Build off Flat or NDS-3?

[nrakid88]

Should I build off of a Tapco flat or an NDS-3 receiver? Its for a RomyG build. I am thinking the NDS would be much stronger and more long lived, and I want to do this build right, So I am thinking the extra money for the receiver and transfer would be worth it... Plus I have heard building from a flat for your first time is a bad idea... Anyone think i should go with a flat build instead of the NDS?

[blackberg]

if its your first one, build it off the NDS, much easier, much smoother proccess, much cleaner, you will be happier in the end.

yes you will save some money if you go with the flat, if you dont mess up 1 or 2, and there will be no record of it officially, but for your first build I would not recommend it.

-bb

[JamesY]

I'd go with the NDS. Much easier and the extra costs are worth it. You'll save a full day of building (how much is your time worth?) and can get the kit fully built in one day.

[tlillard23]

flat? NO!!!

get the NDS. and make sure you use a double hook trigger.

[HotRails]

Ok, I will say that with a flat (and use an AK builder flat if you do this NOT Tapco), you definately get the full "build experience" You will learn alot too. As careful as I tried to be, I still made enough mistakes over the course of two days to make the final product not as nice as it would have been had it been an NDS-3. I believe that mysteriously, my final reciever was slightly bent and I really don't know the effect that will have on the accuracy and durability. Having said that, it all depends on your objectives for the build. Sounds like an NDS-3 is your best bet...but...I sure learned alot from building from a flat!! (my next one will probably be alot better)

[Jpach]

Go flat, thats the only smart way to go

[domokun]

Ok, I will say that with a flat (and use an AK builder flat if you do this NOT Tapco), you definately get the full "build experience" You will learn alot too. As careful as I tried to be, I still made enough mistakes over the course of two days to make the final product not as nice as it would have been had it been an NDS-3. I believe that mysteriously, my final reciever was slightly bent and I really don't know the effect that will have on the accuracy and durability. Having said that, it all depends on your objectives for the build. Sounds like an NDS-3 is your best bet...but...I sure learned alot from building from a flat!! (my next one will probably be alot better)

+1 on this. Avoid the Crapo Tapco flats and rivets. You'll get a marginal result to your liking. Either invest in some AKBuilder flats and rivets for a flat build or build off the NDS-3. Both options will yield better results to your liking than building off a Tapco flat.

[tujungatoes]

Definetly go with an NDS3 for a first build. IMO the only reasons to build from a flat are

A: You've built others and just want to give it a shot.(thats what I did)
B: You want to build a pistol.
C: You want no paperwork linking you to that rifle so "THEY" won't be looking for it.

[nrakid88]

Okay. I already have some tapco rivets... should I look for some better ones as well?

[tujungatoes]

go to ak-builder.com for rivets.

Tapco rivets = dookie

[submaniac]

Tapco rivets = dookie

+1. Discovered at the Thousand Oaks Build Party that the Tapco rivets are crap. They sent swell rivets for the Yugo underfolder kit when they should be non-swell rivets.

[Wyseguy]

+1. Discovered at the Thousand Oaks Build Party that the Tapco rivets are crap. They sent swell rivets for the Yugo underfolder kit when they should be non-swell rivets.

Oh yeah, I remember you were looking for the non-swell rivets for a long time, LOL

[hybridatsun350]

NDS-3 for sure. It will save you a lot of time, and you're guaranteed to have a properly heat treated, in-spec receiver when you're done.

[Jpach]

Dont listen to them, go flat. Why would you want a perfectly good heat treated ready-to-go receiver when you could have one that you may mess up on and need several more so that the grand total either equates or exceeds what an NDS-3 costs and is not as strong or pretty? Wait a sec...

[CSACANNONEER]

NDS-3 is easier if they ever catch up with their backorders! I'm still waiting for the NDS-3s that I ordered 6 weeks before the BP and they said that they were in stock when I ordered them.