AOA had two Rifle Dynamics Romanian build drops within a week apart. Mine will be here on Tuesday. Did anyone else manage to get one?
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AOA Rifle Dynamics Romanian Builds.
lionhart
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Terrible. While the kit can be rebuilt, this would be a considerable expense to fix. I know of a micro welder who is very well known in the 1911 world. He does incredible work, and it takes bluing with no issues. But again, I’d be in it for way more than it’s even worth at that point.
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I received word from AOA. Their smith will review the photos. They did say the rivet work and the assembly of parts is something that RD handled. This is kind of a tough one, because they contracted these builds through Rifle Dynamics and they dropped the ball. If anything, RD needs to rebuild the damn thing. I don’t know…
lionhart,
I feel you, but this is not totally about the money is it? I mean we are talking about guns we don't necessarily need. However, we do need the guns we have to be done right. For example, I have 2 Romanian builds from PSA that I had rebuilt by a great builder, perhaps the best. I posted pics of both rifles here on forum in their appropriate sections and I'll leave you one below. My point is, I definitely have more money in the builds/rebuilds than they are worth in our current market. But, that only matters if I'm trying to make money. I want to love the guns I have, especially my AKs, and know that they are historically accurate fore sharing and admiring, and safe to shoot. I'd do what your older wiser self would do.
Just so you know, I love my rebuilds and do not regret having them done right. Worst case scenario is that you have another super cool AKM, and a story to tell. It's the spice of live brother!
Yep, this was definitely not the plan. I had PSA rifles from before knowing anything about AKs or having resources like this forum. My resolution came after I learned and realized my guns were junk but could be rebuilt to really nice rifles. I'd do lots of things differently if I could go back with the knowledge I have now. I'm sure you can appreciate that perspective.
Nice rifles you got there!
I know what you’re saying, and believe me, I’ve had numerous AK’s rebuilt because of lousy workmanship. No, it’s always about money.
With that said, Rifle Dynamics built their reputation on the quality of their guns, and AOA had these kits built by RD to capitalize on their reputation, and by offering a vintage and collectible Romy kit built by RD for the sum of $1200.00
We all know it could be done for less, but this was a collaboration between AOA and Rifle Dynamics to bring a limited number of quality vintage builds to the market. The allure was that they were built right by a company that had been touted as being one of the best in the business.
What I ended up with is a pile of 💩 If they decide not to do anything about it, I will fix it. I will get a Childers receiver. I will get the trunnion repaired. By the time everything is said and done, I’ll most likely have $2K into it.
I dunno. To their credit, they did respond this morning, and said that they’ll tag their gunsmith to review it. They reminded me that this was a surplus parts kit (The reason I bought it) but added the rivet and assembly work falls on the company who put it together.
I will await their reply. I would even consider an exchange if the second rifle is built right. Maybe I got the only bad apple in the RD basket?
I will await their reply. I would even consider an exchange if the second rifle is built right. Maybe I got the only bad apple in the RD basket?
Sounds like a good plan lionhart. I bet it works out well for you. Please keep us posted.
I will certainly do that!
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What should the barrel pin area look like?
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It should look like a "Barrel Pin Area"
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OK, well, I don't know what that should look like - just that this one is F'd up!It should look like a "Barrel Pin Area"
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What I can tell you, it should not look like what @lionhart AK looks like
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Ok, so to be clear Jim Fuller no longer owns Rifle Dynamics. In my opinion he was/is a good builder. I never cared for his prices, nor do I care for current RD prices. I'm a home builder. If I was somehow able to afford sending all my kits out to be built, I would be using Two Rivers, Turbo or AK John. From what I have seen those three builders have earned a spot as top tier AK builders.
Back on topic to the AK build in the OP. Those rivets just suck, they would be a redo if it was my build. The same with the barrel pin. I often use an oversize barrel pin to eliminate egging, get a nice clean fit and then add some cold blue or paint so it does not stick out like a sore thumb.
The stock should have a bit of space between the receiver but in OP's example it is too much and just more poor fitment. That side rail would also be a concern. I have gotten by using reformed and reshaped rivets but in OP's build they did not even bother to make the heads flat, other than being ugly and incorrect, will it even except an optic mount?
I do not like to bash others builds and I am a long time AOA customer for parts and such but the more I look at the pics, this is just a subpar build. It would make me wonder in what other areas of the build did they skimp on, headspace, crooked sights, bullet guide, mag fitment?
All that and they can't be bothered to add correct selector notches and Romy selector markings, I'd want a refund.
Back on topic to the AK build in the OP. Those rivets just suck, they would be a redo if it was my build. The same with the barrel pin. I often use an oversize barrel pin to eliminate egging, get a nice clean fit and then add some cold blue or paint so it does not stick out like a sore thumb.
The stock should have a bit of space between the receiver but in OP's example it is too much and just more poor fitment. That side rail would also be a concern. I have gotten by using reformed and reshaped rivets but in OP's build they did not even bother to make the heads flat, other than being ugly and incorrect, will it even except an optic mount?
I do not like to bash others builds and I am a long time AOA customer for parts and such but the more I look at the pics, this is just a subpar build. It would make me wonder in what other areas of the build did they skimp on, headspace, crooked sights, bullet guide, mag fitment?
All that and they can't be bothered to add correct selector notches and Romy selector markings, I'd want a refund.
Thats good news. I have had only 1 very recent transaction with them and all I can say is “I appreciate them!”
And that’s what they told me. They’ve appreciated my business with them over the years, and in no way did they want to lose me as a customer. Good on AOA for backing up another builders gun. It was an unfortunate position to be in for sure. I just hope that going forward that Rifle Dynamics pays more attention to detail and build quality when doing such builds, which ultimately will serve everyone in this community.
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