What kit out there right now would be the best for my first build?

I don't mind spending a few extra bucks on the kit to be sure I end up with good metal.

So far I'm looking at the Romanian Kit's that are all over the place and I'm worrying that I'll end up with junk if I buy only one kit. I KNOW you guys all bought a bunch of Rommies... what do they look like? What are the chances of me getting a good one if I only order one?

Could I feasibly buy a single Romanian kit and end up with one that has a decent finish on the metal and enough good parts to put it together without an overhaul and a trip to the gunsmith?

I'm also looking at this  
AKM

I'd like to build this one myself so I want to be sure I get a good kit I can just buy a reciever and some US parts for and run with it.

My project goal is to have::

A "worn AK" look kit with a good barrel and no pitting.

Standard furniture... (condition isn't important because I plan to get an Iron Wood Stockset and refinish it in a Red color to make it look like an old russian.)

I'm looking for a good 80% or 100% reciever (any recommendations?)

I'll probably use an RSA FCG along with the Iron Wood stock set to get it 922R legal.

So for the above goal would I be better off to buy the SA-85 Kit or should I buy a Romanian Kit and hope I end up with a good one?

If you were going to build only one traditional AKM from the currently availible kits which kit would you buy?

well, that centerfire kit is hungarian, which tend to have better metal work (read: less tool marks from machining) but all ak kits are made of good steel.  I got a  $100 romy "G"  kit from AKparts.com and it was brand new condition. If they still have some, they are matching numbers and complete.  

Centerfire is respectable also, and if you want it to have the already used look, go there.

both have chrome lined barrels and will serve you well.

Buy a SA-85 and sell me the wood you take off from it.  Or just buy a Romy and chuck the wood.  Either way I think you will do OK.  I have also had better luck in getting quality from Akparts than CFS.  I am waiting to see what shape these SA-85s actually in before I get a couple.  I think the advantage of an SA-85 will be its scarcity and reputation for quality.  In the event that kit built AKs ever demand a collector premium, the SA-85 will have a much higher value than any Romy that was imported by the boat load.

Seeing as whatever I build will likely be a learning experience I'm just going to go with the Romanian for less $$$.

What I want now is a PRIMO Romanian kit..

Where can I find the best ones out there?

Do I need an FFL to recieve a Kit>?

or is that just the reciever?

AK kit

No FFL required for the kit, it is needed for a completed reciever, but not the flats if you want to bend one up yourself.

I think the best deal going is the AKM kits at akparts.com

$99.00 bucks and free shipping.....Supposed to be real nice with all matching numbers.

I have had very good luck with akparts.com, but if I wanted a truly PRIMO kit (like you asked for) I would go to Bocefus and tell him what I wanted.  I am sure he would hand pick it for you for a small fee.  He can be found over at akfiles.com  http://www.akfiles.com/forums/showthread.php?t=6832&page=5&pp=35

Quoted: I think the best deal going is the AKM kits at akparts.com $99.00 bucks and free shipping.....Supposed to be real nice with all matching numbers.

Looks like a great deal... unfortunately they are sold out of Rommie kits and all that's left is Yugo kits. I'd rather avoid the non chrome lined bores.

I ended up getting a kit from Clearviewinvest.com

Rommie Kit

Same Deal as far as price and I got some Mags at the same time so it made sense...

But It doesn't say if they are matching numbers kits... just that they are in "excellent" shape...

I'm going to find this Bocefus and see if I can get a matching numbers kit off him.. maybe I'll build two if the one I just got turns out to be non matching numbers... One really pretty one and do the other one up ugly..