US made AK74 Barrels.

[ElectronWrangler]

So what is the deal with US made AK74 barrels? Why are they to be avoided?
I've seen some good deals on Bulgarian kits lately with US made barrels, one populated ready to build and one with extractor cut, handguard retainer cut, and gas block drilled. Is there a reason to avoid these barrels like the plague?
EW

[valleyrat]

Leaving out the 545/556 bore issue...

The quality of the barrels I have received with 74 kits has been questionable in the past. Poorly cut and often shallow rifling, and one with lack of rifling all together (No kidding lol). Also, I have read reports of throat erosion occurring after 2K rounds or so on some of the non chrome lined USA barrels. Better to stick with the chrome lined original euro barrels if you can find them. My 2c.

[nick]

A lot of them were also not chrome-lined. However, Green Mountain, for example, used to make pretty good (if pricey) AK barrels. Arms of America has pretty good barrels, as well. I got two from them, they worked out pretty well so far. I'm buying two more and some more in the future.

It all depends on who the manufacturer is, same as with everything else.

Oh, and while I don't know how good Lancaster barrels are, as I've never actually received them, I'd stay away from Lancaster in general, even though they advertise chrome-lined barrels. The customer service sucks, and that's when you actually receive the order after paying for it.

[ElectronWrangler]

Ok,
Did a little bit of searching and found this, so looks like a no go, that special at Apex was looking mighty sweet.
EW

http://www.armsofamerica.com/partskits.html

http://www.theakforum.net/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?f=124&t=136188

http://www.theakforum.net/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?f=124&t=134307

http://www.theakforum.net/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?f=6&t=136189

[bigthaiboy]

Ok,
Did a little bit of searching and found this, so looks like a no go, that special at Apex was looking mighty sweet.
EW

http://www.armsofamerica.com/partskits.html

http://www.theakforum.net/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?f=124&t=136188

http://www.theakforum.net/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?f=124&t=134307

http://www.theakforum.net/phpBB3/vie...p?f=6&t=136189

You didn't see this thread then on the AK Forum: http://www.theakforum.net/phpBB3/vie...f=102&t=136187

Turns out these barrels are non-chromed lined, and are the same 5.45x39 barrels used by Century. Remember the Century Tantal 5.45mm barrels which had all the problems with keyholing? So make sure the ID of these barrels are .222 . The keyholing barrels had an ID of .224

[E-120]

Anyone remember who had the 300 dollar 74 parts kits?

[Roccobro]

Copes has 74 with no barrel for $179. $100 more for barrel.

http://www.calguns.net/calgunforum/showpost.php?p=4725304&postcount=286

Justin

[Chatterbox]

On the other hand, the current iteration of Century AK-74s (sold by CFS as of now) seems to be getting good reviews as far as accuracy goes.

[E-120]

Thanks