For years I have have heard how great Geissele (pronounced Guys-Lee) triggers are. They offer a ton of models so I actually called them and talked about what trigger to use for a target rifle – which is the rifle shown above. After some talking, the gentleman I talked to recommended their Super Semi-Automatic Enhanced (SSA-E) trigger. I bought it direct from them and have been very happy. Here are the SSA-E specs on the trigger direct from the Geissele web page:
Type:
2 Stage
1st Stage Weight:
2.3lbs.
2nd Stage Weight:
1.2lbs.
Total Pull Weight:
3.5lbs.
Adjustable:
No
Recommended Use:
Target Shooting, Precision Shooting
Pin Size:
Mil-Spec
After shooting with it, I can tell you it is my favorite AR trigger hands down. Now I know why guys swear by them. The only con is the cost but you are definitely getting value in return.
I was surfing around on Youtube and found this video today – I wish I had known about it before as it would have helped me also. Bill Geissele, the man himself, walks you through their 15 models of triggers and answers common questions he gets about them. I definitely want to try one of their Super 3-Gun (S3G) or Super Dynamic 3-Gun (SD-3G) triggers in the future and will definitely go the SSA-E route again if I build another precision rifle.
By the way, unless you are in a rush, Geissele triggers go on sale 2-3 times per year at Midway, Brownells, Primary Arms and other sources. I paid $240 for my trigger and could have saved 40% if I had timed my purchase better. That’s what I am doing with my 3-Gun trigger purchase – just waiting for the next sale.
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Back in 2015, Rob Ski went to Definitive Arms to build an AK. In this video, they really get into the details of building an AK and anyone regardless of experience level is bound to learn something. You can watch in this 36:13 video as Rob builds his AK under the expert tutelage of the guys at Definitive Arms.
There are some great tips in here for riveting, getting the barrel blocks on square, etc. Definitely worth your time. After watching all these build videos, I really wish I had the time to build another.
If you find this post useful, please either buy something using one of the links to eBay and Amazon or click one of the AdNow advertisements. EBay and Amazon you need to buy something, AdNow pays for each link you visit – no purchase needed. Doing so will help us fund continued development of the blog.
Features: This book contains the most complete and up-to-date examination of the famed Kalashnikov rifle yet t By (author): Joe Poyer
The AK-47 and AK-74 Kalashnikov Rifles and Their Variations provides a detailed, profusely illustrated examination on a part-by-part basis of the famed AK-47/AKM rifles, the AK-74/AK-74M series and the new Century series of rifles, the AK-101 through AK-108.
It is another in North Cape Publications, Inc., Shooter’s and Collector’s Guide series.
Every AK/AKM-type rifle manufactured in the Warsaw Pact countries plus the People’s Republic of China, Finland, Iraq, North Korea and Yugoslavia are described in detail, with a short history on the reason for, and the process of their development and use.
This new, 4th edition is expanded to include he latest developments in the AK47/AK74 platform including the Century series and the AK12. Also included is new information regarding the scope and use the Kalashnikov series of rifles plus information gleaned from the use of the AK-47 in Iraq and Afghanistan by insurgents.
Mikhail Kalashnikov is one of the foremost small arms designer’s in the world. His Kalashnikov action has been widely imitated. This book also includes detailed descriptions of rifles based on his design such as the Belgian FNC, the Israeli Galil, the Indonesian SS1 series, the Indian INAS, the Swedish Ak-5, the Swiss SG-550 series, Singapore’s SAR series and many others.
The book also includes separate chapters that describe the accessaries issued to each soldier, the entire range of Kalashnikov bayonets, telescopic sights (both military and commercial, the sniper rifle variants and their telescopic sights produced by the old Soviet Union as well as other nations. An exploded view, serial numbers and markings, an assembly/disassembly guide with photos, instructions on cleaning, maintenance and repair, and shooting the Kalashnikov rifles and a guide to legislation affecting these rifles and finally, sources for accessories and parts complete the book.
