Build rifle from scratch - Can I really?

[James K]

Hi, Harry,

Well, not always. Even the old Lancaster county gunsmiths didn't build the whole gun. They often bought barrels, locks and furniture from specialists in those areas, though they usually made or at least fitted the stock. Some collectors make much of the fact that this or that "school" has a similarity of patch boxes, or lock plates; they shouldn't be surprised, the "school" bought the stuff from the same place.

I had a fellow show me a fairly late (mid 1850's) percussion rifle which he said was the product of "x" who made the complete rifle from scratch. He was not happy when I showed him the "J & D Little" marking on the bottom of the barrel and ponted out that the lock was an Elwell. (J & D Little, in Pittsburgh, was the Brownell's of the day, supplying gunsmiths with barrels, stocks, locks, parts, tools, and machinery.)

Jim

 

[donttellthewife]

I am new to this website, but I just had to share this info when I saw the thread.

FN FAL build cost
Kit $175.00
Receiver $485.00 shipped to FFL (when you can get one )
Compliance parts $125.00
Tools, pins, gages $175.00-200.00

Total $960.00 Used rifles go for $700.00 to $1200.00
website, http://www.falfiles.com/forums/

1919a4 build cost
Kit $299
Side plate 80% (this is considered the reciever) $110
Machining services $200
Semi trigger $120.00
Rivet set $25.00
Bucking bar $30.00
Parkerizing tank and chemicals $75.00
1000 links $60.00

Total $859 New rifles go for $900.00- 1800.00
website http://www.1919a4.com/modules.php?name=Jig

MG 42/ M 53
Just starting, it will be exspensive!
http://www.panzer46.net/mg42board/viewforum.php?f=10&sid=d53413c00e78ce87a4c9372f4a8e4cd8

AK47
next on the list. It's suppose to be the easiest and you can save good amount of money. I would like to build an underfolder
http://www.ak-47.us/AK-Build.php

AR15
Buy the parts and assemble. You can't save much but it will be your custom rifle

You must do things in order and never have full auto parts in your possession while doing a build. Know how many and which parts you need to stay complaint. Know the laws before you start or you can loose the right to ever own a firearm again and or spend some time at the graybar motel.

Once you invest in the tools you'll be hooked. There is something very satisfiying about building your own firearm and knowing it inside and out. Another plus side is that some members of the above listed websites have build parties, were they share tools and knowledge, and it's great to get to know more like minded people.

On the down side these kits are drying up ( import restrictions ) and as they dry up so will parts supplers. In other words don't wait to long if you have been thinking about doing a build on a imported parts kit.

Hope this helps. Ron

 

[dstorm1911]

With all the akfiles members here I can't believe nobody chimed up!!

The AKM based rifle will be your simplest and cheapest to build, forget the home bent reciever flats that will only run up tool costs ya want to go with a 100% reciever from Nodakspuds NDS-3 $55 shipped to your FFL its predrilled and ready to rivet in your trunions etc.. next a parts kit $99 from J&G sales for a Rommy G kit ya will also need 922R compliance parts and if your in CA. it gets a lil trickier the 922r parts will set ya back bout another $65

here is one of my most popular tutorials

http://www.surplusrifleforum.com/viewtopic.php?t=25304

at the end of the post there is a picture of the completed rifle a lil over 2 hours from start to finish with all the tools needed laying around it to do a profesional level riveting job, Most of the tools ya can make yourself with very basic skills

here is the absolute best site on the net to learn and get help for building an AK pattern rifle

http://www.akfiles.com


totally dedicated to the AK owner and builder, ya can p.m me or any number of others on there anytime for help I have the same user id on there as well as a few other boards......

Nodak spuds website for recievers

http://nodakspud.com/page2.htm

this site is where ya wanna order rivets or any Jigs ya don't wanna make yourself also a toon of info

http://ak-builder.com/ak/index.php

have fun its really not as difficult as some would make it sound we get first time builders everyday.........


DStorm

 

[3 weelin geezer]

Actually jim, you don't need to argue with the attorney because they do make recievers that you don't need an ffl. They are just finished up to 80%. No need to argue or go to court over it if you get the right part. Thats just part of the fun of building your own knowing that you did it yourself (and hopefully did it right or bust). How many of those kits do you know of that the owner would sell to me for a nickel? I would be glad to get them at that price +S/H if they still have some useful part(s) left.