building an AK?

[PryItFromMyColdDeadHands]

I am about to start 2 builds of some AR's (one for me and one for the ol' lady)

but I was looking in the Shotgun news mag. and noticed some AK recievers for under 100.00 .....like close to 50.00 even.....then I saw some complete kits minus the reciever for under 400.00. I haven't been able to find out much info. so if you have any contacts please let me know.

 

[possum]

If you want to, i suugest that you become a member of Getoffthex.com
send a pm to Jim Fuller he is the owner of Rifle Dynamics, he is the yoda of ak's he will be able to answer your questions, as good or better than anyone. Plus getoffthex.com is an awesome sourse of all kinds of info.

 

[briansmithwins]

Building an AR requires less than $75 of specialized tools you probably don't already own.

Building an AK is a completely different animal. You need a press and rivet setting tools, among other things. Not cost effective if you're doing 1 or 2 rifles.

By all means do the research, I did and bought 2 complete AKs.

BSW

 

[PryItFromMyColdDeadHands]

"By all means do the research, I did and bought 2 complete AKs."

Wow ...I think that says it all LOL

 

[akolleth]

Why do people bake cakes when you can get one already made at Wal-Mart for cheaper? Why do people spend hunderds or thousands of dollars tricking out a 10/22 when you can get one pre-tricked out for less? Why do carpenters build cabinets or dressers when we could just go to Ikea instead?

We build firearms for the fun of building them, for the sense of accomplishment that comes from truly building your own rifle, and the passion for details that make the build unique.

If you are looking for cheap, move along and buy one already built. If you are looking for an adventure, like building things with your hands, and want a pride of ownership then you might consider it-

I have built two of my own now, and love it. In a day and age of mass consumption and disposable items building your own firearm stands as a way to connect to the rifle. I am in the process of build number three and wish I had more cash to keep them rolling.

There really is no feeling to compare the sense of ownership you get knowing YOU built this rifle, not just bought it from someone. You feel like its truly yours. Tinkering, modifying, and working to get them right just adds to the sense of accomplishment.

You can't get that with a store bought.... anything.
First build, before refinishing, Romanian G kit

Yugo RPK build

 

[akolleth]

And if you are interested here are some links to great sites that have tons of info on building them

Great thread on starting to figure out how to build your first AK
How to get started building an AK

Very useful forums
AK Files
AK Forums
AR15.com Look under AK-47, then Build it yourself subsection
Weaponeer

 

[briansmithwins]

I used the money I saved by buying the 2 AKs already done to pick up a couple dozen more mags.

BSW

 

[-v-]

Depends on what you want out of it. If you want to save money, and don't already have access to a machine shop/metal working facility, buy one. If you want to have an adventure, build it yourself, just remember you need a 5-tonne press, a riveting machine, and a TIG welder is not a bad idea either.

 

[nalioth]

If you want to have an adventure, build it yourself, just remember you need a 5-tonne press, a riveting machine, and a TIG welder is not a bad idea either.

That will definitely make it adventurous.

 

[Sam1911]

Here is an interesting recent thread on the topic:http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=414628

And a quote from that thread:

This isn't a HARD job, and I've done it in a garage, in a couple of afternoons, with nothing but hand tools. (Those ball-pein hammered rivets look...great. ) I've had a lot more rewarding experience doing it in a shop with a press, drill press, (mill was nice!), and some good vices and jigs ready to go. That AKS-74 went from a pile of parts to functioning in about 2.5 hours. Make sure you've read a few of the tutorials several times and that you have the specialized tools (or modified tools in some cases) that you'll need.

As far as addictiveness, I've built a few, I have some friends who have each built 10-20+. It is a LOT of fun! But you're climbing on the bandwagon a bit after the parade has ended. I would still do it if you can, but don't expect to get a truly cheap gun. It is worth it for the experience but not a screaming bargain.

In sum, if you want to build one, DO SO. If you just want to own one, well, buying complete is quicker, easier, and -- at this point anyway -- cheaper.

-Sam

 

[-v-]

In defense of the press, you can do it using a hammer, just the results might not be as nice as with a press and take a whole lot longer. That, and some of the cheaper hand-operated hydraulic presses are in the $100 range...

 

[akolleth]

Also remember the AK and Fal builders are a big community that will often lend a hand to those in need. All you have to do is ask politely if there is any members in your area with build tools, and almost guarenteed there will be someone willing to let you come over and use their tools to build yours up.

In fact its so common, they have get togethers set up called "build parties" where a bunch of guys get together to build all at once sharing their collective tools--

 

[tju1973]

Find a build group or make one and split the costs-- my dad went in with a group of 4 or 5 guys and built several AKs a piece-- seems like it was in the sub $200 range each, but this was in the "good ole days" of the early 2000s--

Still though, if you can get the barrel, the rest could be cobbled together- cheaply..or cheaper than the Post Obama election craze