Looking for AK Smith/Advice (in PNW)

[Schmack]

Hey, all! I am located in Eugene, Oregon but I often visit the Portland/metro area so I would be willing to go to Vancouver or so too.

Completely new to the form I came here looking for any recommendations for an experienced competent gunsmith.

I just sent this message to David over at "SovietStocks" and I'll paste it here because it kind of summarizes the work I'm looking to get done

"Hey, David!

I was recommended your services in my search for someone to help me out with some work I am looking to get done on a couple AKs.

I have a clapped out 5.45 AK on a Circle 10 receiver that was originally built by Waffen Werks and needs redoing completely, rivets are loose, the rear trunnion is damn near falling out.

I also plan on getting one of these PSA AK-E rifles and chopping the barrel down and pin and welding a Surefire Muzzlebrakes on. Of course, I am not familiar with AKs and if you think this would be easier/cheaper to begin by just buying a parts kit or one of those M10 DIY kits and then moving forward with this custom build please let me know. I plan on using this Zenitco PT-1 stock I have on it so it needs a 4.5mm rear folding stock trunnion too. (Which is why I am planning on the PSA AK as it already comes with this trunnion installed and I'm unsure of how difficult it is to install such a trunnion on another rifle)

Please let me know if you think this is possible and if youre willing, what cost I may be looking at. Thank you!"


One thing I forgot to add was that I'm sure you cant just chop an AK and put a SFMB on there without maybe getting a KNS adjustable piston or somehow tune/make sure the rifle runs reliably but, not overgassed.

Anyone have any thoughts on my plans here? Thanks!

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[308]

Sounds like the entire rifle needs dismantling and reassembly. If it were me (and has been many times) I'd buy a new NDS receiver and rebuild it correctly. With a new receiver you can build it in pistol length using a Krink gas piston and GB/FSB combo (if you can find them...probably Kvar)...then add a brace when done. My $0.02

 

[Schmack]

Sounds like the entire rifle needs dismantling and reassembly. If it were me (and has been many times) I'd buy a new NDS receiver and rebuild it correctly. With a new receiver you can build it in pistol length using a Krink gas piston and GB/FSB combo (if you can find them...probably Kvar)...then add a brace when done. My $0.02

On my AR's that are pinned and welded, I had the barrel chopped at about 13.7" and pinned the SFMB. I assume the AK has probably a 16.1" or 16.2" barrel from factory. Do you think removing just a couple inches or so will really require me to get a krink gas piston?

Im not too familiar with AKs so I've got no idea how the rifle may behave differently from just shortening the barrel.

I had not considered this path but its got me thinking. Thanks for your suggestion! I I'll look into this

 

[308]

The only reason I mentioned the Krink gas piston is you can use it to determine your barrel length and gas block location. I used the combo Krink GB/FSB with the 4pc flash hider. I had to drill a new gas port to match the GB after the Romy bbl was cut down. I think the port ended up being 0.125" and it works fine.

As far as shortening your BBL a couple inches? Probably won't matter much for cycling and using the standard length gas piston, but you will have to reposition your FSB obviously.

 

[BATTERY]

I just sent my Maadi kit off to Matt Yeamens "turbothis". He is a well known AK builder down in Talent Oregon.

His work is highly regarded on the AK files



Here is his e mail

[email protected]
5419734850

 

[Toxic6]

5.45 headspace off? I've had that happen on ak's with bad headspace knocks the rear trunnion loose and the dust cover off....

 

[Porter]

I just sent my Maadi kit off to Matt Yeamens "turbothis". He is a well known AK builder down in Talent Oregon.

His work is highly regarded on the AK files



Here is his e mail

[email protected]
5419734850

I would recommend Matt also.

 

[coop44]

I knew an ak smith once, he was good. Then the people from the zoo took away his hammer. He was a sad monkey.

 

[shooter777]

I was recommended Matt off the Akfiles but if theres someone closer to PDX that would be great. Not many smiths want to touch AKs up here

 

[Porter]

Do it once, do it right. See out a master and you will never have to touch it again. Reliability is worth everything.

 

[Schmack]

I just sent my Maadi kit off to Matt Yeamens "turbothis". He is a well known AK builder down in Talent Oregon.

His work is highly regarded on the AK files



Here is his e mail

[email protected]
5419734850

How did your maadi kit build turn out?

 

[BATTERY]

How did your maadi kit build turn out?

It turned out as expected. Great work. Unfortunately his shop and house burned down so I don't know how long until he will be up and running.