Tell Me About AK Parts Kits!

[Kind of Blued]

I was noticing some RPK parts kits for under $400 and am thinking that this might be a smart route.

It looks like there are a few things missing from here such as a pistol grip, and maybe the trigger group?

http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.asp?Item=97866587

Do most people send the parts and receiver to someone to have it built professionally? Is it easy (and more fun) to do it yourself?

I guess alot of the assembled AKs that you and I buy are put together by the importers from parts kits? If anybody has any photos of guns that started as parts kits, go ahead and post 'em!

 

[Avenger29]

From what i understand, it can be pretty expensive as far as tools to put together an AK. You can have somebody like Lancaster put together your parts kit, IIRC. And their are other gunsmiths that do it too. Or you could try to find a build party in your area to get access to the tools.

Yes, a lot of AKs are put together from parts kits. That's not a bad thing, though. WASRs, however, are built from new production parts, but they are apparently parts rejected for military standards, but usually doesn't compromise functionality.

The AK isn't as easy to build as an AR-15. It is certainly doable, but will take more skill. Don't use screws to put together the kits as some do, though. Ya gotta rivet it to do it right (not sure if you can use pop rivets, though).

 

[akolleth]

I have built one kit so far, and am working on building my second (a M72 RPK just like you are wanting)

If you are wanting to build one for economical reasons, don't bother. The cost of the kits, plus receiver, plus compliance parts, plus build tools has risen enough that it is actually much cheaper to buy a pre-made M72 from Century.

Now if you want to build one because you want to build one, then I would definatley recomend it for you. It is addictive building them. You get a sense of ownership for your rifle. Its not just a rifle you bought, YOU built it with your own two hands. I guess in a philosophical way its like giving birth, creating life from a pile of parts.

If you are serious about building your own, there are numerous great sites out there that specifically deal with AK building, here are some of my favorites. They will have more info than you could ever want to know about building the AK.

AR-15 AK Kit Build boards
Survivors SKS Boards
AK Files
AK Forums

 

[Starship1st]

I ordered a parts kit from Classic Arms in March and plan to do a build this summer. I have done a lot of research and since the parts have all gone up it is definitely for the hobby that I do it.

The main thing is the receiver: 100% receivers need FFL and still cost minimum $60.00 plus shipping and transfer fee. The 80% and flat receivers cost less and no FFL but you still have to either bend it, heat treat it and spot weld the rails. Special equipment is involved but some jigs and tools you can build yourself.

Then there are rivot builds vs screw builds. So it is up to you what you are looking for and your personal reasons.

There are good links that you can research and decide what you want to do.

Good luck!

 

[tamaneko]

It's definitely more expensive, I made a M72 like that last year, one hell of an experience, but ultimately more rewarding seeing something you put together working. You're a little too late though in getting into parts kits build, prices have SKYROCKETED over the past few months!

 

[nalioth]

At this time, you cannot build an RPK cheaper than you can buy one.

ClassicArms has them on now for $399 newly manufactured.

 

[Avenger29]

Then there are rivot builds vs screw builds. So it is up to you what you are looking for and your personal reasons.

You do not want to use screw builds. Those builds fall apart, sometimes dangerously, from what I understand. Stick with rivets.

 

[akolleth]

You do not want to use screw builds. Those builds fall apart, sometimes dangerously, from what I understand. Stick with rivets.

Actually please do some research before making a statement like that. There is ALOT of debate on both sides of rivets versus screws. I have read literally hundreds of pages of people chest pounding for one side or the other. But one fact remains for the screw build side, I have never seen even one case where a screw build came apart and hurt someone. Many owners of screw builds have thousands of rounds in, some even tens of thousands.

Now as to my opinion, I like the rivet look better, it looks more authentic. I will build mine with rivets. But I would not feel worried in the slighest shooting an AK that was built with screws the proper way. The screws have been proven time and time again to be strong enough to handle the stresses.

Now that having been said, please note anything can be screwed up if done wrong. Don't let a bubba build your gun for you. Do it right the first time whether you do a screw build or rivet.