cbar15 1 post 24-Jul-2007 9:12 AM	Kurt, I was looking thru some old posts here in the discussion area, and I was wondering about the availability of an M4 barrel in the mentioned caliber. Also do you carry the bolt in the same caliber or would I need to send one of mine to have it opened up? Lastly what would be the cost for the barrel? bolt or rework on mine? Thanks
Administrator KVW 3403 post s 27-Jul-2007 8:22 AM	You probably saw that I got my initial run of these blanks from Krieger ($$$). Douglas did not seem interested in running blanks for me, and my friend at Longhammock Barrels is not set up for them either. I sold all I had, and now I am looking for blanks. My friend at Sierra Bullets ran the specs therough the ballistics computer, and said it looked like a 1/6 twist would be the WTG. My initial run was from 1/7 blanks. These did not stabilize the heavy 70 grain bullets as well as the standard loading. Thx! ---------- Kurt@KKF
cbar15 2 post s 27-Jul-2007 1:30 PM	Kurt, Should i just check back on that to see if they will be available in the future? and do you know when would be a good time to check back on this project? the reson for this is like some of the others 223 ammo is getting so expensive to shoot and even reload, i thought with all of the surplus 50gr(russian) and 52 gr(bulgarian) on the market right now it would be a nice project if it is possible to do in the near future, and before that all dries up. Thanks Last Edited on 27-Jul-2007 1:33 PM
Administrator KVW 3407 post s 28-Jul-2007 5:30 AM	Yes. I want one myself. Thx! ---------- Kurt@KKF
Zug2112 1 post 28-Aug-2007 5:57 PM	Any updates on wether or not you may do another run of 5.45X39 Barrels?
Kyrinn 18 post s 31-Aug-2007 9:58 PM	Marty at Teppo Jutsu is having/has had 5.45 AR barrels made. http://www.teppojutsu.com/ I've heard that the H&K magazines allow 28 rounds of 5.45 to feed and fire correctly. If you do pick up a bbl. you may want to consider Kurt's M9EvoM4 gas-system, as much of the available 5.45 is corrosive. Hope that helps everyone.
Administrator KVW 3442 post s 4-Sep-2007 10:15 AM	I contacted Lothar Walther for barrel blanks. Evidently, he knows me, and will run some 5.45x39 blanks for me. My uppers in this caliber ran fine with standard mags. Thx! ---------- Kurt@KKF Last Edited on 4-Sep-2007 10:16 AM
Administrator KVW 3444 post s 6-Sep-2007 11:59 AM	Oh boy, what a bunch of BS drama! I contacted Krieger, and will hopefully have my blanks soon. Thx! ---------- Kurt@KKF
Administrator KVW 3446 post s 6-Sep-2007 12:59 PM	No dice w/Krieger. Looks like I'm back to square one. Fred@Douglas didn't seem interested. I have a button rifling machine, so my buds at Long Hammock Barrels may have to fire up a drill/reamer for me. My machine's up at their shop anyway. The guys at Long Hammock are busy stringing up 'gators (god, that shit is good!) Another option: AK Barrel I've done this before: ARK Barrel Thx! ---------- Kurt@KKF Last Edited on 6-Sep-2007 2:41 PM
cbar15 3 post s 19-Sep-2007 4:40 PM	Hi Kurt Anything further on the barrel blanks for the 5.45 x 39. just checking to see where you are at. Thanks
greywolf 1 post 30-Sep-2007 5:19 PM	Very interested in a complete upper in this caliber as well. Money in hand and ready to blow :)
Administrator KVW 3493 post s 2-Oct-2007 2:34 PM	Still looking for a barrel blank supplier. You would not believe what I have found out. I KNOW someone will be interested in producing blanks for KKF. Thx! ---------- Kurt@KKF
Zug2112 2 post s 3-Oct-2007 5:15 PM	Just checked back to see if there were updates, I got on the list for a barrel from Marty over at (Teppo Jutsu) at the very begining of the 5.45 discussion/thread many months ago, but, the issue of barrel blanks is affecting them too.....I'm in no hurry though, as long as I'm on the list to get a barrel I'm happy. I'm looking for a second barrel, that's why I'm lurking here. I missed out on the last few barrels over at Alexander Arms due to illness, I was one day late on purchasing a 5.45 barrel and bolt. That sucked. All we can do is cross our fingers and hope the barrel blank issue is solved in the near future.
