I'm ordering my AK Kit - final advice?

[FloridaPhil]

Leaning towards the $149 JG matched set at
Romanian AK-47 stamped receiver parts kit, G-VG

I don't really like the furniture - would much rather have a black syntheric look with Galil style handguards. Am I better just going for an off-the-shelf gun or will I end up with a better gun doing it myself (with the help of my friend Speedracer 211)

Also, any opinions on the KVAR trigger group at
Kvar AK Trigger Group Set, US made 922 compliant.

While I can buy the Tapco set elsewhere, I can load this set into the cart and save on shipping.

Finally, which magazines are good quality?

Sorry for all the questions but I have NO experience in this area, at all.

Thanks in advance.

Phil

[Rocket6R]

I could spend hours alone talking about this subject. We bought 400 kits from JG. Some of the kits were mis-matched, about 12%. We had about that same amount heavily pitted, however, there rest were first rate kits. Some of the kits even had their barrel preservers in them (wax-like paper). I don’t believe that some of the kits had ever been fired. After building 200+ all passed head space. We use NDS-3 receivers. We also use Tapco G2 and arsenal single claw triggers. I like the Tapco G2’s myself.

The stocks! Well, there are a bitch removing all the old shellac, there are some tricks to it. I prefer the original wood refinished.

If you can, see if you can get a pre-83 G kit. Those are the best as far as the Romanian’s manufacturing is concerned. You will have a less likely hood of sight cant, less machining marks, etc. Around 1983 there was a little revolution in Romania and a lot of people lost their heads, literally. The arms manufacturing started to slide.

Mags! I stick to the standard ribbed European mags. These are generally the cheapest around. We bought hundreds in bulk and there quality varied since these were 30+ year old mags that have seen their fair share of abuse. When I put eight of them in an assault vest it gets pretty heavy. To cut down on weight you may want to look at some of the synthetic mags out there (Bulgarian). Basically, stay with mil. spec. mags. I have not played around with US made mags but I have my concerns.

If you have other specific questions just PM me. I don’t mind helping out. It took me about 6 months of building AK’s to truly understand what a proper build is.

Thanks, Rocket6R

[AV8R]

I ordered two of these exact kits ealier this evening (with hand-pick option). Keeping my fingers crossed....

[Lt762x39]

I've delt with J&G and you won't be disapointed. The kits I got were great

[AZXD]

Originally Posted by Lt762x39

I've delt with J&G and you won't be disapointed. The kits I got were great

He will be if he didn't order already. I called them at 3pm to place an order and all the good kits are gone
I didn't ask about the 99 dollar kits.

[AV8R]

Originally Posted by AZXD

He will be if he didn't order already. I called them at 3pm to place an order and all the good kits are gone
I didn't ask about the 99 dollar kits.

Oh no... I ordered on the 29th. I wonder if I was too late as I haven't heard anything from them regarding the order. I gotta call 'em.

[AZXD]

Originally Posted by AV8R

Oh no... I ordered on the 29th. I wonder if I was too late as I haven't heard anything from them regarding the order. I gotta call 'em.

Yea, I would! They told me they are over ordered. Good luck!!

[AZXD]

Update for all!!!
Ignore my previous post about JG Sales!!

JG Sales does have kits. I called back this morning and spoke to Mike who told me they have plenty of kits in the warehouse that have not been brought into inventory. Thus, as they sort through them, they are filling orders with about a 1 week wait before shipment.

I was able to order my stuff, and am now waiting for UPS to knock on the door

AV8R, call them and get an order confirmation #