Project a long time in the making - 6.5 Grendel AK

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I didn't really get as many photos of the project as I should have, but here's what I do have.

This is the demilled parts kit and receiver:
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I used an M4 profile barrel, turned down to a modified AKM profile. I had to remove the barrel extension, weld up the gas port, and machine a stainless bushing to fit the threads and make the shank the right diameter for pressing into the AK trunnion.
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I did some checking of how high the AK magazines sit in the receiver so I could match that with the AR magazines.
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I wanted an inegrated front sight and gas block, so there was an abortive attempt to make that myself. I ended up using one made by Definitive Arms though.
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Here's the magwell I cut out of an 80 percent lower:
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I built up the rear with a block of aluminum machined to fit it. Took a few different tries to figure out how I wanted to do the trigger guard.

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There were several other magwell ideas tried, including this simple one made from 1/2" aluminum plate:
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Some clearancing was necessary on the front trunnion:
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The most recent trigger guard:
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The rifle today:
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That's excellent, love it. I really like the concept of the 3D printed mag well pistol grip.
The picture of the feed ramp area looks like it might need some modifications but only testing will tell.
Have you posted this on the AKfiles?
One of my builds is an AK in 5.56. I keep reading that they don't work and the 5.56 belongs in the AR. Mine is awesome and never had a failure. The only downside is the dedicated mags are pricey.
 
Awesome work! I commend your perseverance and determination to design and build what you want. Really cool
 
Thanks for the supportive comments!

I'd signed up on AKfiles ages ago to post about the project and I forgot about it while I was waiting for my account to be activated.

I spent the weekend making a few dimensional tweaks here and there, hopefully I'll be trying it out in the next week.

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