[megatronrules]

I think they are AK-74's actually. I dont know the civillian version model number though. I think they 5.45x39 or something like that. Thanks for any info.

[SodaPop]

Well........most people that have the 5.45x39 AK are shooting an SAR II. That's the Romanian version. I personally think it was a good idea to switch to the 5.45x39 as far as combat effectiveness. I was lucky enough to compare an SAR I with an SAR II last year. I couldn't hit squat with the SAR I past 200yds. The SAR II hit what I was aiming at out to 400yds everytime.

www.aimsurplus.com has a few of them.

The only draw back to the 5.45x39 round is, it isn't as common as the 7.62x39. Although I think the 5.45x39 is a decent round, If I had to pick an AK to keep around the house it would be the 30cal one.

[JG]

I'm waiting on one to be built by AK-USA. The 74 parts kit, FEG receiver, and Global furniture are there now.

I have some 5.45 mags, ordered some more the other day....once I get those, I'll probably order some more. :o

[Roadrunner]

I have an AK-74 (SAR 2) in 5.45x39 which I purchased from Arizona Response Systems. (http://www.arizonaresponsesystems.com/) With the light recoil and added Cobra Red Dot Sight, it is a joy to shoot. You can get a case of 1000 rounds of Wolf 5.45 ammo for less than $100 shipped.

[9mmepiphany]

i also have the sar 1 and sar 2...i got them both just inside the CA ban deadline :p i had reservations about the availability of 5.45x39mm ammo, but it was a now or never kinda thing...now it wish i'd gotten 2 :(

the sar 2 has lower recoil and is more accurate than it's bigger brother (calibre, not gun). the kobra sight is great and was designed from the outset to be used with the ak-74. (the sar family all come with the side rail already installed) the price of ammo has fallen dramatically in the past years. the only thing keep my stash down is my wife complaining about it taking up shelf space in the garage.

roadrunner - i've heard good things about ARS. does he just put together kits or will he rebuild whole rifles? what i'd really like is a more convient thumb safety

[cratz2]

I've shot both the SAR1 and SAR2. My friend has a MAK 90 and a SAR 2. I'd feel confident in using either of them in a SHTF scenario but I must say, I can shoot the SAR2 better than the SAR1 or the MAK90.

[Correia]

9mm, if you are looking for a 5.45 with a more convenient safety, Robinson Armament is making a Galil style Vepr now. It has a thumb safety. www.robarm.com

Unfortunatly the suggested retail is way too high.

[9mmepiphany]

ah but i live in CA and i had to take what i could get before the ban took effect. so any inovations since then will have to be retrofited.

but i'll check and see if they are willing to part it out. i think michiguns also make somthing similar...but i'm still on the waiting list for some work on my 220

[Roadrunner]

I'm not sure if Mark at ARS assembles AKs from kits, you'll have to ask him. ARS has an excellent reputation. I have a FAL kit going to him once I receive my receiver. I'm building an Izzy LB FAL on a G1 parts kit. The G1 Parts Kit (http://www.dsarms.com/item-detail.cfm?ID=G1KIT&storeid=1&image=FALG1kit.gif) from DSA, Izzy wood furniture from Gunthings.com, and U.S. manufactured parts and related items from Tapco. (http://www.tapco.com/departments.asp?dept=18&rc=FALFILES)

Once it's done it will look similar to this fine example of an Izzy LB Carbine:
http://www.millenicom.com/~patriot/FAL/Izzy/IzzyCarbine1.JPG

[MAKOwner]

I've got a SAR1 and SAR2 as well, and I absolutely love the little 5.45 gun. It shoots soooo nice, seems slightly more accurate than my SAR1 (which is more accruate than either of my old MAK90s...), and with the light recoil follow shots are vastly easier. It's got a flatter trajectory so it should be considerably better at longer ranges too (haven't shot either of mine over 150 yards so I can't say). Bakelite 5.45 mags are actually quite often cheaper than the 7.62 ones too...

It's just majorly sweet, I do not regret getting it one little bit. Sure you can't buy the ammo at Walmart, but virtually everyone who sells 7.62x39 online has 5.45 too at only a little bit more. I also refinished the stock on the SAR2 with truck bedliner. Now that is a sweet DIY mod if ever there was one. Turned out awesome, looks/feels like a quality aftermarket composite stock... Wish AA-OK hadn't quit making the set screw 5.45 AK74-style muzzle comps right before I got this thing though. It's screamin for one...

http://www.inter-scape.com/ray/sars.jpg

[MiniZ]

I've got a SAR 2 and I would have to say it is my favorite rifle-I do have a wide variety, and for some reason, this is just a fun little gun!