So I'm finishing my first AK build and I'm nervous. I've done plenty of 80% AR's, a couple 1911'd (80%), but this AK thing is all new.

The build is an 80% that I made myself (specific alloy unknown), using a Hungarian parts kit from What A Country. I used the Toth tool for the short rivets, hand-hammered the long rivets, heat treated with a torch (warp city), relieved, straightened, headspaced and pinned, and it's assembled and ready to fire.

I think.

Anything I should be aware of? I understand that it's difficult to get to fire out of battery, and I've seen where the FA Safety can cause a discharge if over-operated, but this thing makes me nervous.

Did I mention this is the first AK I've ever fired? I've owned over a dozen but flipped them all. And now I'm asking the pros before I proceed.

Thanks in advance
J

I've done a few AK builds.  As long as it properly headspaces, and the bolt fully locks into the trunnion, I would fire it.

I'm assuming that you have a forged bolt, front trunnion, and a barrel that's been properly installed, headspaced and pinned.

I built a couple just hold it away from your face and shoot it. Lol

If it headspaces and locks up you should be good. Start with one round, then two, then three. Check the spent rounds for damage and then go from there.

Awesome, thanks for the tips!

I bought head space gauges and it locks up on the go, and not on the no-go (No tape for me, thanks).

Imma try it.

Sounds like a solid plan!  Report back with updates.