I have decided that it is time that I add an AK to my collection, the major problem I have discovered is that though I'm quite familiar with their use and operation I have no idea about how much one should cost and I'm apposed to not getting a good deal. Any advice and input would be great.
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buying my first AK
- Thread starter 1stmardiv
- Start date
Re: buying my first AK
What do you want? Traditional 7.62x39, 5.45 or 5.56? Folding (underfolder or side-folder) or fixed stock? Are you looking for a plinker or the most reliable/accurate AK rifle you can find? Lots of options out there for AK's, just like AR's.
Personally, out of all the AK's I have shot, the best made and most accurate variants seem to be the Arsenal, Inc. AK's. I have owned a still own a couple different models. They still feature the neverending reliability of a traditional AK with MUCH better accuracy. My SLR-106FR is MOA or better capable with good match ammo (NOT wolf). My SAM7 is 1.5MOA capable. They are great rifles...not cheap...but well worth the extra dough and certainly worthy of consideration.
What do you want? Traditional 7.62x39, 5.45 or 5.56? Folding (underfolder or side-folder) or fixed stock? Are you looking for a plinker or the most reliable/accurate AK rifle you can find? Lots of options out there for AK's, just like AR's.
Personally, out of all the AK's I have shot, the best made and most accurate variants seem to be the Arsenal, Inc. AK's. I have owned a still own a couple different models. They still feature the neverending reliability of a traditional AK with MUCH better accuracy. My SLR-106FR is MOA or better capable with good match ammo (NOT wolf). My SAM7 is 1.5MOA capable. They are great rifles...not cheap...but well worth the extra dough and certainly worthy of consideration.
Re: buying my first AK
well of course reliability, accuracy, and cost are all factors, as far as caliber, I'm deciding between the standard 7.62x39 and the 5.45. Stock isn't a big factor that I can shop around and switch out. I'm just not sure what a good price would be if it was presented to me.
well of course reliability, accuracy, and cost are all factors, as far as caliber, I'm deciding between the standard 7.62x39 and the 5.45. Stock isn't a big factor that I can shop around and switch out. I'm just not sure what a good price would be if it was presented to me.
Re: buying my first AK
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: 1stmardiv</div><div class="ubbcode-body">well of course reliability, accuracy, and cost are all factors, as far as caliber, I'm deciding between the standard 7.62x39 and the 5.45. Stock isn't a big factor that I can shop around and switch out. I'm just not sure what a good price would be if it was presented to me. </div></div>
I was considering 5.45 as well but it has gone up in price and really isn't that much of a savings over 7.62x39 nowadays and I have an easier time finding the 7.62x39 should I need it. The thought for me was to have a basic, no frills rifle that could eat readily available ammo just about anywhere in the world. Doesn't meet that criteria if I can't even get it locally. I may add an AK74 to the collection down the road but for my first I opted for the AK47 for the reasons listed. Your needs may differ.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: 1stmardiv</div><div class="ubbcode-body">well of course reliability, accuracy, and cost are all factors, as far as caliber, I'm deciding between the standard 7.62x39 and the 5.45. Stock isn't a big factor that I can shop around and switch out. I'm just not sure what a good price would be if it was presented to me. </div></div>
I was considering 5.45 as well but it has gone up in price and really isn't that much of a savings over 7.62x39 nowadays and I have an easier time finding the 7.62x39 should I need it. The thought for me was to have a basic, no frills rifle that could eat readily available ammo just about anywhere in the world. Doesn't meet that criteria if I can't even get it locally. I may add an AK74 to the collection down the road but for my first I opted for the AK47 for the reasons listed. Your needs may differ.
Re: buying my first AK
"Who makes a good AK47" -thread
Personally- I dont see any point to go 556 instead of original (edit with AK47?).
IMHO Its like replacing rumbling, reliable low-power V8 with a same HP 4-cyl turbo in a classic car.
Basically a good idea and makes perfectly sense- but same time so wrong and silly...especially if you are looking keeper for collection.
