dragunov for beginner?

centerfire has a sale on dragunov kits. do you build them just like an AK? how would these be for a first build?

http://www.centerfiresystems.com/romanian762x54rreplacementpartssetpartdrakit.aspx?utm_source=streamsend&utm_medium=email&utm_content=7025841&utm_campaign=SAVE%20%24100%20on%20Dragunov%20Kits%20at%20Centerfire%20Systems

I would start with regular AK's for the first build, less expensive if you made a mistake. Right now the receivers for a Romy Drag are hard to find. They are built just like an AK with a few minor differences.

Tennesse Gun has two types of receivers. With rail and trigger guard and a US made Niodak Spud with normal rear receiver for any euro stock.
But not a inexpensive build abnd less detailed information available. Pretty much the same as an AK build.

http://www.tnguns.com/shop/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=58&products_id=451


http://www.tnguns.com/shop/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=58&products_id=458

it says its missing the barrel pin, so you will most like have to redo headspace and put in oversized barrel pin

Also be aware these aren't really a Dragunov, they are just a scaled up somehwat "accurized" AK in 7.62X54R. A real Dragunov is pretty rare and commands a hefty price.

Headspace on these kits are fine with the matching front trunnion, the barrel pins are missing because they may have be drilled or damaged during removal. Standard AK barrel pins work.

the PSL is a DMR not a Drag or Tiger. If I were you I would build a tubuk DMR or buy a Saiga in 308 w/20" barrel. Better rifle out of the box and more accurate. Build a Romy for your first kit.

I've built a half dozen of these and have several points to note:

First, building these in stock configuration doesn't require compliance parts, since they are legal to import. However, despite not being a FA rifle, the OE receiver does have the infamous "third hole" for the "safety sear". My personal opinion is that the whole FCG should be replaced for legal reasons. Tapco G2 or RSA FCG's drop right in. . . . better safe than sorry.

Second, building a PSL with a standard AK stock and pistol grip is likely to trigger 922(r) and the need for compliance parts . . . at least that's MHO. The availability of compliance parts might be an issue: 16 - 6 = 10, where the six compliance parts would be: Receiver, FCG (3), US-made buttstock, and PG. Alternatively, one could substitute a custom made gas piston or muzzle brake for the buttstock. Note that there is a fair amount of debate around this issue, so YMMV.

Third, as far as I can tell all the recent PSL's sold have have pin-on or welded breaks. So for the 922(r) reasons cited above, it would be prudent to solder or weld the muzzle break if you're not intending to add the full set of compliance parts.

Fourth, the PSL has a ring of metal at the breech. On the Mauser M48 the ring is called a "safety breach". I'm not sure what it's called on the PSL. In any event, it's fragile . . . pushing the barrel using only pennies or copper washers could damage it. I made up a special brass cylinder so I could push the barrel without touching the ring.

Larry

I wondered what that ring was on the breach. What is it's purpose? I had a barrel made from a nagant barrel and duplicating it was a chore, I'm told. Are there any US made recievers for these? When I built mine I used one of the centerfire recievers. They are made in Romania so I had to do Hammer, Disconnector, trigger, butt stock, fore stock, and US muzzle thingy. I also used a US made pistol grip on it. In addition, the barrel was made by Remington, believe it or not, so 922 stuff should be OK with a safety margin.

As mentioned above, a PSL is nothing more than an AK stretched to accomodate the longer round.

Forgot one thing, The long barrel is also more prone to being bent if not pushed in right. As me why I had to have a new barrel turned.

Forgot one thing, The long barrel is also more prone to being bent if not pushed in right. As me why I had to have a new barrel turned.

I put a slight bend in one as well . . . with some patience I was able to get it true again, but it is definitely a job that requires special equipment.

Since that experience, I've obtained a spare PSL barrel just in case.

Larry

I wondered what that ring was on the breach. What is it's purpose? I had a barrel made from a nagant barrel and duplicating it was a chore, I'm told.


I'm told that on the Mauser M48, the ring is there to give some extra support to the rear of the case.

Are there any US made recievers for these? When I built mine I used one of the centerfire recievers. They are made in Romania so I had to do Hammer, Disconnector, trigger, butt stock, fore stock, and US muzzle thingy. I also used a US made pistol grip on it. In addition, the barrel was made by Remington, believe it or not, so 922 stuff should be OK with a safety margin.

Earlier in the thread AKBLUE posted a link to a US-made receiver. It's straight cut to allow for standard AK furniture. However, as I mentioned in an earlier post, 922(r) compliance parts are not necessarily required when building these.

Larry