Looking for recommendations to thread the barrel of an AK47 to accept a muzzle device.

I recently bought an FEG SA85M AK47 as part of an estate liquidation.  It's the sporter version with the thumbhole wood stock and it looked to be unfired beyond the factory.  Or at least not fired much.  The same model in the video I posted below, though post 1994 production.  It's in great condition and looks great, but I was really looking for a stamped AK as a base gun for stuff like an adjustable stock and railed handguard and Aimpoint micro or similar red dot. 

Anyways, if I choose to keep this gun, I am planning on replacing the wood furniture for sure.  I'm also thinking of threading the barrel and put on a muzzle device.  Think I can easily do all of the furniture stuff, but looking for a professional for the barrel work. 

I believe I heard Henry at prime sports sub out others barrel. Prob can do it to the ak47. Headspace gauges will be needed though. Since the process requires a press, unlike the traditional ar15. I'm sure you know that.

If your asking tpi, I'd go with 5/8-24 since most are bored out to .360" or higher, and much more options but that's my pov. Find a muzzle brake you like with proper inner dimensions then do your barrel. Good people can time the thread perfectly so it's flushed fit and nice as long as they have the muzzle device on hand to do their measurements

Good luck

I believe I heard Henry at prime sports sub out others barrel. Prob can do it to the ak47. Headspace gauges will be needed though. Since the process requires a press, unlike the traditional ar15. I'm sure you know that.

If your asking tpi, I'd go with 5/8-24 since most are bored out to .360" or higher, and much more options but that's my pov. Find a muzzle brake you like with proper inner dimensions then do your barrel. Good people can time the thread perfectly so it's flushed fit and nice as long as they have the muzzle device on hand to do their measurements

Good luck

Thanks

I'm not looking to replace the barrel, at least if I don't have to.  And I'm pretty much a rookie when it comes to AKs to be honest.  Much more of an AR guy, who also is interested in AKs as well. 

From what I've been told from shooter friends that are more experienced with AKs than me, there's enough of a section/length of barrel that extends beyond the front sight tower to thread for a muzzle device.  Just a matter of finding someone to do it.  I've seen all sorts of DIY videos and tools, but that's not for me.  I really just enjoy shooting guns as opposed to tinkering with them. 

I've been doing some research on muzzle devices and if this gun is a keeper as a project gun and shooter, then I'll likely discuss what device choices I have with the person who would help with the threading.  Not looking for anything in particular, just don't think I want just a plain muzzle, at least my current vision for this gun. 

Nice. I'm in the same boat as you. But if it's like any other barrel where I've watched others use cnc machine to thread a barrel,  they take the barrel off the gun and stick it in a lathe? And it spins. But I'm sure there's other ways. I use to be a auto mechanic and I've re threaded plenty stuff like exhaust manifold, bolts, etc. Wow I can't even remember what the bits were called! Brain fart!

I totally forgot the guy's name and where his shop is ... "Pacific tools and gauge"? Or something like that.. I'm sure someone else knows but I heard he's good and works on tikka rifles to ar15 barrels.. and also Henry knows him cause I was recommended to him by Henry.

Sorry I'm not much help but can only recommend Henry.

Good luck and keep everyone updated on your build if you decide to keep it!


Hahaha edit: tap and die! Just remembered after a minute of posting.

Nice. I'm in the same boat as you. But if it's like any other barrel where I've watched others use cnc machine to thread a barrel,  they take the barrel off the gun and stick it in a lathe? And it spins. But I'm sure there's other ways. I use to be a auto mechanic and I've re threaded plenty stuff like exhaust manifold, bolts, etc. Wow I can't even remember what the bits were called! Brain fart!

I totally forgot the guy's name and where his shop is ... "Pacific tools and gauge"? Or something like that.. I'm sure someone else knows but I heard he's good and works on tikka rifles to ar15 barrels.. and also Henry knows him cause I was recommended to him by Henry.

Sorry I'm not much help but can only recommend Henry.

Good luck and keep everyone updated on your build if you decide to keep it!


Hahaha edit: tap and die! Just remembered after a minute of posting.