"Who makes a good AK47" -thread
Personally- I dont see any point to go 556 instead of original (edit with AK47?).
IMHO Its like replacing rumbling, reliable low-power V8 with a same HP 4-cyl turbo in a classic car.
Basically a good idea and makes perfectly sense- but same time so wrong and silly...especially if you are looking keeper for collection.
Re: buying my first AK
I was considering 5.45 as well but it has gone up in price and really isn't that much of a savings over 7.62x39 nowadays and I have an easier time finding the 7.62x39 should I need it. The thought for me was to have a basic, no frills rifle that could eat readily available ammo just about anywhere in the world. Doesn't meet that criteria if I can't even get it locally. I may add an AK74 to the collection down the road but for my first I opted for the AK47 for the reasons listed. Your needs may differ. [/quote]
yeah that is a strong consideration for me as well if I can readily find ammunition then why have the rifle.
I was considering 5.45 as well but it has gone up in price and really isn't that much of a savings over 7.62x39 nowadays and I have an easier time finding the 7.62x39 should I need it. The thought for me was to have a basic, no frills rifle that could eat readily available ammo just about anywhere in the world. Doesn't meet that criteria if I can't even get it locally. I may add an AK74 to the collection down the road but for my first I opted for the AK47 for the reasons listed. Your needs may differ. [/quote]
yeah that is a strong consideration for me as well if I can readily find ammunition then why have the rifle.
Re: buying my first AK
I just picked up a AMD-65 Hungarian w/ original FEG reciever about a month ago for around 5 bills. Solid as a rock, no shake rattle and roll like the romanian wasr's and century intl. junk builds. I highly recomment this unit. If you have ?s let me know. PS. the 5.45 Tantals made by century, CAI, or Cia should be avoided.
I just picked up a AMD-65 Hungarian w/ original FEG reciever about a month ago for around 5 bills. Solid as a rock, no shake rattle and roll like the romanian wasr's and century intl. junk builds. I highly recomment this unit. If you have ?s let me know. PS. the 5.45 Tantals made by century, CAI, or Cia should be avoided.
Re: buying my first AK
I like the Lancasters:
http://www.lancasterarms.com/NEW%20MILLED%20RECEIVER%20RIFLES%202.html
http://www.lancasterarms.com/STAMPED%20RECEIVER%20RIFLES.html
Keep in mind that Romanians often have a canted front sight tower which is annoying.
Polish Tantals, at $500, are a good buy, have good workmanship, and shoot accurately (2.5 in. at 100 yds). They are 5.45.
http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.aspx?Item=169739667
Still 5.45 remains cheap compared to 7.62.
Avoid underfolders b/c the butt is fragile. Arsenals from Las Vegas are not all they are said to be in my experience.
If you can find one with the regular stock in 7.62x39, VEPRs are the best AKs I have ever seen.
I like the Lancasters:
http://www.lancasterarms.com/NEW%20MILLED%20RECEIVER%20RIFLES%202.html
http://www.lancasterarms.com/STAMPED%20RECEIVER%20RIFLES.html
Keep in mind that Romanians often have a canted front sight tower which is annoying.
Polish Tantals, at $500, are a good buy, have good workmanship, and shoot accurately (2.5 in. at 100 yds). They are 5.45.
http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.aspx?Item=169739667
Still 5.45 remains cheap compared to 7.62.
Avoid underfolders b/c the butt is fragile. Arsenals from Las Vegas are not all they are said to be in my experience.
If you can find one with the regular stock in 7.62x39, VEPRs are the best AKs I have ever seen.