Administrator KVW 3500 post s 4-Oct-2007 2:22 PM	I want to try one of these: Comblock Barrel Blank Thx! ---------- Kurt@KKF
Zug2112 3 post s 4-Oct-2007 10:46 PM	A couple or three of the guys at ar15.com did the math and managed to adapt two AK barrels for use with AR-15's, after tweaking bolt face depth, and solving some minor extraction issues, they were able to get at least two guns up and running. There was talk of grabbing up a bunch of bulgarian 5.45X39 barrels(From KVAR if I remember correctly)and producing a batch for a group of us, but, that idea fizzled out.
cbar15 4 post s 5-Oct-2007 4:30 AM	Hi Kurt, Let me know what they will be once you start produciton so I can get my name on that list. Ready to purchase. Thanks
Administrator KVW 3502 post s 5-Oct-2007 5:16 AM	This mine, rather, the way I do it: Here's the link again: ARK Barrel Thx! ---------- Kurt@KKF Last Edited on 5-Oct-2007 5:17 AM
greywolf 2 post s 19-Oct-2007 6:09 PM	So, what is the consensus? Modify an existing AK-74 barrel, or get barrel blanks made? Any traction yet on any of those fronts?
Zug2112 4 post s 23-Oct-2007 7:46 PM	I'm definitely interested in a barrel/bolt combo if you are thinking of throwing a few together, even if based on the Bulgy Barrels, I know that method will keep cost down significantly, compared to finding compatable barrel blanks.
Administrator KVW 3522 post s 24-Oct-2007 6:54 AM	The KVAR barrels, while reasonable, have some added labor getting them headspaced correctly. The important thing is that they have no gas port, as the above 7.62 barrel was received. There was quite a bit of labor and headscratching to get the AK barrel set up, if you read the description. This was this guy's dream, and $200/labor was a cheap dream. I know of no other chrome-lined 7.62 AR barrel. Thx! ---------- Kurt@KKF
Zug2112 5 post s 24-Oct-2007 10:40 AM	Ok,what you are saying is, it would be better and easier to just make the 5.45X39 barrel from a blank, and not have to deal with the headspace/gasport mess utilizing an AK-74 Bulgy/Romak barrel?
greywolf 3 post s 24-Oct-2007 11:25 AM	If we're talking about $85 or so for the AK barrel, and $200 for labor, I'd be willing to go that route, or if you could make it work as a gas piston upper and roll that into the overall labor costs then I could go that route as well. It looks like there are problems arising trying to get enough barrel blanks made to justify it that way (over on ar15.com they are talking about needing at least 100+ barrels made, and we all know how people talk big about getting something and then never pony up the cash.) Kurt, if you could take the AK-74 Bulgarian barrel, create a gas-piston upper and work out feeding/reliability bugs, I'd be willing to buy that. Even if it costs a bit more than getting barrel blanks made for the AR, since there is no guarantee that THAT will ever get done if no one wants to make the barrels.
Zug2112 6 post s 24-Oct-2007 12:17 PM	DITTO what greywolf said! greywolf: you and are are in the same boat with what is going on over at ARFCOM. I'm in for one or two barrels there, if that does work out, but i'm no longer holding my breath.
Administrator KVW 3524 post s 24-Oct-2007 1:33 PM	"Kurt, if you could take the AK-74 Bulgarian barrel, create a gas-piston upper and work out feeding/reliability bugs, I'd be willing to buy that. Even if it costs a bit more than getting barrel blanks made for the AR, since there is no guarantee that THAT will ever get done if no one wants to make the barrels." Yeah, we're in the ballpark. I can put together an ARK barrel with the M9Evo system. I'm going to order one too, probably a Romanian. LMK what you find out from KVAR (theirs Bulgy?). They never did e-mail me back as to whether the barrels had a gas port. Thx! ---------- Kurt@KKF
greywolf 4 post s 24-Oct-2007 2:58 PM	Just got off the phone with KVAR. Their Romanian and Bulgarian barrels have drilled gas ports. I don't know if this means you can't use them, Kurt, or if it means you have to plug up the gas port (maybe with a screw?)
