How can I tell if an AK kit is worn out

[revmike]

I just received a Polish underfolder kit for my first AK build. All the finish is worn off the bolt except in the low places. The bolt is not smooth and shiny. The barrel doesn't look new, but I can still see the grooves in it. I don't won't to build this if it is not going to last long or is unreliable. How can I tell if the barrel, bolt or bolt carrier need replacing before I start assembling this ?

Thanks

[Smith]

AK's don't wear out. Longevity and reliability are why AK's are the assault rifle.

[Guest bkelm18]

AKs are machines with moving parts. Metal on metal. They can and do and will get worn out.

[Tobashadow]

Go watch this

[Guest Grout]

I think I saw those guys at Prentice Cooper one time.

[bvarnell]

I think I saw those guys at Prentice Cooper one time.

Nope, not the ones from PC.

Now if they were bump fireing it might be them.

[Guest bkelm18]

That wasn't a very exciting torture test. They shoulda just skipped to burying it in the sand and done away with throwing it on the ground a couple times and dragging the muzzle through the dirt since neither of those probably accomplished anything. Looks like it jammed a couple times though.

[Tobashadow]

That wasn't a very exciting torture test. They shoulda just skipped to burying it in the sand and done away with throwing it on the ground a couple times and dragging the muzzle through the dirt since neither of those probably accomplished anything. Looks like it jammed a couple times though.

A true AK user would have whipped out the hand held built in human cleaner and umm cleaned it!

Edited February 23, 2009 by Tobashadow

[323ssplt]

Just to ad my I have found, used or confiscated gads (read literally thousands. One time I had two five ton trucks full) of AK's while over seas. I have found them ranging in condition from factory new to, ummmm is that still considered a gun or a rust pile. The ONE common factor is that they ALL worked. I literally had to kick a bolt open on one because it was rusted shut, yet, when I pulled the trigger, it emptied a 30 round mag like clockwork.

AK's were designed for durability. I've never heard of one being "worn out"

Edited February 23, 2009 by 323ssplt

[DaveTN]

Ak’s were worn out when they were new…… by design.

They are looser than….. well let’s just say they are pretty loose.

Of course they won’t jamb…. They will unload ammo all day long. Some think that’s a good thing, others think being able to hit a target should be a requirement.

[Guest The2Bricks]

Obviously you don"t know how many rounds have been through it, but I believe AK-47s are built for 50,000 + rounds. Unless it lived a previous life as fully automatic, it probably will last awhile longer.