AK Pistol Build Question

[erwos]

So, assuming the state doesn't make it illegal for me to bend an AK flat into a receiver for a pistol build (or they allow receiver transfers...), how hard exactly is it to do AK pistol builds compared to rifles?

I have a really decent workshop that I had built in the backyard this past year, and I had always wanted to try some AK builds in it. The damned state is going to make the rifles illegal, but if I could screw around with AK pistols, I think that would be fun, too.

 

[rob-cubed]

Exact same amount of effort to put together as a rifle.

Cost-wise, if you want to do a true AKS-U build with no stock you'll pay pretty dearly for a parts kit ($900+). The next biggest issue is finding a dedicated shorty barrel. Original imports are incredibly expensive. Domestically, your only two options are from AK-Builder and a guy called BlueJack (on the various AK forums). Both are pretty high-quality, chromed AKS-U barrels. BlueJack said he's done his last run, and AK-Builder has been sold out for a while.

You could always start with a cheaper standard AK kit, chop down a full-size barrel and use a combined gas/front sight block. This would work fine for a 7.62 barrel, but the twist rate on shortened 5.45 barrels is faster to stabilize the bullet. Guys have also made some very interesting "guide rod" builds that really push the limits of what you can do with a standard AKM kit.

 

[erwos]

The biggest issue right now is finding a dedicated shorty barrel. Original imports are incredibly expensive. Domestically, your only two options are from AK-Builder and a guy called BlueJack (on the various AK forums). Both are pretty high-quality, chromed AKS-U barrels. BlueJack said he's done his last run, and AK-Builder has been sold out for a while.

I don't really care about the barrels very much. If I was talking about building some sort of magnum opus AK pistol, yeah, sure, I'd use a good one, but I just want cheap lolz and a learning experience.

You could also chop down a full-size barrel and use a combined gas/front sight block. This would work fine for a 7.62 barrel, but the twist rate on shortened 5.45 barrels is faster to stabilize the bullet.

That would probably be what I do. Maybe I'd even screw around with rear sight topcovers, etc.

 

[MDGolom]

Just curious, why would a AK pistol be different from building an AK rifle after SB281 goes into effect?

EDIT: Ok, I checked SB281 and an AK pistol is a regulated weapon, but doesn't necessarily fall under the copycat scope since it isn't a rifle.

It's interesting since I just completed my first AK build from a flat. If building an AK pistol from a flat will be ok, I might know my next project.

 

[erwos]

Yeah, the state is a little schizophrenic on how they treat receivers, and I suspect it may change after SB281 goes into effect.