1st AK build advice

Post by **Niceguy** » Sun Jul 15, 2012 1:29 pm

Okay guys and gals, I have a awesome new receiver huge thanks to the guys at Southern Armament and time to to go to work now. Only problem is I have NO IDEA where to start or what to get now. I know I want it to be wood furniture (MUST be...haha), want it to be top quality and a great open sight shooter (come on now, seriously. No scope on my AK..haha), as much USA parts as possible and preferably Kentucky parts as possible (it might be a comi design but it's in the hands of the good guys now as well...haha). Open to any and all advice. Start from the beginning like you would a 5 year old because I know nothing about these other than they are f'ing awesome looking utilitarian guns! I have a predrilled AK receiver, what next? Bring on the advice!!! All you AR guys, chill. One of them will be next up... The raffle win made my decision with which gun to start with. I have enough gun love to go around, no need to pick just one. They say variety is the spice of life...haha Thanks ahead to everyone for any advice given...Johnny Now let's get this bitch built!

Post by **Ar-Rob** » Sun Jul 15, 2012 1:31 pm

sell or trade for a AR lower????

Post by **Dave1965** » Sun Jul 15, 2012 2:02 pm

I think AK's are much harder to build than AR's.

Post by **Wyldman** » Sun Jul 15, 2012 2:08 pm

They are, but it's nowhere near an impossible task. Do you have a parts kit to work with?

Post by **Niceguy** » Sun Jul 15, 2012 2:12 pm

I knew there would be some chiming in from the AR guys...haha One of them are coming too, I promise! I'm sure I'll be having some of this done by someone, I know cars internals, not guns...But it's definitely going to happen. If they are harder then it should be more rewarding, right? haha At least starting with this it should make the AR seem easy. :llama:

..

Post by **Niceguy** » Sun Jul 15, 2012 2:14 pm

Wyldman wrote:They are, but it's nowhere near an impossible task. Do you have a parts kit to work with?

Nothing but a pre drilled receiver...Sounds like I need a parts kit next. What is my best option for that?

Post by **Wyldman** » Sun Jul 15, 2012 2:50 pm

There should still be some Romanian kits kicking around. Most of the kits imported in the last couple of years had the barrel destroyed (stupid law), but there are still some around that are complete, save for the receiver. AKFiles & ARFCOM classifieds would be a good place to start.

Post by **dbh** » Sun Jul 15, 2012 3:05 pm

You might check Southern Armaments website too.

Sent from your Girlfriend's bedroom.

Post by **guncrank1** » Sun Jul 15, 2012 3:13 pm

Seems you need a complete parts kit
You have to decied if you want rivet, weld or screw build.
Also must have ten to eleven USA parts in it.

Post by **Niceguy** » Sun Jul 15, 2012 3:20 pm

Okay, I'll check all of them. Seems to be that riveting is the way to ago according to all I have spoken to so far.

Post by **guncrank1** » Sun Jul 15, 2012 4:03 pm

niceguyr6 wrote:Okay, I'll check all of them. Seems to be that riveting is the way to ago according to all I have spoken to so far.

Yeah right sure it is.....

Post by **Niceguy** » Sun Jul 15, 2012 4:44 pm

guncrank1 wrote:
niceguyr6 wrote:Okay, I'll check all of them. Seems to be that riveting is the way to ago according to all I have spoken to so far.

Yeah right sure it is.....

I'm here for advice, what is your advice on it?

Post by **guncrank1** » Mon Jul 16, 2012 9:24 am

niceguyr6 wrote:
guncrank1 wrote:
niceguyr6 wrote:Okay, I'll check all of them. Seems to be that riveting is the way to ago according to all I have spoken to so far.

Yeah right sure it is.....
I'm here for advice, what is your advice on it?

Rivet require about 150.00/300 dollar for tooling unless you can beg/barrow/rent or pay somebody.

Screw build requires a tap,drill bit/motor,and screws

Rivets are technically stronger but they can break.
I know I have a CAI AMD -65 that has a loose barrel
Seems a rivet broke and the other three are loose.
I am going to repair this with button head SHCS 10-32.
Gundoc did a screw build and that AK worked good.

It your project,do ias you see fit
Me , much easier to screw or weld togather than rivet.

Post by **Niceguy** » Mon Jul 16, 2012 10:41 am

Thanks for the info, I appreciate it. Any more avice on brands places to shop whatever I appreciate also.

