I've done a search for any AK build threads in this forum, and came up empty. So, here it is...
Motiviated by the looming prospect of H.R. 1022, 8 years of Obama, and future MA bans, I've finally started down the road of assembling the AKM (sorry, I mean, "Mass-compliant Kalashikov-style semi-automatic sporting rifle") kits that I've accumulated over recent years.
So far, I've bent some flats, and will be visiting a buddy next week to avail myself of his spot welder & tack on the rails. After that, I'll start into the process of drilling out the trunnions and trigger guard, drilling the receiver holes, riveting & screwing the receiver to the trunnions, and cobbling the rest of the parts into a hybrid US/Romanian frankenrifle. The first build will be a combination of rivets and u-drive screws (as I don't want to bother with pressing out the barrel pin and barrel right now). I'll probably try parkerizing the end result, which should give it a suitably ugly finish
How about y'all -- anyone completed any AK builds and have advice for a newbie like me? Or anyone else in the same boat -- you have kits but never got started assembling them?
While I don't have access to all the necessary gear for a proper build party (I'm lacking a spot welder and a drill press or milling machine), I do have a shop press and bending jig for stamping AKM receivers... if anyone is in the area & needs help getting started with their flats, I'll be glad to give you a hand.
Happy building!
Chris
Motiviated by the looming prospect of H.R. 1022, 8 years of Obama, and future MA bans, I've finally started down the road of assembling the AKM (sorry, I mean, "Mass-compliant Kalashikov-style semi-automatic sporting rifle") kits that I've accumulated over recent years.
So far, I've bent some flats, and will be visiting a buddy next week to avail myself of his spot welder & tack on the rails. After that, I'll start into the process of drilling out the trunnions and trigger guard, drilling the receiver holes, riveting & screwing the receiver to the trunnions, and cobbling the rest of the parts into a hybrid US/Romanian frankenrifle. The first build will be a combination of rivets and u-drive screws (as I don't want to bother with pressing out the barrel pin and barrel right now). I'll probably try parkerizing the end result, which should give it a suitably ugly finish
How about y'all -- anyone completed any AK builds and have advice for a newbie like me? Or anyone else in the same boat -- you have kits but never got started assembling them?
While I don't have access to all the necessary gear for a proper build party (I'm lacking a spot welder and a drill press or milling machine), I do have a shop press and bending jig for stamping AKM receivers... if anyone is in the area & needs help getting started with their flats, I'll be glad to give you a hand.
Happy building!
Chris