Zug2112 7 post s 24-Oct-2007 4:37 PM	Wow, this is starting to sound good. I have all the parts needed for this build, except for the barrel. I'm on standby till you guys settle on the most logical and cost effective solution, then count me in. I'm pretty flexible on the configuration, I was originally going to go for a "KISS" build, with A-2 Upper and traditional front sight assembly, but I don't have to go that route..... At this point I just want to get my grubby hands on a barrel that likes to eat 5.45..... Last Edited on 24-Oct-2007 4:39 PM
greywolf 5 post s 24-Oct-2007 5:50 PM	Here's a question - if the plugging of the gas port is an issue and cause for concern, would it be feasible to do this: If the gas port is near the end of the barrel, why not cut the barrel down just before the gas port, thread it, then permanently attach a flash hider/muzzle brake to bring it to 16" ?
Zug2112 8 post s 24-Oct-2007 6:48 PM	Gas port plug is covered on 5.45X39 ARFCOM thread, page 9, 7th post from bottom. Last Edited on 25-Oct-2007 2:07 AM
Administrator KVW 3525 post s 25-Oct-2007 4:37 AM	When I shortened the barrels/gas systems on the HK SL8's, I plugged the existing gas ports. Thx! ---------- Kurt@KKF
greywolf 6 post s 25-Oct-2007 9:31 AM	Yeah, I just saw where he said, "I sealed the gas hole by tapping it 2/56 and putting in a screw. Once I get plain steel screws I'll remove the stainless one and solder in the steel one ans turn it smooth." So, it CAN be done, eh? Now I just need to decide what railed FF handguards to use. I want to go with the M9Evo system and am limited in what HGs I can use according to Kurt.
Administrator KVW 3528 post s 25-Oct-2007 1:25 PM	I use a 2-56 setscrew, seated deep enough under the surface, with flux, and solder over with silver solder and finish off and bead blast. Mighta picked that tip up from me. "A couple or three of the guys at ar15.com did the math and managed to adapt two AK barrels for use with AR-15's, after tweaking bolt face depth, and solving some minor extraction issues, they were able to get at least two guns up and running. There was talk of grabbing up a bunch of bulgarian 5.45X39 barrels(From KVAR if I remember correctly)and producing a batch for a group of us, but, that idea fizzled out." I did mine by how far in I ran the BE onto the breech threads to achieve correct headspace with my 7.62x39 bolt I modded back in '94. I had no gas port, so there were no timing issues with the port, just the BE's rotational position on the barrel for correct headspace. Thx! ---------- Kurt@KKF Last Edited on 25-Oct-2007 1:45 PM
greywolf 7 post s 26-Oct-2007 12:30 PM	Kurt, any danger in build-up of carbon/crud in the small hole that is plugged up?
Administrator KVW 3533 post s 27-Oct-2007 7:18 AM	No, no danger, just the occurance. Hopefully, it will foul with copper and carbon to make the bullet's transition across the hole smoother. Benchrest? This will add nothing to accuracy. If you know how to shoot, you may notice it. I was running 1/7, and this was not quite fast enough to stabilize the heavy bullet (70g)loading. Thx! ---------- Kurt@KKF
greywolf 8 post s 27-Oct-2007 2:48 PM	Gotcha - just worried about safety and fouling. I plan on using mostly milspec corrosive 5.45x39 ammo, which is 53 grain FMJ BT ammo. I would assume that using the Arsenal Bulgarian AK74 barrel is a perfect match for that ammo, so I'm not worried about 70 grain ammo.
greywolf 9 post s 27-Oct-2007 3:10 PM	Oh, I just found this: "August 20, 2002 issue of Shotgun News David Fortier did a write up on the .21 Ghengis by Alexander Arms Barrel was a 16" match grade stainless 4 groove 1:8 RH twist M-4 profile. " to ensure reliability with lacquer coated steel cases, Alexander Arms used its connections to find the best possible chamber finish....if you polish a chamber to make it shiny, laquer sticks to it. Leave the chamber rough and the same thing happens. What you need is an even, consistent finish with no shiny or rough spots. This is the most intricate thing done to the whole barrel." Has chamber finish been addressed on this project? Am I correct in assuming that since we're talking about using an existing Bulgarian or Romanian barrel that was specifically designed for this type of ammo, that the barrel itself is not an issue for this, but what about the feed ramp/chamber? (I apologize if my technical ignorance is showing here) :)
Zug2112 9 post s 28-Oct-2007 9:25 AM	In this type of build is it necessary to use or have M4 Style feed ramps on barrel extension and upper receiver? Or, are they not required for proper feeding of this caliber? I have three upper receivers laying around, and none have cut outs for feed ramps.
