Any other AK builders?

[ONE-TEN]

2005 is when I first started building Firearms. Before that, I just tinkered with small gunsmithing bits Trigger jobs, etc. Now, for the last many years, most people who get into building, start with putting together an AR15. They are easy and inexpensive. But 20 years ago, they weren’t cheap to build. Actually, they were quite expensive. And we had only a fraction of the parts availability we have today. Now, AKs were beyond inexpensive to build. I could build a complete Romanian G-gun AKM for about $250. (It’s crazy how it’s reversed) AKs are now $$ to build. But they are fun. (For those of us who enjoy building that is.) I built several AKMs back then, before switching to the AR. And I left AKs altogether. Haven’t built or owned one since 2008. Fast forward to 2024, and I get the itch to build another. It’s been slow going though. I started collecting all the parts in late spring 2024. And then worked on it a little here & there through 2025. I’m in no rush. Actually lost much of the drive. So I haven’t touched it in many months. But it’s not lost, and I will jump back on it eventually.

For this next one, I started with machining an 80% Blank Receiver. Much like the 80% Lowers for the AR15, these require finish machining. Then there are AK “parts kits”, which are de-milled rifles from over seas. AKs are not like AR15s. With the AK, there is quite a bit of drilling, reaming, machining, filing, etc. Parts need lined up and through drilled. Some parts are riveted in place. Many parts require install with Hydrolic press then riveted in place. The barrel is pressed into the front Trunnion & pinned. So, all in all, they are quite involved.

Here is the Parts Kit I got. It’s a mostly Hungarian, non-matching numbers kit.

Front Trunnion. Quite a bit of drilling & fitting the lugs.


Here is the Blank receiver. These are NON-FFL because of the machining needed to make it a firearm. As is, it’s nothing more than a paper weight!


Once all the various, correctly sized holes are drilled/ reamed, for the fire control parts, front & rear Trunnions and such, then it becomes a firearm.
BEFORE:



AFTER:




In this picture, I fit the Front Trunnion to the Receiver for riveting.


A new gas piston installed & riveted to the Boot Carrier. The rivet is peened, then sanded smooth. The whole thing will be Cerakoted.


I also drilled the Gas Block for a set screw. This makes it an adjustable Gas Block. AKs are known for being WAY over-gassed. An Adjustable Gas Block takes care of that. And me being me, instead of spending a lot of money on an aftermarket Adjustable unit, I simply turned the factory style GB into an Adjustable.

 

[CoalCrackerAl]

SKS guy here.

 

[american_fusilier]

Very nice @ONE-TEN

I look forward to seeing her come together!

 

[ONE-TEN]

SKS guy here.
View attachment 495

There ya go! Nice! Ya know, back in 2006 I remember online stores having crates of 5 virtually new SKS’ for $199. Single rifles were $79ea. to $99ea. I always liked them, but never had a use for one at the time. I would always tell myself, “I’ll get one at some point. Or maybe I’ll grab a case just have.” But, it never happened. And before I knew it, they want several hundred for one rifle. Nowadays, they are selling for $500-$700 apiece! Insanity. I swear we’re live in BIZARRO World!

 

[CFJunkie]

Got one sitting in my gun safe.
At one time I was collecting arms from the cold war, so I had to have an AK.
It is the least accurate rifle that I have ever shot.
The action is so loose that it is almost impossible to get 5 rounds under 2 inches, even with reloads.

Changed the wooden stock pieces with a more rigid modern stock, but that barely improved it.
It doesn't shoot worth a darn, but it always fires regardless of what ammo, how dirty it is, or if it is soaking wet.
A perfect rifle for an untrained combatant.

I haven't even taken it out in years.

 

[ONE-TEN]

Got one sitting in my gun safe.
At one time I was collecting arms from the cold war, so I had to have an AK.
It is the least accurate rifle that I have ever shot.
The action is so loose that it is almost impossible to get 5 rounds under 2 inches, even with reloads.

Changed the wooden stock pieces with a more rigid modern stock, but that barely improved it.
It doesn't shoot worth a darn, but it always fires regardless of what ammo, how dirty it is, or if it is soaking wet.
A perfect rifle for an untrained combatant.

I haven't even taken it out in years.

Yes, quite frankly, they are much more fun to build, than to shoot.

I do really enjoy building them though. Especially now, as my knowledge has grown immensely since 2005/06.

I can also add in my avid home machining skills. I’m machining a custom Billet Aluminum buttstock for this latest AKM. I’ve always liked the Triangle stock for the AK, so I decided to make my own, instead of buying one.

Started with a Block of 3/4” thick Aluminum & 3/4” Neoprene rubber. (For the shoulder pad.) I then made a design I was going for. (Notice the slight angle. This is important.)



Some cutting, a little milling, a bit of grinding on my 2/72 belt grinder(milling for the rear Trunnion fit and fitting snugly, but not to tight in the Receiver, was the tricky part.)





And VIOLA!


I’m still going to remove some material & round the edges to lighten it up a good bit. It’s sitting at just under 1lb right now.

 

[Alan]

Looking good. Keep us posted.

 

[chronoblip]

I've been toying with getting into making stuff, but just haven't got the proper tools. What kind of mill do you run?

 

[ONE-TEN]

I've been toying with getting into making stuff, but just haven't got the proper tools. What kind of mill do you run?