Re: buying my first AK
My choices for factory built would be: Arsenal, Polish. I would stick with 7.62x39
My choices for factory built would be: Arsenal, Polish. I would stick with 7.62x39
Re: buying my first AK
Look in the Firearms for Sale forum, someone was selling a MAK90. One of the best AKs out there. Alot of good reviews on it. Also like everyone else, I'd stick with a 7.62x39, ammo is everywhere for them bastards! Even big companies like Hornady and Winchester are starting to make this caliber in all grades.
http://www.snipershide.com/forum/ubbthre...rue#Post1820332
Look in the Firearms for Sale forum, someone was selling a MAK90. One of the best AKs out there. Alot of good reviews on it. Also like everyone else, I'd stick with a 7.62x39, ammo is everywhere for them bastards! Even big companies like Hornady and Winchester are starting to make this caliber in all grades.
http://www.snipershide.com/forum/ubbthre...rue#Post1820332
Re: buying my first AK
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Mk4</div><div class="ubbcode-body">U.S. Arsenals because of the milled receivers. </div></div>
of the 70+million on our planet less than 5% are true milled receiver weapons, the rest of the milled receiver ones are made from stamped receiver kits, you can a stamped kit in a milled receiver by the cross pin holding the barrel in, true milled receiver weapons have screwed in barrels
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Mk4</div><div class="ubbcode-body">U.S. Arsenals because of the milled receivers. </div></div>
of the 70+million on our planet less than 5% are true milled receiver weapons, the rest of the milled receiver ones are made from stamped receiver kits, you can a stamped kit in a milled receiver by the cross pin holding the barrel in, true milled receiver weapons have screwed in barrels
Re: buying my first AK
wasr 10, mak-90, never found a bad one, for the intended purpose that is. tack drivers they are not.
wasr 10, mak-90, never found a bad one, for the intended purpose that is. tack drivers they are not.
Re: buying my first AK
I can not speak as to which "new" made US parts AK is quality or not, I can say that many I have seen are pure junk. If you are given the opportunity and/or have the funds, purchase a pre-ban (pre-1994) import chinese made AK. Can not go wrong with one and I notice them on occasion at a reasonable price.
JM2C
I can not speak as to which "new" made US parts AK is quality or not, I can say that many I have seen are pure junk. If you are given the opportunity and/or have the funds, purchase a pre-ban (pre-1994) import chinese made AK. Can not go wrong with one and I notice them on occasion at a reasonable price.
JM2C
Re: buying my first AK
The best purchase you could make on an AK is the Saiga Legion SGL31. They're available at k-var.com
With what you'll save on ammo by using a 5.45 you'll get the gun for free (or less) in the long run. Buy it cheap and stack it deep now while it can still be found for $0.11-$0.12 per round.
The best purchase you could make on an AK is the Saiga Legion SGL31. They're available at k-var.com
With what you'll save on ammo by using a 5.45 you'll get the gun for free (or less) in the long run. Buy it cheap and stack it deep now while it can still be found for $0.11-$0.12 per round.
Re: buying my first AK
If you have the funds the top tier AK's IMHO are:
Galil (.223)
Valmet(choice of caliber)
Arsenal SAM series
Other
The Galil and Valmet can be had in .223. Valmet mags/Tromix are very pricey and the Galil can still be had.Spare parts are iffy and you will pay a premium for them (if needed).
Arsenal is one great built gun. I have a SAM-7 on the milled receiver. It's on par with the Galil for quality and accuracy in 7.62X39 caliber.
I have built several AK rifles from scratch (laser cut receiver flats)on the AMD-65 and a Polish under-folder parts sets.I sold the under-folder and kept the AMD-65 and my Arsenal.
I prefer the 7.62X39 for ammo availability,parts and mags,drums.
The 5.45 looks like fun but I had ammo concerns and opted to stick with the 7.62. I also sold off my Galil (ARM) and Valmet 76. Great guns but my SAM-7 did anything they would do and a little better. It's also easy to attach the side rail for optics or a red dot sight. (Dont try it on an under-folder).
If you have the funds the top tier AK's IMHO are:
Galil (.223)
Valmet(choice of caliber)
Arsenal SAM series
Other
The Galil and Valmet can be had in .223. Valmet mags/Tromix are very pricey and the Galil can still be had.Spare parts are iffy and you will pay a premium for them (if needed).
