First off, lets get the legal stuff out of the way.
This post is meant for entertainment purposes only. If you get a cruddy kit and/or don't do your own homework and blow your hand off it's your
fault, not mine. This is meant to be a primer and not an all-inclusive instructional how-to. Seriously, If you're unfamiliar with the tools described
then get help. It is the reader's responsibility to follow all local, state, and federal laws at all times. Legally, you can make hundreds of these
and be able to send the ATF pictures. I wouldn't recommend it, but it'd be the proof in the pudding. However, keep something in mind. You are
building a firearm. The government takes that serious. You can't ever sell them. Well, the safest way is never to sell them. Don't forget about
922(r) compliance. More on that booger later.
Federal Firearms Licenses are classified into 11 types. Several years back I had an 01 FFL, dealer in firearms other than destructive devices. In
order to remanufacture AKs to resell you would need to have an 07 FFL, Title 1 manufacturer of firearms, who can also act as dealer, other than
Destructive Devices. However, I have heard it rumored that if you stamp your last name, city and state of manufacturer, and any serial number, you
could legally sell homebuilt AKs, albeit very infrequently.
My ATF Investigator never called me back to tell me what he found out, but honestly that's an ironclad case for the ATF. You built a rifle, you sold
a rifle, they have proof of it and you're toast. Personally I wouldn't dream of reselling a homebuild without an 07 FFL. However if I had followed
my gut and put a pallet of AK kits on my credit card back when they were less than $100 I'd be rolling in dough. I'd have found the $$$ to file for
the proper license..but I digress
It's ridiculously easy to build AK-platform rifles. Uneducated Afghanis build them with hand tools. While I have not witnessed them do this
personally, a friend that I trust with my life has when he was stationed there. However, we have access to things like hydraulics and electricity, so
there will be no need to hold parts with your toes while you bang on them with a maul.
AKs sold in stores in the US are all technically "homebuilds." AKs can't be imported intact so they are demilitarized. This consists of removing
the bolt, carrier, gas tube and upper handguard. The rifle is cut into three pieces, bagged, and packed for importation. This is an AK kit.
Atlantic Firearms
I have done business with Atlantic in the past and they're good people. The price of the kits has gone up $80 since i first saw these a few weeks
ago, and these are the only -74 kits i could find in 10 mins of looking, so you might want to take that into consideration.
For the images, I don't have any of my own. I don’t know if it’s kosher to put an outside forum link in ATS but that’s the only place I can
find decent pics. Next time I build one (sometime this year, I hope) I’ll do a personalized DIY. For now, since they’re not my pics they’re
not my writeup. I’ve read this one and I approve. Sorry, guys. It’s taken me awhile to do just the tools list and I honestly have an important
midterm on Monday. That’s why I didn’t get this posted last night. Still, though, If you decide to build an AK or three and have any questions,
feel free to ask. All AKs are essentially built the same way. The only variation is what parts you pick for your 922r compliance and how fancy you
want your tools. If you’re Daddy Warbucks you can buy the snazzy rivet jig or you can make one for about $20 out of a pair of bolt cutters.
Savvy Survivor’s flat bending tutorial
www.savvysurvivor.com...
-69Mach1’s Build Tutorial on Calguns
www.calguns.net...
-note: pay special attention to 922r compliance list. As my compliance parts I picked the muzzle brake, buttstock, pistol grip, and the 3 fire control
group parts as my US-marked parts. If your part is not stamped “US” on it, it’s a foreign part. No matter if it’s made here or not. IT HAS TO
BE STAMPED. The reason I picked those 6 specific parts is because in that configuration I can legally use whatever mags I want as well as whatever
handguards I want. 922r violations are the things the ATF charges you if they can’t find anything else to bust you for. It’s a pain, but stay
legal.
It sounds hard, but It’s really not that difficult. The very first AK I ever built is still my go-to rifle. Why? Katya (yes, I named her .|..) is
somewhat of a rarity amongst AKs. Feed her right and she’ll shoot 1 inch groups. NO WAI! Yep. Wai. This picture was taken after I mounted my Eotech
at a FTX (field training exercise) amongst friends and I honestly didn’t have time to take another picture after the sight was properly dialed in.
50’s vintage Egyptian surplus was used with this shot. It shoots inconsistent cloverleafs with Hydroshoks. I’ve been offered $2k for it but I do
not want to dabble with the legalities of selling a homebuild. You probably won’t get that, but you will get a reliable rifle that does not exist
unless you show it off. Although, take your time and build one with a new barrel and it's possible.
Left Target: Prone with bipod, slow aimed fire. Right target, kneeling, rapid fire.
This is my homeland security. Upcoming is a TWS dogleg rail and a graphite/black tiger stripe cerakote finish. My roomie just bought the stuff and he
does powdercoating.
Good post btw, I found most of it interesting.