Like most of my stuff, my milling machine is also a Frankin’Mill! Started life as a mini mill that put installed a more powerful motor, made a custom cog belt drive, installed Angular Contact bearings, put in bigger lead screws in ACME threading, added weight & stiffness by filling the base, motor carrier & upright with Granite Epoxy, as well as Steel backing stiffener. But, I want a bigger milling machine. Problem is, I don’t have floor space for a Bridgeport mill, otherwise that’s what I would have. But I want a larger bench mill regardless.

 

[ONE-TEN]

I by certain things, but some of my most used tooling I’ve built. For instance, my 2x72” Belt Grinder. This BAD BOY has a 2hp /220V Motor, adjusted via VFD. It’s built entirely of Cold Rolled Steel and 7075 & 2024 Billet Aluminum. I use this on more projects than any other tool. Buying one with this power, strength & attachments wheels I have would be upwards of $3,000. This cost me a fraction of that in materials. And all work was with my single hand.

I’ve used to completely shape some parts. Like my Titanium Bolt Handles! Done one the Belt Grinder entirely!

Started with a solid 26mm round bar of 6AL4V TI.


And machined via belt grinder into a Tactical Bolt Knob.



I made one in Polymer as well. Also machined & threaded a factory Bolt Handle. But I could make threaded bolt knobs from virtually any material. Steel, Aluminum, Carbon Fiber, Brass/Copper/Bronze. Even Hard wood! All done with the Belt Grinder built at home. Man I love this stuff! I just wish I could do it more.

 

[chronoblip]

I hear you. My current project is an AICS to PPS-43 mag adapter/insert. Probably 3D print it at first and then see how long that lasts.

You ever do commission work to drawings?

 

[ONE-TEN]

I hear you. My current project is an AICS to PPS-43 mag adapter/insert. Probably 3D print it at first and then see how long that lasts.

You ever do commission work to drawings?

Sorry, I do not. Machining, Gunsmithing, they are strictly hobbies for me. There have been a few times I made some parts & give them away, like some lift kits I made, and lighter bar springs for the older 2 & 3/screw, NON-Accutriggers. And I’ve done a few custom jobs on parts simply because I like helping other firearms enthusiasts where I can. But I’m not in business, and I don’t do these things for money.

What is it you’re looking to have made?

 

[chronoblip]

Sorry, I do not. Machining, Gunsmithing, they are strictly hobbies for me. There have been a few times I made some parts & give them away, like some lift kits I made, and lighter bar springs for the older 2 & 3/screw, NON-Accutriggers. And I’ve done a few custom jobs on parts simply because I like helping other firearms enthusiasts where I can. But I’m not in business, and I don’t do these things for money.

What is it you’re looking to have made?

Oh, nothing serious at the moment, but it's always nice to know folks who are skilled in fabrication. It's a dying art, though compensation doesn't tend to reflect that. Yet.

Also nice to know when not to ask for things too.

I have access to some equipment at work, a full size lathe and an older endmill (that the welders call a drill press), but it's all been "farmered" a bunch so I am not sure how well anything would hold as far as tolerances.

Very cool to see what kinds of stuff can be made even with relatively humble setups. Very inspiring.

 

[ONE-TEN]

Well, my tools are quite humble, LOL! However, I’m very thankful to have what I do. I desperately want a lathe, but just don’t have the floor space in my work room. I can’t even fit a Bridgeport, so I’m limited to a Bench Mill. But it does 90% of what I need it to do, anyway.

 

[chronoblip]

Are you able to do much barrel work with your lathe setup? Chambering, threading, profiling, etc.?

As to the topic of the thread, do folks ever build the AK in other calibers than the 7.62x39, or is the work and effort to adapt something else considered "not worth it"?

 

[ONE-TEN]

Are you able to do much barrel work with your lathe setup? Chambering, threading, profiling, etc.?

As to the topic of the thread, do folks ever build the AK in other calibers than the 7.62x39, or is the work and effort to adapt something else considered "not worth it"?

Oh, no. I don’t do barrel work. Honestly, even being capable, I wouldn’t do it. Quite frankly, not everyone will agree, but Pre-fit barrels are so good nowadays, there really is no point. If I had the floor space, sure, I could go get a half decent used lathe, and do my own barrels. But I came to the conclusion years ago, I can’t do close to as good a job as professional barrel makers who have $100K in machines/tooling & using CNC. Also, a topic of debate is using a Barrel Nut, vs shouldered barrel. We’ve seen that there is no difference in precision between the two. This, and the Pre-Fit barrel being interior, are just two of the LIES that private Gun-Smiffs continue to spread. (This is why they hate me.) Same with knife-Smiffs continuing to spread the lie that Forged, simple Steel knives are superior. That’s why you see that FAKE-Maskus, (Pattern Welded Steel), so much. It’s junk compared to modern High Alloy, High Speed , Particulate Metal Steels. And blade smiths charge many Hundreds, even $1,000+ for their Forged blades. (What a joke!) But I digress.

Prefit barrels are the way to go. Maybe not for the best of the best in the world. But for 99.999% of shooters, a Prefit will out-shoot them, provide quick & easy solution, and save A LOT of money. We live in 2026. It’s not 1960… or even 1980!

 

[ONE-TEN]

Are you able to do much barrel work with your lathe setup? Chambering, threading, profiling, etc.?

As to the topic of the thread, do folks ever build the AK in other calibers than the 7.62x39, or is the work and effort to adapt something else considered "not worth it"?

Sorry, As for the AK, they are mostly done in 7.62x39, 5.45x39, 223 & 308. Other cartridges have been done, however, it’s quite a bit of custom work. And reliability often becomes an issue. (Think about it? A reliability issue, with what has been forever touted as “the most reliable rifle ever made”, blah, blah, blah. LOL!)