This is what my first AK build cost me. I just thought I'd put this together to give newer folks an idea of what it cost for a screw build at home using these common parts. A different receiver and parts kit would change the totals drastically. Also, your choice of US compliant parts would make a large difference. The cost list includes all shipping/tax/FFL fees already added in, basically everything I could think of for my screw built AKM.
$65 Vulcan receiver from Joeken group buy (includes FFL fee)
$170 Polish kit (Global)
$3 screws (McMaster-Carr)
$10 US brake (Global)
$25 FCG (Tapco - group buy)
$11 US floorplate/followers for six mags ("kfranz" at the FAL Files, and I think he posts here under the same handle)
I wanted the Polish laminated fixed stock so I traded even with the Polish underfolder that came with the kit.
I didn't include cost of items that can be reused for additional projects, such as the taps, drill bits, locktite, oils, etc. They cost under $20 locally anyhow. I purchased all the screws, taps, and drill bits from McMaster-Carr (highly recommended hardware supply house).
My screw build Polish AKM comes to $283 and that's including all shipping and FFL charges. Since I bought a completed receiver there are no worries about excise tax. A rivet build would be comparable in cost but it would require a few more tools. Also, as a bonus, there was no refinishing required - the receiver matched the kit perfectly and the kit was in as-new condition. The few very small assembly marks I touched up with cold blue.
So the bottom line is that I built a brand new Polish AKM in about a day, less than 5 hours actually, for well under $300. The gun looks new, smells new, and functions perfectly. Who needs a $300 SAR1 when you can build a nice Polish AKM for less money. Especially considering that shipping-FFL-taxes will drive the cost up considerably higher than the asking price.
What more can I say? I have enough screws left over to do several more rifles. I have two buddies and a wife who want one now. Time to get to work!
(.):nanabang
.)
$65 Vulcan receiver from Joeken group buy (includes FFL fee)
$170 Polish kit (Global)
$3 screws (McMaster-Carr)
$10 US brake (Global)
$25 FCG (Tapco - group buy)
$11 US floorplate/followers for six mags ("kfranz" at the FAL Files, and I think he posts here under the same handle)
I wanted the Polish laminated fixed stock so I traded even with the Polish underfolder that came with the kit.
I didn't include cost of items that can be reused for additional projects, such as the taps, drill bits, locktite, oils, etc. They cost under $20 locally anyhow. I purchased all the screws, taps, and drill bits from McMaster-Carr (highly recommended hardware supply house).
My screw build Polish AKM comes to $283 and that's including all shipping and FFL charges. Since I bought a completed receiver there are no worries about excise tax. A rivet build would be comparable in cost but it would require a few more tools. Also, as a bonus, there was no refinishing required - the receiver matched the kit perfectly and the kit was in as-new condition. The few very small assembly marks I touched up with cold blue.
So the bottom line is that I built a brand new Polish AKM in about a day, less than 5 hours actually, for well under $300. The gun looks new, smells new, and functions perfectly. Who needs a $300 SAR1 when you can build a nice Polish AKM for less money. Especially considering that shipping-FFL-taxes will drive the cost up considerably higher than the asking price.
What more can I say? I have enough screws left over to do several more rifles. I have two buddies and a wife who want one now. Time to get to work!
(.):nanabang