My latest build

Been working on this one for some time now. I spent too dang much time messing with the rust issue with this Nodak Spuds receiver and am very glad it was the last NDS receiver I had left. Never again!

Out for a test drive and it ran perfect! Sighting and function are spot on.
https://www.milsurps.com/images/impo...bd01c382-1.jpg

Done!
https://www.milsurps.com/images/impo...b4a78c59-1.jpg
https://www.milsurps.com/images/impo...2058e3d1-1.jpg

It's a matching Polish kit with a GM barrel. The top cover is off a milled Bulgy because the original was messed up (by me) :)

I'm getting bored with the AK platform. I think I want to do a FAL and an H&K next :)

Nice build, Bill. I like the look with the smooth dust cover.

How did the GM barrel fit? I had some that were a little off, so I switched to ESS.

I haven’t gotten bored with Ak’s yet. Probably because I mostly help friends build their guns now. They do all the work and get the satisfaction of building their own gun. I just pass on the little I know about building them and provide the tools.

We recently built these two, Romanian and Hungarian underfolders. I liked the Romanian so much that I ordered one for myself.

BTW, The new Nodak receivers are treated so they won’t rust.

When did the change at Nodak take place? The latest report is Harlan is sending boiling instructions along with new receivers. I got very frustrated with Harlan last I spoke with him because he claims there are no issues and he had not heard of any rust issues. There are still a grip of reports coming out that they are rusting at the center support and from behind the rails.

This is the only GM barrel I've used and I had no problems at all. I too use ESS.

Nice, how will you finish them? I Parkerize then use John Norrell's moly resin.

I don't know when Nodak started using the black oxide finish. I got the one for the Romanian UF from them about three weeks ago.

Another friend is going to Parkerize them. I will powder coat the outside of the one I am building for myself.

All of the Nodak receivers I've bought the last year or so have been black oxide finishes and all have rusted. The problem is the quenching is done in a salt solution "after" the center support has been installed. The solution seeps into the center support and then leaks out causing the rust on the inside and outside of the receiver and between the rails and receiver. Read this thread on AKFiles for details: NDS receivers rusted like crazy - The AK Files Forums

Interesting. Maybe the ones I got didn't have time to rust. I put them in plastic bags with some WD40.

Thanks for the info and link.

Sweet build, Bill. At least you no longer have to have the asinine "Paddle" grip!

I like the furniture, Bill. where did you get it?

It came with the Polish kit. I believe this one is from Curtis at AK Builder. All I did was wipe it down with an oily rag then with a dry cloth. I've been really lucky with the kits I've picked up. They have all had really nice wood. :)

Nice! I bought my set about 5 or 6 years ago from someone on AR15.com. It is supposed to be an early Russian AKM or AK74 stock set. It is solid wood, not laminate. It looks like a black walnut with some heartwood in it. Even the top handguard is not laminate. It had split, but I repaired it. I only paid $30 shipped, so even if it is not Russian, who cares. It does look more red or plum in real life.