AK-47 Build Info
As the first steel receivers to be cut in Ghost Gunner 3, the AK-47 presents many new challenges for the home gunsmith. These challenges led us to use pre-folded AK-47 receiver flats and the recommendation that you complete your build with a pre-headspaced parts kit.
This path reduces the overall amount of tools, work, and know-how needed to reach your completed rifle. The distinction of parts and why we've chosen this path to an AK-47 are discussed in greater detail further below.
The community of AK-47 builders and suppliers have come to a path that alleviates the need to fold, populate, and headspace your build. With a pre-headspaced build, you can expect to have to complete the following:
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- Cut lower [we got you.]
- Rivet Rear Trunion
- Press Barrel
- Rivet Front Trunion
- Press Barrel
- Rivet Trigger Guard
- Fit Furniture
- Check Headspace
- Function Check
AK Specific Tools
The tools required to complete an AK-47 at home command a certain amount of space, specifically, the ability to home a 12-ton shop press. This press will enable you to press the barrel into the front trunnion and to secure the front trunnion, rear trunnion, and trigger guard rivets. To physically press the barrel and rivets the following AK-47 specific tools have been developed to assist:
AK-47 Specific Tools [Est. $499+]
Lower Compatibility
The development and support for the AK-47 platform were shaped around WBP mfg. AK-47 receivers. These receivers come pre-folded, center support-installed, rails welded, finished, and available here. The process of folding, welding on rails, and installing the center support demands attention to detail and a natural-born desire to keep all things square. These important first steps of cutting, folding, supporting, and welding are taken care of when choosing to start with the pre-folded lower.
Flats and Other Lowers | Other AK-47 lowers are available, at a reduced cost, without the aforementioned portions. When venturing down this path, bear in mind the additional tools and work involved in completing these.
Note | The recommended Rivet Pressing Tool can be used to install the center support in AK-47 receivers lacking them.
Parts Kit Compatibility
Ghost Gunner 3 completes your AK-47 receivers to accept 7.62x39 cal. front trunnions and fixed stock rear trunnions. This baseline offers user compatibility with most of the limited kits on the market today; while keeping the jig clear of any further work the end-user might want to accomplish.
Parts kits can come in various conditions:
Headspaced Parts Kits | These kits typically come with the barrel pre-installed and pinned onto the front trunnion with a pre-established headspace. The front trunnion comes populated with the barrel, sight, gas block attached and tapped.
Virgin Parts kits | These kits are highlighted as having never been completed into a functioning rifle nor been pulled from one.
Demilled Cut | Come with the existing receiver cut upon import. Previously, home builders and 07/02 LICENSE TYPES could salvage these receivers for use. These parts and trunnions should be inspected before use, as other parts or replacements might need to be sourced.
For specifics on where to pick up parts, check out the following suppliers:
Book Recommendations
Build Your Own AK: Vol. I: Headspace & Virgin Barrel Population (Volume 1) 1st Edition
Build Your Own AK: Vol. II: Building the Parts Kit (Volume 2) 1st Edition
Videos
AK Building - How To Get Started Brandon Herrera
AK Build- Part 1- Parts - Baby FaceP
Articles
The Underground Ak-47 Build Manual, The Underground Assault Rifle System
Learn How to Build Your Own AK with the Rifle Dynamics AK Builder Class
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