Folks, once in a while I find out a snap judgement I made is very wrong. I was watching AK Build videos on Youtube and ran across this video with a very young man with long hair and anime shirt sitting down to talk about building an AK. I almost snorted because it must be some kind of a gag. Within the first five minutes I realized this young man was very knowledgeable, articulate and very capable at demonstrating how to build an AK. I was floored. I almost missed this because my snap judgement was so off. Wow. Watch this.
This young man assembled a 55:59 long video showing you how to do an AK build with a manufactured receiver using a virgin barrel and he explains things along the way. To give you an idea of the quality, this video was posted in May 2013, has had 104,441 views, 1,114 thumbs up approvals and only 74 thumbs down. Folks, that is remarkable.
I am sharing a number of photos from the video to get you to realize this is really good. He steps you through everything including aligning the blocks on the barrels, the barrel to the receiver, drilling pin holes, headspacing, setting rivets and then final assembly, including installation of the fire control group (FCG), function testing, installing the furniture, and finally winding up with applying Alumahyde II from Brownells as the finish. I’d honestly say it is the best AK build video I have seen thus far that takes you all the way through the process. This is really worth your time.
P.S. The music and anime at the end is a nice touch 🙂
If you want to learn more, check out these other two video by bfgmovies:
If you find this post useful, please either buy something using one of the links to eBay and Amazon or click one of the AdNow advertisements. EBay and Amazon you need to buy something, AdNow pays for each link you visit – no purchase needed. With Amazon, if you click on one of our links and then buy something else – even unrelated stuff like clothes, electronics and groceries – we get credit and it would be hugely appreciated. Doing something like the above will help us fund continued development of the blog.
Features: This book contains the most complete and up-to-date examination of the famed Kalashnikov rifle yet t By (author): Joe Poyer
The AK-47 and AK-74 Kalashnikov Rifles and Their Variations provides a detailed, profusely illustrated examination on a part-by-part basis of the famed AK-47/AKM rifles, the AK-74/AK-74M series and the new Century series of rifles, the AK-101 through AK-108.
It is another in North Cape Publications, Inc., Shooter’s and Collector’s Guide series.
Every AK/AKM-type rifle manufactured in the Warsaw Pact countries plus the People’s Republic of China, Finland, Iraq, North Korea and Yugoslavia are described in detail, with a short history on the reason for, and the process of their development and use.
This new, 4th edition is expanded to include he latest developments in the AK47/AK74 platform including the Century series and the AK12. Also included is new information regarding the scope and use the Kalashnikov series of rifles plus information gleaned from the use of the AK-47 in Iraq and Afghanistan by insurgents.
Mikhail Kalashnikov is one of the foremost small arms designer’s in the world. His Kalashnikov action has been widely imitated. This book also includes detailed descriptions of rifles based on his design such as the Belgian FNC, the Israeli Galil, the Indonesian SS1 series, the Indian INAS, the Swedish Ak-5, the Swiss SG-550 series, Singapore’s SAR series and many others.
The book also includes separate chapters that describe the accessaries issued to each soldier, the entire range of Kalashnikov bayonets, telescopic sights (both military and commercial, the sniper rifle variants and their telescopic sights produced by the old Soviet Union as well as other nations. An exploded view, serial numbers and markings, an assembly/disassembly guide with photos, instructions on cleaning, maintenance and repair, and shooting the Kalashnikov rifles and a guide to legislation affecting these rifles and finally, sources for accessories and parts complete the book.
This is his last video in the six part series. He recaps what he did and shares with you some of his tips for sandblasting such as putting foam earplugs in the chamber.
Here are the links to each segment – when you click on them they will open in a new tab:
If you find this post useful, please either buy something using one of the links to eBay and Amazon or click one of the AdNow advertisements. EBay and Amazon you need to buy something, AdNow pays for each link you visit – no purchase needed. Doing so will help us fund continued development of the blog.
Features: This book contains the most complete and up-to-date examination of the famed Kalashnikov rifle yet t By (author): Joe Poyer
The AK-47 and AK-74 Kalashnikov Rifles and Their Variations provides a detailed, profusely illustrated examination on a part-by-part basis of the famed AK-47/AKM rifles, the AK-74/AK-74M series and the new Century series of rifles, the AK-101 through AK-108.
It is another in North Cape Publications, Inc., Shooter’s and Collector’s Guide series.
