Does anyone manufacture the equivalent to a SLR 105 CR? I’ve been looking, but can’t find anything.
Should I have someone build me one from a parts kit? Price range?
I am a completely worthless AK noob.
No. You’ll have to have one made by a reputable builder, but be prepared to spend some money. You can start out with a base rifle such as a SLR 105, NDS reciever with KVAR 105 parts kit, or a ORF AKS-74. Then send it to Chris Butler at AK-USA. There is a thread in the Russian section of the theakforum.net that will answer any questions you have regarding this rifle. I’m waiting on mine from AKUSA. Price range will be about $1000 - 1200 for parts and labor. This doesn’t include the base rifle.
In addition to a donor rifle or kit, you’d need AK-142B (Bulgarian Front Sight Block and Gas Chamber) from K-VAR and the proper-style muzzle brake. The only copy of the brake that I’m aware of is the one from Chris at AK-USA. A Krinkov brake will work but it’s a different shape/style/length than the AK-105 brake. These parts can be installed on a standard -74 by chopping the barrel off to 12.5" and replacing the rifle gas chamber with the part from K-VAR.
The only down side to this whole thing is the lack of availability of AK-142B. K-VAR has been out of stock for some time and nobody knows when more will be available.
If you really want a mid-length AK Shorty, you might seriously think about just getting an SLR-106CR and having it cut. Then all you’d need is the $100 brake from Chris.