[AkemiYhu]

Hey guys, somewhat new to the forum here. Just thought I would share some pictures of my 88 dated kit that I got from Rguns. It's a 87 dated example with a few odd features I found.

Cleaning rod end. I don't know if Type C cleaning rods were one entire piece, but that is what mine is. Essentially a long patch slot...


Type C HG and C rear sight leaf.


Beveled end of the cleaning rod segment.


Type C trigger guard with a Type B selector stop. Odd variation that probably implies the Izhmash factory simply used a leftover part. Oh and I cut myself on the sharp end while cleaning it from the metal dust...

 

[AkemiYhu]

Barrel trunnion with '87 date.


Two piece front sight block and two piece "smooth collar" 80s muzzle break.


Type C carrier and bolt.


Old style 74 gas piston with gas block.


I haven't got pictures of the furniture since they are still in the package, but I have plans for this 87 dated kit.

 

[ak74dude]

Great kit man. Its unreal how nice these 74 kits are. Seems like ive never seen a bad Russian 74 kit regardless of year (83,88, rarer years). what receiver and barrel did you plan on using?

 

[AkemiYhu]

Thank you, 74dude. And yes, I do agree that the 74 kits are practically mint. The barrel chamber stub on my front trunnion still has the semi-gloss shine to it, which is very nice. I just find it a shame that I did not get into the AK collecting world sooner.

I plan to use a Bulgarian 74 barrel from Kvar and a 74ULLC receiver. I have a 74M build which I collected parts for a year ago which is essentially complete, just need Russian paint to come to my mail address and I can get it assembled. On this build, I plan it to be a "pre-M" build with a 5.5mm rear trunnion and side folding stock. More or less a 2nd Chechen War era "frankenstein" gun.

 

[RocketCityRepublic]

Nice looking kit, I picked up an '87 kit about 6 months ago, took me till recently to finally find the correct milled RSB. I kicked the idea around about making it a folder, but will just make it a fixed since I have the correct parts now. I ended up ordering a Childers receiver because I didn't feel like waiting a year for an 74ullc. Will def use a bulgy barrel from K-var as well.

 

[ak74dude]

Cool man! Your using the best barrel/receiver possible. Its funny, if its the one im thinking of, I almost bought that same kit to do a sidefolder on. Ended up going with an 88 purchased on the forum. Gonna look great with a tourniquette wrapped around that stock :thumbsup:

 

[AkemiYhu]

Ever since I started and went into AK research by way of this forum and other ways to learn, I've become completely obsessed with desiring the best and correct parts for builds. It is a struggle, since I often have no money at times and I regret not starting when I was younger at 20. Using the correct parts can get expensive very quick, but it ensures a rifle that will hold it's value for years down the road. I'm pretty happy with the Izhmash kit and in a way, it's returning to my roots, since my very first AK was a Saiga in 5.45x39mm. I sold that rifle like a dummy, not realizing the value in a few years. Oh well, you live and learn.

 

[Tantal]

Hi man, great looking kit, these are excellent buys! Great to see you posting here, Reading your build plans, I did want to mention that you should probably try to source a Soviet-era 4.5mm trunnion/stock, since the back of the receiver will be angled properly to fit it. That's also what every '88 would have had as it left the factory.

Like you said, use the correct parts now so you won't be unhappy later about it after you get her built (and the trunnion doesn't line up flush, but instead hangs out from the edge of the receiver shell). We just don't wanna see you post a "does this look right to you guys?' thread later on, lol

Anyway, you have plenty of time to ponder what I said (and hopefully decide to find the correct parts) while your receiver is on order. Keep us posted and good luck, man!

 

[AkemiYhu]

Hi man, great looking kit, these are excellent buys! Great to see you posting here, Reading your build plans, I did want to mention that you should probably try to source a Soviet-era 4.5mm trunnion/stock, since the back of the receiver will be angled properly to fit it. That's also what every '88 would have had as it left the factory.

Like you said, use the correct parts now so you won't be unhappy later about it after you get her built (and the trunnion doesn't line up flush, but instead hangs out from the edge of the receiver shell). We just don't wanna see you post a "does this look right to you guys?' thread later on, lol

Anyway, you have plenty of time to ponder what I said (and hopefully decide to find the correct parts) while your receiver is on order. Keep us posted and good luck, man!

Thank you for the kind words and advice, Tantal. I do plan on making the 87 kit build a good one, since I already have a 74M being built for me. I'm wondering if I should go with the 4.5 or 5.5mm trunnion and stock, since I dislike fixed stock AKs for some strange reason. I have heard from my builder and good friend that there were so called "pre 74M" rifles with 5.5mm trunnions and Izhmash mold no. 5 buttstocks, essentially old stock AK74s pulled and receivers cut to accept the 5.5mm trunnion and it's hardware. This was supposedly done back in the peak days of the 2nd Chechen War, were the demand of Izhmash AK74M rifles outstripped the supply. It was essentially quicker to modify existing old stock rifles to accept the polymer side folding stock than to simply build a new one and ship it from the factory to the various units that desired AK74Ms. I'll see if I can not have my builder find the website he learned that from, it was a Russian website that detailed the rebuild program during the 2nd Chechen War and putting 74M stocks on pre-74M rifles was apparently one of the goals. My rifle will essentially be a clone of that rearsenal program, if the information turns out to be true. If not, well, a 4.5mm folder it is.

 

[Tantal]

I doubt the validity if that story, but you'll have to start out with a fixed stock receiver and cut it to fit, then.