Every AK/AKM-type rifle manufactured in the Warsaw Pact countries plus the People’s Republic of China, Finland, Iraq, North Korea and Yugoslavia are described in detail, with a short history on the reason for, and the process of their development and use.
This new, 4th edition is expanded to include he latest developments in the AK47/AK74 platform including the Century series and the AK12. Also included is new information regarding the scope and use the Kalashnikov series of rifles plus information gleaned from the use of the AK-47 in Iraq and Afghanistan by insurgents.
Mikhail Kalashnikov is one of the foremost small arms designer’s in the world. His Kalashnikov action has been widely imitated. This book also includes detailed descriptions of rifles based on his design such as the Belgian FNC, the Israeli Galil, the Indonesian SS1 series, the Indian INAS, the Swedish Ak-5, the Swiss SG-550 series, Singapore’s SAR series and many others.
The book also includes separate chapters that describe the accessaries issued to each soldier, the entire range of Kalashnikov bayonets, telescopic sights (both military and commercial, the sniper rifle variants and their telescopic sights produced by the old Soviet Union as well as other nations. An exploded view, serial numbers and markings, an assembly/disassembly guide with photos, instructions on cleaning, maintenance and repair, and shooting the Kalashnikov rifles and a guide to legislation affecting these rifles and finally, sources for accessories and parts complete the book.
In this fourth installment, you can see usmcdoc14’s welding results and he discusses how to trim the top rails. Note, a lot of flats and receivers now have pre-cut top rails so you only need to trim them if they look like what you see in the video – big, wide and straight.
Here are the links to each segment – when you click on them they will open in a new tab:
If you find this post useful, please either buy something using one of the links to eBay and Amazon or click one of the AdNow advertisements. EBay and Amazon you need to buy something, AdNow pays for each link you visit – no purchase needed. Doing so will help us fund continued development of the blog.
Features: This book contains the most complete and up-to-date examination of the famed Kalashnikov rifle yet t By (author): Joe Poyer
The AK-47 and AK-74 Kalashnikov Rifles and Their Variations provides a detailed, profusely illustrated examination on a part-by-part basis of the famed AK-47/AKM rifles, the AK-74/AK-74M series and the new Century series of rifles, the AK-101 through AK-108.
It is another in North Cape Publications, Inc., Shooter’s and Collector’s Guide series.
Every AK/AKM-type rifle manufactured in the Warsaw Pact countries plus the People’s Republic of China, Finland, Iraq, North Korea and Yugoslavia are described in detail, with a short history on the reason for, and the process of their development and use.
This new, 4th edition is expanded to include he latest developments in the AK47/AK74 platform including the Century series and the AK12. Also included is new information regarding the scope and use the Kalashnikov series of rifles plus information gleaned from the use of the AK-47 in Iraq and Afghanistan by insurgents.
Mikhail Kalashnikov is one of the foremost small arms designer’s in the world. His Kalashnikov action has been widely imitated. This book also includes detailed descriptions of rifles based on his design such as the Belgian FNC, the Israeli Galil, the Indonesian SS1 series, the Indian INAS, the Swedish Ak-5, the Swiss SG-550 series, Singapore’s SAR series and many others.
The book also includes separate chapters that describe the accessaries issued to each soldier, the entire range of Kalashnikov bayonets, telescopic sights (both military and commercial, the sniper rifle variants and their telescopic sights produced by the old Soviet Union as well as other nations. An exploded view, serial numbers and markings, an assembly/disassembly guide with photos, instructions on cleaning, maintenance and repair, and shooting the Kalashnikov rifles and a guide to legislation affecting these rifles and finally, sources for accessories and parts complete the book.
Now in this video he shows how he does the actual welding of the front trunnion. I will definitely post some videos on how to do rivet builds also. For guys looking to build authentic AKMs with sheet metal receivers that is the route to go. I’m not disparaging weld builds – I’ve done at least three that I can recall. For home builders you have three methods and they all work if you take your time to learn and then build them the right way – rivets (the traditional and proven best approach for full-auto military use), weld builds and screws.
