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Machining AK 47 bolt

FiveSeven

Plastic
Joined
Feb 4, 2011
Location
Germany
Hello,

Would it be possible to machine an ak bolt?
What material would be best used?
I do not have drawings for it yet, maybe someone here has them?
Maybe someone can make some measurements of one?
Thanks.
 
Hi FiveSeven,

Welcome to PM.

The EU has a minimum standard of gun laws which member states must apply. All of those require some form of registration of new made firearms, and of the people making them.

I would suggest that you get the legal side of things in order before you start cutting metal. In some European countries, you even need a license to make a replica gun part.

There is a thread here discussing the giving of information, and the repercussions some have suffered for doing so.

http://www.practicalmachinist.com/vb/gunsmithing/aiding-abetting-please-read-190053/?highlight=Aiding+Abetting

here's what Britain's gun building laws look like, your's won't be too different:
http://www.practicalmachinist.com/vb/gunsmithing/reference-guide-uk-firearms-owners-builders-127417/?highlight=Aiding+Abetting
 
Material selection for AK-47 bolt

I would recommend using AISI 8620 steel. For heat treatment, I would carburize it to a case depth of 0.010" to 0.015" and a hardness of HR15N 89-91. This material and heat treatment combination is approximately what is used for the M14 bolt, M14 receiver, M16 barrel extension, and the M16 bolt carrier.

If you need the exact material and heat treatment specifications for any of the steel parts used in the M14 or M16 rifle, please let me know. I have all of the drawings for the M14, and nearly all of the drawings for the M16.

Later,

Kevin
 
There was a youtube video where they were making AK bolts, and carriers with a shaper. I have looked, but was unable to find.

Jim
 
Making an AK bolt.

AK bolts have a "circular" origin, although there are several Flats which are either Broached or "shaped" into the circular sections.

The Bolt can initially be Turned from Round stock at the max.diameter of the Bolt lugs and the Body, then the flat surfaces of the bolt locking lugs can be milled or shaped...unless one wants to make thousands of them, a broaching set up is out of the question here.

Internal cavity ( firing Pin): one has to either drill with successive diameter drills, or custom-make a reamer for it ( it is a stepped hole); cross holes for Extractor slot, holding pins, etc can be done in a Mill drill; And of course the Bolt face cartridge recess has to be Milled/Bored from the front ( lathe or Mill)

Heat treatment: one can go the US way, with specialised alloys etc, and precision heat treatment, or the Eastern Block method, with case hardened normal Carbon alloy steel...one can even splurge with 4140.

If the Waziris and Afridis can make an AK47 Bolt entirely with Handtools, so can any Westerner with more sofisticated tools and patience and planning.

The Comments about correct Licencing, Permits etc, sadly are too true for most of Europe; as well in most other Western countries, but not as drastic as in Europe.

regards,
Doc AV
AVBallistics Film Ordnance Services
Brisbane Australia.
 








 
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