Arsenal is one great built gun. I have a SAM-7 on the milled receiver. It's on par with the Galil for quality and accuracy in 7.62X39 caliber.
I have built several AK rifles from scratch (laser cut receiver flats)on the AMD-65 and a Polish under-folder parts sets.I sold the under-folder and kept the AMD-65 and my Arsenal.
I prefer the 7.62X39 for ammo availability,parts and mags,drums.
The 5.45 looks like fun but I had ammo concerns and opted to stick with the 7.62. I also sold off my Galil (ARM) and Valmet 76. Great guns but my SAM-7 did anything they would do and a little better. It's also easy to attach the side rail for optics or a red dot sight. (Dont try it on an under-folder).
Re: buying my first AK
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: cal50</div><div class="ubbcode-body">If you have the funds the top tier AK's IMHO are:
I have built several AK rifles from scratch (laser cut receiver flats)on the AMD-65 and a Polish under-folder parts sets.I sold the under-folder and kept the AMD-65 and my Arsenal.
I prefer the 7.62X39 for ammo availability,parts and mags,drums.
</div></div>
I would like to assemble a Kalashnikov from a parts kit. Do you have any recommendations for types and a good place to buy? I have found "Apex Gun Parts" they have several available but I am clueless about what is the smartest choice; or do I look under other rocks? I would combine one with a Nodak Spud receiver. I am trying to stay on a budget because this is more of a learning experience than anything else, but would like to have a working rifle in the end. Any advice?
Thanks,
SK
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: cal50</div><div class="ubbcode-body">If you have the funds the top tier AK's IMHO are:
I have built several AK rifles from scratch (laser cut receiver flats)on the AMD-65 and a Polish under-folder parts sets.I sold the under-folder and kept the AMD-65 and my Arsenal.
I prefer the 7.62X39 for ammo availability,parts and mags,drums.
</div></div>
I would like to assemble a Kalashnikov from a parts kit. Do you have any recommendations for types and a good place to buy? I have found "Apex Gun Parts" they have several available but I am clueless about what is the smartest choice; or do I look under other rocks? I would combine one with a Nodak Spud receiver. I am trying to stay on a budget because this is more of a learning experience than anything else, but would like to have a working rifle in the end. Any advice?
Thanks,
SK
Re: buying my first AK
Try to find a matching parts set. The barrel and trunnion should already be head spaced correctly if working with a matching parts set. There are many good receivers available so it depends on the style of rifle or pistol your building. Folding stocks and fixed stocks have different rivet rivet spacing for the rear of the receiver. Riveting is pretty simple and I made a set of jaws for a bolt cutter that does the front trunnion rivets easily. The rears are easy to rivet by hand and punch.
I am not current on who has parts sets available. Centerfire systems,Gunthings and auction boards were all a good first stop.
Try to find a matching parts set. The barrel and trunnion should already be head spaced correctly if working with a matching parts set. There are many good receivers available so it depends on the style of rifle or pistol your building. Folding stocks and fixed stocks have different rivet rivet spacing for the rear of the receiver. Riveting is pretty simple and I made a set of jaws for a bolt cutter that does the front trunnion rivets easily. The rears are easy to rivet by hand and punch.
I am not current on who has parts sets available. Centerfire systems,Gunthings and auction boards were all a good first stop.
Re: buying my first AK
Depends on your budget. The Romanian ones are most likely the cheapest, around $350-$400. My favorite out of the three I own is my Arsenal. Fit, function, and accuracy out of the Arsenal is excellent for an AK. Of course, the Valmet line is the cadillac if you want .223 or .308.
I dont own one, but some buddies have the Yugo ones from Century Arms with decent reliability/function.
Depends on your budget. The Romanian ones are most likely the cheapest, around $350-$400. My favorite out of the three I own is my Arsenal. Fit, function, and accuracy out of the Arsenal is excellent for an AK. Of course, the Valmet line is the cadillac if you want .223 or .308.
I dont own one, but some buddies have the Yugo ones from Century Arms with decent reliability/function.