Here are the links to each segment – when you click on them they will open in a new tab:
If you find this post useful, please either buy something using one of the links to eBay and Amazon or click one of the AdNow advertisements. EBay and Amazon you need to buy something, AdNow pays for each link you visit – no purchase needed. Doing so will help us fund continued development of the blog.
Features: This book contains the most complete and up-to-date examination of the famed Kalashnikov rifle yet t By (author): Joe Poyer
The AK-47 and AK-74 Kalashnikov Rifles and Their Variations provides a detailed, profusely illustrated examination on a part-by-part basis of the famed AK-47/AKM rifles, the AK-74/AK-74M series and the new Century series of rifles, the AK-101 through AK-108.
It is another in North Cape Publications, Inc., Shooter’s and Collector’s Guide series.
Every AK/AKM-type rifle manufactured in the Warsaw Pact countries plus the People’s Republic of China, Finland, Iraq, North Korea and Yugoslavia are described in detail, with a short history on the reason for, and the process of their development and use.
This new, 4th edition is expanded to include he latest developments in the AK47/AK74 platform including the Century series and the AK12. Also included is new information regarding the scope and use the Kalashnikov series of rifles plus information gleaned from the use of the AK-47 in Iraq and Afghanistan by insurgents.
Mikhail Kalashnikov is one of the foremost small arms designer’s in the world. His Kalashnikov action has been widely imitated. This book also includes detailed descriptions of rifles based on his design such as the Belgian FNC, the Israeli Galil, the Indonesian SS1 series, the Indian INAS, the Swedish Ak-5, the Swiss SG-550 series, Singapore’s SAR series and many others.
The book also includes separate chapters that describe the accessaries issued to each soldier, the entire range of Kalashnikov bayonets, telescopic sights (both military and commercial, the sniper rifle variants and their telescopic sights produced by the old Soviet Union as well as other nations. An exploded view, serial numbers and markings, an assembly/disassembly guide with photos, instructions on cleaning, maintenance and repair, and shooting the Kalashnikov rifles and a guide to legislation affecting these rifles and finally, sources for accessories and parts complete the book.
Here is the second video in usmcdoc14’s series about building an AK using a flat. He still swears left and right (which I find hilarious – when he said “sandblast the shit out of them” I started laughing) and gives you some good recommendations on checking the past receiver stub from the kit. He talks about his approaches for weld and rivet builds. He does make one comment I don’t agree with. To press out the barrel from the rear trunnion you do not need to remove the rear sight block (RSB) – you just push out the barrel pin out and then press the barrel out. Second, and this is just my opinion, with a weld build I would still drill some holes where the rivets were at and do plug welds otherwise you are going to pour on a ton of heat, may still not get good penetration and risk ruining the heat treat of the trunnion locking lugs.
Other than that, I think it is a good video and worth you watching and learning from. Your best bet is to watch multiple guys and decide what works for you.
Here are the links to each segment – when you click on them they will open in a new tab:
If you find this post useful, please either buy something using one of the links to eBay and Amazon or click one of the AdNow advertisements. EBay and Amazon you need to buy something, AdNow pays for each link you visit – no purchase needed. Doing so will help us fund continued development of the blog.
Features: 7.0-Amp motor powers through jobsite tasks with ease, 11,000 RPM for high speed material removal, Cast metal gear case increases jobsite durability and tool longevity, 3-position side handle allows greater control in multiple positions, Tool-free guard provides fast and easy guard adjustments
Includes two guards for cutting and grinding (view larger).
Designed for aggressive performance, the PORTER-CABLE PC60TPAG 4-1/2-inch small angle grinder/cut-off tool offers a compact, lightweight platform to professionals who are looking for corded power on the job site. It’s ideal for contractors, welders, fabricators, masons, and other tradesmen whose work includes grinding, metal cutting, polishing, and tuckpointing.
Power and Convenience
One of the lightest grinders on the market at just 4.1 pounds, the PC60TPAG’s 7 amp motor delivers up to 11,000 RPM for tough jobsite applications while the cast metal gear housing helps to dissipate heat, ensuring that it will stand up to the demands of today’s worksite. In addition to a three-position handle for ease of use and positioning for a variety of applications, the PC60TPAG also offers a comfortable and convenient paddle switch that provides additional control by automatically shutting off if dropped.
