AK 47 First Build

[Sembilan9]

Ok guys here is what I would like to know. I am interested in building an AK 47or as they are refered to now as an AKM.I have read so much on the AK 47 that I actually thought I had a direction that I wanted to go with building one, but then read some more and who knows now.
1. Since all AK's are now Variants does it really matter who's parts you use. I was foolish and wanted to get a Russian Kit yeah good luck with that.
2. Do I just buy aftermarket parts and put one together and it will be a Sembilan9 AK 47 Variant .
3. I then wanted to find as many Russian parts as I could to build my AK since I hear no matter what the Russian AK's were the most reliable AK's ever built.
4. Recievers, wow this is its own topic. Do you go with a standard 1.0 thickness or the 1.6. I hear the 1.0 are weak and not worth anything but yet most militaries were supplied with an AK with a 1.0 thickness reciever and they seem to be doing fine. The 1.6 thickness seem to crack and have issues with parts since the majority of parts are suppose to be fitted to a reciever with a 1.0 thickness.

I am sorry if this seems like I am rambling but these are all the things I keep hearing multiple opinions on, and im sure its just like anything else everyone is gonna have their opinion or experience with something that has them believe the way they do. Just looking for any advice you may have thanks. :banghead:

 

[nalioth]

1. Since all AK's are now Variants does it really matter who's parts you use. I was foolish and wanted to get a Russian Kit yeah good luck with that.

Kalashnikovs are built to the same spec. Aesthetics may differ, but functionality will be the same, no matter the country of origin.

2. Do I just buy aftermarket parts and put one together and it will be a Sembilan9 AK 47 Variant .

Well, buying the most complete parts kit you can find would be a good first step. The more military parts you have, the better the overall build will be (US parts are not milspec).

3. I then wanted to find as many Russian parts as I could to build my AK since I hear no matter what the Russian AK's were the most reliable AK's ever built.

See answer #1. Everyone wants Russians because they cannot get them. Like the Chinese guns that are no longer imported, rarity enhances reputation beyond reality.

4. Recievers, wow this is its own topic. Do you go with a standard 1.0 thickness or the 1.6. I hear the 1.0 are weak and not worth anything but yet most militaries were supplied with an AK with a 1.0 thickness reciever and they seem to be doing fine. The 1.6 thickness seem to crack and have issues with parts since the majority of parts are suppose to be fitted to a reciever with a 1.0 thickness.

You read something from some armchair warrior. The AKM with its 1.0mm receiver has been in service since 1959, and our guys overseas pull all vintages out of service every day - all still functioning quite well.

The 1.6mm receivers are used when AKs are built from milled AK (or AK-47) parts, or in the case of the Chinese - to make up for shoddy steel (thicker shoddy steel makes for the same strength as quality thinner steel).

Regardless of the receiver type (milled, 1.0mm or 1.6mm), nobody's worn a combloc factory AK out yet

 

[Sembilan9]

I haven't been on this site in a while but wanted to thank you for your advice, everyone now just wants to sell what they have in stock amd slam everything else on the market that they don't sell! It is not really a buyer friendly market for a new guy like me but with your advice I feel more confident in my future purchase! Thanks once again!

 

[GWARGHOUL]

Get a SAIGA, and do the work yourself. Best bang for the buck. Great gun.