Everyone has to have a project.  That is why I have decided to get into the build up of a couple of AK kits using sheet metal flats and receiver kits on the market.  The current projects are: (1) a Hungarian AMD-65 (side folder AK), a Polish PMKMS (underfolder AK), Russian AKS-74 (side folder AK), and East German MPi-74 (side folder AK).

 

OK.  The first question that most people will ask is why bother to build up these guns from kits when you can purchase them ready-made [and probably cheaper]?  Answer: (1) some are not available except as kits, and (2) you don't have to go through all the paperwork mumbo-jumbo if you build them this way.  In the USA, you are allowed to "build your own" so long as it has the required number of U.S. manufactured parts (7) and is for your use only -- that is, you are not building it as a product, but as a hobby.  This means you don't have to go through all the bureaucratic stuff that a manufacturer does.

 

If you are going to tackle a project like this, you need to get prepared.  If you go to some of the AK sites in the links I provided, you will find out information how to form the receiver from flats [or bent flat stock].  This is the most critical item because all the parts will attach.  Some manufactures will supply a flat with all holes located except the front and rear trunnions or you can buy a preformed flat and add the dimples and holes yourself.  I prefer to use the pre-drilled, punched flats.

 

First, buy your parts kit.  When you receive it, go through it to make sure it is complete and that the parts all came from the same gun.  Usually, the European manufacturers will stamp or etch the digits of the serial number that appears on the front trunnion block on the bolt, bolt carrier, and top cover.  This is important because it indicates that the parts you have were headspaced for this particular rifle and not culled together from a bunch of parts from different guns.  If you are in doubt, then you will have to go through the headspacing process to make certain that your rifle is safe to shoot.  

 

The second thing that you have to know is how to bend the flat accurately.  You will find a flat bending jig manufacturer on the links pages, along with photos of the jig in use.  I would also advise you to go to the American Gunsmith Institute and buy the three video courses on the AK: building it from a kit, the armorer's course, and the course for adjusting the trigger.  The AGI course will give you a comprehensive understanding of all that is required as well as building techniques such as riveting and special tools to fabricate.

 

It is important that the finished bent blank and the bolt rails are heat treated prior to assembly.  Here, AGI can help with a couple of courses on the heat treatment of parts.  Go to www.americangunsmith.com.  Once the parts are heat treated, they can be installed on your project rifle.

 

After the receiver is put together, you should probably look at the finishing of the piece before you assemble it for the final time.  AGI has courses on firearm finishes.  Or, you could send the parts out and have it done.  I can recommend T. Mark Graham at www.arizonaresponsesystems.com for an excellent finish.  He can provide finishes in both a gray phosphate (similar to Parkerizing) or a satin black (similar to that on H&K firearms).

 

If you are of a mind to go this route, you will certainly have some interesting adventures!  Post your experiences here.