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Posted: 1/22/2008 5:34:11 PM EDT
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I have seen that people are calling their rifles "builds" but of they refer to have an outside vendor build it for them. I have built ARs but I have to ask: How hard is it to build an AK myself with a parts kit and a receiver. I understand the part compliance issue already. Thank you, CSP |
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I build with a Chinese drill press ($49), a grinder ($14), Modified bolt cutters to squeeze rivets ($15), a large vice ($29), a dremel (or knock-off $ varies). and a hammer , hand drill, pin punches, and other simple tools. I use 100% receivers and have a method of knocking out and re-inserting the bbl without a press machine. I now can get a build done (without refinishing wood or metal) in a few hours from start to finish....but don't rush. There should be tutorials on this site. |
I'd highly recommend watching m0ondoggy's videos. You certainly don't need to do things exactly the same way as he does it and use the same tools as he does but his videos should give you a good idea of the steps involved. Good luck!  www.youtube.com/profile_videos?user=BuildyourownAK&p=r |
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I saw the moondoggy videos, and they are nice. Very helpful to those who dont understand what they are reading in all the BIY forums and tutorials. There is a lot more building, tweaking, and metal working on a AK build than an AR. I always considered a 'build' as one done at home. I guess you could argue that they are all 'built' somewhere. |
I've tried my TWO Aks without a press, and haven't YET been able to successfully bang that pin out using every single method I've ever read on ARFCOM, and three other build forums! I've STILL never been able to fully get the barrel pin out, and I've broken 2 large and very strong punches in my many countless attempts for hours on end... What's your proven method? My pins EVENTUALLY came out with a 20-ton press, and it sounded like a F(_)CKIN CANNON went off when they finally budged! 
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I soaked mine in oil for a week or two prior to building (wasn't in a hurry) and hammered it out with a hammer and punch. Getting it started always seems to be the hardest part but once it moves then it doesn't take much to get it out. Actually the last romy I did I actually got it out with a framing hammer.  |
This one goes on sale quite often www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=38119 sometimes it's down to $39 |
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I got the drill press from Harbor freight with a coupon about 2 years ago....still works great. The bbl method is like he said....the Yugo/Polish pins are easier than the Romanian ones....I think they tend to have more burs... What I do is soak in oil....then use a big punch till even with the trunnion, then use a smaller punch and give it three or four good hard whacks with a real hammer to get it under the surface...its a breeze from there (I wear a big thick leather glove when holding the punch)....even if you don't hit your hand the shock from the metal impact stings. I then use a stack of 5 nickels tapped together (you could use metal slugs), I set them in the chamber end while the old rec stub is still on, clamped down in a huge vise. I then take a huge punch or solid metal bar and whack the barrel out from above with the muzzle pointing down (put a big old blanket or something on the ground keeping the bbl from hitting the ground when it falls out). I clean the trunnion and bbl up after riveting and place the trunnion/rec in the vise at a sideways angle with the little piece of trunnion that sticks out of the area above the chamber on the vise like a shelf and tighten lightly....be careful not to squeeze or bend rec....just to hold it in. I then place the old muzzle brake on the bbl and line it up by eye with the front sight base and trunnion (in the little track). I then whack it back on....making sure it stays in line and on the vise....it's not dangerous because there is no constant pressure....JUST HIT IT HARD!!!!! I then press the bbl pin back in with the vise. |
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