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12/5/2013 6:11:09 PM EDT
I understand that factory built AK is more desirable.  But seeing most AKM rifles in US are made from kits.  My question is are kit built AK inferior to factory built AK in terms of durability?  Will a factory built rifle outlast kit built one?
12/5/2013 6:15:35 PM EDT
[#1]
Assuming they have all new quality parts, to include a receiver, a top notch AK builder can build an AK just as good as a military arsenal. Its just a matter of tools and workmanship.
12/5/2013 6:20:27 PM EDT
[#2]
Quote History
Quoted:
Assuming they have all new quality parts, to include a receiver, a top notch AK builder can build an AK just as good as a military arsenal. Its just a matter of tools and workmanship.
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This.

An individual can do a far superior job to many factory guns. This is why I got into building.

It should be pretty easy to see if the build is high quality or not.

12/5/2013 6:42:28 PM EDT
[#3]
Quote History
Quoted:


This.

An individual can do a far superior job to many factory guns. This is why I got into building.

It should be pretty easy to see if the build is high quality or not.

View Quote View All Quotes
View All Quotes
Quote History
Quoted:
Quoted:
Assuming they have all new quality parts, to include a receiver, a top notch AK builder can build an AK just as good as a military arsenal. Its just a matter of tools and workmanship.


This.

An individual can do a far superior job to many factory guns. This is why I got into building.

It should be pretty easy to see if the build is high quality or not.



Concur.

The biggest "risk" is that you are typically buying a kit sight unseen...could be almost new, could be heavily worn.  The fact that essentially you can no longer get original barrels eliminates most of this risk:  you have to get a new barrel.

My kit/builder built AKs are far superior to my factory (Arsenal and Saiga) rifles with regard to fit and finish.
12/5/2013 6:42:31 PM EDT
[#4]
I prefer factory built rifles but if built well on a good receiver, a kit build will be just a good.  Gotta check a kit built rifle out really well before buying, I've seen some pretty s&itty home build before.
12/5/2013 7:20:23 PM EDT
[#5]
A quality build is a quality build, doesn't matter if it was done in a factory or a garage.
12/5/2013 7:42:20 PM EDT
[#6]
Only thing of concern on a kit build is if they used the proper swell necked rivets to draw the receiver into the trunion properly.  If not the rivets may shear with use. I suppose the quality of the receiver and proper heat treat is important too, but that is in the court of the receiver manufacturer.
12/5/2013 8:03:18 PM EDT
[#7]
And a very good AK builder can really take their time.....spending much more time with attention-to-detail.
Even a good military arsenal has to consider that "time is money"
12/6/2013 5:47:06 AM EDT
[#8]
The one thing factory built rifles have going for them is consistency (depending on the factory). Kit builds may be great, terrible, or in between.
12/6/2013 8:18:04 AM EDT
[#9]
Depends on the Factory you are talking about... Too many canted barrels/parts, too many half ass rivet jobs, and too many QA issues on these "factory built" guns in the states. Any decent builder that takes their time on their projects will spit out gold compared to the shit that filters through.
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