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Posted: 1/19/2004 4:13:04 PM EDT
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Started this discussion in another thread, thought I'd move it here instead of hijacking someone else. I want to build an AMD-65. My plan is to buy the reciever and the parts kit, and then apply for an SBR stamp. Here is the kit I've been looking at: www.centerfiresystems.com/miva/merchant.mv?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=CSI&Product_Code=AMD-65KIT&Category_Code=PK. Does anyone know if this contains US made parts or are they all imported? This is the only receiver I've been able to find: www.joeken.net/store/shopdisplayproducts.asp?id=58&cat=Receivers+58. Are those all the parts I need? From here, is it just assembly, or is there some millwork that would be necessary? If I can assemble an AR lower, am I covered for building this? Anything else I might be missing before I start this project? I realize it will take some time for the Tax Stamp (that's a Form 1 right?), but thought I would gather all of the information I needed now. |
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First off, dont buy from Joeken. You'll wait and wait for the damn thing. They've done way to much bad buisness for me to ever recomend them. Second off, the 65 kit is great. Centerfire has always had great service. You'll need rivits or screws depending on how you are going to build the thing. btw, this thing doesn't screw together like an AR. You have to have to press out the barrel. Rivit the trunion into the receiver. Press the barrel back in. Headspace. Then rivit the other stuff in and weld the rails in. Research the stuff a lot first. It requires a lot of handfitting. |
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Ok first you have to decide how you want to put it together, you can rivit it(tradition way), weld it, or screw it. I built a 65 on my first build. I screwed it because I didnt want to mess with pressing the barrel in and out. But most people prefer rivits so it looks right. I forgot you are getting a complete receiver and not a 80%. Your rails would be installed. This isnt impossible or anything but its not like putting together an AR lower. Also, the 65 trunion has different hole locations than a standard trunion so you need to get one without the holes drilled or you will have to figure out a way to patch them. |
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I havent built one yet but have been doing some reading lately. You will also need 6 or 7 U.S. parts same as if building a FAL. As for the trunion holes maybe JB Weld or fill with weld and grind it smooth. If you havent looked yet the Build It Yourself forum on www.ak-47.net has alot on the amd-63/65 |
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Now again I have never built one, but the process will be the same for the 63 or 65. The barrel will have to be pressed in, if you screw it together the front, rear trunion will have to be taped and the stock will have to be fixed either open or closed(provided it is long enough overall) The only big difference is with the 65 without the SBR license you will need to add another break to reach 16.5 US parts usually FCG, grip, gas piston, disconector, floor plate, follower, brake, Again this is only from reading, I have'nt build one yet. Chris |
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I've built one. I screwed it together & ended up going through 4 taps (cheapie Vermont American, only thing I could find). Get a tapered tap & a bottom tap (especially if the barrel is still in the trunnion). You don't have to press the barrel out to tap the trunnion but I suppose you could get a thread or two more into the trunnion if you did. Also, from what I've read, you don't need to put the screws into the original holes. Just drill new ones when the barrel/trunnion is in the right place on the receiver. Saves the hassle of trying to get 1) the holes in the correct spot on the receiver and 2) the damn rivet has a tendency to spin once you get it almost drilled through. I didn't use this method as I didn't think about it until later so YMMV. The rear trunnion I drilled & tapped. I drilled from one side to the other as there are no parts of anything to run into. I used an Ace Arms 80% receiver. You have to cut out every hole & trim the rails. I wouldn't try it unless you have a Dremel or similar tool. AK-47.net has a good post (with pictures) on how to build an AK. As someone suggested in one of the posts above you should take a look at it. Have fun! hn |
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I'm headed over to AK-47.net for some research, but is this what I would need for the rivets: www.sears.com/sr/javasr/product.do?BV_UseBVCookie=Yes&vertical=TOOL&pid=00974749000 |
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no! that sears thing is for use with aluminum pop rivets. what you need is a set of rivet setting punches. these are nothing more than a hardened steel punch with a cupped head. you will also need a ball pein hammer to hit the punch with and some home made bucking bars to form the head on the shank end of the rivet. you can also buy one of plimker's rivet setting fixtures if you want to invest in one or are going to build multiple ak's. i'm still using old chunks of scrap steel as bucking bars and they work fine for me. rivet setting punches are available at msc supply and mcmaster-carr. |
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The 63 would be the easier to build. It uses the standard rear trunion so you wouldn't have to patch any holes in the receiver. Also the barrel is already legal length. I used the screw method except I did cheat a little. Since the trigger guard doesn't really have any forces on it except to hole the magazine. I did use one of those aluminum rivits to install that. I think 4 rivits to hold the mag should be fine. If not, then I'll just rip it off and install it better. You should headspace the rifle even if you didn't remove the barrel from the trunion. There has been a few reports of the barrels being out of headspace. |
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Medic, I'v built a bunch of the AMD65 guns, for me and friends, using rivits, screws, and welding. Far as I'm concerned, welding is the easiest and fastest way to get out on the firing line. Riviting takes time to remove and reinstall the barrel and headspace. Screws take time to drill and tap. tig weld the rivit stubs into the rivit holes of the receiver. Caution:the front trunnioin holes in the Vulcan receiver MIGHT be too far rearward, line the front trunnion flush with the receiver front, and then elongate the rivit holes to match the trunnion. then tig weld and grind flush. The AMD65 is an excellent little gun, very handy shooter, very liteweight. I like it a lot. OJF |
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This is from www.gunsnet.net/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=158261=  if you read though it it gives the company and part # edit for link |
| I'm going to buy several receivers and a few different kits. But I think I'll start with an AMD-63 kit, so I don't have to mess with the SBR or adjusting things that don't fit quite right. It will be a learning experience I can take on to the other AK's I want to build. These things are as addictive as my black rifles! |
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