[Sharpie1]

I am getting ready to buy an AK-47 to replace my Mini-14 I just sold, which I hated.

I have been told to get the Romanian SAR-1 AK-47. Is this a good choice?

Thanks,

--tadyson

[Longbow]

The Romanian variants are the best buy, IMO. I personally would pick the SAR1 too, though the SAR2 is a good choice also!
BTW, it usually can be had for $350 or less, don't pay more than $400. Good luck!

[firestar]

I have one but if you can spend more money, there are better AKs out there. Mine has a lot of trigger slap and the head of the gas piston is getting pitted from use. It also has jammed on me several times and gone full auto for 2-3 rounds at a time a couple of times. I also like the looks of the K-Var stock that comes with the Aks from Texas (I forgot the name), I think I would go with one of them.

With the hassle and expense of getting the Romanian AK to work right, you might as well put that money into a nicer gun and not have to worry about it. For the cost of a new Ruger Mini-14, you can get a really nice AK. My SAR-1 cost $300 with a sling, cleaning kit, extended butt pad, peep sight, and five 30 round mag and a 10 round mag. You can get a lot of gun for the money in the AK market right now so might as well spend a little extra and get a really nice one.

The Yugo SKS is also a nice gun. I love mine and I am amazed at the quality, much, much nicer than my SAR-1. It only holds 10 shots but I am not planning on taking over the world with it, just plinking. Also it is much longer and heavier than the AK, you should have both.

[telewinz]

I've had my SAR-1 for about a year now and its worked great. Its done so well I mounted a 4X POSP scope to it and a dragunov type butt stock. You can pay alot more for an AK but you won't get that much more than what you have with the SAR-1.

[rugerfreak]

Couple of questions----What did you hate about your Mini?? Poor accuracy?? high priced mags???

I'm just asking because AK's aren't really known for their accuracy either. But hi-cap mags and the ammo can be had cheap cheap. The Mini has a better sighting system than a standard AK.

Just wondering if an AR-15 might be more to your liking.

My SAR-1 goes bang every time the trigger is pulled---slight tragger slap but no full auto or any other problems. Accuracy is so so---you'll get 'em eventually if you empty a 30-rounder on them---lol.

Ditto on the Yugo SKS's--they are simply wonderfull----esp. considering the the low price----I bought 2.

For a few more bucks more than a new Mini-14--I got an Arsenal Inc. SA M-7 AK---which is a work of art.

Guess I'm all over the place here---hope this helps.

[Sharpie1]

I didn't like it for a couple of reasons. The main reason was -- the mags kept screwing up. I used both aftermarket and factory mags.

The gun would jam because the mags seemed as if they weren't seated highly enough, and there was a lot of "play" in them.

-- My father-in-law has an SKS that I really like -- but I know that I'm going to eventually get an AK anyway, so I might as well do it now.

Yes, I would love an AR-15, but they are very expenseive, and they seem to be quite complicated to clean, etc.

Thanks for the advice, though.

--tadyson

[bfox]

I got a Sar-1 a few months ago
so far no problems and no trigger slap.
Try Aimsurplus.com

[Sharpie1]

what is trigger slap?

[MAKOwner]

Trigger slap is when the trigger seems to bite your trigger finger back when you're firing. Just makes your finger sore after a day of shooting.

In these AKs it is caused by the back/bottom of the disconnector hitting the top side of the trigger base as the action cycles. It is not unique to the Romanian guns, but is probably more prevalent in them due to the Century US made FCG parts. You can easily fix this by either filing/dremeling on the disconnector so it doesn't hit the trigger base. Did that first thing on both of my SARs.

Here's a site detailing the fix (along with alot of other Romanian info): http://www.nothingbutguns.com/linx310/slapfix.htm

As for any other problems, I have had zilch on my SAR1 and 2. Over 3000 rnds between them without a single fail to fire of any kind. They're not that inaccurate for a carbine with a 16 inch barrel anyway. Mine actually shoot better than the 2 MAK90s I've had, the last one I did back to back shooting with the SAR1. You could really tell the difference between the two when they heated up, I'm a firm believer in the substandard Chinese Metal theory... I like these little Romanian guns, no better buy right now...

You will have ZERO mag problems if you get a SAR1 or 2 and use the surplus military mags, or if you get the SAR3 and use the East German .223 Weiger mags in it...

Another thing, the wood is usually ugly on these things, but refinishing them is easy enough and comes out pretty nice. Fun guns to play with, no worries about messing them up.

[goon]

Trigger slap is when the trigger comes back and smacks you in the finger. It comes from some slightly out of whack trigger components. It can bi fixed in a few minutes with a stone, or you could add an aftermarket FCG to get rid of it.
This is where the money can add up with an SAR.
They will almost always work juat as they are, but sometimes they still require tweaking.

[guy sajer]

I will second rugerfreak's opinion on the Arsenal SAM7 . It's US made in Las Vegas and utilizes a milled steel receiver . It's solid !

[Jedi_7.62]

I got an SAR 1 about 3 yrs. ago. LOVE IT!!!!!!!

Most bang you can get for the money.

Accuracy is pretty good for the type of rifle it is.

It is not a precision rifle but it's not off in left field either.

50 yds I have no trouble keeping 30 rnds. on an 8" paper plate.
Mostly in the inner area, away from edges.

Never done a thing to it. My favorite gun for play time.

I consider it the best $350 I ever spent.

I've put a few thousand rounds through it and never a problem

[amprecon]

I will also agree regarding Arsenal AK's, I bought mine when they were made in Bulgaria. Now their built under license in Texas? Anyway, it's a milled receiver AK with the muzzle brake (which I promptly removed) and is quite accurate for a carbine.

[yzguy]

I love my SAR-1. Good gun for the money....

[Correia]

Also take a look at the Veprs. www.robarm.com They run around $550 or so. Heavy duty, very accurate for an AK. Good fit and finish.

About the only downside I can see is that they are heavier than a standard AK, but they are very solid guns.

[OEF_VET]

Of course, how can anyone not love a gun his fiancee buys him for Christmas. I'm really glad I won't have to worry about posting one of those 'what excuse to give the wife' posts. :neener:

[Texas Gunman]

My Romanian Ak-47, has worked great since day one.
Nearly 1000rds, no trigger slap, but after reading post.
I'd replaced my trigger group, just for the heck of it.:D

TG