OT: Thinking about an AK, the rifle not the khuk.

Bobwhite

Bobwhite

Joined
Nov 30, 1999
Messages
2,913
I have long wanted to get an AK rifle. I have liked that design from when I first got interested in guns. My dilema is that there have been so many made, in so many different places that I am afraid of getting a dud. I have read and heard some horror stories about cheap parts breaking or wearing very quickly, poor assembly and no accuracy or reliablility in some of the variants. I know that the AK is not a tackdriver and that is OK. I know the reputation of this rifle and it's durablity and reliability if it is put together right from quality parts. I want to know if there is a reliable source of quality ones or what to look for in one I find otherwise. I would not want to spend over $500.00 if possible, less if I can.
 
IMHO, the PolyTech Legend AK-47s was the best made. Milled receiver, screwed barrel (not pinned). Unfortunately they were banned with the enactment of the assault rifle legislation. You might be able to find a good used one. They are somewhat pricey though.

It is a fun gun to shoot. And the ammo is relatively cheap too.

Do a Google search for PolyTech Legend or go to AK-47 for more info.
 
http://pub35.ezboard.com/bplainsmanscabin.html?

under "survival weapons" I'm SURE there have been discussions. Some countries of origin were better than others. But I KNOW there have been thousands of discussions...a web search, or following links from Plainsman or other sites should give you more than enough info.
 
This is a nice buy for $350, i don't know how good it is quality-wise.


romanian-ak.jpg


ROMANIAN Model SAR-1 Kalashnikov (AK74-pattern) semiautomatic rifle from www.empirearms.com


I love AK's but considering the ban, and the prices for "sporterized" versions, i'm convinced the SKS rifles are a better option.

albanian-sks-1.jpg


That one is an Albanian. Considering Yugos begin in the $70 range, and really nice models go for between $200-$400, i think they're more reasonable. They can be customized pretty easily with readily available parts, and by using US-made parts remain legal. They also qualify as C&R.

This whole issue does confuse me somewhat, as laws simply are'nt clear, and buying just isn't "cut & dry" especially when shopping on the net. How good is a $70 rifle? All i need is the metal parts to be 100% and basicly ready to fire in good working order. I could care less about the wood, it's coming off as soon as i get it! I should just stick to knives as i'm less likely to put my eye out. :rolleyes:
 
Originally posted by Bobwhite
I have long wanted to get an AK rifle. I have liked that design from when I first got interested in guns. My dilema is that there have been so many made, in so many different places that I am afraid of getting a dud. I have read and heard some horror stories about cheap parts breaking or wearing very quickly, poor assembly and no accuracy or reliablility in some of the variants. I know that the AK is not a tackdriver and that is OK. I know the reputation of this rifle and it's durablity and reliability if it is put together right from quality parts. I want to know if there is a reliable source of quality ones or what to look for in one I find otherwise. I would not want to spend over $500.00 if possible, less if I can.
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Your best bet is to go to your local news stand and by a copy of Shotgun News, and Gun Lists.

Get some names of places and some models and then come back here or check in at:

http://shootersville.net/

Lots of good fellows there - kinda like a gun version of the cantina here. I know most of the guys at the Handguns and Camp Fire. Known them for years in fact - met several of them face to face.

Don

PS: You might want to give them a yell before buying the catalogs just to get some insight. Again, a good group of guys (and some gals).
 
Originally posted by Bobwhite
I have long wanted to get an AK rifle. I have liked that design from when I first got interested in guns. My dilema is that there have been so many made, in so many different places that I am afraid of getting a dud. I have read and heard some horror stories about cheap parts breaking or wearing very quickly, poor assembly and no accuracy or reliablility in some of the variants. I know that the AK is not a tackdriver and that is OK. I know the reputation of this rifle and it's durablity and reliability if it is put together right from quality parts. I want to know if there is a reliable source of quality ones or what to look for in one I find otherwise. I would not want to spend over $500.00 if possible, less if I can.
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Oh, make sure you check your local gun laws. In some places those guns are very evil. Why, in some places, once a person puts one of those guns in their hands, why, they just HAVE to kill somebody, preferably a cop or a child. Why, several children in fact.

But of course, if you took the same gun and put a 10-rd magazine in it, removed the pistol grip and bayonet lug (bayonet lug????), why, then, suddenly, the same person loses all desire to kill cops and children and such.

It's only the pistol grip and standard capacity magazine and bayonet lug (bayonet lug????) on a gun that makes otherwise good people into evil people.

Ooops. Can't say that. That is politically incorrect. The only evil people are honest gun owners (according to some folks). Truly evil people are not evil - they are merely misunderstood. And if we only understood them, then they wouldn't have the urge to rob, rape and pillage.

Don

PS: I think you can tell where I sit on the issue of gun control versus criminal control.
 
The more I look around and find out about these, the more confusing it gets. I think it may not be worth the bother. I could just get a nice lever action and not have all the wories or potential hassles. If I went shopping for one with somebody I trust who was knowledgeable about these, all the better, but this issue is complicated and I don't want one bad enough to research it that thoroughly. Thanks for the links guys, it shows that this issue is hardly cut and dry. I am glad I did not just go out and pick one up.
 
