[Toten Kopf]

Yeah, that's right. Started my AK-74 today and got as far as locating the front trunnion. I was going to wait a while after building my AMD-63 but I heard a little voice in my work closet whispering "build me", "build me". So I got out one of my ACE bends and started.

Things seem to be going smooth, however I did notice that the front trunnion rivets won't be the same as the AMD-63. It seems that on the AK-74 the most forward and most aft (lower) rivets are bigger than the AMD and both are swell neck types. So I will use the rear trunnion rivets (long) and cut them to size.

It's just great that when we decide to build an AK we just pull out the parts and start. Damn I love this stuff!

 

[7.62x39]

Off to a nice start TK.

Be sure to keep us posted on your progress

 

[sks_hunter]

Hey, T.K.
when you're finished with that brand new rebuilt drill press, can I have it?
I saw your thread on it a while back, and you did an awesome job on it.
so can I?
great job on the trunnion... is that a blank you started with, or what?
looks fine!

EDIT: I now see that it looks like an ACE blank to me...or your own?

 

[Polish Taipan]

+1 Good start TK, do you have a machman jig or are you gonna go dimpleless?
Just out of curiosity was does Toten Kopf mean? I assume it's German.

 

[Grendeljaeger]

I heard a little voice in my work closet whispering "build me", "build me". So I got out one of my ACE bends and started.

LOL! I've heard that guy too!!! Seriously though I think I'm going to use my ACE bends for the '74 builds too so I can get the mag well right. Perfect time to start too, as I'm celebrating Monday as our unofficial Gunco holiday.
:thumbup1: :thumbup1:

 

[Toten Kopf]

Polish Taipan...

Toten Kopf; death's head, skull and cross bones, skull and lighting bolts, was used by the German SS as their insignia also used by German rock groupies for famous American band "The Grateful Dead", (deadheads).

I just use the name, it doesn't imply that I approve the German use of the symbol or the groupies or the band...LOL

Yes, I used machman's dimple jig but the next build.....I think will be dimpleless. More in line with the Russian AKM.

 

[sks_hunter]

more pics of progress, please....
T.K.,
you seem to do a hell of a job with every project you have shared with us, and I would love to see some progress pics form ya! You do fine work.

 

[Grendeljaeger]

Also the Toten Kopf had much deeper meaning for the German people as it was the symbol of some their deeply regarded formations through out their military history, such as the the Hussars, and this is why the SS adopted it, hoping to borrow some of the german peoples respect with it.

 

[Toten Kopf]

Well, I'm getting closer to finishing the AK-74. Still have a few things to do before I install the barrel. Just received 1M rounds of 5.45X39 FMJ so I'm itching to test this rifle out. The last thing I do is paint the receiver after I do the functional check.

I'll post more pics as I go along getting this rifle ready to shoot.

Also started to order stuff for my next build...AMD-65. I won't be using the folding stock, instead I ordered a ACE (ARFX-E) entry buttstock and hope to use wood fore-grips.

I'm having "WAY" to much fun!!!! Just as an added note, After this build (Plum AK-74) I'll spend some time learning to take better pictures...LOL

Click On Picture To Enlarge

 

[Toten Kopf]

Well, it's finished except for headspacing (have to wait for the gauges like everyone else) but it seems real tight when using a cartridge. The receiver will be GunKoted until I can do the phosphate thing. Oh, the pistol grip isn't the one I'll be using. Seems K-VAR forgot to include the Plum (USA made) grip in my package.

A few surprises on this build but nothing monumental. 2 down 4 to go...LOL Next will be an AMD-65 build without the folding stock. I have anACE entry stock and I'll be using wood handguards.

WaaHoo!!!

 

[hcpookie]

Be sure to weld a bead over that bayonet lug so you can... oh wait nevermind