Are you referring to Pacific Custom Rifles?  Wayne worked on my Rem 700 and did some minor things to a couple of my ARs.  The AR stuff, I can do myself now, but I wouldn't hesitate going to him.  I guess I was looking for anyone specializing in AKs.

There used to be Aloha Tap & Die back in the day.  I remember them when I worked in a family shop when I was in HS. 

Lol yeah that's prob him. Sounds about right. Sorry I'm not aware of any AK specialists. But I'm sure doing an ak barrel has same concept as any other rifle to thread.. Minus the fact on how to install a barrel to receiver. I also heard from hpd friends that the hpd gunsmith does good work too but is always booked doing other guns so the wait/ turn around time is long....Longgg.. Long lol. I'm sure he has every tool needed to do anything lol!! Henry knows him too I think..

Craig from red letter does magic on aks. Might want to call him up. I got a kit to   Thread the barrel 5/8x24 and 14x1.0 lmk

Lol yeah that's prob him. Sounds about right. Sorry I'm not aware of any AK specialists. But I'm sure doing an ak barrel has same concept as any other rifle to thread.. Minus the fact on how to install a barrel to receiver. I also heard from hpd friends that the hpd gunsmith does good work too but is always booked doing other guns so the wait/ turn around time is long....Longgg.. Long lol. I'm sure he has every tool needed to do anything lol!! Henry knows him too I think..

Wayne from Pacific rifle is the gunsmith for hpd

SpeedTex to the white courtesy phone.


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Wow didn't know that nu remix. Lol thanks for informing me on that...

On a side note I think trump pretty much won the election...

Are you referring to Pacific Custom Rifles?  Wayne worked on my Rem 700 and did some minor things to a couple of my ARs.  The AR stuff, I can do myself now, but I wouldn't hesitate going to him.  I guess I was looking for anyone specializing in AKs.

There used to be Aloha Tap & Die back in the day.  I remember them when I worked in a family shop when I was in HS.

Aloha Tap & Die is still around I thought?  It had moved to Hart street by Lex Brodie's.

Lol yeah that's prob him. Sounds about right. Sorry I'm not aware of any AK specialists. But I'm sure doing an ak barrel has same concept as any other rifle to thread.. Minus the fact on how to install a barrel to receiver. I also heard from hpd friends that the hpd gunsmith does good work too but is always booked doing other guns so the wait/ turn around time is long....Longgg.. Long lol. I'm sure he has every tool needed to do anything lol!! Henry knows him too I think..

He does good work, but his workload and my hours made it tough at times to meet up.  Super nice guy and does great work for sure.  I would have no problems having him work on my AK, but also am open to other options. 

Craig from red letter does magic on aks. Might want to call him up. I got a kit to   Thread the barrel 5/8x24 and 14x1.0 lmk

Checked out their postings on this forum.  Seems promising.  Seems like same address, or at least same area as Pacific Custom Rifles.  Maybe buddies sharing the space?  Will def check them out if I end up going forward with modding this gun. 

Aloha Tap & Die is still around I thought?  It had moved to Hart street by Lex Brodie's.

They probably still are.  It's been like 20 years since I worked in the family business where we needed things from them.  I just remembered them from back in the day and wasn't sure if there were still in business. 

probably the easiest way for a diy project would be the tap and die

http://www.cncwarrior.com/AK-47-14x1LH-Barrel-Threading-Kit-p/25145.htm

Or you could have a smith pull the barrel and lathe cut threads.  If you get a smith involved, you might as well fully pre ban it.  IIRC, romy gas blocks and front sights fit, double check that though.

I can't remember if you will need to replace the FSB for the spring / plunger or if the stock one is drilled for it already.  If you want to fully pre ban it, you would need to replace the gas block also as it has the bayo lug and hole for the cleaning rod.

IMHO, FEG Ak's are awesome.

 

He does good work, but his workload and my hours made it tough at times to meet up.  Super nice guy and does great work for sure.  I would have no problems having him work on my AK, but also am open to other options. 

Checked out their postings on this forum.  Seems promising.  Seems like same address, or at least same area as Pacific Custom Rifles.  Maybe buddies sharing the space?  Will def check them out if I end up going forward with modding this gun.

yeah same building but Craig is upstairs with rook work. Both do good work and cool guy