[possenti]

Hello everyone. I used to visit and post on TFL until they shut down some time ago. I just found this forum, and it feels like home again...

I'm planning on buying a AK pattern-type rifle next month. I have an SKS and plenty of ammo, so the AK would be a nice addition, and possibly an upgrade to what I already own. There are so many variants, I'm not sure what to look for. Many different models - MAK-90, Maadi, AKM, etc.

I have about $350 dollars to spend. I'll take a stamped or milled reciever - unless someone convinces me otherwise. 7.62x39mm. Type of stock doesn't matter - that can be cured with aftermarket parts.

My main concern is the magazine capacity. Do "post-ban" guns accept hi-caps? What's a good price on 20 or 30 rounders?

I plan on first shopping for this rifle at the Knob Creek show next month. I've only bought ammo there before, and I'm not sure how plentiful semi AK's are there. Is this a good place to look? My local "Tradin' Post" periodical doesn't advertise "assault weapons" anymore, and all of the gun shops around here seem to have gone PC. It seems like the supply line is drying up...

[TODD3465]

SAR-1 if you can get one at a decent price.
They SHOULD be $350 or less but since the importation has stopped price gouging will be starting soon I expect.

As to mag capacity some do and some don't the SAR-1 takes high-caps.

[El Tejon]

Has Smilin' Tio Tejon got a deal for you. PM sent.

Btw, welcome to THR.:)

[MAKOwner]

You can probably get a MAK90 used for that easily, and I wouldn't pay over that for a SAR1 (usually they come in around $320ish at shows here in GA).

The MAK90 has a nicer fit and finish, but I kind of think it's looks are pretty bastardized. I prefer the SAR1's full AKM look, if you can find a nice SAR1 I'd jump on that. I've gotten rid of my last MAK90 to get a SAR2 to go along with my 1...

If you want to read up more on AKs go to www.ak-47.net in the forums, all kinds of tips and tricks and crap you can do to customize/beautify your AK...

If at a show and not buying mailorder, make sure you pick and choose the AK, checking for a straight front sight post, decent wood, etc (wood can be refinished though..). Contrary to what you may read, SARs are not the only AKs with canted front sight blocks, etc, two of my MAKs were canted pretty noticeably. Both my SARs are literally 100% straight, got lucky sight unseen with the SAR1, handpicked the 2... Also, check out www.nothingbutguns.com/linx310 for info on Romanian AKs like the SARs.

About the only low-cap only AKs you're likely to find will be WASRs (look like SAR1s, some are sold that have been converted to highcaps too...) and Saigas. The Saigas have a PC-stock, so you can spot them easily, they usually sell for really cheap, are nice fit and finish wise, and can be converted to highcaps and standard pistol grip stock setup easily enough...

I wouldn't pay over $10 each for 30 rnders... Haven't been mag shopping in awhile but www.cdnninvestments.com and www.aimsurplus.com usually have 30rnders for under that. If not, check '47.net and ask around for where the deals are at currently...

[Roadrunner]

Don't overlook the 5.45x39 SAR-2 (AK-74). Hardly any recoil, compared to the 7.62 and 4x 30 rd mag packages with loader, stripper clips and pouch can be found for about $24 online.

[No4Mk1*]

"4x 30 rd mag packages with loader, stripper clips and pouch can be found for about $24 online."

Where?

[Lars]

SAR-1 or SAR-2 :cool:

[goon]

An SAR-1 should do OK.
Most any AK is going to work. The combination of loose tolerances, a wicked gas system and a wedged shaped round make them almost jam proof (unless something is broken).
There are other guns that will be prettier, but even a cheap ol' SAR will work.

Check this one out... www.ak-47.net
These guys are the ones who hooked me up when I had the questions that you have.

[MAKOwner]

"4x 30 rd mag packages with loader, stripper clips and pouch can be found for about $24 online."

Where?



www.northridgeinc.com click the magazine link on the left and scroll down the list to just short of halfway, and you'll see "East German AK-74 Mag Set" for $24.95 plus $5 shipping. I ordered a set of these awhile back, really nice mags appeared brand new, the pouch smelled like a commie wiped his arse with it though... It took like 4 weeks for them to get them to me though, don't know if that is typical or not...

[RustyHammer]

AK-47/SAR-1 .. first ... (7.62 x 39)
AK-74/SAR-2 .. second ... (5.45 x 39)

That said, AIM Surplus has some really nice AK-74's on sale for $269.xx. Hard to beat that price anywere.

http://www.aimsurplus.com/acatalog/Romanian_AK_SAR_2_5_54x39_Rifle.html

Worth a look at least.

Rusty