Virgin barrel question

[Kingz]

My buddy and I will be going to a build party (yea). We have rommy kits with virgin barrels (from ak-builder)
Should we try to build and headspace the barrels before we come or do we really risk messing something up. This will be our first build. I have seen lots of threads showing how to install/headspace the barrel and am thinking of using the allthread method. My concerns are lining everything up, and of course headspacing. I don't have a gauge and would use dummy/live rounds.
Any advice out there? Thanks.

[Arisaka]

You're going to want to use headspace gauges. You should probably wait until the build party because you are going to want to install your barrel after your reciever is built and front trunnion installed. I dont think it makes sense to install barrel prior to the build...

[858casper858]

Send it out to turbothis and have it done correctly, I think you'll have more fun at the build party if the barrel is already populated and headspaced. http://mygunsnorthwest.com/

[louscamaro91]

I have noticed the the US barrels need about 30-45 mins of extra prep.
None of the handguard retainers lined up, so hand filing was needed.
Some of the specs were off on others and some not.
On the out of spec barrels, the rear sight base and gas block were not tight.
I had to use a pipe cutter to kind of knurl the barrel for those parts to fit snug.

I don't mind the extra prep work.. All in all on the four kits I built this weeks I saved about $200 by using US barrels.. I'm going to buy some more kits with that saved money!!

[SamsDX]

Unless you got something unusual, AK-Builder's kits that come with U.S. barrels are already headspaced and populated with the front sight block, rear sight block, gas block, and handguard retainer. I think the only barrel-less kit he's offered in the recent past is the AMD. So, I think you guys are all ready to go for the BP (don't forget rivets, center support, 922(r) parts, and the RSA retainer plate).

[SJgunguy24]

My buddy and I will be going to a build party (yea). We have rommy kits with virgin barrels (from ak-builder)
Should we try to build and headspace the barrels before we come or do we really risk messing something up. This will be our first build. I have seen lots of threads showing how to install/headspace the barrel and am thinking of using the allthread method. My concerns are lining everything up, and of course headspacing. I don't have a gauge and would use dummy/live rounds.
Any advice out there? Thanks.

Measure that barrel with accurate caliper that measures into the thousands of an inch. measure all of your parts and anything more then .004 will be a problem. You need a no go gauge at the minimum to be safe. Does that barrel have the extractor cuts? When you say "virgin" barrel, that means many different things to different builders.
I've seen "virgin" barrels that have all of the cuts made but no port drilled, all the way to a rough cut blank with a chamber that needed to be reamed.

[Kingz]

Ok, let me elaborate.
The barrels are from AK-Builder, gas ported, and extractor cut, handguard slots cut but not headspaced or any other pins drilled. The kits themselves were from Apex. We also have new three piece triggers (US), the rivets, center support, and muzzle brakes(US). The trigger groups are Tapco G2 Single Hook US Made Trigger Group, do we need a RSA retainer plate with that trigger?

Like I posted before I was thinking of populating/headspace the barrel. I was hoping to save some time to be sure we could finish the rifles. But if there is a chance of a major mistake or possible problems I would much rather do it all at the BP. With matching barrels being hard to find now I'm thinking installing new barrels on kits will become more common.

While sending the barrel and parts out to be built is a sure way, I would sure prefer to do it myself with knowledgeable people assisting. Hey, I'm REALLY looking forward to building one from parts. (Hell, I just put a locker in a 4x4 differential, and it works!)
I will measure the parts though, If we need a pipe cutter we can bring one along.
Thanks for all the input. I do want to do this right.

[bodiebill]

Knurling tool

You might want to have a knurling tool handy for any loose fitting barrel items.

[Roccobro]

You wont need a pipe cutter at my party. If you come Friday we can do all the barrel work. Calling the Friday pre-party Virgin Friday just doesn't sound right.

But it will take quite a bit longer than 45 minutes to measure, set headspace, drill barrel pin, rram to final size, install accessories, pin them and make sure its all is in alignment. Almost every ESS/Copes barrel project has at least one journal too small. Some have been ALL journals too small. Never had a single problem with AofA barrels in about a dozen builds so far though. Go figure.

Justin

[louscamaro91]

I should have been more clear. It took an extra 45 mins on top of headspacing, drilling and etc.. Post a link to the AofA barrels please

[SJgunguy24]

OP, location could help us direct you to somebody or a place near by to do that work for you.

[Roccobro]

I should have been more clear. It took an extra 45 mins on top of headspacing, drilling and etc.. Post a link to the AofA barrels please

Thanks for the clarification.

Arms of America

Justin