Re: buying my first AK
I have a $50 century arms AK I have put well over 1500rnds threw it without any problems what-so-ever. I have never tested accuracy but it can shoot a rabbit at 100yds with surplus ammo. So find one cheap and abuse the hell out of it.
I have a $50 century arms AK I have put well over 1500rnds threw it without any problems what-so-ever. I have never tested accuracy but it can shoot a rabbit at 100yds with surplus ammo. So find one cheap and abuse the hell out of it.
Re: buying my first AK
5.45 is much more accurate than 7.62x39. It's also cheaper.
I've fired them semi and full auto and it's great. Put a little micro red dot on top (Doctor, etc.) and you're good to go.
5.45 is much more accurate than 7.62x39. It's also cheaper.
I've fired them semi and full auto and it's great. Put a little micro red dot on top (Doctor, etc.) and you're good to go.
Re: buying my first AK
Some good information and a little bit of not so good information has been posted. I'm new on this site, but know a bit about AKs, so I'll throw my recipe into the mix.
I shoot 5.45 almost exclusively. Why? It's cheap and easier to shoot and share. My little girlfriend can shoot the AK74 (5.45) more easily than the AK47 (7.62), so I bring what we both can use. Bulgarian AK74s are the best, and availably inexpensively. AIM Surplus, Tennessee Guns International, and others have them for a good price nowadays. Attempt to find one with the original barrel adn not a US replacement. Tantals are good but be wary...Century Arms International (CAI) uses screwy barrels (some say .223) that will keyhole. Avoid them at all costs. My Tantal was a home build on a Nodak Spud receiver and is fantastic. My two Bulgarian sidefolders use Nodak receivers, one is a home build and one is from Ohio Rapid Fire, and both shoot great. VERY compact, but not as comfortable as a fixed stock. My '74 fixed stock is an ORF build as well, and it has the rail on the left side to mount an optic, which is a bonus.
With that said, the 7.62x39 AK47 is not a hard gun to shoot. Ammo is down to .20 a round, and is plentiful. The WASR-10 should be AVOIDED. It's reliable only based on the AK itself being reliable, but it's poorly made in Romania and modified here in the states. Romanian AKs are the cheapest, and DO NOT HAVE CANTED SIGHTS just based on being Romanian! Poorly made AKs have canted sights (usually WASRs, SAR-1s, and other Century builds). Chinese AKs are arguably the highest quality, and as already stated, the MAK-90 is an excellent choice. They do not have the flash hider, bayonet lug, or pistol grip, but if you don't need these evil features it's an excellent choice. Of all my 7.62x39s, including a Russian PLO build and a Polytech Legend, my Mak is my favorite shooter. Do not stress over milled vs. stamped receiver...both are just fine, though the milled is generally smoother cycling. Understand that if you get a Mak90 and put a pistol grip stock on it, you must swap out some of the Chinese parts with US parts for compliance with Federal law 922r, and putting a US fire control group in the Mak detracts from the quality.
If you plan on using optics with your AK, decide now. If you want a scope on it, you're limited in options for mounting. Top covers with rails are generally low quality and not very stable. Gas tube/foreend rails are pretty far forward. The best in my opinion are the previously mentioned scope rail mounted on the left side of the receiver. If you're just gonna run irons or a red dot for closer quarters, you'd be fine with these mounting options.
If you get a home build, make sure it's made by someone that knows what they are doing, make sure it's 922(r) compliant, and checked for headspaced. Just because it's matching does not necessarily mean it's headspaced properly. Go/No go gauges are convenient to have when getting a built AK.
If you want an AK47, and can afford it, a nice Norinco preban rifle or Mak90 is probably your best choice for collectability and function. Arsenals and others are fine, but usually more expensive than they need to be. If you want an AK74, I'd stick with a Bulgarian build or Saiga (original Russian sporter rifle reconfigured back to AK47 style). Take some time to paruse www.TheAKForum.net and educate yourself so you don't buy the wrong gun.
Sorry so long winded.