Slim body, paddle grip (view larger).
With more and more job sites using a traditional grinder with a cut off guard for cutting metal, the PC60TPAG includes a grinding guard and cutting guard. The two guards are tool-free and can be easily adjusted to control the spark path, increasing productivity and safety on the jobsite. Additional accessories include a side handle, grinding wheel, cut-off wheel, and a wrench.
Warranty
This PORTER-CABLE tool is backed by three-year limited warranty covering any defects due to faulty materials or workmanship (from the date of purchase). It’s also covered by Porter-Cable’s one-year free service contract, where Porter-Cable will maintain the tool and replace worn parts caused by normal use–for free.
What’s in the Box
PC60TPAG small angle grinder/cut-off tool, grinding wheel, cut-off wheel, grinding guard, cutting guard, side handle, wrench, operating instructions
Key Specifications
Power
7 amps, 11,000 RPM
Arbor
5/8 x 11 inches
Spindle Size
5/8 x 11 inches
Switch
Non-locking paddle switch
Tool Weight
4.1 pounds
About PORTER-CABLE
With more than 100 years of experience producing quality and performance-driven tools, PORTER-CABLE is a leading manufacturer and marketer of professional-grade cordless and corded power tools, equipment, and accessories. Known for industry-changing innovation, Porter-Cable introduced the world’s first helical drive circular saw, portable band saw, and portable belt sander.
PC60TPAG 4-1/2-Inch Angle Grinder/Cut Off Tool
At a Glance
7 amp motor delivers 11,000 RPM for high speed material removal
Cast metal gear case increases durability and tool longevity
3-position side handle allows greater control
Tool-free guard for fast and easy adjustments
Non-locking paddle switch for additional control and safety
Spindle lock feature allows for single wrench bit changes
A few guys have contacted me wanting to learn more about how to build AKs from kits. Many of the resources I learned from when I started way back when (ballpark in 2006) are now gone. I do recommend AKFiles and their gunsmithing section so check that out. We really didn’t have Youtube then and when I did some research I found some great videos for you to watch.
A gentleman on Youtube, usmcdoc14, put together a four part series. This is part one and is 29:58 long. He swears left and right and I got a real kick out of watching and listening to him:
Here are the links to each segment – when you click on them they will open in a new tab:
If you find this post useful, please either buy something using one of the links to eBay and Amazon or click one of the AdNow advertisements. EBay and Amazon you need to buy something, AdNow pays for each link you visit – no purchase needed. With Amazon, if you click on one of our links and then buy something else – even unrelated stuff like clothes, electronics and groceries – we get credit and it would be hugely appreciated. Doing something like the above will help us fund continued development of the blog.
Features: This book contains the most complete and up-to-date examination of the famed Kalashnikov rifle yet t By (author): Joe Poyer
The AK-47 and AK-74 Kalashnikov Rifles and Their Variations provides a detailed, profusely illustrated examination on a part-by-part basis of the famed AK-47/AKM rifles, the AK-74/AK-74M series and the new Century series of rifles, the AK-101 through AK-108.
It is another in North Cape Publications, Inc., Shooter’s and Collector’s Guide series.
Every AK/AKM-type rifle manufactured in the Warsaw Pact countries plus the People’s Republic of China, Finland, Iraq, North Korea and Yugoslavia are described in detail, with a short history on the reason for, and the process of their development and use.
This new, 4th edition is expanded to include he latest developments in the AK47/AK74 platform including the Century series and the AK12. Also included is new information regarding the scope and use the Kalashnikov series of rifles plus information gleaned from the use of the AK-47 in Iraq and Afghanistan by insurgents.
Mikhail Kalashnikov is one of the foremost small arms designer’s in the world. His Kalashnikov action has been widely imitated. This book also includes detailed descriptions of rifles based on his design such as the Belgian FNC, the Israeli Galil, the Indonesian SS1 series, the Indian INAS, the Swedish Ak-5, the Swiss SG-550 series, Singapore’s SAR series and many others.
