AK flats

[SJgunguy24]

To build your own receiver, YOU have to do the work, not a shop. Besides, if a shop is going to make a receiver, they need to be a licensed firearms manufacturer!

The shop would cut the receiver and blow out the holes in the flat with the laser. I think the computer will do a better job of making every flat exactly the same. Then I can use a press brake or a leaf brake or make a jig and do it that way. I know the rules.

[JeffM]

This is so funny. As soon as I read tis thread, I knew you were gonna post this . Seems you have inherited Fedup's legacy.

He taught me everything I know about AK building.

have to say that these kind of posts are pretty annoying... the OP didn't ask if he should try bending a flat, or whether it was easy, or if he should just buy a 100% receiver instead...
he asked a question about which flat he should buy.
this response does nothing to answer the question...

1. Sometimes people don't ask the right questions. The answer I gave may not have not fit the question exactly, but it is the right answer.

2. There are soooooo many posts like this, I don't think they need to be answered with any length. The information is out there. I just summed it up.

3. Flat building is not something that a first time builder should attempt. The OP said that it would be his first build, so he obviously wanted advice to suite his skill level. 100% is the way to go for a fist build. With a flat, there is a high likelihood of failure.

[JeffM]

The shop would cut the receiver and blow out the holes in the flat with the laser. I think the computer will do a better job of making every flat exactly the same. Then I can use a press brake or a leaf brake or make a jig and do it that way. I know the rules.

There is no set standard for non-gun AK flats. Each manufacturer has to decide how far they are willing to go in the process before they reach a level the BATFE are uncomfortable with. AK-Builder flats, IMHO, are the best and most complete flats out there. They still require a lot of work to make right, including reaming the holes that are pre-cut.

The issue with AKs is that every parts kit is different. There is a good reason why the "premium" NDS receivers don't have the trunnion holes pre-drilled/cut. There is a good amount of fitting required.

[B.D.Dubloon]

I gotta disagree with people saying that you shouldn't bend a flat for your first one. Bending the flat is way easy if you have a press, jig and a welder to attach the rails. I still haven't finished riveting mine up and might need a bit of help getting the guts in it, but getting a serviceable receiver bent is not hard. Thanks to Scott for the help and guidance.

BDD

[SJgunguy24]

There is no set standard for non-gun AK flats. Each manufacturer has to decide how far they are willing to go in the process before they reach a level the BATFE are uncomfortable with. AK-Builder flats, IMHO, are the best and most complete flats out there. They still require a lot of work to make right, including reaming the holes that are pre-cut.

The issue with AKs is that every parts kit is different. There is a good reason why the "premium" NDS receivers don't have the trunnion holes pre-drilled/cut. There is a good amount of fitting required.

Ya know someone told me that exact thing a few weeks ago.At a gunshow.

[hawk81]

copes distributing.

[goober]

He taught me everything I know about AK building.



1. Sometimes people don't ask the right questions. The answer I gave may not have not fit the question exactly, but it is the right answer.

I agree that at times the question might be better formed....
However, I disagree with your judgement in this case on what the "right question" was or whether you gave the "right answer".

2. There are soooooo many posts like this, I don't think they need to be answered with any length. The information is out there. I just summed it up.

You summed up nothing. You told the OP that he shouldn't try to bend a flat for his first build. If you don't think the post should be answered at any length then how about just not answering it?

3. Flat building is not something that a first time builder should attempt. The OP said that it would be his first build, so he obviously wanted advice to suite his skill level. 100% is the way to go for a fist build. With a flat, there is a high likelihood of failure.

Sorry, but that's crap. Flat bending is not some arcane art that only the anointed should attempt. It's not child's play, but it is totally doable for the first-time builder. I know dozens of people that have done it successfully on their first try. I also know those who have screwed up their first attempts, but at $35 or less for a flat, big deal if it takes a couple tries...
Personally I think building an AK from a flat and parts kit is easier in many ways than building an AR from a n 80% receiver... And many folks succeed with that build on their first try as well.
Hey- I'm not out for a fight here... I don't want to argue with anyone. But I think that aspiring builders need encouragement and realistic guidance, not to be told that it's too hard and they shouldn't even try. Obviously some things are beyond the grasp of the amateur gunsmith. But IMO AK flat builds are not one of those things.

[JeffM]

Sorry, but that's crap...

Not looking to pick any sort of fight either. I just give the best advice I can. And my advice usually comes from experience. From my experience-biased point of view, flat builds are not for the beginner. If you have honestly encountered "dozens" of people who have done it on their first try, then my hat is off to that very large group of exceptions. If you mean that you have read dozens of success stories on the internet, well it is the internet after all. Most people would not admit to failure, and a few dozen success stories is a small sample group compared to how many people attempt it.

Most "first time builders" that I have run into have never touched a piece of sheet metal, operated a drill press, or even know how to use a hand file properly.

If a person has their heart bent on learning to build an AK, they should start on a 100% receiver.

[wayoutwest]

I didnt read all the other posts, but flats are pretty cheap, order a couple from several vendors and thy them all, that way you will allow for some mistakes.

Also consider a receiver blank from coldsteel, it is already folded but you are then required to locate and drill all holes, openings,and fit and weld rails, a much less expensive way to go about making a receiver.

My first 3 receivers were from blanks with only a hand drill and a dremmel, then folded some more and then bought the rest.

[goober]

I just give the best advice I can. And my advice usually comes from experience.

fair enough, me too. i guess we have differing advice to offer due to differing experiences.... and that's a good thing. you know, diversity 'n all that...
cheers!