Some good information and a little bit of not so good information has been posted. I'm new on this site, but know a bit about AKs, so I'll throw my recipe into the mix.
I shoot 5.45 almost exclusively. Why? It's cheap and easier to shoot and share. My little girlfriend can shoot the AK74 (5.45) more easily than the AK47 (7.62), so I bring what we both can use. Bulgarian AK74s are the best, and availably inexpensively. AIM Surplus, Tennessee Guns International, and others have them for a good price nowadays. Attempt to find one with the original barrel adn not a US replacement. Tantals are good but be wary...Century Arms International (CAI) uses screwy barrels (some say .223) that will keyhole. Avoid them at all costs. My Tantal was a home build on a Nodak Spud receiver and is fantastic. My two Bulgarian sidefolders use Nodak receivers, one is a home build and one is from Ohio Rapid Fire, and both shoot great. VERY compact, but not as comfortable as a fixed stock. My '74 fixed stock is an ORF build as well, and it has the rail on the left side to mount an optic, which is a bonus.
With that said, the 7.62x39 AK47 is not a hard gun to shoot. Ammo is down to .20 a round, and is plentiful. The WASR-10 should be AVOIDED. It's reliable only based on the AK itself being reliable, but it's poorly made in Romania and modified here in the states. Romanian AKs are the cheapest, and DO NOT HAVE CANTED SIGHTS just based on being Romanian! Poorly made AKs have canted sights (usually WASRs, SAR-1s, and other Century builds). Chinese AKs are arguably the highest quality, and as already stated, the MAK-90 is an excellent choice. They do not have the flash hider, bayonet lug, or pistol grip, but if you don't need these evil features it's an excellent choice. Of all my 7.62x39s, including a Russian PLO build and a Polytech Legend, my Mak is my favorite shooter. Do not stress over milled vs. stamped receiver...both are just fine, though the milled is generally smoother cycling. Understand that if you get a Mak90 and put a pistol grip stock on it, you must swap out some of the Chinese parts with US parts for compliance with Federal law 922r, and putting a US fire control group in the Mak detracts from the quality.
If you plan on using optics with your AK, decide now. If you want a scope on it, you're limited in options for mounting. Top covers with rails are generally low quality and not very stable. Gas tube/foreend rails are pretty far forward. The best in my opinion are the previously mentioned scope rail mounted on the left side of the receiver. If you're just gonna run irons or a red dot for closer quarters, you'd be fine with these mounting options.
If you get a home build, make sure it's made by someone that knows what they are doing, make sure it's 922(r) compliant, and checked for headspaced. Just because it's matching does not necessarily mean it's headspaced properly. Go/No go gauges are convenient to have when getting a built AK.
If you want an AK47, and can afford it, a nice Norinco preban rifle or Mak90 is probably your best choice for collectability and function. Arsenals and others are fine, but usually more expensive than they need to be. If you want an AK74, I'd stick with a Bulgarian build or Saiga (original Russian sporter rifle reconfigured back to AK47 style). Take some time to paruse www.TheAKForum.net and educate yourself so you don't buy the wrong gun.
Sorry so long winded.
Re: buying my first AK
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:</div><div class="ubbcode-body"> Take some time to paruse www.TheAKForum.net and educate yourself so you don't buy the wrong gun.
Sorry so long winded.
</div></div>
Wakko,
Thanks for the information! I don't think it's long winded if the information is good and the advice is sound.
Thanks,
SK
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:</div><div class="ubbcode-body"> Take some time to paruse www.TheAKForum.net and educate yourself so you don't buy the wrong gun.
Sorry so long winded.
Wakko,
Thanks for the information! I don't think it's long winded if the information is good and the advice is sound.
