Shortening an AK barrel?

[Sebastian the Ibis]

At some point a side-folding SBR AK is in my future. (After appropriate NFA paperwork of course)

I figure I can either buy a pistol and install a side folding mechanism, or buy a full length AK and have the barrel shortened. I am assuming that having a gunsmith cut down and re-thread the barrel is cheaper and easier than installing an AK-100 type sidefolder. However, I wonder what the effect on the gas system is with a shorter barrel. If shortening the barrel also involves shortening the gas-port, then installing the side-folder might be the easier option after all.

I know that either of the above options can be accomplished. However I want to get an idea of which is easier so I know which sort of AK I should keep an eye out for. Ideally I want to get the base AK for $800ish, plus $200 tax stamp, plus $200 in gunsmithing. Going the side-folder route would require at minimum a $200 side folder. However, there is no point in saving $200 if it is not reliable.

If it gets too expensive I could just get an Arsenal SLR-107UR SBR. However, I think I can save $1,000 by having an Arsenal SLR-107UR (or similar) cut down.

Has anyone done this?

Thanks,

 

[Flyincedar]

We have shortened several AKs, and yes, the gas system is gonna get finicky when you go short, and you'll get to a point where it wont run at all. When that happens, you'll need to turn the barrel to create a new shoulder for the gas block, drill a new gas port, install a shorter gas tube, and use a shorter piston.

Your best bet will likely be to start with a pistol, and add a butt stock. Most customers that want us to do NFA conversions for them, go this route

 

[wally]

Start with a pistol, you can be sure it works before paying the tax.

Also the AK barrel is pressed and pinned into place, not so easy like the AR, to remove the barrel and chuck it in a lathe.

I've done a Draco and a mini-Draco and couldn't be happier.

 

[Nebulous Ordnance]

+1 on sbr a pistol. You probably should buy a pap m92 pistol. It is a krinkov minus underfolder, and flash hider. Both can be made correct by a competent manufacturer/gunsmith. You'll have a Serbian/Yugo built gun. Super slick.
I did one for a customer. He has half the money in it than my Krink sbr.

 

[JustinJ]

+1 on sbr a pistol. You probably should buy a pap m92 pistol. It is a krinkov minus underfolder, and flash hider. Both can be made correct by a competent manufacturer/gunsmith.

That's the route i've gone but be aware that the Bulgarian/Russian side folders are not compatible with the receiver. You'll have to either be creative, use an underfolder or an ACE side folding trunnion, as i understand it.

 

[Flyincedar]

All you have to do for the side folder, as long as you have the proper trunnion for one, is locate and mill the holed for the forward latch and hardware, and youre good to go

 

[JustinJ]

All you have to do for the side folder, as long as you have the proper trunnion for one, is locate and mill the holed for the forward latch and hardware, and youre good to go

For a Bulgarian side folder on a Yugo pap M92? As i understand it this is not correct. To install the side folder trunnion requires special fitting. One of the challenges with adding the trunnion is that the serial number engraving, which can't be destroyed, is located where a rivit should go.

 

[Trent]

JustinJ -

If you're doing what amounts to a Title II manufacture, does it matter that the original serial # is gone? I mean, you have to re-mark the firearm with a new marking anyway, couldn't you re-locate the serial # at that time? You shouldn't need to retain the original markings since you are actually manufacturing a NEW weapon.

 

[Flyincedar]

Sorry, i tend to forget that not everyone has a machine shop. That would in fact be difficult on your own