I've seen a lot of people (including myself) go on the build-an-AR kick lately... and a thought occurred to me....

 

... Is it possible to build your own AK? Get a receiver, barrel/gas assembly, etc?

Yes, but unlike with an AR, your are actually building it rather than assembling it. You can get flats and bend your own reciever (not in NJ) or get a pre bent reciever and rivet in your own trunnions, press in barrel, etc. Google it, it is very very popular. A great building resource is theakforum.net

 

You need a press, headspace gauges, and rivet tools at the least. I think a drill press, too. Dremels never hurt. Again, this isnt snapping together legos its more like actual building

 

http://www.akfiles.com/forums/showthread.php?t=61255

OK so wayyyyyyyyyy more involved than assembling an AR. Hmm. Is building from pre-assembled parts ok in NJ or is that not possible with AK's?

Its very possible. The only reason you cant bend your own flat/weld in the rails in NJ is because thats manufacturing the reciever of a firearm. You are buying a non-firearm plate of steel and making the reciever. You can just buy a NDS (NoDak Spud, google 'em) reciever and build off that. You must have those transfered to you just like an AR lower, as a firearm. Still need the press and everything to press in the barrel/rivets etc etc

Build a Saiga

Build a Saiga

 

Yes, it's the best you can do.

Yes, it's the best you can do.

 

 

how is it the best you can do?

 

Its not the easiest route, and its not the most hands on route. Its kinda in the middle.

how is it the best you can do?

 

Its not the easiest route, and its not the most hands on route. Its kinda in the middle.

 

Because, the gun is cheap to start off. A few mods and he's got an AK. How is that in the middle?

I guess it depends on your idea of best.

I don't consider it my idea of "best". Honestly, the reason why I suggested it was because Nick seemed to be put off by the amount of labor involved in actually BUILDING one. I would consider converting a Saiga pretty damn low on the "elbow grease" meter. I had lots of trouble with mine, and still got it done within 2-3 hours. Give me another one.....I could probably have it done in an hour if I took my time and did things carefully.

I guess it depends on your idea of best.

 

A Russian made AK47 with a bunch of rails, and other **** attached to it..

My reason to build (aka assemble) and AR is to get the parts that you want on the gun. So many options and manufacturers to choose from with AR parts. I haven't seen the same magnitude of options with AKs. I checked out a few sites like http://ak-builder.com/ , and it seems many of the parts are generic or pulled from import kits. Looks more like shopping at a garage sale. Just sayin this is maybe why many people don't build them outside of the hobby/fun aspect of doing it.

 

Not trying to start another AR/AK friendly comparison, just an observation.

My reason to build (aka assemble) and AR is to get the parts that you want on the gun. So many options and manufacturers to choose from with AR parts. I haven't seen the same magnitude of options with AKs. I checked out a few sites like http://ak-builder.com/ , and it seems many of the parts are generic or pulled from import kits. Looks more like shopping at a garage sale. Just sayin this is maybe why many people don't build them outside of the hobby/fun aspect of doing it.

 

Not trying to start another AR/AK friendly comparison, just an observation.

 

 

you can "build" an AK the same way you "build" an AR...furniture...optics... fire control group.. gas tube.. etc..

 

the difference is some AKs are just sheet metal recievers so you can literally make your own right down to the receiver....

My reason to build (aka assemble) and AR is to get the parts that you want on the gun. So many options and manufacturers to choose from with AR parts. I haven't seen the same magnitude of options with AKs. I checked out a few sites like http://ak-builder.com/ , and it seems many of the parts are generic or pulled from import kits. Looks more like shopping at a garage sale. Just sayin this is maybe why many people don't build them outside of the hobby/fun aspect of doing it.

 

Not trying to start another AR/AK friendly comparison, just an observation.

I built my Saiga exactly the way that I wanted to, got just about every part that I wanted. They may not be as customizable as an AR, meaning there aren't AS MANY options, but I certainly did not feel like my choices were limited.

With a AK parts kit (hopefully with original barrel) and a 100% receiver, you can build an AK fairly quickly...find someone with a press and the jigs , and you can be shooting yer gun the same day.....Its not as hard as they make it out to be.