Greetings,

I've already done a PAP / M92 (7.62 x 39)-- now want to do an
SBR that's true to the original AK-74 caliber (5.45 x 39 mm).

What's the most straightforward path?   Given that I'm not going
to build it from scratch myself, there seem to be two main choices--


I am familiar with the paperwork/engraving aspects.

Thanks!
SD

SLR104-51 or SLR104-54
 

Yes, those are definite possibilities; however--
how difficult is it to "properly" cut the barrel?
Has anyone done this?

It's fairly easy to do.  I cut mine with a hacksaw, used files to clean up the muzzle face, some emery cloth to smooth it out,  then the brass screw method to put a crown on it.

For the hacksaw cut, it helps to find a washer with an ID that fits the barrel pretty close and slide it on against the sight/gas block.  Then let that guide the hacksaw blade.   This helps make sure the cut is square and also leaves a little extra barrel to work with in case you do end up needing to fix it or rework it.  There are a couple good instructional guides posted in various places.

Mine shoots fine.  No keyholes, and accuracy seems good.  I haven't shot groups out to longer ranges because I have trouble with the sights but it holds right at 1" at 25yds.  Shooting my steel targets at 100yds I haven't had any trouble making hits so I'm happy with it.

Even if you can't do it yourself, you can get it done very cheaply.  It's basic gunsmithing.







 

Yup, arsenal is the best way to go. Beautiful guns too when SBR'd

Thanks to all who have replied... as you know there is quite a bit
of variation even among different AK's so it's very helpful to understand
all the details before actually buying/building anything.

To briefly re-state the steps (for my benefit, please correct me where I'm wrong)--


...that's all I can think of right now; any details I'm missing?

Thanks!

Tagged.

I'd like a 5.45 SBR for my first AK.

SLR104UR

Close thread

I went with the wood handguard version from KVAR.  Would do so again, they are blonde and lifeless(I hate blonde wood so ymmv.)

If you are going refinish anyway I would save yourself the trouble and hunt for bargain surplus handguards or save up for a set from Ironwood/combloc customs while you wait for your stamp.

Yes, from some quick looking around, seems the synthetic-handguard version
is a little more available right now (e.g., the SLR !04-54 from Atlantic).

So if I went that route, I surmise this set from Ironwood will fit--



On a related note, what are the favorite AK-74 (5.45mm) mags available?

Yea, Stamped AKSU.  They can make them vented as well.










As far as mags, for shooting it's hard to beat Bulgarian polymer circle 10 & circle 21 mags.  


 

From what I can find, these are roughly $45 apiece; e.g., from K-Var:

https://www.k-var.com/shop/5.45x39.5mm-Caliber

KVAR is almost invariably a ripoff.  They can be found elsewhere for around $25.

http://circle10ak.com/AKMagazines.shtml


https://www.classicfirearms.com/ak74bommpd4magsandpouchdeal


When SGAMMO has AK74 mags in stock they are a great buy.  Especially when combined with ammo.


http://www.sgammo.com/catalog/rifle-ammunition/545x39


If you are into Bakelite:


http://whatacountry.com/ak-74magazineandpouchset.aspx