AK parts kit/receiver - where to buy on a budget!?

[anti]

I've been out of the gun scene for a while and I'd like to put an AK together. I've never built one or owned one before so this is completely new to me. I'm looking to build something in 7.62x39 on a stamped receiver. I really like the Romanian and Bulgarian rifles but at this point I can't really be all that picky as long as it's an AKM copy and not a Tantal or something funky. I'm sure Tantal's are very capable rifles, but they're just not my style.

Where does everyone get their parts kits and receivers now? I remember Nodak Spud but it seems as if their prices went up quite a bit recently (as with everything else, right?). Are there any other AK merchants out there with reasonable prices? What should I be expecting to pay for a budget AK build nowadays?

I don't have a press so I'd have to find someone who knows what they're doing and pay them to shape the receiver for me.

Please help a poor 24-year-old truck driver out!

[zfields]

Same ole places for kits

Whatacountry
armsofamerica
Apex
Ak builder
centerfire
atlantic
classic arms

etc etc.

[anti]

zfields, you seem pretty knowledgeable with AK's. What route do you recommend I take for a basic AK build? I'm afraid I'll buy a kit with missing parts or something... lol

What do you think of this kit: http://armsofamerica.com/ak74bulgari...ies-26999.aspx

I know it's 5.45 but it looks like all I'd need is a receiver and barrel.

[zfields]

Pfft don't look at me, I stick with the premade ones so far.

If I were to build one, I'd try to find either an AMD kit, or a matching Rommy kit.

[zfields]

Don't forget about 922r compliance. You will need the extra US parts to make it legal.

[anti]

Haha, can't say I blame you, good sir! If I had extra cash to boot, I'd definitely save the hassle and find a complete rifle; I'm just not sure where to begin. There are so many different kits out there and I'm worried I'll end up buying a bunch of random parts and wasting money. I just need some professional guidance from an AK veteran, I suppose.

[zfields]

I'd do a kit build in a heart beat. Out here in TX, there just isn't many build parties at all.

[anti]

That's another thing! I'm not sure I'll even find someone who can help me build it. Of course I'd be willing to pay $ or supply booze/food, but I have a feeling I'll have trouble finding someone to help out. I have a drill press but I'd need to buy everything else like the rivet tool, rivets, jigs, etc.

P.S. your slings are very nice!

[Yemff]

if your going to get a 74 kit, or any kit for that matter since its your first build, get an ak-builder kit with the barrel already populated and headspaced. I've never been to a build party, but I dont think they populate and headspace at them. Arms of america also sells kits with barrels installed, but the only ones listed at the moment are pricey. Just check ak-builder and the other sites listed above regularly and you should be able to find something.

only 1 left

http://ak-builder.com/index.php?dispatch=products.view&product_id=30154

[omnitravis]

lol I bought two kits, one with barrel installed, my order has been "processing" since february on the other barrel. I have yet to make it to a build party or niko roshis house because of work. I actually just bought a premade AK, from waffen works. I couldnt wait. The rifle is great quality, btw. 800$ with 4 magazines and a case.

The kit from AK builder was much better quality furniture, and it wasnt even coated in kosmo. The other one came in less than good packaging, and it was all kosmoed. Cant remember off hand where I got the bad kit from. Both were wooden bulgarian kits.

[S470FM]

zfields, what part of Tx? I know someone in Houston that'd be happy to help

[ranger682]

Make sure if you get a folding stock kit you get the akms receiver and also the receiver rails.

[zfields]

zfields, what part of Tx? I know someone in Houston that'd be happy to help

Central, right between Austin and San Antonio. I'd be more than willing to make the drive to do a couple rifles though.

Sent from my Incredible 2 using Tapatalk 2

[MustangSteveGT]

If condition doesnt matter, you can find some competitively priced kits on Gunbroker by comparison to vendors. Dependent on what type of kit/condition you are looking for. I end up refinishing the AK kits I've built anyways, even the "excellent" condition ones, so "used" "poor" or "rough" really doesnt deter me from buying a beat up kit as long as all the parts are there and functional. Once you factor in shipping and everything, you'll find that the private sales can be cheaper, especially if theres a barrel thrown into the deal that they dont want an arm and a leg for.
O.O.W. makes an affordable prebent, heat treated receiver for less than 70 plus shipping.
If budget it what you are looking for then stick with a stamped receiver AK versus a solid milled receiver, then choose a stamped receiver AK kit accordingly. (one *with front and rear trunions) for a stamped receiver.
I just ordered an underfolder stamped receiver from Nodak Spud for $105 shipped. Then I'll also have them engrave the selector markings. Obviously building from a flat would be cheaper but oh well.

[anti]

I really like the folding stocks but the kits are so pricey. Plus, don't we have to pin them here in CA to keep it legal?