[hcpookie]

I'm getting an itch for a Galil build. Here's what I've figured out so far:

Receiver: $350 from ORF

Parts kit: The only 2 places I know of that sell the ARM parts kits are:

- gunsnstuffonline.net (NEW) AR parts kits $780

- floridagunworks.com (USED) ARM parts kits $640

The AR is the standard model with 18" barrel.
The ARM is the AR with bipod and carry handle.
The SAR is the AR with a 13.5" carbine barrel.

US-made parts (need 5 since it is a milled receiver type):

- Receiver
- FCG (using standard AK FCG)

and one of these:
- Pistol Grip (riflestocks.com aka ACE)
- US Piston
- US floorplate (I can make this )
- US Muzzle Brake (from gunthings.com)

I heard somewhere that we can get Galil barrels for $40? Is this true? I know you can get all the parts via Sarcoinc.com but for a hefty sum.

Magazines are available everywhere - both 35- and 50-rounders.

I'm thinking of making a typical AR, then cutting/recrowning/threading the barrel to the SAR length and putting a longer muzzle brake on it to make it 16.25".

I am estimating the total for this project would be around $1,000.

What do you think? Worthy, not worth it, or... ???

 

[Polish Taipan]

I think it would be worth it. I swear I've seen cheaper parts kits than that. Whats do you think of that Galil reciever weld pack that was on that website you posted back in another thread? What would it take to get that to work? Could you use an AK trunnion?

 

[Sangrun Hunter]

I think Numrich had them when I was floating the idea of using one to build a .223 SKS a while back. I'll try to find the post on it.

 

[Sangrun Hunter]

I found the post!

http://www.gunco.net/forums/showthread.php?t=1555&highlight=sks

But, it does not have the place where they were for sale. I will be calling my Dad tonight and see if he remembers.

 

[hcpookie]

Reading this article, the following applies:

http://www.remtek.com/arms/imi/galil/index.htm

quote:
In addition, the Galil does not utilize the usual Kalashnikov barrel-extension unit for lock-up of the bolt. The bolt lugs lock into recesses milled into the receiver body itself. Thus, heat dispersion occurs more rapidly, the cartridge remains cooler and the possibility of a cook-off, even under the most intensive full-auto conditions, is minimized.

While the method of operation is identical to the Kalashnikov, Soviet AK-47 parts most certainly cannot be used in the Galil, contrary to the statements of others. When the trigger is pulled, the hammer drives the firing pin forward to ignite the primer.
/quote

Apparently not, but I can't be certain.

 

[hcpookie]

I think Numrich had them when I was floating the idea of using one to build a .223 SKS a while back. I'll try to find the post on it.

Got a link on their website? I can't find it when doing a search of the catalog.

 

[Sangrun Hunter]

No I don't, but I'm going to be calling my Dad in a bit and he might remember who it was.

 

[Sangrun Hunter]

My Dad cannot remember, but says it was linked a Nangant site. Sorry...

 

[sks_hunter]

If I had the money, a galil would definitely be in the works. These babies are pricey, though! If you check the link to the post that sang put up above, you'll see a link to a galil site there that I put in. Check it out, and if you have any questions, drop Jim a line, and I'll bet he'd be more than happy to give you any info you might need. He's the man on galils!

 

[shortround]

You might want to stay away form Florida Guns, I've had a couple of bad experiences with them.

Your not going to be able to use an AK trunnion with a Galil barrel without a great deal of machine work, the Galil threads into the receiver. The top of the trunnion where the sights are would have to be milled for the gas tube to fit and be retained even if it would work otherwise. The stock trunnion presents another challenge as it is a completely different setup on the Galil. I have heard of someone who got the demilled ends of a Galil receiver and milled them thin enough to be welded in an AK receiver. Ontario Gun in Canada was the one who sold the pieces I believe.

If you buy the RF receiver, it's easy to get your parts count.

RF receiver
ACE pistol grip
Any US AK HTS

Azex arms also sells a Galil gas piston. (I don't believe the AK piston works)

You also pretty much have to use a new barrel to build on. The headspace is set by shaving the barrel shoulder until correct when torqued. A clearance cut is then made for the extractor on the breech end. The gas port location is then plotted and a relief milled so that a gas port on a 28(?) degree angle can be drilled. The rest of the assembly is straight forward, but those items are kinda critical.

After going through a couple of Galil builds, I'll say this: If you want a nice Galil, spend the money on a new kit and quality parts, and send it to a reputable 'smith for a full or partial build. If you just want a .223 AK, buy an SAR 3, or even a WASR 3 and a pile of mags. If you want a nice .223 AK, get a VEPR in .223.

