Building an AK-47 type firearm...

[Sammoh]

Alright gents,

I'm looking at building an AK type firearm in the 7.62 caliber. I've owned AK variants before and have a couple currently. These are all pre-built etc etc. Now I want to try my hand at building one. I haven't decided yet if I want to start with an 80% or flat... or if I want to go for the the fully finished one and actually have to pay an FFL just so I can have it shipped there. Granted my local FFL that I use only charges me $20.00 for whatever I ship there but hey, that's $20.00 I could put toward ammo or cleaning supplies*. I guess it all depends if I decide I want to do any welding, grinding or cutting. The last time I tried welding something btw, it didn't turn out so well. I mean, I got done what I wanted to get done but in the end, it looked like I stood a few feet back and lobbed molten metal at the weld spot. Imagine Jabba the Hutt wrapping his body around a pipe. :headbang: Anyway, what I'm wondering about now is...

What in the vast experience of this forum has been the best parts kit to build an AK from? Where does one obtain it and at what cost?

Thanks in advance for your help gentlemen.

[bsn]

Global and Centerfire both have real nice kits very reasonably priced $89.00-$159.00. If you are only building one or a few a pre built would probably be more cost effective depending what tools you have now. If you ever plan on selling the rifle you would have to go with the pre-built.

[Sammoh]

Actually, I'm not doing it for cost effectiveness. I'm wanting to build one I guess... just so I can say that I did so. I'd like to be able to take the thing to the range and say to the guys "Yeah, I built this thing from parts."

[bsn]

You just answered your own question then, have at it.

[Sarge8497]

Well it's my understanding that if you build it from an 80% receiver or flats that it would be alright as long as you never will be selling/giving it to anyone in the future.

Gary

[Sammoh]

That's true, all true. I'm just searching for direction as to where I should buy the parts. I'm also curious about cost because while cost isn't exactly a concern regarding this project, I would like to get the best quality for the money. I don't want to spend hundreds of dollars on crap to build well, more crap. I'd rather spend my dollars wisely so that when I'm done, it's not crap.

[Packrat]

The Centerfire kits seem to be pretty good. I've dealt with Centerfire and they are pretty good business-wise. Vulcan receivers seem to be OK if you want a complete receiver, though a lot of people don't want to do business with them because they used to put out crap. (Their current receivers seem to be pretty good, except for the front trunion holes.) The flats ("80%" receivers) are more difficult, but will keep your rifle out of the BATFE files. There are several makers, and I can't help you there.