[dothedrew57]

so the trigger group and pistol grip are definitely US made they are stamped as such.

I read online the gas piston and muzzle brake are both US parts too but neither are stamped as such.
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I heard if the gas piston doesnt attract a magnet its US made. No idea how to check the brake

[PSLMAN]

Some US parts are stamped with a 'C' in a circle. I've seen it on pistol grips and muzzle brakes.

[dothedrew57]

There is what looked like a wide u which could have been a c but it wasn't in a circle

[PSLMAN]

On the brake? If so I bet that's what it is.

Another option is to use US mags which also give you three parts.

[dothedrew57]

Yeah its in on the brake I will try to get a picture later

[PSLMAN]

I just took out my Yugo and checked the brake. It has a 'C' stamped on it but I can see how it could be mistaken for a 'U.'

[dothedrew57]

It looks like this

[PSLMAN]

Yep, that's it, she's US made.

[dothedrew57]

Now other than the ridges on it what do i look for on the gas piston

[PSLMAN]

Quote:       Originally Posted by dothedrew57

Now other than the ridges on it what do i look for on the gas piston

I'm only familiar with the Tapco piston, it has a small flat machined on the shaft that's stamped "Tapco USA." I hadn't heard about using a magnet to determine if it's US made but I'm far from an expert. You can replace the piston if you want but it isn't the easiest part to change. Especially considering a new stock set or magazine will drop in and get you there with less than five minutes of your time.

[fuzzy]

On my WASR/10 it has the "C" stamped on the brake and the shaft of the gas piston so along with the Tapco trigger and hand grip it's got the required number of parts to be compliant. Oh, and it's a great shooter. The only FTF's I've experienced is when trying to run hollow points through it. With hardball I've not had any sort of malfunction.

[dothedrew57]

Wood is refinished. Pistol grip is wiggily so I ordered s hogue. What do ya think?

[PSLMAN]

Looking sharp man!

You know, AK's like to be shot, they hate it when their barrels are cold. Oh and they love it when their Rusian-Yugo-Chinese etc cousins move in with them and fill up the gun safe.

[dothedrew57]

I appreciate it. I couldn't stand the different colored wood. Glad it came out ok

[PSLMAN]

Quote:       Originally Posted by dothedrew57

I appreciate it. I couldn't stand the different colored wood. Glad it came out ok

Part of the reason I love AK's as much as I do is you can greatly improve the looks of them with minimal time/work invested. A little stain on the wood, some high temp engine enamel on the metal and they transform into a really nice looking rifle. It's inexpensive to do and can always be refinished easily if need be.

[BadHabit]

Quote:       Originally Posted by dothedrew57

I appreciate it. I couldn't stand the different colored wood. Glad it came out ok

That came out nice man. Here is the beginning pic of mine. And a pic of my buddies.

[lunchbox99]

I did the same with the stock sanded them down recoat. I also got the houge grip you will like it. I change all my grips to houge.

[fuzzy]

I don't know. I actually like the look of mine and really don't plan on doing anything much with it, except maybe put some oil on the forestock. I have an under folder and don't intend on trying to change the butt stock at all.

[dothedrew57]

I was thinking of the engine paint to just give it an even dark finish. How durable is it?

[PSLMAN]

Quote:       Originally Posted by dothedrew57

I was thinking of the engine paint to just give it an even dark finish. How durable is it?

I painted four AK's with Rust-Oleum 500 degree engine enamel last Summer. We had a record heat wave at the time with temps reaching 104 degrees during June-August so I was using the heat as a curing oven. All of them have held up very well so far.