Shortening an AK barrel

[CGRifleman]

I have an AK with a 16" barrel and a 3" flash hider. Would it be reasonably possible to shorten the barrel by about 3" without having to replace it? Would this affect the weapon's function? I know I would have to remount the FSB and weld the flash hider on, but I want a relatively short rifle without having to register an SBR.

 

[Sam1911]

Folks do it all the time. Look over at akfiles.com and the other AK boards for the "how-tos." The biggest issue would be if you wanted to move the gas block as then you'd have to move the port back (maybe going to a smaller port) and shorten both the piston and gas tube. Even so, LOTS of folks have done these conversions.