Complete step by step directions to build an AK type rifle

I started building AK type rifles about a year ago. At that time I had been doing gunsmithing for about 25 years and had a lot of experience with most types of sporting and military firearms. The AK was new to me in as much as I had never tried to build one from the ground up and wanted to see what it would take. I started surfing the web and found many sites that had some info but not all of it in one place.  I've been posting a photo record of my progress and decided to put together an informational directory that will take the builder from a pile of parts to a finished rifle using a minimum of tools and basic skills. Each section will start with an overview of what will be done and what tools will be needed. For the most part I will show you how to make any special tools or how to adapt common tools to do the job.  I hope that some of you will find the following information useful. Thank you for viewing my site.

Section One: Choosing your receiver

You have three basic choices in receivers:

100% finished receiver

These are just what the name implies, 100% finished ready to fit and build. They are available for most common AK rifles and range in price from $50.00 to $100.00 plus. The advantages to this receiver are that you do not have to do any of the build steps. All of the holes and openings are done and the lower rails and center support are installed. In most cases the receiver has been fully heat treated. The down side is the cost. If you are on a budget you can expect to spend an additional $40.00 plus for delivery and FFL transfer. You will want to check the chat boards for reviews of the different 100% receivers to see what issues that other builders may have had. 

80% receiver blank

The name is a little misleading. This is basically a piece of 4130 sheet steel bent into the shape of an AK receiver and will usually come with a bondable template to do the finishing. Again, these are available from many sources for around $25.00 to $35.00 plus shipping. The advantages to this type of receiver are that you can have it delivered directly to your home since it is not considered a firearm and the cost. The downside is that you will need a little skill and know-how to finish it as well as some extra tools. It is best to order these from a supplier that can also include the lower rails.

Bendable flat

That is just what this is, a flat piece of 4130 sheet steel that has had the holes and openings laser cut and the dimples stamped in. Again they can be purchased from many sources for $13.00 on up and usually come with the lower rails. The advantages are that all of the "Hard" work has been done and the cost. The downside is that you will need access to a bending jig and press to properly form the receiver. Bending jigs are available for around $150.00 on up or can be rented through some chat boards. If you plan to make several receivers of this type it may be cost effective to buy a bending jig and then sell it once your finished. You can usually recoup most of your investment this way.

You will also need an assortment of US made parts to be in compliance with BATF regulations. The rule of thumb I use is six US parts plus the receiver. This will allow you to use the original muzzle brake and still be legal. This may sound like a lot, but the FCG counts as three parts by it's self and if you add a pistol grip, gas piston and hand guard your there. There are other items you can use such as a US made muzzle brake or butt stock to round out the parts count. 

Last but not least you will need rivets or screws to do the assembly. The build I am outlining is for rivet construction. You can buy the correct rivet sets from several suppliers and the best place to locate them is through the chat boards.

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