Ak... first time build

[gunslinger001]

I want to assemble my own AK (CA legal of course) starting with a bare receiver. I was told that I needed at least a press to assemble parts. This is a project that I have been considering for some time now and I would appreciate any info or direction in the matter. thanks in advance. jesse

[rssslvr]

you will need more than just a press.You need

Drill Press
min. 12 ton press
good drill bits
rivet jig
trigger guard rivet jig
barrel press kit
head space guages
something to grind down the old rivets on the kit like a bench grinder or dremil tool
A hammer and punch set

You could do without some of these things but it makes the job much easier if you do have them all

[grammaton76]

If you go with the screw build method, you won't need a press.

That having been said, I do not advise the screw build method. As a rivet guy, I've actually had a fair number of folks come to me when their screws start backing out, asking for rivets to replace them.

One option would be to contact one of the guys on here who does builds, and have him either let you use his gear, or build it while you watch.

[savageevo]

first this is get the right reciever. Most likely a nds-3. Coldwarshooters.com has them for 80 sum bucks. then you need to get a parts kit, again most likely a romanian kit. go to the del mar show this weekend and go to coldwarshooters booth. Gramatron will be there to sell you a romanian kit. and hopefully a us made trigger group and us made pistol grip and a monstorman grip and adaptor. if they don't have those parts contact copesdist.com they have all those parts except the reciever. those should be enough parts for you to get started. once you have all those. pm me or gramatron and we could set you up on getting your kit put together. good luck

[MustangO4]

It CAN be done without a press, I've done it. (If you bought a reciever that is) The only "specialty" tool you need is some sort of thing to squish the rivets. The cheapest way I've found is with the modified $20 bolt cutters. (get a 24" one). Otherwise all you need is hammers, punches (and a penny), drill (press best, but can be done with a cordless) Dremelish thing. Do some searches and work your Google-fu and you'll find a lot of "shade tree" techniques. There was a great article in Shotgun News last year that described this in some detail. It's what got me motivated to take the plunge.