Book excerpt: Build your own AK tooling kit? YES! Ever since AK/AKM component kits have been imported into the U.S., enthusiasts and small-volume manufacturers have struggled to find an efficient, accurate, and safe AK-building solution, relying on multiple tools and homemade work-arounds to assemble rifles that are only "almost there." The tooling components illustrated in this book eliminate the guesswork to offer safe, accurate solutions that new and experienced AKM builders have asked for. Build Your Own AK/AKM Tooling Kit provides all the specifications needed to create your own kit thanks to detailed, easy-to-read blueprints. The AK Tooling System allows individuals, gunsmiths, and small-volume custom manufacturers to correctly and safely perform the pressing, pinning, and riveting operations involved in the construction of AK/AKM-pattern 7.62x39mm semi-automatic rifles featuring stamped steel receivers and fixed stock rear trunnions while utilizing a common tooling platform. It also simplifies the installation of the front sight block, gas block, rear sight block, and barrel trunnion/receiver assembly onto an AK/AKM barrel while ensuring Top Dead Center alignment. The unique design of the press fixture assembly allows all components to be installed in a controlled, safe manner in a single press setup by using a standard 12-ton hydraulic home shop press. With the AK Tooling System you can: * Press the front sight block, gas block, and rear sight block onto an AKM barrel in a single pressing operation or individual pressing operations while ensuring top-dead-center alignment of these components to the barrel. * Install the barrel pin and all pins associated with the front sight block, gas block, and rear sight block. * Achieve correct headspace dimension while pressing the riveted barrel trunnion and receiver assembly onto a populated AKM barrel. * Install trigger guard, center support, and fixed stock trunnion rivets. * Disassemble a demilitarized AKM kit.