Custom Builds & Gunsmithing
What We Build — And How We Do It
Every service Diamondback Tactical offers starts with the same commitment: accuracy, honesty, and craftsmanship. We don't cut corners. We don't substitute without telling you. We build it right.
What We Offer
Our Services
From a full ground-up build to professional gunsmithing on a parts kit you already own, every service is delivered with the same standard.
Full Custom
Custom AK-47 Builds
Historically correct recreations of specific military patterns — East German, Romanian, Polish, Chinese, Bulgarian, Yugoslav, and more. We obsess over the details that separate a recreation from something that merely looks like one. Every pattern build starts with primary and secondary source research. You'll receive build notes documenting every sourcing decision.
Historical Recreation
Retro Pattern Builds
Full custom builds from the ground up. You specify the pattern, production era, furniture type, finish, and any period-correct accessories you want included. We source authentic or correctly-spec'd components, fit and time the entire assembly, and test-fire before transfer. Nothing leaves our hands without passing inspection.
Professional Gunsmithing
Gunsmithing Services
Professional fitting, timing, trigger work, and finish restoration. Whether you have a completed rifle that needs attention, a parts kit that needs proper building onto a receiver, or a function issue to diagnose and correct — we get it done right and document what we did. We don't mask problems with workarounds.
Customer-Supplied Kit
Parts Kit Builds
Have a parts kit you've sourced yourself that needs a proper build? We'll inspect your components before accepting the work, identify any problematic or out-of-spec parts, and build the rifle correctly onto a new or used receiver of your choice. If something in your kit is wrong, we'll tell you — not just build it and hope it works.
Finish Work
Refinishing & Restoration
Correct-period finish restoration for rifles that have lost their original look to wear, improper previous work, or incorrect paint/duracoat that doesn't match the pattern. We strip, prep, and apply the period-correct finish — parkerizing, cold bluing, phosphate, or correct painted finishes for specific patterns. We do not use "close enough" when the correct process is available.
Pattern Expertise
Patterns We Specialize In
Each Cold War-era pattern has its own sourcing requirements, specification quirks, and historical context. We build these because we know them — not just because someone asked.
East Germany · DDR
East German AKM
AKM-S, AKMS underfolder, MPi-KM, MPi-KMS72. Known for bakelite furniture, specific receiver markings, and laminated wood stocks. One of the most-researched patterns in our shop.
Romania · RSR
Romanian Pattern
PM md. 63, PM md. 65 underfolder, WASR-series descendants. Distinctive pistol-grip wood furniture and vertical foregrip variants.
Poland · PRL
Polish Pattern
kbk AKM, Radom Circle 11. Known for distinctive thumbhole stocks, green polymer furniture on later variants, and specific markings.
China · PRC
Chinese Type 56
Type 56, Type 56-1 underfolder, Type 56-2. Distinctive hooded front sight, slant muzzle brake variants, and matching wood furniture sets by arsenal.
Bulgaria · NRB
Bulgarian Pattern
AK-47, AKM, AK-74 variants. Known for high-quality Arsenal production, distinctive furniture, and some of the most available surplus parts kits on the market.
Yugoslavia · SFRY
Yugoslav M70
M70B1, M70AB2 underfolder, M77. Known for the grenade launcher cut on the gas block, fixed and underfolder variants, and distinctive furniture styling.
Don't see your pattern listed? We research and build additional patterns — reach out and we'll discuss what's possible.
Inquire About a PatternThe Build Process
From Request to Transfer
We keep you informed at every stage. There are no surprise costs, no guesswork on timeline, and no silences mid-build.
Step 01
Submit Your Request
Tell us what you're looking for — pattern, era, components, budget range, and timeline. The more detail, the faster we can give you an accurate quote.
Step 02
Consultation & Quote
Eugene reviews your request personally and follows up within 1–2 business days with component options, sourcing notes, a firm quote, and a realistic timeline estimate.
Step 03
Spec Sign-Off & Deposit
Once both parties agree on the full spec, sourcing plan, and price — you sign off and pay a deposit to secure your build slot. Nothing starts without mutual agreement.
Step 04
Build & Fitting
Parts are sourced and verified. The build is completed with correct press work, fitting, timing, and finishing. You'll receive updates on any significant milestones or sourcing decisions.
Step 05
Function Check & Test Fire
Every completed build is inspected, function-checked, and test-fired. A written build report documents parts used, their origins, specifications met, and test-fire results.
Step 06
Transfer via FFL
The completed build transfers through a licensed FFL dealer in your state. We coordinate the paperwork on our end. You choose your local FFL — we handle the rest.
Start Your Build
Ready to Discuss
Your Build?
Every Diamondback build starts with a conversation. Tell us your vision — we'll tell you exactly how we'll make it happen, what it'll cost, and when it'll be done.