considering 1st ak build

[wasr10634unme]

read build threads before(ak files battlefield pickup thread has a few colorful descriptions of builds) found parts kits for 180 and a flat already bent for 50. im pretty mechanically inclined but i was wondering who builds there own ak's. ill prolly need a few tools i dont have. and most importantly how do i make it legal paperwork wise. i know about 922r and barrel length. should i go sbr??? would i have to wait 4-6 months to buy certain parts? any input greatly appreciated. i read on here for a few years before i joined on the first of this year dont know why i waited

 

[JHenry]

as long as your building without the intent to sell you dont have to worry about anything other than 922r and you can fill that out with a nodak spud receiver, trigger group and stock set.

 

[animator]

If you bent the flat, you don't have anything to worry about paperwork/legality wise.


If you build it with the intention to sell it, you will be breaking the law.


If you plan on using it yourself, with the option of possibly selling it later on down the road, you'll need to engrave a serial number, builder's name, and location. There are requirements for the stamping/engraving, so you'll need to make sure your format falls within the guidelines as noted on the ATF's website. If there's no serial number on the receiver, the weapon cannot be transferred on a 4473. The trunnion's serial number cannot be used in place of a receiver serial number.


Making an SBR is legal with a flat as well, but you WILL have to engrave the receiver with a serial number, and you MAY NOT assemble the barrel onto the receiver until you have your approved and stamped Form in-hand.


Building an AK is easy, but it can be overwhelming if you've never done it, don't have the tools to do it, or don't know anyone that does. They don't exactly piece together like some rifles do.

 

[SpentCasing]

does your kit have original barrel?
do you have access to a shop with a press?

 

[JustinJ]

does your kit have original barrel?
do you have access to a shop with a press?

How much force is needed? I'm not advocating this but it's my understanding that a barrel can be installed with a mallet and wood block. Either way a shop press from harbor freight isn't that much. One can also be rigged fairly easy with a car jack and few pieces of unistrut.

 

[Buck Kramer]

On my RPK kit I had to press everything on, but my AK-74's went together with a hammer and a block. Good luck, and be careful, its addicting. After 3 AK's I'm moving to AR's but I'll be back

 

[Yellow Box]

I used a long bar clamp to press my barrel in
even broke the clamp in the end, but the barrel was lined up perfectly

invest in headspace gauges too, just to make sure your barrel is in correctly

I did a screw build 3 times, and never did one ever come loose using red loctite
I would of liked to use rivets but couldnt afford the press and dies at the time
there is a cheap way to use bolt cutters as a press, but I think it doesnt do all the rivets cant remember was too long ago

But if you have to buy all the tools etc. it may be cheaper in the end to buy a built rifle
if money is not a cost then build away
it was fun and took me 12 straight hours and I had never even seen an ak before but I had studied online for over a week waiting for all the parts to come in
and I even had to make the whole receiver too and all the holes

didnt know about the nodak spud ones until later used one of those
I would highly suggest that brand, plus then it has the serial number if you ever want to sell it

 

[animator]

I've used bolt cutters on all my builds, and they work great, but it will not do long rivets found on the rear of most AKMs, or the long rivet found on the front of the Yugo M70AB or RPK rifles.


I use a specific jig for the long rivets, and it works well.


With a little know-how, an AK can be cranked out in a couple hours.