Thanks to Jeremy of Minnesota for sharing this picture with us.
This was my first AKM build from a parts kit. I was drawn to the
AMD-65 because of the muzzle break and that it was distinctly
different than other models. I started the project knowing enough to
be dangerous and learned a lot in the process. Due to the firearms
laws in the US, a 16″ barrel was necessary to avoid NFA paperwork/tax.
The new barrel I bought had a standard length gas port already
drilled. This posed a problem because the gas tube and piston are
shorter on the AMD-65s. I replaced the piston with a standard AK
piston and found a gas tube from a Saiga that was the right length. I
then wire wheeled all the paint (tough stuff!) off all the parts and
blued them. I know this is not how the AMD-65s were made originally,
but since I had departed from the original design so much I figured I
go with my preference of blued steel vs paint. I used a NoDak Spud
receiver and a semi-auto fire control group. After headspacing the
barrel, drilling, pinning and riveting everything together it was time
for the test fire. It has functioned great since then. It also has
proven quite accurate. It will remain my favorite AKM and always turns
heads at the range.
Here is a photo of the AMD-65 completed.