Build or Buy AK 74?

T

troopcom

New member
Guys I need some serious imput. First off I would like to say that back about 9 years ago when I knew nothing about AK variant rifles, that I was suckered into buying an AK 74 built with Bulgarian parts from the none other than JOE KEN Firearms in Winslow, AZ. If I had only known better. Anyway my point is, the rifle I bought was made on a "POS" receiver made by the Notorious "Hesse" (I know, I know, catch your breath). With less than 500 rounds through the rifle, the top rails near the rear of the receiver has cracks in it. The top rail is practically coming off! The rifle is accurate for an AK and I know how hard Bulgarian parts kits are to get these days. This would be an easy fix, except for the fact that the receiver is welded to the front trunnion where there would normally be rivets. How can there be such low life scum that would first manufacture a "POS" like this or even sell it?
What are my options and what would you men do?
 
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Sorry GONIF, I'm not close to AZ, but I would definately like to know if I could remove the welded receiver without damaging the front trunnion.
 
Yeah I really like the idea of tearing it down and building it on a NDS receiver, but the receiver that is on it now is welded to the front trunnion. How do I get it off? Will this destroy the front trunnion?
 
Where is it welded at? If its where the trunion slides into the top rail then it might be difficult to grind off. If its where the rivets go then just grind it off and drill new holes. Another and cleaner way to do it is buy an end mill cutter and put it in a drill press then mill cut the welds off. Just don't go deeper than the sheet metal. If all else fails, then buy a new trunion from Apex.
 
candr44,
From the best I can tell it is welded where the two rivets were supposed to go through the front trunnion. Looks like spot welds to me, but I'm no expert. I will try to make some pics and show you. I did think about milling it down, but am afraid to dig into the front trunnion, but as you said I guess I could buy another front trunnion. I have heard they are hard to headspace if you have to replace the trunnion.
 
I have heard they are hard to headspace if you have to replace the trunnion.
Click to expand...

Its no harder to head space than any other barrel and trunion. Although, since its a used barrel you will have to cut an over size barrel pin hole. The original pin is 7mm and you can buy a over size 8mm pin from AK Builder.com.

Just go slow with your build, take your time to learn, and think things through. If your not sure of what you are doing, test your ideas and skills on a piece of scrap. Learn the proper order to put parts on then concentrate on one step at a time but don't get in a hurry.

Check out some of the builders forums likehttp://www.gunco.net/forums/index.php but you will have to join to see all the builders forums. Also, http://www.weaponeer.net/forum/default.asp?SID=2EF5A49FEF71B48AB756DE8106C62B17FE4 and Weapons Guild but it seems to be down right now. They have a wealth of knowledge on any of these forums and can guide you through a build.
 
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Get the barrel pin & barrel pressed off.
Grind that old receiver off center punch & drill through the weld where the rivets were supposed to be.
Then rebuild on a good receiver if you were here we could get it done in about two days.
Look up a build party in your area & get it rebuilt.;)
My Bulgy 74 works good.
35hqsrt.jpg
 
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I live in S.W. IN. if you are not in my area you could post on this forum or others to find someone to help you get your AK working.
 
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