B-West AK

[Dan Forrester]

I picked up one of these B-West, Tucson, AZ Chinese AKs for $350. The gun from the best I can determine is a Chinese Type 56 under folder (except it only has a partially enclosed fornt sight). Well I bought it on a whim because I liked the look of the gun and the low price.

Well it turns out that the gun doesn’t work since the receiver is stretched and the ejector is deformed. Supposedly B-West didn’t heat treat their receivers. It will fire but doesn’t always cycle properly.

Does anyone know who can rebuild the gun with a proper receiver. And don’t these guns use some odd size receiver?

If I decide to sell the gun how much is it worth as a kit. The receiver is beat but the rest of the gun looks like a typical used AK.

Thanks, Dan

 

[Templar]

You paid about the right price for a Type 56 underfolder parts kit.

You can use an Elk River/Armory USA/Arsenal USA/Global Trades 1.6mm receiver and it will work fine.

Troy Sellars at InRange, Mario at Piece of History Firearms, Ken Kubin at Global Military Gunsmithing, AK-USA, they're all top notch builders.

 

[ftierson]

Back in the day, I bought a B-West Chinese Type 56, with folding bayonet and everything, for $150 (NIB)...

Some of the B-West stuff was just imported by them and was completely Chinese built. That was good stuff...

The rifle that I received was a new Chinese Type 56 rifle that had been disassembled and rebuilt on a US manufactured B-West receiver.

The receiver was junk, and I sent the rifle back for a refund.

Bummer...

Today, I would just build the 'kit' up on a good US receiver and I'd have a very nice rifle. You win some and you lose some...

Templar is right. Build up your Chinese Type 56 parts on a US receiver and you'll have a very nice rifle.

Forrest

 

[Dan Forrester]

Thanks for the info. I think I might just cut the receiver and sell it as a kit. Are either of you aware of Chinese guns being made with partially open front sights. The gun looks Chinese and form what I’ve read this was all B-west made but the open front sight has me confused.

Thanks, Dan

 

[Hoppy590]

+ to what ftierson

one of the reasons B-west receivers sucked was heat treatment, or lack there of.

the straight imports age as good as any chicom.

the Bwes recievers should be avoided like the black death