

 

[1920SF]

I don't dwell on marring the weapons all that much, especially AK's. Pretty much any black gun I have is one bored afternoon with Krylon away from being tan anyway.

That mod to move it up on the left to the gas tube is interesting, would be fun to run some rounds through one setup like that just to see how it works ergonomically.

 

[My6speedz]

I don't dwell on marring the weapons all that much, especially AK's. Pretty much any black gun I have is one bored afternoon with Krylon away from being tan anyway.
.

Huh?