is it possible to build a gun from parts?

[Noobert]

Do you have a drill press?

[bridgeport]

I am mechanically inclined yes. I have a variety of tools laying around, though I don't have any power tools. Just power drills and the many adapters. But no welding tools. Probably a sauter tool but that's it.


I'd like to build an AK or 7.62 rifle for cheap.

Beautiful man. You got a few tools... and the desire, but no knowledge, and knowledge is the key. This is why not everybody can be a gunsmith or a builder. Having a saw does not a carpenter make. So.... you got to get some learning....perhaps you could attend a build party and see what goes on.
One word of caution though. You say you want to build a rifle for cheap, but
if may well cost you more in time, tooling, and parts, to make that rifle, than to just buy one outright. This is the catch. Knowledge does not come cheap, or (for most people) easy. Nor does the process of building, which takes time and effort. Let me suggest, that if you only want the rifle rather than the journey of experience, you stop right here. But, if you really want the experience of doing.... go for it.

[killshot44]

I'd like to build an AK or 7.62 rifle for cheap.

Funny, that's what a lot of us said and before we knew it, we were out the price of a small car...

As for more than just handtools, look around for a secondhand drill-press, a riveting tool and a small hydraulic press. They'll come in handy.

Honestly, spend a few days wandering the Threads here or any of the other AK/AR websites and sponge it all up. Going to a Build-Party is great advice, lots of people there are either were you are or have been there...

[aplinker]

HKPro is the source you need for building an HK91-style rifle.

Building tends to be more expensive in the HK platform than simply buying. It's a significant undertaking to build from a receiver flat (search gunbroker), less from a built receiver - but still big.

AK's will be a bit easier, require less welding, and are cheaper to build.

AR's are the easiest - you can do it with a drill press.

[jdberger]

ARs are the easiest if you start with a 100% reciever.

[five.five-six]

Do you have a drill press 10 ton press?

FTFY

but really, the one tool you can't build an AK without is a sledge hammer IMO

[bigthaiboy]

yep...you hit it right on target. i'm interested.


even a broken down M1 garand might be a fun project...in gun stores all assembled it goes for over $800
https://www.floridagunworks.com/Merc...y_Code=_SALEPK

$460 for a Romie G and $500 for an AMD-65 parts kit! Someones been smoking crack. A factory built AMD-65 can be bought for less.

Secondly, do a search here and online for Florida Gun Works and you will find plenty of horror stories. Avoid them like a crutch-rotting STD.

[RedStripes]

My next gun is gonna be an ak-47 from a flat. I want to do it for under $350. Something about no DROS paperwork really makes me smile. Too bad you can't get kits for $100. Sucks being nineteen years old and already missed out on being able to buy cheap guns. I wonder if guns will ever be cheap again.

[matrix056]

I recently completed my OLL AR15. I was excited when I finished it and I will NEVER sell it, only because I built it. I built mine from a kit from sarcoinc.com. I had to get my upper done to ensure proper headspacing, etc. My next project is an AK!

[five.five-six]

My next gun is gonna be an ak-47 from a flat. I want to do it for under $350. Something about no DROS paperwork really makes me smile. Too bad you can't get kits for $100. Sucks being nineteen years old and already missed out on being able to buy cheap guns. I wonder if guns will ever be cheap again.

that's going to tuff to do considering a kit is going to be $250, $20 for a flat, $20 for a mag... leaves $60 for rivets, compliance parts and refinishing and a maglock or MM

[Rob454]

I can build a whole car from parts so a gun should be childs play

[nicoroshi]

Beautiful man. You got a few tools... and the desire, but no knowledge, and knowledge is the key. This is why not everybody can be a gunsmith or a builder. Having a saw does not a carpenter make. So.... you got to get some learning....perhaps you could attend a build party and see what goes on.
One word of caution though. You say you want to build a rifle for cheap, but
if may well cost you more in time, tooling, and parts, to make that rifle, than to just buy one outright. This is the catch. Knowledge does not come cheap, or (for most people) easy. Nor does the process of building, which takes time and effort. Let me suggest, that if you only want the rifle rather than the journey of experience, you stop right here. But, if you really want the experience of doing.... go for it.

I agree with this mostly.
It does take time. Learning how they go together, and knowledge of the laws pertaining to the type of rifle you wish to build is where I started.
I started simple with an AR then moved to building AKs from parts kits.
Both are rewarding especially for those who are 'builders' by nature.
As for fancy expensive tools though I have to disagree. A lot of what you may need can be borrowed (ex: I borrowed a torque wrench for a barrel nut on one of my AR uppers).
Building an AK there were many tools that I improvised from what others had done before me.
Pressing the barrel out with a $7 gear puller, and a chunk of copper, bending my flats with under $10 worth of parts bought at OSH.(google poor mans bending jig)
Opting for a screw build instead of a rivet build seeing as I had the taps for the threads.
etc.
Attending a build party is an excellent idea though as that's a one stop learning experience from those who have done it before as well as access to tools that you'd normally wouldn't have.
In the end I agree with Bridgeport......"Go for it".

start:



finish:




Edit: final cost (including 922(r) parts, and all pieces used in construction.........yes, ALL parts. Drill bits, paint, furniture, metal for making jigs.......everything. ): $648
Unfortunately the days of $100 parts kits are gone

Have fun building,
Nico

[djbooya]

...Fun, educational, and the experience of putting together your own rifle, with zero government paper work - not even a serial number if you don't want one!

Just search for "build party" in the gunsmith forum.

Minor thread jack: If someone builds an AK from a flat can it ever be sold?

[sevensix2x51]

Minor thread jack: If someone builds an AK from a flat can it ever be sold?

it can if you put a serial number and a "manufacturer" name on it.

[Seesm]

Yes pretty easily... But I think a AR "style" is easier than the AK "style" myself.