[TimH]

Whats the difference between an ak47
& a ak74? And what is the going price for an AK74?

[JG]

The AK47 came before the AK74........AK47's are chambered in 7.62, AK74's are 5.45x39. AK74's are easy to recognize by their muzzle brakes, AK47s just have Muzzle nuts.

I had my 74 built off a new Demilled kit using a Hungarian FEG receiver (Global Trades stopped selling these about a month ago).

With everything, total cost was in the $850 area.

AK47

http://www.aa-ok.com/2017h.jpg

AK74

http://www.aa-ok.com/ak74m_91.jpg

[Steven Mace]

TimH, the AK-47 was originally chambered in the 7.62x39mm caliber. The AK-74 is chambered in the 5.45x39mm caliber. The AK-74 was basically a replacement for the AKM model and uses the same receiver, furniture and method of operation as the AKM. The AK-74 uses a muzzle brake & compensator not seen on previous variants to minimize recoil and muzzle climb. You can also visit www.ak-47.net for more information on these rifles. Hope this helps!

Steve Mace

[Forseti]

WHY did you pay $850 for an AK? Seems pretty overpriced...

[JG]

WHY did you pay $850 for an AK? Seems pretty overpriced...

Maybe to some, I pay for quality work....this is a fully custom 5.45x39 AK.

Anyway, I lucked out....now that the FEG receivers aren't being sold anymore, good luck finding one for less than $350 (just the shell).

[762x51]

JG is right. What do you think these things cost? Sure....you can go out and get yourself a SAR-2 for a nice beater gun but it can't hold a candle to a custom made AK74 built off a demilled Bulgarian kit and a Hungarian FEG reciever. Thats like comparing a Springfield Milspec to an Ed Brown Classic. Some people are happy with inexpensive production guns......some want a custom made beauty.

Oh....and BTW....currently those are your only 2 options for a 5.45 AK. Custom or SAR-2.

[TimH]

Thanks everyone. So are hi-cap mags available for the AK74?

[762x51]

Absolutely. Quite cheaply too. Checkout the link below.

http://www.k-varcorp.com/magazines1.html

[9mmepiphany]

with the introduction of the 74, they retained the reliability of the 47 while addressing shortcomings in accuracy and controlability in full auto fire. 5.45x39mm's stopping power is also less dependent on velocity than the 5.56x45mm. the 74 was designed for the mounting of an optical sight via the side rail.

[Correia]

They also make Veprs in 5.45. www.robarm.com

I'm planning on getting one later this year. I like the 5.45.

[Selfdfenz]

I thought Sarco listed FEG receivers and Hun parts sets in the most recent issue.
Unassembled of course.

Cool little bullet, that 5.45

Take care
S-

[TimH]

I saw an AK74 in the local want ad for $425. Is that a decent price? I gotta go to Wally world and get the Shotgun News to compare prices:scrutiny:

[JG]

I saw an AK74 in the local want ad for $425.

I'm sure its a Hesse/Vulcan Arms conversion......you get what you pay for. :)

[MAKOwner]

Perfectly happy with my SAR2 myself.... Not overly concerned with top notch fit and finish on a AK-type rifle. Although frankly besides the bad rap it's actually not too bad IMO... Did refinish the stock though. Actually prefer these Romanian guns to the better fit and finish Chinese ones I've had.

Anyway, this one is a real nice shooter, dead nuts reliable, slightly more accurate than my 7.62x39 AKs and SKS, etc. Got mine at a show for $325

Mags are often actually cheaper than 7.62 AK mags. I got a bunch of mine in sets of 4 with a East German mag pouch, stripper clips, and cleaning kit for $19.95. RPBUsa was selling single mags for $6 a pop at the last gunshow I went to.