First time AK builder has ?s

[KaemosFiveZero]

I am a prospective first time AK builder. I figure Instead of buying an AK, I have a feeling I'll value it more if I build it myself. I don't currently have the funds to build it, so any building parties or whatnot for then next couple months are unfortunately a no-go for me. I'm just trying to get a feel for what tools, parts, and expertise I would need.

So, here are some of my points/questions/concerns/etc.

1. I am looking at building a receiver bending break similar to this one I know it uses a 16" bending brake from harbor freight, but I don't really have an idea of what other materials he used to support it. Does anyone have the original one made by these guys and is willing to comment on it's quality and building composition?

2. I am curious on whether I should buy individual parts, since I am planning on buying separate furniture, or if I should buy a parts kit for compatibility's sake and just toss/sell the wood/poly furniture it comes with.
-2a I am also curious on If I decide on a parts kit, I should buy a parts kit with a barrel, or just buy another barrel, and drill out the gas port myself.

3. I'm curious about what receiver flat type I should get, I'm told and I've read Bulg/Romanian are the best choices.

Just some extra comments here, I am looking for a fun cheap plinker so I don't really care about the long term durability of a chromed barrel if it's above my price point, I'll just nab a cheap steel one for like 60-80 dollars. It also might be a close range deer/hog gun if I get bored with my hunting rifles, so I want it to be in 7.62x39 for sure.

If anyone has any links to tutorials/information, any and all is welcome.

Thanks a lot guys,
KFZ, Alex Pawelczyk

[tujungatoes]

69Mach1 has a build party tutorial stickied right here in the gunsmithing section. It'll give you a good Idea what's involved.

[Trendkill]

69Mach1 has a build party tutorial stickied right here in the gunsmithing section. It'll give you a good Idea what's involved.

Yes....this.

[KaemosFiveZero]

Thanks guys, I don't know how I passed that one up.

Although, I'm still curious on which flat/parts kit I should go with. I've been looking at the AMD 65 kit on AK builder and I'm curious on what receivers it could be compatible with, and if I could swap the folder trunion off it and toss on a fixed stock trunion.

Also still interested in any info regarding to the bending brake jig shown in that youtube video.

[straykiller]

the flat you use really depends on the kind of parts kit you are building, since it is your first ak i would recommend buying kit that already has the barrel populated and head spaced or buy a kit with a matching original barrel. my next recommendation would be to either find someone in your area with the necessary tools to complete the build and have him help you or attend a build party thats close by. or do it like i did it when i first started and buy all the tools you need in one shot lol. it will happen eventually so might as well do it sooner than later if you can.

also if you need help finding a parts kit feel free to look at my website, i have a list of 28 sites that sell parts kits and about 21 of those i have lists that auto update what parts kits they have for sale every 6 hours. check it out i made it to help out ak builders like us. just click the parts kit button on the right of the page.

https://www.ClassifiedWeapons.com

[straykiller]

Thanks guys, I don't know how I passed that one up.

Although, I'm still curious on which flat/parts kit I should go with. I've been looking at the AMD 65 kit on AK builder and I'm curious on what receivers it could be compatible with, and if I could swap the folder trunion off it and toss on a fixed stock trunion.

Also still interested in any info regarding to the bending brake jig shown in that youtube video.

if you want it to be a fixed stock i believe you could use just a normal Standard AK47 Fixed Stock flat and replace the rear trunnion.

[KaemosFiveZero]

-snip-
also if you need help finding a parts kit feel free to look at my website, i have a list of 28 sites that sell parts kits and about 21 of those i have lists that auto update what parts kits they have for sale every 6 hours. check it out i made it to help out ak builders like us. just click the parts kit button on the right of the page.

www.ClassifiedWeapons.com

Thanks tons for this man, I'm gonna bookmark this asap.

Not to have you do all the work for me, but if I wanted a somewhat decent quality barreled fixed stock kit in 7.62, what would you recommend for a builder on a budget?

[straykiller]

Thanks tons for this man, I'm gonna bookmark this asap.

Not to have you do all the work for me, but if I wanted a somewhat decent quality barreled fixed stock kit in 7.62, what would you recommend for a builder on a budget?

no problem,

most kits that have the original barrel will be around or over $300
the same goes for part kits that have had a new barrel installed and head spaced already

let me look around a bit and see if theres anything better than around that price and ill get back to you.

**EDIT**
found one on gun broker at a cheeper price for the moment but I am sure it will go up fast in the last few seconds but it might be worth trying to pick up if it stays low.

http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.aspx?Item=275670769

also keep a look out on the classified section her on calguns, sometimes you can find a nice kit for a good price there as well.
and if you decide you want to buy a barrel-less kit and populate and headspace it yourself you can find good barrels at Armsofamerica.com if you didn't already know

[KaemosFiveZero]

Hey OP, where are you located? Maybe we van get you to save on them jigs and tools by getting you into one of the build parties..

