Is it worth building an AK from a kit if you only do it ONCE?

[TheGewehrGuy]

I am short on money, but want an AK, so I was considering buying a kit and putting it together.

I am not sure of the tools needed, but my dad has probably every tool imaginable, but they aren't gun assembling tools at all.

Assuming I have almost all of the tools needed, is it possible to spend less than buying a WASR or something? After tax (WA state taxes online GUN deals only...), shipping, and everything for either one?

 

[bejay]

no its not worth it just buy a complete rifle.

 

[Davek1977]

Agreed....when a WASR can be had for $400, building a single rifle is not an economical choice for most people.

 

[Deus Machina]

my dad has probably every tool imaginable

sounds about right until you try doing more projects. Always reasons to buy more tools.

If you want it cheaper, just go hand-pick a WASR or convert a Saiga if you prefer it good and custom-made for you.

I'm all for building them if you want something to do with your hands. But if you want a single cheap AK, this isn't the way.

 

[Sam1911]

Once upon a time, it was a great deal. Now, it isn't a "deal" at all, between the price of kits and such going up, the fact that kits can't be imported with barrels so you have to buy that, and the fact that you can shop around and get either a WASR (and have a pretty decent AK) or a Saiga and convert it (and have an excellent AK) for less than you'll spend on kit, parts, tools, etc.

Plus, the gun you buy will almost certainly be a lot nicer than the first one you build, in all liklihood.

 

[Ian]

I built mine when $99 would get you an unfired all-matching kit with a great barrel. That was well worth the money (and I did more than just one). With kits at $300 today, it's not economically feasible even for a bunch. Kit plus compliance parts, flats or receivers, rivets, etc - all comes out to more than a basic Romanian gun goes for. Only worthwhile if you're doing less common variants for a specific reason.