AK 74 Receivers?

[FALgorithm]

Hey Folks!
I'm debating on whether or not to build an AK74 while the parts kits are still available. In your honest opinions, who is currently making the best AK 74 stamped receivers? I'm looking for one that is ready to go, heat treating, holes drilled, etc... Thanks!

[bsn]

I like the OOW/ITM they make one that has the correct ejector, with the exception of maybe Global they are probably the only correct ones for a ak74 available inthe US as of now. They do not have a full heat treat, they are just treated where they need it. They are a little thicker than standard 1mm I have never had a wear problem and never heard of anyone else having a problem so I don't see a full heat treat being any advantage. For a gun that will look and function perfectly you need to locate the trunnion holes yourself, pre drilled holes can lead to sloppy magazine fit,rail mis alignment, jams, ill fitting topcovers.

[hcpookie]

you have 3 options:

1. hesse/vulcan receivers:
- most people agree the quality is adequate for use.
- Problems may include:
- - trunion holes (front and back) are misaligned for most kits requiring either welding/redrilling to fix or egg-shape the holes to reach the holes in your trunion. This is not really a problem if you use the screw build method since you'll probably have to open up the holes a bit anyway.
- - QA is semi-acceptable and subjet to interpretation.
- - most likely the rails will not be hardened and this will lead to premature wear. Solutions are to heat treat yourself w/ a mapp torch & quench in oil, or weld a bead up on the end of the ejector & dremel to shape... basically a "rebuild" of the ejector ramp.
- - serial number info is in the wrong spot so you can't use it for anything but a fixed-stock build... the underfolder build won't work for legal reasons to keep the serial # intact.


2. Ohioordnanceworks.com
- holes for trunions are not drilled, so you will have no hole alignment problems.
Problems may include:
- - safety selector hole is in the wrong spot, so you will have an ugly gap between the safety lever & the top cover. Most people recommend to fix it by rewelding the hole & redrilling.


3. globaltrades.com has a new receiver offering and eta for shipment is rather soon. They have decided to use a thicker metal, and they have said that you'll have to file your trunions to make them fit. Good/bad? Dunno.



You could always use a bent metal 80% receiver, technically not an FFL item, and build your own. Just need to weld on some lower rails & drill some holes. ;)

In all cases you'll still need to either use the screw method, or rivet/rebarrel the trunion.

hth,
- Jerry

[hcpookie]

Oh forgot to add I have purchased a Hesse/Vulcan for my '74 build, and for me, personally, I won't do it again. From this point forward I'll build all mine up from 80% blanks or bend them myself from 0% blanks ;)

[ByronF]

I'm building an AMD-65 with an OOW AK-47 receiver. So far it seems like a very well made piece, though it might be a bit long on the front end. The selector hole is lower than it should be on the 47 receiver but I've read that the 74 receiver selector hole is where it should be.

Byron

[bsn]

On the OOW receiver the hole being lower DOES NOT LEAVE A HUGE GAP just a small one, that is my only complaint, you can only notice it with the safety engaged, I am somewhat anal about fit and the difference is so small I do not lose much sleep about it. The Global (I really like Global as a company) receiver opens a completely new set of issues and after allot of thought I could not recommend them to anyone but an experienced builder.

[jimmieZ]

My AK74 Bulgie is built on an OOW receiver - the one marked 5.45 and it is just superb. I don't see the same gap between top cover and selector as on the 7.62 receiver. I think the OOW AK74 rec. is the best one to build on - particularly for a beginner.

[16r40]

about the gap on the selector......I have a 74 OOW receiver and there is no gap......now on the AKM OOW one there is a slight gap, but I also have a MAADI ARM and it has a slight gap to it.

[hcpookie]

Yes that's right they made a '74 receiver that was apparently corrected, so I think the improper hole placement was on the AKM/AK-47 receiver...

hth,
- Jerry

[ak01q]

After I use my last FEG receiver, I'l use an OOW receiver and send it to Chris @ AK-USA to have it fully hardened.

[duncan]

If you go the bent metal route, try looking through this entire thread. lots of of useful information there...some of the information even supplied by me!

http://www.roderuscustom.tzo.com/cgi-bin/ib3/ikonboard.cgi?s=40466ad203f0ffff;act=ST;f=24;t=27

[Bunkerbob]

I'd reccomend the OOW rcvr, I have one on a 74 build and have had no probs with it. My neighbor bought a Hesse 74 from FAC and after shooting the same amt of ammo thru it I can see he will have to have his ejector built up soon, it's wearing fast. Where as mine has shown no visible wear. If I recall you'll have to remove the 'tit' on the end of you selector to have it properly engage to the fire position. There may not be a gap between the cover and selector but I don't think it's 100% correct in hole position. All in all, works fine, looks great, go for the OOW.
My .02