ak build question

[brokenhands]

I have been interested in an ak for awhile now and been weighing my options as to if I should buy a complete ak or build. I know a good amount of tools and general knowledge is needed. So far the most expensive part so far I've seen is the barrel. Can you buy an rpk barrel and put it on an ak receiver? I like having a heavy barrel and I want to cut it down a little bit. Also I see alot of stamped receivers and have not seen a milled. Can anyone point me in the right direction? 
I want a rpk thick receiver and then put on a side folding mount with minimalist side folding stock.

Thank you,
-Brokenhands

[AKBLUE]

All you mention exists.  To really get into that part of the hobby., one of the AK-centric sites like AKFILES or the AKFORUM is a better source.
A RPK barrel can be mounted on any AK47 or AKM front end. But it takes some fitting.  The tools and build procedures are another mater.  And the tooling is pretty costly in the $400-$600 range unless you have current access to drill press, hydraulic press and certain ability to create jigs etc.

[brokenhands]

I plan on having access to the presses and such.
I know owning them is costly.

My only question is would it be worth it to buy a rpk barrel and cut it down or just buy a heavy ak barrel? I would like a bit more length than a 16 inch but am I looking at better accuracy with 18-20 inch barrel?

[AKBLUE]

Better accuracy on a longer barrel will be a crapshoot. The ammunition quality, barrel type and build quality will all play a part. Generally the AK has milspec silhouette accuracy. in the 3-4 MOA range.  Barrel length will have only a small impact on accuracy.
Long barrels for the AK are not common. The RPK and Tabuk are about the limit unless you go with a Vepr etc.

http://www.akfiles.com/forums/showthread.php?t=208281

[brokenhands]

Sounds like I'll be better off with a milled receiver and a 16 inch barrel. Just contemplating getting a standard weight barrel or go heavy. The heavy is quite pricey though. After I get those two out of the way the rest shouldn't hit the wallet very hard.
Thank you for the input so far.

[LESchwartz]

Sounds like I'll be better off with a milled receiver and a 16 inch barrel. Just contemplating getting a standard weight barrel or go heavy. The heavy is quite pricey though. After I get those two out of the way the rest shouldn't hit the wallet very hard.

If you're looking for an accurate AK, you might be better off with a converted Saiga.  The barrels are typically heavier and the receivers are thicker than mill spec.

Just a thought . . .

Larry