[mrming]

Have an SKS, like it but recognize its flaws.

Desired specs:

7.62x39
semi-auto
can reliably (and legally) use AK-47 mags


In short, what AK-clone has good aftermarket parts and either comes with enough US pieces or can be readily converted so as to be legal for normal-cap mags + pistol grip?

[jame]

I have an SKS, somewhat modified, and I do recognize it's limitations. What flaws are you looking to correct? The use of detatchable mags?

[yzguy]

I like my SAR-1

a lot of info here:
http://linx310.nothingbutguns.com/

and here:
http://www.gunsnet.net/forums/forumdisplay.php?s=&forumid=6
(Romanian aks)

[MiniZ]

How much do you want to spend on an AK? The SAR series will get you in the door. They sometimes need some tweaking, but parts are dirt cheap, and there is a nice aftermarket for AK parts(stock and "enhanced").

The sky is the limit on how nice you want to go on a complete gun. There are Veprs, Arsenals, various preban Chinese, Yugo, custom builds, etc, etc, etc..

[Redlg155]

The best bang for the buck lies in the Romanian SAR series. They can be had in three flavors...7.62, 5.56 or 5.45, all for about the same price. A bit of looking will net you one for a bit under $300. Figure about $330 or so by the time you get it home from the dealer.

Other than the initial problem that was easily fixed, mine has become the most reliable weapon that I have.

Good Shooting
Red

[SteelyDan]

Another vote for the SAR as a good entry-level AK variant.

[boing]

Some debate over whether the newer SAR1s coming from Century are bona-fide SARs, or converted WASR-10s:

http://thehighroad.org/showthread.php?s=&threadid=7249

Last Century AK my dealer got was a WASR conversion. I have no experience with them, but I'll bet they are:

7.62x39
semi-auto
reliable and legal with AK-47 mags.

:)

My SAR1 runs fine.

[mrming]

Thanks gents, sounds like I've got an answer. The SKS I have is a bit of a beater, but perfectly reliable. However, for 3-gun or on the fly 'how many bowling pins at 100 yards in a minute?' the lack of detachable mags is a handicap.