I read 69Mach1's tutorial....

[mike_the_wino]

...but I still have a bunch of noob questions. Who's up on building standard and underfolder AKs and doesn't mind me IM-ing them with an endless barrage of inane questions?

I guess I could just start throwing out random questions but the low quality of my questions might just lower everyone's IQ for having read them.

[760knox]

Any question gone unasked is a dumb question.

[Ub3rD0rk]

There is no such thing as a dumb question, just dumb people.

[mike_the_wino]

Okay, you asked for it....

1) I see Uranium238 is having problems with an underfolder and someone asked if he had a jig. He did not. Will the jig eliminate/ reduce alignment issues?

2) I was planning on getting all my parts together and maybe even do the standard build first and then the underfolder. I am under the impression that the underfolder is a bit trickier, or does it even matter?

3) Quick look at ak-builder.com shows a few barrels but not all drilled for the gas block. How hard is that to do? Would it be best to have a shop prep the barrel prior to a build? I think a shop down in the Ripon area does AK work but didn't googles for it yet.

4) For 922r compliance I was planning on a US flat, US barrel (chromelined), US FCG and US brake for the 6 parts but I am not sure if the underfolder will meet minimum length with a standard slant brake. Options?

5) Speaking of parts, is there a list of everything I need somewhere? I would hate to get rolling and find out I forgot one part. I did see the part about the extra dremel bits and drill bits. Plus, I think brake cleaner is important too. 2 can minimum.

Thanks,
mike

[CSACANNONEER]

Just use this thread and ask away. That way, you'll get different ideas/answers from different people. Hell, almost exactly 3 years ago, 69Mach1, myself and a lot of others didn't know anything about building AKs either. Then, there was the historic Thousand Oaks Build Parties were Toes would drop AK parts in my pool for fun. Well, 3 years later, we've all asked and/or heard almost every dumb question out there. So, don't be shy. It wasn't that long ago that most of us didn't know much about building AKs either.

[CSACANNONEER]

Okay, you asked for it....

1) I see Uranium238 is having problems with an underfolder and someone asked if he had a jig. He did not. Will the jig eliminate/ reduce alignment issues?

Haven't read that thread and don't know what kind of jig could help.

2) I was planning on getting all my parts together and maybe even do the standard build first and then the underfolder. I am under the impression that the underfolder is a bit trickier, or does it even matter?

Underfolders just have a more complicated stock to assemble but, that's it.

3) Quick look at ak-builder.com shows a few barrels but not all drilled for the gas block. How hard is that to do? Would it be best to have a shop prep the barrel prior to a build? I think a shop down in the Ripon area does AK work but didn't googles for it yet.

Drilling the gas port on an AK47 (not 74) is very simple to do. You do it AFTER the gas block is pressed into place.

4) For 922r compliance I was planning on a US flat, US barrel (chromelined), US FCG and US brake for the 6 parts but I am not sure if the underfolder will meet minimum length with a standard slant brake. Options?

First, please understand 922(r) a little better. There is no set number of US made parts that must be on an AK. There is only a set number of imported parts which can not be surpassed.

There are barrel extensions and extended muzzlebrakes that you can use. Don't be fooled into thinking that you will need a permanently attached extention though. As long as your barrel is over 16", barrel extentions do not have to be permanent to make a OAL of 30" to not be an AW in Ca.

5) Speaking of parts, is there a list of everything I need somewhere? I would hate to get rolling and find out I forgot one part. I did see the part about the extra dremel bits and drill bits. Plus, I think brake cleaner is important too. 2 can minimum.

Thanks,
mike

You can go back to my first build party thread where there should be a list of parts that you'll need and a basic idea of what toolos you should bring to a BP. However, each BP is different and each one may require slightly different tools and supplies to be brought.

[IntoForever]

It's not how many parts you add, is how many foreign parts you have left.

http://thegunwiki.com/Gunwiki/BuildAkVerifyCompliance

With the parts, make sure you don't forget the center support and it's rivet, FCG pins and retaining plate.

[caiman]

1) I see Uranium238 is having problems with an underfolder and someone asked if he had a jig. He did not. Will the jig eliminate/ reduce alignment issues?

The jig question was asked as the corners seemed to be rounder than normal. The corners will be round but a proper jig will reduce the radius.

2) I was planning on getting all my parts together and maybe even do the standard build first and then the underfolder. I am under the impression that the underfolder is a bit trickier, or does it even matter?

UF has a few more rivets in the rear. Front assembly is the same (yugo exempt). Really makes no difference... build either.

3) Quick look at ak-builder.com shows a few barrels but not all drilled for the gas block. How hard is that to do? Would it be best to have a shop prep the barrel prior to a build? I think a shop down in the Ripon area does AK work but didn't googles for it yet.

I would not recommend a new builder doing a barrel population until you become familiar with how the parts fit. Have it outsourced or have someone who is familiar with the platform assist you. Parts are pinned in place and require drilling for those pins.

4) For 922r compliance I was planning on a US flat, US barrel (chromelined), US FCG and US brake for the 6 parts but I am not sure if the underfolder will meet minimum length with a standard slant brake. Options?

Alot of UF are fixed so they do not fold to comply with length. 69Mach1 has a tutorial on the subject. Otherwise, some folks put on long muzzle breaks. 922r issues - refer to IntoForever's link.

5) Speaking of parts, is there a list of everything I need somewhere? I would hate to get rolling and find out I forgot one part. I did see the part about the extra dremel bits and drill bits. Plus, I think brake cleaner is important too. 2 can minimum.

Once you identify what model UF or Fixed you want to build or, come back and inquire and do look at CSA link.

[mike_the_wino]

Wow, that was quick. I came back to edit my post to include which kits I have.

Sorry about the 922r misstatement. I want to keep the kits as close to 'original' as possible.

I have this Polish UF kit from Atlantic:

https://www.atlanticfirearms.com/storeproduct1109.aspx

And I bought an Arsenal marked kit (country?) at the same time but those are now sold out.

I did see the bit about fixing the folder but wants the point of having it if its fixed? I have always kicked myself for not buying one when I had the chance so I figured I would build one. Does a 16" barrel guarantee an overall length of 30"+ with a slant brake?

Armed with that info, it's time to shop!

[caiman]

Does a 16" barrel guarantee an overall length of 30"+ with a slant brake?

No it does not, and is the only reason why some choose to fix the stock in the open position. Add the length of the receiver to the 16" and you are still lacking in overall length. The open stock satisfies the remaining inches. Otherwise, get a long muzzle break, but you may not be happy with that look.

ETA - since you have a Polish UF, you'll also want to get the reinforcement plate.

http://ak-builder.com/index.php?dispatch=products.view&product_id=29834

[4thSBCT]

If you read his tutorial, and AK plated in gold would've dropped from the sky and landed perfect in your hands

[tujungatoes]

I've often thought about having one of my ak's gold plated. It would go really well with my pimp hat.

[baih777]

Because it has a stock. It must meet the OAL of 30 inches.
i built a side folder AMD65 side folder and had to weld the stock. Bummed
is it 30 or 26 ??

[kcstott]

Federal minimum length for a rifle is 26" with stock collapsed.
California AW law is 30" collapsed and that's 30" regardless of other features Including a Bullet button. If your rifle is not 30" in length it is an AW as it sits.
Or if the rifle can be made to not fire when the stock is collapsed it is good to go. I believe they allowed that for pack rifles and take downs

[mike_the_wino]

Otherwise, get a long muzzle break, but you may not be happy with that look.

I am okay with that look, it ain't the best but I will give it a try.

Thanks for the tip on the reinforcing plate.