Thanks,
SK
Re: buying my first AK
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: 396chevy</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I have a $50 century arms AK I have put well over 1500rnds threw it without any problems what-so-ever. I have never tested accuracy but it can shoot a rabbit at 100yds with surplus ammo. So find one cheap and abuse the hell out of it. </div></div>
+1 mine has at least 4,000+ rnds through it and still is one of my favorite rabbit guns. I think I paid 279.00 for it once upon a time.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: 396chevy</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I have a $50 century arms AK I have put well over 1500rnds threw it without any problems what-so-ever. I have never tested accuracy but it can shoot a rabbit at 100yds with surplus ammo. So find one cheap and abuse the hell out of it. </div></div>
+1 mine has at least 4,000+ rnds through it and still is one of my favorite rabbit guns. I think I paid 279.00 for it once upon a time.
Re: buying my first AK
As AK's go, I've never owned one, but shot several, as well as SKSs and Saigas. The nicest of the AK's was an SLR-95 with the standard pistol grip.
My 'Russian Semi' is a Norinco SKS 7.62x39 mounted in a Choate Dragunov stock with extra LOP spacers. It has an old B-Square gas tube mount with a dot scope, and I am perfectly happy replenishing its mag using 10rd strippers.
Among the Saigas I like the 7.62x39, and my friends 12ga is fantastic. I like to think I'm keeping a weather eye out for a 20ga.
Greg
As AK's go, I've never owned one, but shot several, as well as SKSs and Saigas. The nicest of the AK's was an SLR-95 with the standard pistol grip.
My 'Russian Semi' is a Norinco SKS 7.62x39 mounted in a Choate Dragunov stock with extra LOP spacers. It has an old B-Square gas tube mount with a dot scope, and I am perfectly happy replenishing its mag using 10rd strippers.
Among the Saigas I like the 7.62x39, and my friends 12ga is fantastic. I like to think I'm keeping a weather eye out for a 20ga.
Greg
Re: buying my first AK
Get a Saiga and convert it, that way you learn how it works and know your way around IF trouble shooting. I have a Saiga in 7.62x39 that is unconverted with a Tapco 6-position stock. It now has a 16.75" barrel from the 20" it came with, and is a really good shooter and a very nice truck gun.
Get a Saiga and convert it, that way you learn how it works and know your way around IF trouble shooting. I have a Saiga in 7.62x39 that is unconverted with a Tapco 6-position stock. It now has a 16.75" barrel from the 20" it came with, and is a really good shooter and a very nice truck gun.
Re: buying my first AK
interestingly in the mid 90's all the norinco stuff people rave about now were considered cheap trash...so i giot them cheap.lol.
interestingly in the mid 90's all the norinco stuff people rave about now were considered cheap trash...so i giot them cheap.lol.
Re: buying my first AK
OP, take the earlier suggestion of going to AK Forum. That's where all the AK experts are. I decided the best option for me was to just buy a kit (i.e., demilled AKM about $300), a US made AK receiver from NDS for about $85, and then a good AK builder (several on that website) for about $300. You will get a much better rifle in most cases, than some large production gun. If you read some of the experiences and problems posted by these very serious AK'ers with several of these big name AK company guns, (i.e, canted front sights, cheap paint finishes, magazine wells poor fit) you might reconsider buying from a few. I did and went with a custom builder and got a top rate AK. AK's are addictive, so you're forewarned. Kits are also drying up and our good liberal friends have 'em chopping imported barrels now. Lot's of variations. Interesting histories of this weapon through many conflicts. Just my .02
OP, take the earlier suggestion of going to AK Forum. That's where all the AK experts are. I decided the best option for me was to just buy a kit (i.e., demilled AKM about $300), a US made AK receiver from NDS for about $85, and then a good AK builder (several on that website) for about $300. You will get a much better rifle in most cases, than some large production gun. If you read some of the experiences and problems posted by these very serious AK'ers with several of these big name AK company guns, (i.e, canted front sights, cheap paint finishes, magazine wells poor fit) you might reconsider buying from a few. I did and went with a custom builder and got a top rate AK. AK's are addictive, so you're forewarned. Kits are also drying up and our good liberal friends have 'em chopping imported barrels now. Lot's of variations. Interesting histories of this weapon through many conflicts. Just my .02
