headednorth
NES Member
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- Apr 9, 2012
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Ive been thinking for a while now of attempting an AK build, been watching vids, reading, etc. Started looking at parts kits, barrels, jigs and Im trying to get a handle on all the variations.
From what I understand, underfolders, sidefolders and fixed stock receivers will have differences due to the need of the folding mechanism. Aside from that, how interchangable are these parts kit, receiver, barrel, jig combinations? I recall seeing a jig that stated it would work for Polish receivers. Does that mean it wont work for a Bulgarian or some other type? Ive seen Polish barrels listed as 1970 and 1975. Does this make a difference which receiver they can be installed in? Am I making too much of this? Im just trying to avoid buying a bunch of stuff and finding out I have the wrong barrel or the parts kit is incompatible with the receiver or whatever.
Im looking to build a fixed stock AK starting with an 80% receiver. I dont really have a preference for one country of origin vs another or even know if there's any real difference. Im handy and I'd say mechanically inclined even though I have no actual machine shop experience. The process looks like something I'd enjoy doing. Not looking to save a buck as it seems that the price of the kit and barrel is about the same as an entry level finished rifle.
So, can I just pick up any fixed stock receiver and any fixed stock parts kit (as long as I dont end up with a bulged trunnion one and not the other) and a barrel in the matching caliber and go to work? Are the jigs pretty much universal? Ive got a bunch of questions and Im still reading up but the variety of parts is confusing to be honest. Maybe Im making it harder than it is.
From what I understand, underfolders, sidefolders and fixed stock receivers will have differences due to the need of the folding mechanism. Aside from that, how interchangable are these parts kit, receiver, barrel, jig combinations? I recall seeing a jig that stated it would work for Polish receivers. Does that mean it wont work for a Bulgarian or some other type? Ive seen Polish barrels listed as 1970 and 1975. Does this make a difference which receiver they can be installed in? Am I making too much of this? Im just trying to avoid buying a bunch of stuff and finding out I have the wrong barrel or the parts kit is incompatible with the receiver or whatever.
Im looking to build a fixed stock AK starting with an 80% receiver. I dont really have a preference for one country of origin vs another or even know if there's any real difference. Im handy and I'd say mechanically inclined even though I have no actual machine shop experience. The process looks like something I'd enjoy doing. Not looking to save a buck as it seems that the price of the kit and barrel is about the same as an entry level finished rifle.
So, can I just pick up any fixed stock receiver and any fixed stock parts kit (as long as I dont end up with a bulged trunnion one and not the other) and a barrel in the matching caliber and go to work? Are the jigs pretty much universal? Ive got a bunch of questions and Im still reading up but the variety of parts is confusing to be honest. Maybe Im making it harder than it is.