Other stiff might be good too buy stick with AK builder jigs and flats. They are true and tried.

Sacramento area, but the main reason I'm not trying to get myself dedicated to a specific build party is the fact employment is so rough for me right now. I can't find **** for work and I can't guarantee I'd have all the parts needed for the AK by the time the party rolls around. I'd love to come to a party though if I can find a job early enough this month.

[KaemosFiveZero]

no problem,

most kits that have the original barrel will be around or over $300
the same goes for part kits that have had a new barrel installed and head spaced already

let me look around a bit and see if theres anything better than around that price and ill get back to you.

Thanks stray, I appreciate it.

I'm pretty new to firearms in general. I've fired weapons since I was little, but none of my immediate family ever owned one around the house till I bought my first mosin last year. I love the technical aspect of them and I'm incredibly excited to learn more about them, but the downside is they are pretty pricey.

So forgive me if I seem incredibly noobish. But everyone has to start somewhere I suppose.

[KaemosFiveZero]

I suggest, get the kit and plan on attending a party. You will learn all the knowledge, save on tools and not mess up. I have seen people over drilling just a bit and the whole thing goes kaput!

Also keep in mind that parties come up 2 or 3 times a year at the least. So dont be in too much rush and get it correct.

Alright, thanks man. On the list immediately after my financial woes, my worries drift towards the fear I might end up buying a POS kit or the wrong flat and end up not being able to piece together the AK at the party. That's one of my other reasons I'm asking these questions. I have had no experience whatsoever with AKs. Held one once when I was 12 or so. After that, nothing unfortunately. I know how the operate, but I don't know much pertaining to models, and compatibilities between the parts.

[straykiller]

Thanks stray, I appreciate it.

I'm pretty new to firearms in general. I've fired weapons since I was little, but none of my immediate family ever owned one around the house till I bought my first mosin last year. I love the technical aspect of them and I'm incredibly excited to learn more about them, but the downside is they are pretty pricey.

So forgive me if I seem incredibly noobish. But everyone has to start somewhere I suppose.

Sacramento area, but the main reason I'm not trying to get myself dedicated to a specific build party is the fact employment is so rough for me right now. I can't find **** for work and I can't guarantee I'd have all the parts needed for the AK by the time the party rolls around. I'd love to come to a party though if I can find a job early enough this month.

they are pricey for sure and this first build will just pull you into an very fun but expensive habit lol. Don't let that scare you away though its worth it haha. dont worry you don't sound noobish you sound like a guy who wants to learn and get into this great hobby and theres nothing wrong with that. Also there are calgunners everywhere you might be able to find one close to you in the Sac area with the tools and knowledge thats willing to help you out. if not, if you could somehow swing it so you should attend a build party when you can, you would enjoy it. not only will you meet some cool people that share your same interests you'll be surrounded by knowledgeable people who can answer any of your questions.

also if you didn't see it already i updated my post above to a link of a parts kit at auction on gunbroker.

[KaemosFiveZero]

they are pricey for sure and this first build will just pull you into an very fun but expensive habit lol. Don't let that scare you away though its worth it haha. dont worry you don't sound noobish you sound like a guy who wants to learn and get into this great hobby and theres nothing wrong with that. Also there are calgunners everywhere you might be able to find one close to you in the Sac area with the tools and knowledge thats willing to help you out. if not, if you could somehow swing it so you should attend a build party when you can, you would enjoy it. not only will you meet some cool people that share your same interests you'll be surrounded by knowledgeable people who can answer any of your questions.

also if you didn't see it already i updated my post above to a link of a parts kit at auction on gunbroker.

Thanks man, I appreciate all the help. And I have no doubt on how worth it the hobby will be =D.

Anyways, at least I know what to look for now. I had no clue I could find deals like that. I had only browsed gunbroker a couple times in the past. I hadn't thought of looking there for a kit yet. I'll also keep an eye on your site.

[nicoroshi]

Humble suggestion
Romanian 'G' kit from what a country.
Wait until you have the parts required then attend a BP. Its still the least expensive, and greatest advantage option for a new builder.
Have fun with your new addiction

[Alex$]

Build party is your best option. The bending brake method requires that you modify the press plate for the dimples in the magazine well and the magazine notch. An 18" brake from HF will work just barely, they are using a 30" in the video. You will also have to trim the press plate to fit inside the bent receiver or make one to fit.

I modified a brake and bent several receivers with it, I have moved on to a grasshopper type jig.