Thinking about building an AK.

[Outcast]

So, I know this is a Corn Snake forum, but I know a few of you are as fond of firearms as I am. I wanted to know if anyone knows where I can find everything I need in order to build an AK-47, or Dragunov. I have wanted both of these firearms for a couple of years now. I got to fire a couple in Afghanistan, and had a lot of fun.

Any help would be appreciated...

 

[ScottyK]

I would advise against building an AK from scratch. Starting with a flat receiver is a nightmare unless you have serious metal bending/jigging skills and equipment. They also have pinned barrels and the kits available these days are a mishmash of crap. They are a PITA to build and the results are no better than just buying what you want. It was different years back when you could get quality kits for dirt cheap. Those days are looong gone.

An alternative is to convert a Saiga AK. That is a super fun project that will produce a fine quality AK and is practical for those who don't have a metal shop in thier garage. If you need more info on what I mean by this, let me know and I'll throw up some links.

Even less complicated is building an AR from complete scratch. Like this....

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[Outcast]

Yeah, I like AR's but I like the durability of the AK's. One day I hope to take a few weapon smith classes, and learn at least some of the basics. I think that the biggest thing I like about guns is history. I would love to have an AK that looks like an original. Though my favorite weapon to own would be the Dragunov, I think it would be a good hunting rifle, even if they do not have the best accuracy out there... I mean right now all I have to hunt is a 410 that is older than my father, a 20 gauge, and a Great Plains BP Rifle kit that I have yet to put together.

 

[Nanci]

I don't know anything technical about this, but if you do it, I'd like to see a progression thread! I have only shot an AR, and loved it, and had a hard time giving it back...

 

[Rich Z]

Unless you plan on machining the receiver itself, you will still have to buy the serialized receiver, which will need to be registered. Honestly, I don't recall seeing any bare AK47 receivers at gunshows, but I never really specifically looked for them.

There are other makes and models of guns based on the Kalashnikov design, but tend to be a bit higher up in the quality scale than many of the actual Russian and Chinese AKs.

 

[Outcast]

I have noticed that Rich, I do not know anyone around here that can fabricate one of the receivers. I also read that I need a US trigger cluster, in order for the gun to be legal. Though I have not have enough time the past couple of days to look it up. One of the groups that I am part of, the Student Veterans Association of NMSU, is putting on our "First Annual Ride to Remember" this weekend. It is a bike ride in memory of 9/11 and in honor of all those who served during that time and after. The proceeds are going to the Wounded Warrior Program. It is today, so hopefully afterward I have time to do more research.

 

[ScottyK]

You can buy the stamped receivers online or through a gun store. I've seen them at shows but it's hit and miss.

The flat receivers are not considered guns until you bend them, which is another complication of going this route. You have to register as soon as it's bent

You don't have to have a US trigger group. You do have to be compliant with federal law 922r. which states that no more than 10 parts can be imported on the gun. Using a domestic trigger group is popular because it counts as three compliance parts (trigger, hammer, sear). The US triggers are generally an improvement as well.

I don't know if you can post links here, but there is a website called AR15.com. The AK section is probably the best source on the planet for all the legal and technical help you'd need. Here is the actual text of 922r. Be 100% sure you understand it before you put anything together...

The Imported Parts Law (1990)

(178.39 otherwise known as 922(r) 10 Foreign parts law on semiauto Rifles & Shotguns)

Sec. 178.39 Assembly of semiautomatic rifles or shotguns.

(a) No person shall assemble a semiautomatic rifle or any shotgun using more than 10 of the imported parts listed in paragraph (c) of this section if the assembled firearm is prohibited from importation under section 925(d)(3) as not being particularly suitable for or readily adaptable to sporting purposes.

(b) The provisions of this section shall not apply to:

(1) The assembly of such rifle or shotgun for sale or distribution by a licensed manufacturer to the United States or any department or agency thereof or to any State or any department, agency, or political subdivision thereof; or

(2) The assembly of such rifle or shotgun for the purposes of testing or experimentation authorized by the Director under the provisions of Sec. 178.151; or

(3) The repair of any rifle or shotgun which had been imported into or assembled in the United States prior to November 30, 1990, or the replacement of any part of such firearm.

(c) For purposes of this section, the term imported parts are:

(1) Frames, receivers, receiver castings, forgings or stampings
(2) Barrels
(3) Barrel extensions
(4) Mounting blocks (trunions)
(5) Muzzle attachments
(6) Bolts
(7) Bolt carriers
(8) Operating rods
(9) Gas pistons
(10) Trigger housings
(11) Triggers
(12) Hammers
(13) Sears
(14) Disconnectors
(15) Buttstocks
(16) Pistol grips
(17) Forearms, handguards
(18) Magazine bodies
(19) Followers
(20) Floorplates