Building an AK

[Fightingfish]

For a few months now, I’ve had my eyes out for some steel-eating rifles of Russian origin. My first shooting experience beyond carnival games and lever .22s were with a friend’s AK, so I’ve got a soft spot.

I don’t really like the options out there for NY compatible platforms. I hate spur grips, and labeling something compliant seems to add like 800 bucks onto the price tag. There’s a shop here on the island that is selling spur grip builds for 2k! 2k!!

Having built a couple ARs recently and enjoying the process immensely, I must ask:

What does it take to build an AK? Much like my AR builds, it seems like the best way to get what I’m looking for.

I’d go about it in fixed mag fashion...I’ve got my HD and SHTF setups squared away, so I’m just looking to have fun.

I know there are laws regulating how many parts must be sourced from the US.

Is it as simple as securing a parts kit from somewhere like Atlantic? From there, what else would I need?

I know there can be fitment/tolerance issues. Not everything LEGOs into place like the AR platform.

Any advice? Tips? Anyone else take on this project and live to tell about it?

You fine folks have never steered me wrong, and I always appreciate your wisdom.

 

[gun_slinger_boy]

For a few months now, I’ve had my eyes out for some steel-eating rifles of Russian origin. My first shooting experience beyond carnival games and lever .22s were with a friend’s AK, so I’ve got a soft spot.

I don’t really like the options out there for NY compatible platforms. I hate spur grips, and labeling something compliant seems to add like 800 bucks onto the price tag. There’s a shop here on the island that is selling spur grip builds for 2k! 2k!!

Having built a couple ARs recently and enjoying the process immensely, I must ask:

What does it take to build an AK? Much like my AR builds, it seems like the best way to get what I’m looking for.

I’d go about it in fixed mag fashion...I’ve got my HD and SHTF setups squared away, so I’m just looking to have fun.

I know there are laws regulating how many parts must be sourced from the US.

Is it as simple as securing a parts kit from somewhere like Atlantic? From there, what else would I need?

I know there can be fitment/tolerance issues. Not everything LEGOs into place like the AR platform.

Any advice? Tips? Anyone else take on this project and live to tell about it?

You fine folks have never steered me wrong, and I always appreciate your wisdom.

As you've already noted, building an AK and AR aren't in the same ballpark. And if you don't like the extra price tag for making things compliant you'll spend extra money on the tools you need to make an AK. My advice would actually be to buy one if you can. It's reeeealy not something to just try out. Parts kits used to be dirt cheap but they are very valuable now. So there's really nothing to practice on and parts to replenish if you mess up. That being said, if you still want to attempt it you should check out this site and look at the tools and pieces and everything they do before even buying anything. It's a lot to learn. Welcome to Toth Tool & Engineering - Toth Tool

This pretty much sums it up

 

[Fightingfish]

As you've already noted, building an AK and AR aren't in the same ballpark. And if you don't like the extra price tag for making things compliant you'll spend extra money on the tools you need to make an AK. My advice would actually be to buy one if you can. It's reeeealy not something to just try out. Parts kits used to be dirt cheap but they are very valuable now. So there's really nothing to practice on and parts to replenish if you mess up. That being said, if you still want to attempt it you should check out this site and look at the tools and pieces and everything they do before even buying anything. It's a lot to learn. Welcome to Toth Tool & Engineering - Toth Tool

This pretty much sums it up

That video was f’ing awesome, haha. I cracked up at the “aim small, miss small” part.

Duly noted, regarding the tools required. I didn’t realize just how much was involved as far as job-specific tools.

Thanks for the input. I’m not dissuaded yet, but it’s definitely something to chew on.

I wish there were more fixed-mag options. I know it’s not ideal, particularly with the platform itself, but again, I’m just looking for range fun and the ability to switch it back when I visit friends in free states. Featureless doesn’t really do it for me, for my application.

 

[Edwardteach72]

Here is a good place for the special tools you would need to build at home (not to include a 2 ton press)

AK47 Tools – Toth Tool

AK 47 Specialists

www.tothtool.com

 

[fnfalguy]

You can get into screw builds vs rivet builds. The rivet build is a much more aestheticly pleasing solution. IIRC its a 20 ton press needed, if you start with AK flats you will also need to heat treat the flat. Then there are the tools for the stamping/beating of rivets. Im sitting on a couple of Romanian G kits with original barrels and a few flats, but it isn't like putting together legos such as the AR. Its been a long time since I've ventured down that road and out of the various rifles I've built from parts kits, the AK is one of the more challenging. The working through the 922r requirements are relatively easy.

