Building AKs: Matt Durden Breaks Down Tools and Grit
Thinking about building an AK? You’re not alone. More people are moving beyond basic AR builds and into the gritty world of AK construction. But building AKs is a whole different animal—one that takes tools, time, and a serious mindset.
In this episode of For The Love of Guns, I sat down with Matt Durden from Recreator Blanks. We talked about what it really takes to build AKs that run. We talked about how American-made tools are changing the game. And why Recreator moved beyond blanks to building full rifles.
TL;DR – Building AKs with the Right Tools and Mindset
• AKs must be built, not assembled.
• Recreator Blanks makes professional-grade tools and complete rifles in the U.S.
• Bad tools cost more over time—buy once, build right.
• Recreator’s AK-12 is built for optics, M-LOK, and modern combat needs.
• The AK builder community is opinionated—but there’s wisdom in it.
Why Building AKs Isn’t for Everyone
The Skill Gap Between Building AKs and ARs
“You build an AK, you assemble an AR. You build a 1911, you assemble a Glock.”
— Jason Schaller
Building AKs isn’t modular, clean, or forgiving. It’s hands-on. It’s metal-on-metal. It requires you to understand how every part fits—because it won’t unless you make it.
How Matt Durden Turned Curiosity into Building AKs
Recreator’s Tools Came from Real Frustration
Matt didn’t wake up wanting to make AK tools. He was working with trainees and saw how bad tools caused real problems. Instead of complaining, he built better ones.
“Only a Rich Guy Can Afford Cheap Tools”
“Only a really rich guy can afford cheap tools, right? Because you’re going to keep buying them over again.”
— Matt Durden
Spend once. Build right. Then move on to the next project.
Building AKs with Recreator’s Full Rifle Builds
Why Recreator Isn’t Chasing Volume
“Are they hot sellers? Yes, in some cases they are. Do we sell like, are we selling like 100 of them a month? No, definitely not…”
— Matt Durden
Recreator isn’t trying to flood the market. Their rifles are small-batch, carefully assembled, and built in-house—by the same people designing the tools.
The Shift from Blanks to Full Builds
Moving from parts to full rifles lets Recreator control quality from blueprint to bench. Every press, every rivet—they know it works because they built the process.
Building AKs with a Modern Twist – The AK-12
Optics, Rails, and Real-World Upgrades
“Just being able to put a dot on it or something is going to make you a 10 times better shooter…”
— Matt Durden
The AK-12 includes:
• Optic-ready top cover
• M-LOK handguards
• Modern stock and grip fitment
• Stability under recoil and use
Function First, Not Fanboy Features
No gimmicks here. Everything on the AK-12 was added for performance—not because it looked good in a catalog.
What the AK Community Gets Right About Building AKs
Expect Opinions, But Look for Experience
The AK builder space can be harsh. But the harshness usually hides real advice from people who’ve built dozens of rifles. Ignore the noise, follow the pros.
Building AKs is Still a Craft
Every part needs to be fit. Every mistake teaches you something. Building AKs is problem-solving with metal, and you get better every time.
Tools, Ammo, and Oil That Won’t Fail You
Reliable Tools for Building AKs Right
Recreator’s tools were made for builders—not part swappers. If you’re drilling, pressing, or riveting, you want tools that hold up under pressure.
Cold-Weather Performance with Aegis Gun Care
“It is the only oil that has passed my freeze test. I brought this stuff in after being outside in the Montana winters… and this stuff was still perfectly liquid.”
— Jason Schaller
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FAQs About Building AKs
What is the difference between building AKs and ARs?
ARs are modular. AKs require fitting, pressing, and tolerance adjustments. Building AKs takes more skill and precision.
What tools are required for building AKs?
You need a rivet tool, barrel press jig, headspace gauges, and a solid vise. Quality tools reduce mistakes and make the job faster.
Does Recreator make complete AKs?
Yes. They build low-volume, high-quality AK rifles in-house alongside their tooling products.
Can you run optics on an AK?
Modern builds like the Recreator AK-12 are designed for optics. Their top cover holds zero and supports red dots and LPVOs.
Is American-made AK gear better?
Yes. Recreator tools and rifles are designed by actual builders and tested in real-world use. The fit, finish, and performance beat cheap imports.
Final Thoughts on Building AKs the Right Way
Building AKs is slow, dirty, and worth every second—if you do it right. Matt Durden and Recreator Blanks prove that the DIY AK world is still alive and evolving. This isn’t about hype. It’s about hands-on experience, practical tooling, and building rifles that run hard.
If you want to build something that lasts, start with gear that works.
Use lube that performs.
Stack your ammo now—because later might be too late.
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Credit: Jason Schaller
Email: jschaller@trb.fyi
About the Author: Jason Schaller is a former FFL holder and founder of Eagle Eye Shooters Supply in Helena, MT, where he provided professional gunsmithing services and guided customers on all aspects of firearms ownership. Today, he teaches DIY gunsmithing at The Rogue Banshee and serves as a Chief Instructor at Freedom Crew University. With over a decade of hands-on professional experience with firearms and nearly 30 years in IT, Jason also holds top cybersecurity certifications including CISSP, CISA, and CRISC. When he’s not geeking out, he’s helping others build self-reliance, critical thinking, and firearms proficiency through real-world content.
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