Used a friend's one of these a while back. Good results. Got the latest-improved version for my birthday, does -15, -10, -9. Found a refurbished router on eBay, of known-compatible model (there's a list at the link), for about 2/3 the price of new.
Having done this a couple times, I find the critical part is the trigger/hammer/safety pivot holes. They have to be correctly positioned or the trigger group might not work right, which the new-improved version addresses with add-on drill guides.
And besides, it's fun to build one a piece at a time, exactly how you want it. Also remember the occasional fundraiser limited-run engraved 80% lowers, like for VCDL.
David, just want to add to this from a Kalashnikov angle. Back in the day, an 80% AK receiver was either a drilled flat or a bent shell which you needed to harden, spot weld the rails onto and then drill the FCG holes. I still have a few of the latter. But now, both Childers and Recreator are selling 80% blanks that have everything done except the FCG and Selector holes which arguably is the easiest step to do for the home builder. Still have to press rivet onto the trunnions, but still, some major work and headache saved.
Just today Defense Distributed announced the GhostGunner 3. The video shows an AKM receiver getting drilled. Out of the price range of most home builders I suppose, but it's nice to see the capabilities expanding.
Used a friend's one of these a while back. Good results. Got the latest-improved version for my birthday, does -15, -10, -9. Found a refurbished router on eBay, of known-compatible model (there's a list at the link), for about 2/3 the price of new.
ReplyDeleteHaving done this a couple times, I find the critical part is the trigger/hammer/safety pivot holes. They have to be correctly positioned or the trigger group might not work right, which the new-improved version addresses with add-on drill guides.
And besides, it's fun to build one a piece at a time, exactly how you want it. Also remember the occasional fundraiser limited-run engraved 80% lowers, like for VCDL.
David, just want to add to this from a Kalashnikov angle.
ReplyDeleteBack in the day, an 80% AK receiver was either a drilled flat or a bent shell which you needed to harden, spot weld the rails onto and then drill the FCG holes. I still have a few of the latter.
But now, both Childers and Recreator are selling 80% blanks that have everything done except the FCG and Selector holes which arguably is the easiest step to do for the home builder.
Still have to press rivet onto the trunnions, but still, some major work and headache saved.
https://www.recreatorblanks.com/online-store/Ready-To-Ship-80-Receiver-Blanks-with-Welded-in-Rails-c29609081
https://www.childersguns.com/AK-Receiver-Blanks-80-Percent-heat-treated/AK-47-blank-rails.
I've bought some Recreator blanks and the quality and fidelity to authenticity is superb.
Just today Defense Distributed announced the GhostGunner 3. The video shows an AKM receiver getting drilled. Out of the price range of most home builders I suppose, but it's nice to see the capabilities expanding.
ReplyDelete