I am planning building either an AK-74 to replace the one I sold to buy my SLR-106 or a Yugo M72 RPK this spring. The plan for the 74 is pretty straight forward but the M72 is another matter. I found a parts kit and the receiver will be from Nodak but I am still up in the air on the barrel. I see US made ones for $85, but also see original Yugo take-offs for $40. I have read that the take-off barrels are fine and just a little dark and that they look like sewer pipes. I would like to use a hammer-forged barrel and save a little money if I can, but can anyone who has built one tell me their experience with the take-off barrels? Should I just spend the extra $45 and buy the US barrel?

I should note that this will be a M.O.M. gun, not looking to make "AK tack driver" (figuratively speaking).

I've seen new Yugo barrels floating around for $120 I think I would spend the $$ on one of them,but Im not entirely sold on the US made barrels yet
 

There's a guy on GB that sells new M72 barrels. No reason to buy US barrels until he sells out.