 

[Will556]

I looked into this as well a while ago. To properly build an AK and not half-ass it, you’ll need almost close to $2k in tools alone. Let alone the 100% knowledge in knowing what you’re doing and making sure you do it properly the first time. The price of having someone build it for you and the peace of mind knowing it’s going to get done correctly is worth it by itself. Since I wasn’t going to be building AK’s all the time I went the route of having one built for me. If I were you, I would choose a reputable company and have them build one for you. I chose CW Gunwerks. CW Gunwerks does really nice work!

 

[Will556]

You can easily destroy the shit out of your receiver attempting proper dimples and rivets. If you’ve never built an AK before, you’re 100% not getting them perfect and will most likely breaking them as well. Then you’ll have to buy more supplies to replace the ones you will mess up. Ever try removing an improperly installed rivet that is pressed in with a 20-ton press? You’ll be grinding that shit out and hopefully you don’t cut up your receiver in the process. Then you have headspacing the barrel and bolt. You’ll have to properly headspace the barrel by pressing it in the first time to get the correct alignment for installing the barrel into the front trunnion and making sure it properly headspaces with the bolt. Then you’ll have to press the barrel out just to install it again. You also have to press the gas block and front sight to populate the barrel, which those parts can twist and not stay perfectly level (which is common on cheap shitty AK builds. It’s been known to happen on some PSA’s and even some decent higher end companies as well like Arsenal). You need a perfectly level good quality drill press and bits,l. You’ll also need at least a good spot welder for installing some of the receiver internals like the rails...it’s not fun if you don’t know what you’re doing. It’s worth the money to have it built my dude. Pay less money for assembly from a well-known knowledgeable company than you would on the proper tools alone and you’ll have nothing to stress about.

 

[Edwardteach72]

I'll second CW they do solid work and looks like their turn around time is pretty good

 

[Fightingfish]

Well, dang...there goes THAT idea, haha.

Thanks, fellas. As usual, I appreciate the excellent advice.

 

[Podmonkey]

The days of building AKs went by when the supply of cheap mulsurp parts kits dried up.
The days of cheap AKs in general have passed.
The Kalashnikov has become the edgy, hipsteresque choice nowadays.
Unless you really want to roll your own and have the money, time and mechanical expertise (and tools)
You would be better off buying a factory model.

 

[Edwardteach72]

Honestly if you want to build something that's a bit more than just ordering and slapping together in 20min (AR15 basic basic) but not as stupid hard (even cavemen could and do do it) as an AK.

Find a FAL parts kit, down side.. reciever is almost 400

 

[fnfalguy]

@Edwardteach72 is correct with the FAL. It is a gratifying build experience and you get introduced into the world of locking shoulders. I probably still have most of the tooling needed if you go down that route and need to borrow. Rumor has it I've build a few in my life.

 

[Edwardteach72]

Also you can build one safe legal.

Can make a fixed mag then get a dust cover cut for stripper clips *this can also be semi period correct if you want to clone something*

 

[Jem45472]

I had a hankering for a 7.62 myself and went a slightly different route. This is my latest build, just finished last week. Based on an sks, and 100% Cuomo legal. I also wanted an Ak, but they're running too much money now.

 

[gun_slinger_boy]

The days of building AKs went by when the supply of cheap mulsurp parts kits dried up.
The days of cheap AKs in general have passed.
The Kalashnikov has become the edgy, hipsteresque choice nowadays.
Unless you really want to roll your own and have the money, time and mechanical expertise (and tools)
You would be better off buying a factory model.

Roll your own or no choice but to. I had to build my 74u because you couldn't just buy them back then. I got a sweet kit. Everything was virgin and got the proper barrel and everything. The only thing I had to buy was the receiver from NoDak Spud. Toth tools has everything you need though. You can even press the barrel with that $100 tool. So not quite 2k worth of tools but not cheap either. And definitely not for the faint of heart. Some aspects of it were a royal pain in the ass and I have no desire to ever do it again outside of getting a kit 100% free.


ETA: This guy has more really good videos if you wanted to take the plunge.

 

[Will556]

Roll your own or no choice but to. I had to build my 74u because you couldn't just buy them back then. I got a sweet kit. Everything was virgin and got the proper barrel and everything. The only thing I had to buy was the receiver from NoDak Spud. Toth tools has everything you need though. You can even press the barrel with that $100 tool. So not quite 2k worth of tools but not cheap either. And definitely not for the faint of heart. Some aspects of it were a royal pain in the ass and I have no desire to ever do it again outside of getting a kit 100% free.