Administrator KVW 3553 post s 10-Dec-2007 10:31 AM	I will let you know very soon. Thx! ---------- Kurt@KKF
chibajoe 1 post 14-Dec-2007 7:25 AM	I have two barrels I'd like to send your way; one is the AK barrel (threaded) and the other is the comblock barrel (unthreaded). Can you give me an idea how much it would cost to do the conversion?
Administrator KVW 3557 post s 14-Dec-2007 11:45 AM	@$200/ea. Thx! ---------- Kurt@KKF Last Edited on 14-Dec-2007 11:46 AM
chibajoe 2 post s 14-Dec-2007 5:36 PM	Thanks Kurt! What do I need to do? Should I just box them up and send them to you whith a money order? Also, can you shorten them to 14.7"? I'm assuming you can use regular AR flash hiders with these?
Administrator KVW 3558 post s 15-Dec-2007 9:38 AM	Yes. Add $20 S&H. My Mid-length Evo in 5.45x39 with .750" gas block journal and A2 FS: Thx! ---------- Kurt@KKF Last Edited on 15-Dec-2007 9:38 AM
chibajoe 3 post s 16-Dec-2007 1:24 PM	Cool, I'll get everything boxed up and in the mail to you monday. What kind of bolt do you use for the 5.45?
Administrator KVW 3559 post s 17-Dec-2007 5:05 AM	I use my 6mm/30Rem wildcat bolt, which I opened up some 15 years ago. It's the same as the 'new' 6.8 bolt. Do you have a bolt for me to open up? Middy: Thx! ---------- Kurt@KKF Last Edited on 17-Dec-2007 10:57 AM
chibajoe 4 post s 17-Dec-2007 4:01 PM	Yes, I can include two bolts with the barrels. Luckly I got in on the Armalite BCG Christmas deal and have a couple of spares. Would the A3 Takbrake be what I need to bring these to 16", or do you think it would be better to make the barrels 14.7" and use a regular A2 FH or the A2 Takbrake?
Administrator KVW 3561 post s 18-Dec-2007 5:01 AM	Bolt work runs $35/labor. 14.750". Thx! ---------- Kurt@KKF Last Edited on 18-Dec-2007 5:02 AM
chibajoe 5 post s 18-Dec-2007 7:22 AM	Ok, so is this right: 2 barrel converted and cut $400 2 bolts converted $ 70 1 A2 tacbrake $ 50 S&H $ 20 Total $540?
Administrator KVW 3566 post s 20-Dec-2007 5:51 AM	Yes. When I get these 2 that I have here perking, I'll let you know here. Thx! ---------- Kurt@KKF
Administrator KVW 3577 post s 7-Jan-2008 2:27 PM	I've also contacted another manufacturer of blanks. They have the blanks I need. I have access to a button rifling machine at my bud's up in the north end of the county. I'm calling him today about the 45ACP barrel blanks he's running for me, and I'm going to ask if I can tool up to make 5.45 blanks. The machine is as good as mine, but up at his shop. If no one wants to run them, I'm going to check into running my own blanks. I could make them available as blanks all the way to complete uppers. Thx! ---------- Kurt@KKF
chibajoe 6 post s 11-Jan-2008 9:22 AM	Hey Kurt, sorry for the delay, but I just wanted to give you a head's up that I'm wrapping this stuff up and sending it your way.
Administrator KVW 3583 post s 11-Jan-2008 3:29 PM	Cool. I ordered a barrel blank. Paul Markel is interested in an upper for an article for Harris Publications. Thx! Next page----> ---------- Kurt@KKF Last Edited on 19-Jan-2008 8:17 AM