Frequently Asked
Questions

Start by reaching out through our contact form or by phone with a rough description of what you have in mind — the pattern, era, any specific features, and your general timeline. Eugene reviews every inquiry personally and follows up within 1–2 business days with a consultation, sourcing assessment, and quote. Nothing is confirmed or started until both parties have signed off on the full specification in writing.

The more specific you can be, the better — but even a rough vision is enough to start the conversation. If you know it, include:

• Country of origin pattern (East German, Romanian, Polish, Chinese, etc.)
• Production era or specific variant (AKM, AKMS underfolder, AK-74 pattern, etc.)
• Furniture preference (original-spec laminate, plum, black synthetic, etc.)
• Whether you're supplying a parts kit or want us to source everything
• Any specific components you already have in hand
• Your state — this affects compliance considerations and FFL transfer logistics

Yes. Once we've agreed on a full specification, we require a deposit to lock your build slot and begin parts sourcing. The deposit amount is discussed during the consultation and is applied to the total build cost. The balance is due upon completion, before transfer. We don't start purchasing components until a deposit is received — this protects both parties.

Yes, in most cases. If you have a parts kit you want built, the receiver you want, we'll evaluate it first — inspect each component for condition and correct specification, verify 922(r) compliance, and identify anything that needs to be replaced or upgraded. There may be additional sourcing costs if non-compliant or worn parts need swapping. We're transparent about this before you commit to anything.

We contact you immediately. Surplus parts availability can shift quickly, and we never substitute a component without your knowledge and approval. We'll explain what happened, present alternatives of equal or better specification, and adjust the quote and timeline accordingly. You always have the final say on what goes into your build.

We primarily specialize in Cold War-era production patterns, including:

• East German — MPi-KM, MPi-KMS-72 (underfolder), MPi-AK-74N
• Romanian — PM md.63, md.65 (underfolder), WASR-pattern recreations
• Polish — AKM Beryl predecessor, Tantal AK-74 pattern
• Chinese — Type 56, Type 56-1 (underfolder), Type 56-2
• Bulgarian — AKK, AKKS, AK-74 pattern
• Yugoslav — M70, M70B1, M72 RPK pattern
• Have a pattern not listed? Contact us. If we can source the correct components and document the specification, we'll take it on.

Every build begins with documented research before we source a single part. We verify barrel profiles, receiver stampings, furniture specifications, metal finishes, and markings against documented examples and collector-verified references. We don't guess. If we can't confirm a specification to a high degree of confidence, we tell you what we can confirm and what requires a judgment call — and we document both in your build notes.

We source from verified surplus dealers, known importer channels, and trusted domestic suppliers. No mystery parts — every component we put in a build has a traceable origin. For original surplus parts, we prefer documented or inspector-verified pieces wherever possible. For domestic or newly manufactured components (receivers, barrels, compliance parts), we use reputable U.S. manufacturers whose specifications we've personally verified.

Yes — Our specialty is accuracy, and that's the lens we apply to every build. If you want a mix of period-correct and modern components (a specific trigger group, an optics rail, etc.), we can accommodate that. We just document it honestly in your build notes so the record is clear. A hybrid build done intentionally is very different from a build that's wrong by accident.

Yes. All builds are completed in full compliance with applicable federal law, including 922(r) for imported parts kits. We are FFL licensed. All transfers are conducted through a licensed FFL dealer in your state. We verify compliance requirements for your state before confirming your build — some states have restrictions on specific configurations, and we'll flag these proactively during the consultation.

For a standard rifle-configuration AK build, no special federal license or permit is required beyond the standard FFL transfer process. You fill out the standard 4473, the FFL dealer runs the background check, and the transfer is complete. State-level requirements vary — some states require registration, waiting periods, or specific configuration restrictions. We confirm your state's requirements during the consultation and ensure your build is compliant before it ships. You are responsible for knowing the laws in your state or city.

We currently focus exclusively on Title I (standard) rifle and pistol-configuration builds. We do not manufacture suppressors, new machine guns, or other NFA items at this time. If you're interested in an SBR configuration — a short-barreled rifle registered in your name via a Form 1 — contact us to discuss; this may be an option depending on the platform and your state.

We can transfer to most states through a licensed FFL dealer in your area. Some states — including California, New York, New Jersey, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Maryland, and Hawaii — have restrictions on specific features or configurations. We review your state's regulations during the consultation and tell you clearly what we can and cannot build for transfer to your state. We don't build around restrictions — we follow the law.

Build cost varies significantly based on pattern complexity, parts sourcing requirements, and receiver selection. Most custom builds range from $1,200 to $3,500+, not including the cost of your FFL transfer. Builds requiring rare surplus components or extensive part sourcing sit at the higher end of that range. You'll receive a full itemized quote — parts, labor, and any additional fees — before committing to anything. There are no surprises after you sign off on a build.

Most builds are completed within 8–16 weeks from the time a deposit is received and the full specification is confirmed. Complex builds requiring rare surplus sourcing, extended research, or significant parts kit evaluation may take longer. You'll receive a specific timeline estimate during your consultation, and we update you at key milestones — parts received, build started, build complete, ready for transfer. We don't rush — accuracy takes time.

Our standard structure is a deposit to reserve your build slot, with the balance due upon completion before transfer. Given that most builds take 8–16 weeks from deposit to completion, this provides a natural interval between payments. If you have a specific payment timing need, contact us directly to discuss — we handle this on a case-by-case basis.

Yes. If you give us a rough pattern and an idea of what you're looking for — common surplus pattern or rare variant, standard furniture or specific furniture, customer-supplied kit or we source everything — we can give you a ballpark range within a business day. A firm quote requires a complete spec review, but we want you to have a realistic sense of cost before we get into the details.

All completed builds transfer through a licensed FFL dealer in your state. The process is straightforward: you choose your local FFL, provide us their information, we ship to them, they contact you when it arrives, and you complete the standard 4473 and NICS background check process. The transfer fee is paid directly to your local FFL. We'll walk you through every step the first time.

Most local gun shops and shooting ranges with an FFL can receive a transfer for you. GunBroker.com maintains a searchable FFL dealer directory if you need to find one in your area. Transfer fees typically range from $25 to $50 depending on the dealer. We recommend calling ahead to confirm they accept transfers from out-of-state FFLs before providing their information to us.

Every completed custom build ships with:

• Build documentation — full parts list with component origins and specifications
• Function-check report confirming the rifle was test-fired and verified reliable
• Notes on any specification decisions or deviations from the historical record (if any)
• One magazine may be US made for 922R compliance (where legally permitted in your state)

Beyond full custom builds, we offer:

• Parts kit builds onto new or used receivers (you supply the kit)
• Trigger group installation and fitting, and function verification
• Refinishing — parkerizing, cold bluing, or wood furniture refinishing
• Furniture swaps and correct-spec furniture sourcing
• Inspection and function-check on existing builds you're concerned about
• Suppressor thread correction for correct Soviet/Eastern Bloc specification

Our specialty and deepest expertise is the AK platform, and that's where we do our best work. We also build on the AR-15 platform, and may consider other platforms on a case-by-case basis — particularly other Cold War-era military designs where our sourcing and research capabilities are relevant. Contact us with the details of what you need and we'll let you know if we're the right fit for the job.

Owners may ship directly to us as an FFL. You can ship a handgun via overnight carrier (USPS prohibited for handguns) or a long gun via any common carrier (USPS, UPS, or FedEx, following their specific packaging and declaration requirements). We'll send you our FFL copy and shipping instructions once we've confirmed the work scope and accepted the job. Do not ship anything before getting our written confirmation.