ETA: This guy has more really good videos if you wanted to take the plunge.

Oh yeah, building an AK can definitely be done with less than $1,500-$2,000 worth of tools. You can definitely make it work with other tools but doing it that way, you’re making it work with tools that aren’t made specifically for that job and finagling it. Not bashing it being done that way, but I always feel having the proper tools for any job is always easier and helps with the ease of any process. You also have to make sure you have the knowledge on building AK’s so you know what you can pull off with the least amount of tools as well. Here’s a decent video talking about some of the tools that would be needed or suggested to do it relatively properly.

 

[Edwardteach72]

Roll your own or no choice but to. I had to build my 74u because you couldn't just buy them back then. I got a sweet kit. Everything was virgin and got the proper barrel and everything. The only thing I had to buy was the receiver from NoDak Spud. Toth tools has everything you need though. You can even press the barrel with that $100 tool. So not quite 2k worth of tools but not cheap either. And definitely not for the faint of heart. Some aspects of it were a royal pain in the ass and I have no desire to ever do it again outside of getting a kit 100% free.


ETA: This guy has more really good videos if you wanted to take the plunge.

Here is a good place for the special tools you would need to build at home (not to include a 2 ton press)

AK47 Tools – Toth Tool

AK 47 Specialists

www.tothtool.com

 

[Fightingfish]

I had a hankering for a 7.62 myself and went a slightly different route. This is my latest build, just finished last week. Based on an sks, and 100% Cuomo legal. I also wanted an Ak, but they're running too much money now.

View attachment 103574

Hell yeah. I was following that thread. Sick build!

 

[Fightingfish]

This thread got me thinking...

Anyone with any experience on a VZ58? Atlantic sells a fixed mag version (sold out, obviously), and it seems kinda cool. Can load via stripper clips. Hmmm

 

[Edwardteach72]

This thread got me thinking...

Anyone with any experience on a VZ58? Atlantic sells a fixed mag version (sold out, obviously), and it seems kinda cool. Can load via stripper clips. Hmmm

They will always be sold out,

 

[libertysnake]

I had a hankering for a 7.62 myself and went a slightly different route. This is my latest build, just finished last week. Based on an sks, and 100% Cuomo legal. I also wanted an Ak, but they're running too much money now.

View attachment 103574

Interesting. I have to look into this. I have a bunch of 7.62x39, so modern SKS build would be great.

Although wouldn't it be faster if you're pushing in the clips via the top on a non-bullpup?

 

[Jem45472]

Interesting. I have to look into this. I have a bunch of 7.62x39, so modern SKS build would be great.

Although wouldn't it be faster if you're pushing in the clips via the top on a non-bullpup?

Same thing. The top of the stock has a push button, spring loaded trap door to allow loading with stripper clips.

 

[libertysnake]

Same thing. The top of the stock has a push button, spring loaded trap door to allow loading with stripper clips.
View attachment 103680
View attachment 103681

Is the bottom portion a fixed mag still while assembled? That's kind of key here.

 

[Jem45472]

Is the bottom portion a fixed mag still while assembled? That's kind of key here.

Yes it is fixed. You can read my build thread here for details.
Bullpup build #2

 

[Fightingfish]

They will always be sold out,

They’re out of production, aren’t they?

 

[Edwardteach72]

They’re out of production, aren’t they?

These are buildt off of build kits (Like how they built wasr10s)

Czechs were the only real country to use these (for a nice long time) unlike ak build kits there aren't exactly stock piles, they have since dried up essentially.

Not to mention most end up in Canada where the Vz.58 is/was(?) legal but no AK patern rifle is/was

 

[Fightingfish]

These are buildt off of build kits (Like how they built wasr10s)

Czechs were the only real country to use these (for a nice long time) unlike ak build kits there aren't exactly stock piles, they have since dried up essentially.

Not to mention most end up in Canada where the Vz.58 is/was(?) legal but no AK patern rifle is/was

Thanks for the education. That’s why I ask here, you folks always shoot straight (hurr durr).

Sucks, but I can wait...I’ve got what I absolutely need, just want more toys.

 

[Edwardteach72]

Thanks for the education. That’s why I ask here, you folks always shoot straight (hurr durr).

Sucks, but I can wait...I’ve got what I absolutely need, just want more toys.

Sorry to crush your dreams.

If it makes you feel any better I'm the dumb ass that traded away my Vz2008 (in the video) a few years ago