Post by **guncrank1** » Mon Jul 16, 2012 12:16 pm

niceguyr6 wrote:Thanks for the info, I appreciate it. Any more avice on brands places to shop whatever I appreciate also.

Bought most of my AK stuff from Tapco , Kvar

Post by **Niceguy** » Mon Jul 16, 2012 9:26 pm

Okay, time to get started. This comi bitch is in the works now...I have a Romanian parts kit coming minus the barrel. Should have a receiver and parts kit by Friday night. Got to do some hunting for a barrel now. Any advice on that guys? What to buy, what not to buy. Anything to stay away from. Best buys for the money. Chime in all you AK guys, I know your out there... I'm open to all advice. Looks like this is now an update thread. I'll try and get some pict's on here when I get my stuff an at each major step of assembly. Thanks again for all advice, I'm sure I'll be asking for MUCH more in the upcoming few weeks.

Post by **wash** » Mon Jul 16, 2012 9:33 pm

Centerfire Systems sometimes has barrels. They are out there. Good luck with your build. I've shot a few screw builds that the owners of were very happy with.

Looks like Brownells has some in stock.

http://www.brownells.com/.aspx/pid=4243 ... 47-BARRELS

Post by **Niceguy** » Tue Jul 24, 2012 2:44 pm

Okay guys, needing more barrel advice. New barrels are calling for gas port drilling and head spacing. Is this something I would get around getting a used barrel and are they out there or should I get a Green Mountain or whatevers out there and have this work done?

Post by **guncrank1** » Tue Jul 24, 2012 3:11 pm

niceguyr6 wrote:Okay guys, needing more barrel advice. New barrels are calling for gas port drilling and head spacing. Is this something I would get around getting a used barrel and are they out there or should I get a Green Mountain or whatevers out there and have this work done?

Yes/No/Maybe

Post by **Toddstang** » Tue Jul 24, 2012 6:00 pm

You will Need a press for the rivets and the barrel.
Dont use screws!
Every screw build I have seen has ended in total failure.

Post by **Niceguy** » Tue Jul 24, 2012 10:10 pm

guncrank1 wrote:
niceguyr6 wrote:Okay guys, needing more barrel advice. New barrels are calling for gas port drilling and head spacing. Is this something I would get around getting a used barrel and are they out there or should I get a Green Mountain or whatevers out there and have this work done?
Yes/No/Maybe

Now I've got it all figured out. No more advice needed...Maybe...Or I may...Possibly...haha :llama:

Oh, thanks on the Browning. One jam in somewhere between 300-400 rounds. MUCH better.

Post by **Niceguy** » Tue Jul 24, 2012 10:15 pm

Toddstang wrote:You will Need a press for the rivets and the barrel.
Dont use screws!
Every screw build I have seen has ended in total failure.

I still haven't made my mind up 100% but leaning towards rivets purely because that's the way I see an AK in my mind, be it right or wrong...haha. Also, assuming I take that route with riveting. Does anyone know of someone that does this and does a good job?

Post by **guncrank1** » Tue Jul 24, 2012 11:07 pm

Toddstang wrote:You will Need a press for the rivets and the barrel.
Dont use screws!
Every screw build I have seen has ended in total failure.

I would say BS but I will not

Post by **guncrank1** » Wed Jul 25, 2012 7:33 am

guncrank1 wrote:
Toddstang wrote:You will Need a press for the rivets and the barrel.
Dont use screws!
Every screw build I have seen has ended in total failure.
I would say BS but I will not

And I have seen crappy rivet builds as well.
In fact a Century sits in my shop. Three rivets where loose and one was missing.
Tightened up rivets and installed screw to repair.

For a screw build , use 1A class fine thread and grade 8 fasteners.
Last screw build I did, 6-1M and 1A holes where used..

Post by **Niceguy** » Thu Jul 26, 2012 12:38 pm

Toddstang wrote:You will Need a press for the rivets and the barrel.
Dont use screws!
Every screw build I have seen has ended in total failure.

Hey, Cranky through out your name in possible help in the riveting assembly of my AK. Would you be interested helping a brotha out? if so, when and how much ruffly? And I'm a stang guy if that helps out...hahaha I've had a '91 and a '92 GT.

Kentucky Armory Club