AK74 receiver specs.

[robdog]

I will be starting several 5,45 builds soon and have some spec questions.

1. Do standard flats work for 5,45 builds?
2. mag. well dimensions.
3. Better to use 80% wz.88 rec. or flat?

[Harlan at NDS/DCI]

'robdog':

If you can wait a little bit, Curtis at http://www.ak-builder.com/ak/index.php is soon to have some dedicated AK-74 receiver flats.
We will also have some AK-74 receiver flat/rails sets available but it won't be until March.
Thanks.

Harlan
NoDak Spud LLC

[allesennogwat]

The ejector needs to be longer but the ones with the flats may be large enough.I have a couple of sets of prints for 5.45 and 5.56 receivers.The 5.56 is very old and I think it's for the Chinese Norinco 223 mags.Even though the 5.45 and 5.56 mags are a bit longer front to back the magwell hole in the receiver is shorter but only by .075 inches.The front of the hole is in the same location.There is a bit extra metal at the rear near the trigger guard.The Tapco's have a bit of extra metal here anyway.The front iis narrower by .010-.015.No big deal.The narrow part of the front is .625 long instead of ,530 inches.The center main hole is narrower by .034 inches.It used to said that the ejector is longer (wider) by .030 inches in 223 but recent measurements in 5.45 it's only .018 inches more.There's not a whole lot of difference.The main differences are in the front trunnion and selector stop.As long as these are for the correct caiber then it should be workable.

[allesennogwat]

Oh yeah the Bulgarian and Russian AK74's have different rear trunnions with different rivet holes.The Polish and Romanian 5.45 rifle have standard rear trunnions like the 7.62.

[allesennogwat]

Some people that build 5.45 rifles have a problem with the bolt failing to strip a round from the magazine and chamber it.I never saw a cure for this and often wondered what caused it.I just realized with my Tapco flats the distance between the upper carrier rails and the lower bolt rails is greater than most.I haven't had a problem with 7.62 but maybe this would be a problem in 5.45.I have this distance stated as being "exactly" .285 inches or "around" .280 inches between the top of the top rails and the top of the lower rails.My Tapco flats end up with more space than this.

[allesennogwat]

read up at: ( ak-74 with a TAPCO flat) post here on the files i posted a 74 magwell dimensions there, i don't know how accurate it is i have yet to use it myself....The 80%er is my choice of shell, but keep in mind it's only 80% finished, it's pre-bent but you need to finish it with: blue print for the drill holes and dremel cuts, ya have to heat treat /anneal it, then weld on the rails... Lotta work but no ffl required. bendin a flat is a lot more more work then the 80%er, i plan on doin the flats when i get more advanced at this build stuff....Cold steel solutions, inc is where i'm getting my shell for my romy kit, after that who knows where i'll order from??? Heard one can file fit the magwell hole to, your in good hands here on the files! Lot's of ideas and tips.... Have you checked out the ak-build sights yet? Try: www.gungutsandgod.com, this is a real informative sight! Also try: www.surplusrifle.com they have good heat treat info there to. But click on the ak-47 link etc...Patience and care, and ofcourse hard work and motivation helps... I got about a mos left on my build, slowly but surely getting there.JWC


I compared your magwell to a diagram of one I have for using Norinco 223 magazines.They are almost the same.I was wondering about the position of the magwell.My diagram has the front of the magwell in the same location as the 7.62x39 magwell.It's the rear next to the trigger guard that's shorter.I thought that odd as both the 5.45 and the 223 magazines are a bit longer,back to front.than the 7.62x39 magazine.The difference is very little.Only .075 inches.I was curious if you know the position of the AK74 magwell to the rear or front of the receiver.