Any AK builders in southern LA?

[southernk9cop]

I am ordering my parts within the next week or so. Nodak receiver and a Cole's kit. I am also going to use the Century compliance kit.

Anyone have the tools to press the rivets that would mind helping me out or mind renting the tools?

 

[LCPL 4]

Screw build here. Good luck.

 

[CavalryJim]

A fellow on this site using the screen name "Red Jacket" owns a gunshop and builds AKs for a living. He could probably give some pointers.

 

[southernk9cop]

LCPL4,

How tough was the screw build? I don't care if its a rivet or screw build as long it looks good and goes boom when I want it to. And oh yeah, doesn't fall apart.

 

[Narco]

http://www.redstick-firearms.com/index.html

Member:
http://bayoushooter.com/forums/member.php?u=427

 

[Red Jacket]

Hi guy , first pointer would be to forget the Century parts and just get a G2 f.c.g. . Copes or Tapco carry's them .

 

[LCPL 4]

Very easy to accomplish a screw build. The hardest part for me was making sure I drilled out the old rivets correctly centered and taped the holes centered as well. I did it all with basic hand tools - no presses, jigs, etc. I went with a nodak spud receiver since I did not know of anyone near me to take me through the bending process.

Would I rather have a rivet job? Yes, but since I couldn't find another builder near me I just couldn't see myself spending more money on the tools and jigs needed than what the rifle parts cost me in the first place. Safety wise, I haven't read on any forums of a ka-boom caused by screws versus rivets.

She goes boom. The screws are held by some loc-tite and none have started backing out yet.

From experience -

I would suggest skipping the engine paint method and go to something more durable like alumahyde 2 or similar if you are going to spray it.

You'll need a bottoming tap for the front screw holes if you don't plan on removing the barrel.

If you are limited to basic hand tools pay a little extra and get a kit with the old rivets already removed. That was the biggest pain in the rear.

I'll try and post a pic of the romy I did later this evening. I think total price came way under $300 for everything needed from the screws to the stain I used on the wood.

Oh yeah, almost forgot - watch your US made parts count to stay legal.

Edit - Purchased my kit from - http://www.akparts.com/index.htm

 

[LCPL 4]

Pic - Looks like every other romy g although I'm pretty proud of the way the wood finish turned out.

 

[southernk9cop]

Thanks again for the replies.

Will,
You appear to be the most experienced person on here with builds (duh). What method of building do you recommend for a first build. I am looking to put together 3 or 4 kits eventually. I see the bolt cutter method online a lot, and saw the part for sale for 40 bucks. BUT....that won't do the long rivets or the trigger guard rivets. How do you recommend a home builder install these rivets?

Do you do this small of a service in your shop? (Long rivets and trigger guard rivets) I emailed you the other day checking stock on receivers. I deleted the email by accident. What receivers do you have in stock?

 

[Red Jacket]

Thanks again for the replies.

Will,
You appear to be the most experienced person on here with builds (duh). What method of building do you recommend for a first build. I am looking to put together 3 or 4 kits eventually. I see the bolt cutter method online a lot, and saw the part for sale for 40 bucks. BUT....that won't do the long rivets or the trigger guard rivets. How do you recommend a home builder install these rivets?

Do you do this small of a service in your shop? (Long rivets and trigger guard rivets) I emailed you the other day checking stock on receivers. I deleted the email by accident. What receivers do you have in stock?

Get the bolt-cutter riveter . I can hook you up with the rivets , no problem . I keep NDS 1's , 3's on hand . A vise , a punch and a hammer [a 3rd hand is good too] is all you need for the trigger guard rivets . pick up a 40-60 lb anvil from Harbor Freight , use a 1/4 in drill bit to put a dimple in it , use that to set your rear trunnion rivets [w/hammer ] . btw , while I'm sure anyone on here's screw builds will last forever + a million rounds , I've had many a home builder send me their screw builds for un-f**king after they fall apart . I'd go ahead and stick with the rivet's for the long haul . Will P.S. if you get stuck , or this is incoherent , give me a call . Will

 

[southernk9cop]

I'll talk with you in person in the next week or two. I'm going to get my receiver from you. I found there is a Harbor Freight in NOLA. I'll get whatever you recommend there. Now...when you say anvil are you meaning a Looney Tunes falling on your head off a cliff anvil or a 45ish pound 5 or 6 inch vice with an anvil built onto one side.

A.

B.

 

[Red Jacket]

yeah , Sherwood Forest @ I-12 . See you when you get by . Will

 

[#1bambam]

So Southernk9cop hows the build going.I wish I found this site earlyer I love to build AKs.And have all the tools to build. I also have a hot blueing setup.

 

[Red Jacket]

So Southernk9cop hows the build going.I wish I found this site earlyer I love to build AKs.And have all the tools to build. I also have a hot blueing setup.

BAmBAM ain't just talking **** either . I've shot one of his builds , ingenius design features . You really ought to let me paint that arm gun for you bambam

 

[#1bambam]

BAmBAM ain't just talking **** either . I've shot one of his builds , ingenius design features . You really ought to let me paint that arm gun for you bambam

-----I would Will but I allready hit it with the hot salts and it looks pretty good.I got a boat gun that needs a littel extra rust protection I need done up.I want to build a 5.45 arm pistol to take advantae of the cheap surplus.