A tutorial for AK build parties.

[troberge]

Parts kit should be here in a few hours, flat ordered (with yummy G2 double hook trigger and other goodies) from AK Builders. Obsession! This is worse than waiting for Christmas when I was a kid.

[troberge]

After giving up waiting on a BP, I scheduled a one-on-one build with 69Mach1 and Wayne at their shop in Upland. Headed out this morning and spent 4+ hours with two extremely knowledgeable AK builders. I wanted to give a huge shout-out to Tom and Wayne for their help in building my first AK-74 from a Bulgarian kit. They also riveted a side plate for my scope mount, and of course we did that icky little mag lock thingie that the idiots in Sacto dictate that we have. The parkerizing on this beast turned out freaking awesome, dark grey. With their expertise, this AK came out perfectly aligned, tight and with no rattles.

The cost was a bit more than a BP, but the one-on-one tutorial was completely worth it. Great Job!

[troberge]

BUMP?

[boraicho]

Hello everyone, I am looking for a build party or someone who can help me with welding the rails on my receiver. I did my barrel, put everything on it and headspaced it. I bent my receiver and did the front trunion rivets. Now I am stuck at the rails.

[onefortheroad]

I just decided I want to build a ak after putting together my ar Lego kit a few months ago. Thanks for all the info you provided. I need to go back and reread and start tracking down all the parts I'll need. It was a lot of info to retain with just one read.
I have a lot of the tools mentioned at my shop but think I'm missing a few things I'll need. Like I said I need to read again but thanks for the detailed info.

[Twinkies]

thanks for the great instructions 69Mach1!
I tried the method of using a 1/4" bit to countersink the holes for the neck swell rivets for my first couple builds, but since then Ive had much better success with hammering in a drywall screw (tapered) to dimple for the neck swells. Comes out much cleaner and you're not removing material this way. Thought it was worth mentioning.

[chabe01]

just wondering if there is any build parties here in san jose? i mean i already have an AK but i just want to build one from scratch just like when i built my AR15 i have more sentimental value for it than the one i bought from DPMS..

[aaronarce]

Does anyone know of any ak bp in the oc area? And I'm new to this, where do I buy the parts kit

[Pheckphul]

What length of drill bits?

The photo on the first page shows a short-length drill bit. Is this the length we should buy? Or Jobber length?

[super80]

Hello everyone new here! This is just what i was looking for, thanks!
building a ak 74> quick question for 922 r trigger options? will the g2 ak47 trigger work for my build? thanks.

[Alex$]

Yes

[bzbaeren]

I am curious saw some traffic that makes it look like there are no more build parties and there is some legal issues maybe. Just curious I am not LEO this is not a trick question just new here. thanks

[MikeWilliamson]

ATF is disputing one mfr's definition of "not a firearm" after ruling so. They claim a change in production method, the mfr states this is not so.

ATF has pursued a CA shop that sells parts and services, including 80% (incomplete) receivers and equipment rentals. ATF has seized related products and customer records.

All other builds proceed at this time, and home building remains legal per US law, Title 18, USC. All that has changed is ATF's interpretation of ONE PARTICULAR base product.

The courts will sort out the details.

If you have a Polymer 80 lower, and there is a sales record back to you, you may wish to dispose of it, sell it, await ATF instructions on if you should do the above or run it through an FFL, or consult an attorney. I am not a lawyer, but I'd hold off on any decision. You can always destroy it/sell it/have it transferred later.

[MikeWilliamson]

Keep in mind when reading articles that "80% receiver" is a marketing term with no legal definition. An item is either a "firearm" subject to ATF jurisdiction, or "not a firearm" and not subject to ATF jurisdiction. It's as valid to call one 90%, 50%, 79.9%, or Uncle George.

[goober]

I am curious saw some traffic that makes it look like there are no more build parties and there is some legal issues maybe. Just curious I am not LEO this is not a trick question just new here. thanks

the ak build parties discussed in this and other threads, and the CNC machine shop AR15 "build parties" that you refer to are two completely different animals. it is the latter for-profit business ventures (which bear no resemblance to the former) that the ATF has been scrutinizing and cracking down on.
folks coming together to share expertise and tools and do manual work on their projects together in a completely grassroots, non-profit setting are well within the confines of the law regarding personal firearm building.