 

[Grendeljaeger]

Reading this article, the following applies:

http://www.remtek.com/arms/imi/galil/index.htm

quote:
While the method of operation is identical to the Kalashnikov, Soviet AK-47 parts most certainly cannot be used in the Galil, contrary to the statements of others.
/quote

Apparently not, but I can't be certain.

While I really respect Kokalis he was partially wrong on that point. I believe most folks use the Red Star Arms F.C.G..
I have debated buying one of the brand new kits from FAC for quite awhile.
I can remember when those same parts kits were over $1000 3 years ago. And you have a brand new rifle when you finish it.
If you decide to go with FAC's kit then you should probably use a ORF receiver but if you do it piece by piece then I think you, because of your ability, should look at making your own receiver.
http://www.stenparts.com/Misc__Surplus/Untitled/Galil/galil.html
You will have to find a demilled front and rear reciever ends, but it is still much cheaper.
Shortround is right about having to start with a new barrel, as it makes it much easier, and GunThings http://gunthings.com/ has brand new 1"'n12" barrels for $50. I bought a 1"in7" barrel for $150 off Ebay last spring so I have been trying to pick up the parts here and there but I have put mine on the back burner due to money.
I know you can build one of these and do it for $1000 if you are patient.

 

[hcpookie]

I want one of each! Actually I would like to build a Galil, seems like it would be a fun project.

Yes I have done some research and I think I do have a good understanding of the issues involved. Whatever I do, I'd take my time and do it right so as not to have a "bubba build". These Galil parts are too damn expensive to dick around with and screw up.

The headspace appears to be the most time-consuming issue to me. Why would you try to make AK parts work with it? are you saying someone HAS made AK parts work in it? I thought even the FCG parts require some extra fitting... ?

I do understand the barrel assembly procedure - headspace, mill extractor notch and drill gas port hole, assemble parts, then drill retainer pin holes... right?

In your builds, how did you set the receiver for headspacing? In a vise with a jig of some sort, or do you simply hand-assemble? What's the proper torque on the threads? Presumably less that torque-to-yield?

Also, I thought the barrels were screwed and pinned, so that headspace would not require cutting on the barrel? don't you simply screw in the barrel, get correct headspace, and then drill for the press pin? Seems like you could have problems if too much were removed by shaving off the barrel, or is there more than enough meat on that end? They don't use shims like the FAL, I'm sure of that.


I think that's a 30-degree port, but 2 degrees would not make a difference:

"the 1.8mm vent, drilled at a 30-degree angle into the gas block which is pinned to the barrel."

http://www.remtek.com/arms/imi/galil/index.htm


Oh and I just bought me a Saiga 223 and I'm going to completely rebuild it to an AK-101 clone. Going to take some work but it will pay off. Also, would be easier work to me than converting a VEPR since there isn't any need to weld on the reciever.

 

[DaveGP]

AK74 mags will fit a Galil, with a small bit of trimming - as well as the AK trigger and hammer assembly. The Galil safety also has a different shaft size...the barrels are torqued into place (torqued only - no pins) and headspaced before the gas hole is drilled and the gas block is installed. Internally though, the Galil and AK recievers are virtually identical - the bolts are interchangeable, as are the carriers (308 has a bigger rim opening, otherwise interchangable) Gas piston is a different size, and the tube is different as it lock into the receiver. Hope this answers a couple questions....

 

[hcpookie]

Indeed it does, thanks! What torque poundage is applied to the barrel (like 20 ft-lbs etc)?

 

[DaveGP]

Big torque - I've read in the 100 ft/lb range....

 

[hcpookie]

Holy shla-moley! Big torque indeed.

Somewhat off-topic... used Galil barrels are floating around. So they are available.

WHAT ABOUT THIS - What if I/we revive the pistol build, and use a Galil barrel as a donor pistol barrel? Heck the barrel could even be shot-out for this to work.

See, if/when I get an AR kit, I'm planning to either:

a) discard the barrel and purchase a new SAR barrel, and fully assemble, OR

b) chop the AR barrel down to the SAR's 13.5". That's 5" of discarded barrel section...

If b) then one could make it work, maybe not... but if a) then there would be a used AR barrel, just waiting to be revived.

Thinking aloud. That would be doable in 5.56, and Galil barrels are cheaper than K-Var's 5.56 barrel blanks. One would have to cut off the threads and/or sleeve the barrel to make it work in the press-fit AK trunion, but it would be a 5.56 krink pistol!

 

[DaveGP]

Interestly enough, IMI used M16 barrels, appropriately machined, in the early production Galil's.....the Galil barrels are definately cheap enough - new for $40!