AK build?

[KaceCoyote]

I see all these AK parts kits everywhere, and so I've been wondering. If I build an AK on a US receiver, do I need to worry about the parts count? Do I need a barrel press or whatever if the barrel is already in the gas block? I want to build a milled receiver AK underfolder, for under 500 bucks. Judging from the price of US receivers and parts kits, this looks doable to me.

What problems might I run into here, is it going to be something a non gunsmith can assemble?

 

[strambo]

I don't know the answers...but this new AGI video caught my attention in their catalog. http://www.americangunsmith.com/view.php?id=67 If you decide to go ahead I would think the AGI video would be worth it.

 

[KaceCoyote]

I'm sorry, 60 bucks for a DVD that doesnt include kung-fu, gunfights, car chases and Steve Mcqueen is just not going to happen..sorry but I cant do that. 60 bucks buys HOW many magazines, a underfolder, a bayonet...

 

[KW]

Yes, you do have to worry about the parts count. A milled reciever AK will have 14 "parts", and a stamped reciever AK will have 15 "parts". If you are using a muzzle device that adds one to your total. You can have no more then 10 imported "parts".

The common US made "parts" are:

reciever
fire control group (counts as 3 parts)
hand guards (upper and lower together count as 1 part)
gas piston
pistol grip
stock

So just make sure your build includes enough of those to keep your imported parts total at 10 or less.

AK barrels are pressed into the reciever, and the whole thing is riveted together so it does require some tools that you don't find in the average garage.

 

[KaceCoyote]

Ok, thanks for that information KW.

So if I was to build an AR for instance, and a company in lets say..Germany made AR parts kits..I couldnt build an AR directly from that overseas parts kit? Even if the receiver is American? How else is an american gun determined to be, well american if it isnt by the receiver?

 

[benEzra]

It's determined by the number of foreign-made parts in the gun (at least for guns falling under 18 USC 922(r). 10 or fewer foreign-made parts, it's considered domestic. 11 or more foreign-made parts, and it's considered imported. Where the receiver is manufactured is not taken into account at all (which is how the SAR-1 is considered a domestic rifle even though the receiver is made in Romania).

 

[Southern Raider]

Using rivets to build your AK requires you to remove the barrel, rivet the trunnion, then reinstall the barrel. Since the headspace is most likely good on your kit, the home hobbyist usually has an easier time just taping the holes and screwing the thing together. Add some loctite and you a re good to go. I have several hundred rounds through each of my "screw builds" and no problems.