School me on Ak kits

[ChrisBrooklyn]

hey all, i am thinking about putting together an AK kit

ive done a few ARs from stripped lowers and i think Ill be trying to find a build party for this project.. but i have zero knowledge where to start..

there seem to be 100s of different kits available from a dozen websites. they all seem to be minus barrel (and receiver).. then i have to figure out what kind of flat to get...

id like to do something in 762x39. and i like wood furniture. thanks for any insight

[NorCalXJ]

Flat depends on your caliber and what kind of stock. With typical flat build you will need 1) the kit 2) center support 3) barrel 4) rivet set 5) 922r compliance parts 6) magazine lock 7) flat

Other people add if i forget anything...

[valley82]

Trigger group tapco single hook.

[Pauliedad]

Look on you tube. This will give you an idea if what to expect. AR is assembled mostly. You can buy a complete upper and still customize to your heart's/wallet's content.
Think of an AK as more of a fabricated gun. Way more specialized tools and shop gear needed. Fun if you're helping friends and get into building several but requires way more hands on skill.

[MrPlink]

I just started my first build last week.
I dont know if I will ever refer to putting an AR together as building one, and that includes ones I have manually milled out

[kalieracer]

For the most part receivers match the type of kit, so you have to figure out what kit you want to use. Best kits are the ones with the original barrels . I gave your a quick list of the best in order. Then once you pick on out you get the flat that matches the kit , caliber , stock style.

Russian
E. German
Bulgarian
Polish
Yugo
Romanian
Egyptian

Stock Styles

Fixed
Side folder
Underfolder

Calibers

7.62 x 39
7.62 x 51
5.56 x 45
5.45 x 39
8mm Yugo

Receiver Types -

AK - Milled - Mostly fixed stock
AKM - Stamped - Fixed, Side folder, underfolder
AK-74 Stamped - Fixed , Side folder
AK-100 series Stamped -Fixed , Side folder

[Bravodigger]

You should check out the gunsmithing/how-to section of this forum. It's a gold mine of information for building an AK.

IMO go with a kit that has a unique history. For example: you may be able to find an original Soviet AKM, or an Egyptian with Arabic markings. I was lucky enough to recently pick up an East German MPi-KM, to me it's a reminder of a communist country long gone to the natural desire for freedom.

Go find a kit, read up on what steps you need to take to prep for a build party, then sign up! Beware, I've yet to build mine and I hear its addicting! Probably wont be my last.

[ott1]

Russian
E. German
Bulgarian
Polish
Yugo
Romanian
Egyptian

Chinese.

[ChrisBrooklyn]

the egyptian kits ive seen online seem cool, i like the idea of the sandscrit and arabic markings.. def gotta do a bunch more research..

[AKSOG]

They egyptian kits are some of the lowest in quality as far as machining goes. I would much rather have one of the polish kits going around

[Yemff]

I wish there were 100s of kits to chose from

[hellayella]

Chinese, Bulgy, Polish, Yugo > Egyptian, Romy

[bigbob76]

They egyptian kits are some of the lowest in quality as far as machining goes. I would much rather have one of the polish kits going around

I will disagree with you about the Egyptian kits being lower in quality. Rougher machining yes, but as close as you can get to a Russian AK. Built on Russian equipment by Egyptians. The history of the equipment is interesting to me. Having said that I love Polish underfolders and Bulgarian 74s. As a matter of fact I will be posting an ad soon to trade Egyptian kits for some Bulgy 74s.

[Jayruta]

NO WAY! YOU CAN DO THIS! I NEED TO GET STARTED!

[dg29]

Most desirable kits, original barrels and matching numbers.