Originally posted by Gonzo_Beyondo
This is a nice buy for $350, i don't know how good it is quality-wise.
ROMANIAN Model SAR-1 Kalashnikov (AK74-pattern) semiautomatic rifle from www.empirearms.com
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For what it's worth here's my 0.02$.
Back there where I come from(former USSR), during the war (early 90s)there were all sorts of AK clones in circulation. In the begining everyone went for Romanian or Hungarian clones of AKM(7.62mm) or AK-74(5.45mm), because visually those looked better than the Russian made originals, and hungarian model had forward grip too. Later on, after few month everyone was trying to dump Hungarian/Romanian models and get the Russian made AKs. According to these folks, during combat the barrel was overheating too fast on those, affecting accuracy and the range, while Russian made AKs were going fine a lot longer.
Apparently that will not be an issue for sporting/hunting use :) Because you won't be firing 2-3 mags non-stop in full auto mode.
 
I really share your feelings Bob. Hopefully i'll find a guy around me who can guide me better than i can myself.

That Robarm.com site is great, but it's a little pricey too...
and i don't know how they fare with legalities either :(
 
AKs and SKSs are fun and cheap to operate. My favorite weapon from the "former Soviet Union" is the Makarov pistol. Dirt cheap, rock solid reliable, nice "pocket pistol". Adopted as the standard Soviet side arm more than half a century ago (1951), it's still in service today. James Bond would have carried one instead of a Walther PPK if he'd been strapped with a tight budget.;)

Sarge

edited to add: curious about Makarovs? check it out; www.makarov.com
 
I would suggest looking into a Saiga.

If you wnat the best information that I can point you towards though, head over to:

http://www.servicerifles.com/chat.html and ask if Packrat is around. He knows more about the AK series of rifles than anyone else I know, and should be able to help you with any questions.
 
I wish I could help you more Bobwhite, but AKs just aren't my game. I know the laws and good makers 100% with ARs and 99.5% with FALs. It's stupid that the laws are so confusing.:rolleyes:

I'd second Gonzo's recommendation for an SKS if you're stuck on 7.62x39, but that doesn't help you find a AK does it? For some info I'd point you to the AK section of AR15.com: http://www.ar15.com/forums/board.html?b=4
 
Look for the Bulgarian slr model'S.They have milled reciever's hammer forged steyre barrels,I have had one for about 7 years and they are great AK'S.
 
Sar 2 269.99 plus shipping and FFL fees. That's the fee your dealer charges you to ship to him. These SAR series of rifles have stopped being imported. Get them while they last.

AIM

Brian
 
Originally posted by Bobwhite
I have long wanted to get an AK rifle. I have liked that design from when I first got interested in guns. My dilema is that there have been so many made, in so many different places that I am afraid of getting a dud. I have read and heard some horror stories about cheap parts breaking or wearing very quickly, poor assembly and no accuracy or reliablility in some of the variants. I know that the AK is not a tackdriver and that is OK. I know the reputation of this rifle and it's durablity and reliability if it is put together right from quality parts. I want to know if there is a reliable source of quality ones or what to look for in one I find otherwise. I would not want to spend over $500.00 if possible, less if I can.
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Go over to:
http://www.gunsnet.net/forums/index.php?s=

Highly recommend you consider the SAM7 made by Arsenal Inc in Nevada.
Have your Dealer call Gunsnstuff or Lew Hortons and they'll send one to your Class 1 FFL for pickup. Cost around $540 but it is a milled receiver,Steyer forged barrel,and will last a long long time.Over at AK47 net you'll find all the different forums discussing the Romaniams,the Saiga Russians,etc., and you can make an informed decision.

These folks are coming out with a brand new, stamped, thicker, receiver the SSR-74-2 sometime this Fall.You might wanna wait and read the reports. A lots of AK aficionados will be jumping on these at first.They haven't announced a price yet.
http://www.gunsnet.net/forums/forumdisplay.php?s=&forumid=462
 
Clearblue, those forums are Excellent!
I've gathered up alot of info on C&R permits, and i believe i will go that route in the sometime-future, towards an SKS, and probably won't stop there.

And big thanks to everyone else for the links provided! This thread has proved to be quite usefull, more than i expected, especially being in the H.I. Cantina! I always appreciate more info too folks, feel free to keep it coming!

Just wanted to express my appreciation for the opinions and links, you've all helped me out a good bit :)
 
Originally posted by Gonzo_Beyondo
Clearblue, those forums are Excellent!
I've gathered up alot of info on C&R permits, and i believe i will go that route in the sometime-future, towards an SKS, and probably won't stop there.

And big thanks to everyone else for the links provided! This thread has proved to be quite usefull, more than i expected, especially being in the H.I. Cantina! I always appreciate more info too folks, feel free to keep it coming!

Just wanted to express my appreciation for the opinions and links, you've all helped me out a good bit :)
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Glad you found them useful but a word of caution is necessary. If the HI Virus is considered powerful, then the AK47 virus is awesome. You will find yourself collecting at least one and often several of the same versions of each. Then when you get that 3 year C&R license for $30.00 and you start receiving those classic works of art on your doorstep you are truly blessed and UPS is estatic.
 
Yes guys, I gotta second the thanks for help. I think I got the models to look for sorted out and if I find one then it's mine. I will have to make sure about the legal stuff before purchasing. I really like the wood furniture with a pistol grip, but most of the good ones don't look that way know to get around all the legal stuff. I think I can get it all worked out though and get the gun I want.
 
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