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I have this hair brained idea to try to build an AK. Found some parts kits for some Romy's, but they're 'pre-G' and, according to the ad, they include the full auto parts. So my question is, if I buy the parts kit (given I have an AK already), am I going to be in deep Kim Chi with the ATF for 'owning a machine gun'?

Was going to replace the FCG parts anyway due to the 922r regs. So I guess I'll pitch the offending parts in the circular bin. Not sure I'd know how to set it up regardless. I'd have no idea where to locate the '3rd hole'.

I too am looking into building and AK, and I wanted to know how difficult it is to bend a receiver without a press? One of the reasons I'm building it instead of buying it is the cost, and I don't want to have to buy a $120 press for a (possibly) one time gig.

see if you can find a local machinist to do it. Probably do it for next to nothing, or a case of beer.

You can get an NDS-3 for $55 + shipping and FFL. Real tough to do a one off bend build for that. You have to buy the flat, then you have to weld in the rails (do you have a spot welder or access to one?). Also have to heat treat the receiver. I just bought a complete AK reciever for $56. No way could I buy the flat, build a bend jig, and do all the other work for that. Only way bending from a flat makes sense is if you plan to do a lot of builds. For a 'one and done' situation, you're money ahead just buying a built receiver. I've seen a few ready made bending fixtures that claim to be able to do it w/o a press. But the cost of the jig is what you'd pay for a ready to go receiver.

Never run the numbers, but I'd guess you'd have to build at least 10 or so to get to a break even point making receivers from flats. But that's just a guess. That could be different if you have a friend that has all the jigs and tools. Otherwise, I'd just get a receiver.