The book also includes separate chapters that describe the accessaries issued to each soldier, the entire range of Kalashnikov bayonets, telescopic sights (both military and commercial, the sniper rifle variants and their telescopic sights produced by the old Soviet Union as well as other nations. An exploded view, serial numbers and markings, an assembly/disassembly guide with photos, instructions on cleaning, maintenance and repair, and shooting the Kalashnikov rifles and a guide to legislation affecting these rifles and finally, sources for accessories and parts complete the book.
The first time I saw the Walther WA-2000 I fell in love. Wow. It was the most amazing looking sniper rifle I had ever seen and I’ve only seen one once years and years ago. Like the HK PSG-1, the WA-2000 was developed in response to the 1972 Munich Olympic Games incident. Development started in the lates 1970s and only 176 rifles were produced between 1982 to 1988. When it was sold in the 1980s it never really took off because it was incredibly expensive – only 15 were imported into the US. The one I saw was around $10K if I remember right. Today, the price has skyrocketed – $70K for the first gen with the wood stocks and $40K for the second gen with the synthetic stock. With prices like that, unless I hit the lottery, the odds of my owning one is zero 🙁
I watched Ian’s video on the WA-2000 and, as usual, he does the best review of the rifle I have seen. He goes over the history, interesting design characteristics, disassembles it and then takes it shooting. Wow. I would love to shoot one of these. One misconception I had before the video was that the rifle was only chambered in 7.62X51 when it was actually available in .300 Win Mag and 7.5×55 Swiss. The rifle in the video is a .300 Win Mag unit.
Here’s the cool 23:49 video from Forgotten Weapons:
Now if you want to learn some more about this amazing bullpup sniper rifle, check out:
If you find this post useful, please either buy something using one of the links to eBay and Amazon or click one of the AdNow advertisements. EBay and Amazon you need to buy something, AdNow pays for each link you visit – no purchase needed. Doing so will help us fund continued development of the blog.
This is a cool review of an actual North Vietnamese Army (NVA) Chinese Type 56 AK. It was a captured rifle and brought back to the US. Ian of Forgotten Weapons does one of his usual exemplary reviews of the rifle and discusses its history.
If you find this post useful, please either buy something from one of the Amazon links, or use one of the links to go to Amazon and buy something completely different — as long as you use one our links to go and buy something from Amazon, it helps us out. For each item you purchase, we get a small bit of ad revenue from Amazon to fund the blog. The same is true for eBay as well — we don’t get anything unless you buy something.
Features: This book contains the most complete and up-to-date examination of the famed Kalashnikov rifle yet t By (author): Joe Poyer
The AK-47 and AK-74 Kalashnikov Rifles and Their Variations provides a detailed, profusely illustrated examination on a part-by-part basis of the famed AK-47/AKM rifles, the AK-74/AK-74M series and the new Century series of rifles, the AK-101 through AK-108.
It is another in North Cape Publications, Inc., Shooter’s and Collector’s Guide series.
Every AK/AKM-type rifle manufactured in the Warsaw Pact countries plus the People’s Republic of China, Finland, Iraq, North Korea and Yugoslavia are described in detail, with a short history on the reason for, and the process of their development and use.
This new, 4th edition is expanded to include he latest developments in the AK47/AK74 platform including the Century series and the AK12. Also included is new information regarding the scope and use the Kalashnikov series of rifles plus information gleaned from the use of the AK-47 in Iraq and Afghanistan by insurgents.
Mikhail Kalashnikov is one of the foremost small arms designer’s in the world. His Kalashnikov action has been widely imitated. This book also includes detailed descriptions of rifles based on his design such as the Belgian FNC, the Israeli Galil, the Indonesian SS1 series, the Indian INAS, the Swedish Ak-5, the Swiss SG-550 series, Singapore’s SAR series and many others.
The book also includes separate chapters that describe the accessaries issued to each soldier, the entire range of Kalashnikov bayonets, telescopic sights (both military and commercial, the sniper rifle variants and their telescopic sights produced by the old Soviet Union as well as other nations. An exploded view, serial numbers and markings, an assembly/disassembly guide with photos, instructions on cleaning, maintenance and repair, and shooting the Kalashnikov rifles and a guide to legislation affecting these rifles and finally, sources for accessories and parts complete the book.
